Celebrating Vancouver
On Easter Monday, while Mom was still in town, we went to lunch at the Raincity Grill with Tara’s Aunt and Uncle. It has been at least 5 years since we had been to Raincity and we were looking forward to it. Raincity Grill opened in 1992 and is “dedicated to the celebration of all things Vancouver”. The menu focuses on seafood, game, poultry, and organic vegetables from British Columbia, Alberta, Washington State and Oregon. We made a reservation at 1:00 pm for a late lunch and were promptly seated in the lower section of the dining area with a view across the street of English Bay. The restaurant is not large but does not have a crowded feel either. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that the Weekend Brunch menu was also available because it was a holiday.
Our Menu Selections
Our server was excellent and promptly took drink orders while answering a few questions about the menu. From the very large (and all West Coast) wine list we chose the Blue Mountain (Okanagan) Pinot Gris and proceeded to finish off two bottles over the course of the long lunch. The Brunch menu offered 2 courses for $19 and the full lunch menu was also available. Tara and her Aunt ordered off of the Brunch Menu. From the three appetizer choices one chose the Smoked Salmon Crepe and the other the Maple Butter French Toast. Our server also brought the Mushroom and Mascarpone Omelette for the table to share. The appetizers were the perfect size and full of flavor. For main courses Mom chose a leg of duck, Jeff and Uncle Joe had the Fish and Chips and the brunch eaters chose the Smoked Salmon Brioche and the Crab Omelet. The Confit of Yarrow Marrows Duck was served with a delicious smoked bacon and lentil ‘cassoulet’ cous cous. The beer battered halibut from Ucluelet is always a favorite (we have had it many a time from the take-out window in summer). The Smoked Salmon Brioche had a creamy hollandaise and crème fraiche and the Crab Omelette was stuffed with Dungeness Crab; both were served with flavorful greens. All of the meals were delicious and the service was great, it was nice to have each plate was explained as it was served.
Going Back Again!
The Raincity Grill website has some great info about the local Artisan farmers that supply the restaurant. We will definitely be back for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner and this time it will not take us 5 years.
Jeff,
Always like your insight on the local eating scene in Vancouver. Nice to know where and where not to go.
keep up the good work.