To a city girl, a dilemma can be defined as a forced decision-making moment between multiple (and fabulous) restaurant openings on the same night.
Our pick, however?
MARKET by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Excitement palpable, we made our way up Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s candle-lit staircase – and yes, we mean the three-Michelin-star mogul who runs 24 restaurants on three continents. The black-and-white marble bar lounge and the minimalist crème-gold décor of the dining room, masterminded by Vancouver’s own Box Interior Design group, definitely had us ogling at its aesthetic homage to 1960s elegance.
Shared plates of the Dungeness Crab Cakes with Celeriac and Pink Peppercorn Reduction ($14), Sauteed Broccolini ($8), East and West Coast Oysters ($2.50 each) and Truffled Mashed Potatoes ($8) started our night, while the sweet Orange Elderflower Cosmopolitan ($10) – concocted by mixologist Justin Tisdall – served as our evening’s liquid of choice. Après appies, we dipped into the Sea Urchin Toast with Jalapeno ($12) and the Grilled Rack of Lamb with Chili Glaze and Oyster Mushrooms ($29). Oh, and did we mention there was a Seven-Course Sampler Menu with Fois Gras Brulee ($65), too?
Decisions, decisions...
MARKET by Jean-Georges
www.shangri-la.com
1128 West Georgia St. (at Alberni St.)
604-695-1115
If you thought that was sweet, you’ll enjoy: