DOV 2012

It's one of those things Vancouverites would do...be a tourist in their own city.

I have a guilty pleasure of doing this.  Every year local Vancouver restaurants are part of Dine Out Vancouver 2012, which consists a three/four course meal at a flat fee rate.  Now, seeing as though I've been attending this annual ritual since I've lived in Vancouver, of course I had to take part of it's customs again.

I went to two places, Ciao Bella on Denman Street and The Observatory on Grouse Mountain.  I chose Ciao Bella after hearing from my bf that he likes small and REAL (and yes he emphasized on the REAL part) Italian restaurants.  I looked up the restaurant and menus offers and though it was a good choice.  It was small....and I mean REALLY REALLY small. It's not that big of a restaurant probably max 50 seating at least, but the atmosphere is charming.  Greeted by an Italian man with the whole Mario and Luigi mustaches and a live piano player. I wasn't able to get any photos from Ciao Bella (pooey) but was able to get a few in from The Observatory.  I love fine dining, and once in a blue moon I would treat myself to a four-star restaurant dinner. Like C.B, The Observatory was small as well, but the service and the scenery was really special. We didn't get a window seat, but we were close enough to get that beautiful view of the Vancouver night life.

I chose the Goat cheese salad as my appetizer. It really is a big block of goat cheese...you see those mini greens...yay...that was the "salad". Tasty though because I love cheese.  I didn't get a shot of my boyfriend's squash soup, because it was damn tasty. Probably the best thing I have ever had.

I ordered the Seared Cod for my entree, I wanted fish anyways and it was super buttery. Loved seared anything. Accompanied with chorizo, turnip puree, with chickpeas and micro greens...super fancy

My boyfriend had the lamb loins. And yes that's how tiny the serving was.  Accompanied with a turnip layered cake and some veggies with a red wine reduction sauce.

And of course, the most important course of all....DESSERTS!

Poached sliced pears in a cinnamon based sauce with a mint foam and a creme brulee with orange sorbet.

All in all, I had a great time there and the service there was remarkable. Only thing I'd had to really add, which I do believe a lot of people will agree with me on this, is that the portions were way to small. Now I know it's like a tasting menu for new customers and all, but for the amount you pay you should think you deserve another piece of the lamb loin. 

Anyways, hope these photos didn't make you hungry. TTFN.

If you went to DOV this year, which restaurant was your favourite?