The other night we had the opportunity to meet some good friends at The Cannery for dinner. We have never been there and had considered driving ourselves but thoughts of too much wine and the ongoing downpour of snow/rain outside made us change our minds – thank goodness. I new that the restaurant was on the waterfront somewhere close to the PNE, but never did I suspect that driving there would involve a security gate at the entrance to the Port of Vancouver. Had we been driving ourselves instead of riding with a taxi driver who clearly new the way we would have turned around for sure thinking we were lost. Now, if you have never been to The Cannery don’t let this stop you, especially if you are a lover of seafood as the selection is amazing.
The two storey building is definitely a Vancouver landmark worth seeing. The traditional cannery building includes a ship’s boiler converted into the downstairs fireplace, a whale rib, traps and nets. The wood paneling used on the walls and covering the bar was rescued from a hundred year old Ladner barn. Although we were given a seat near the window the view was obstructed by snow and rain for most of our dinner but by the end of the evening we could see one freighter in the distance and most of the harbor. The location definitely offers a unique perspective and great view of the working port.
The wine list offers an extensive selection of B.C., Pacific Northwest, and California wines from only VQA and boutique producers. There are also feature wines from classic regions in France and Italy. The menu offers a huge selection of mostly seafood dishes and a lengthy daily fresh sheet was offered as well. Warm bread was served with a mixture for dipping that included The Cannery’s signature Lobster Oil which was delicious. For starters, the Lobster Bisque served steaming hot and ladled at the table was rich and flavorful and the Roasted Mussels served on a sizzling cast iron pan proved large enough for at least two of us to share. All four of us chose a different main course and all agreed that the presentation and flavor of all of the dishes was excellent. For my main course I chose the Smoked BC Black Cod from the fresh sheet. Served on a bed of baby roasted potatoes and asparagus with a wine sauce the flavors were exceptional, however the fish was slightly overcooked. Both the Roasted Mussels and the BC Black Cod were among the more than a few ‘Oceanwise’ choices on the menu.
Go soon to enjoy the great location and the views! The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has announced that it will not renew leases for non container-related businesses within the port for security and operational reasons after 2010. Consequently, The Cannery will be moving to a brand new site in the spring of 2010. The Cannery is offering both lunch and dinner menus as a part of ‘Dine Out Vancouver’ which may entice us to go back sooner rather than later on a day when we can enjoy the view.
Food – GOOD, Service – GOOD, Atmosphere – GREAT
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