Restaurants
Eat The City: Denman and Robson
By Alexandra Gill published Oct 1, 2010
Toratatsu Japanese Tapas Bistro
735 Denman St., 604-685-9399. Toratatsutapas.com
An upscale izakaya owned by the Tokyo family that introduced these
Japanese beer parlours to Vancouver. The jazzy, shabby-chic décor,
closed kitchen, thoughtful wine selection, and French-inflected fusion menu attract mainly a sophisticated clientele.
Most ordered
Ebi chili mayo.
Chef’s pick
Sashimi platter.
My favourite
Kara-age jyan, because these juicy, crispy-crusted chicken thighs are served with a spiced ponzu sauce and pair splendidly with Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris.
Le Bistro de Paris
751 Denman St., 604-687-1418. Lebistrodeparis.com
Once a Vancouver legend, this extremely affordable, lace-curtained, tourist-friendly bistro is doing an excellent job of restoring its local reputation after a precipitous slide and the mysterious (still unsolved) disappearance of its former owner.
Most ordered
Steak frites.
Chef’s pick
Pâté de campagne.
My favourite
Moules Provençales, because the Salt Spring Island mussels are fat, fleshy, and impeccably fresh, the Provençal broth sings bright notes of tarragon, and the frites are crisply perfect.
