Best New Fine Dining: Fuel

Fuel (Gold) came out on top for “the most exciting, yet mature and reserved cooking to debut in Vancouver in a long time.” “There’s nothing like settling in at the bar for the kitchen party at Fuel, and watching chef Robert Belcham deftly guide soundly sourced ingredients into seasonal menus, all matched with inventive wines paired by the charming Tom Doughty.”

Despite initial problems with acoustics, the room at Chow (Silver) hit its stride; chef JC Poirier impresses with dishes like Sloping Hills organic pork with sunchoke purée, house-made gnocchi, and chestnut jus.

At So.Cial (Bronze) Sean Cousins recast a 1911 heritage space as a trio of interconnected eateries. Bevelled glass and pressed-tin ceiling provide a suitable backdrop for his flavour-intensive culinary style: think salmon with pork belly, or scallops teamed with pulled pork.

Honourable Mentions to Metro and Goldfish Pacific Kitchen.

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