All things Spanish continue to flourish in 麻豆传媒映画with the recent arrival of Cabrito Tapas and Bebidas (2270 Commercial Dr., 604-620-7636). With its laid back feel, lively atmosphere and more local twists on the menu, Cabrito is perfect for the Drive.
The other week I was lucky enough to be able to sample a wide selection of excellent tastes. Despite its Spanish feel, Cabrito has a strong French connection. Owner-chef Alexandre Carri猫re had worked at various notable rooms in Europe and here, including lumi猫re and more recently at Le Parisien (now closed).
Carri猫re鈥檚 classical French background (and the fact that he鈥檚 familiar with authentic Spanish tapas styles of Madrid and elsewhere) provided the ideal springboard.
Cabrito blends traditional tapas such as roasted Basque chorizo, garlic prawns and smoky patata brava, with more inventive takes, such as fresh beet 鈥渢artar鈥漺ith quail egg as well as lamb 鈥渓ollipops.鈥� Other great tastes were the queso salad of blue cheese and mixed greens, as well as serious jamon on offer, including Serrano and Iberico de Bellota.
The room is a reborn coffee shop, with a gently industrial feel, exposed ceiling and wide opening 鈥済arage door鈥漵tyle front. The bare bone surroundings are nicely balanced by warm wood tables and a stunning mural by Yared Nigussu along one wall.
Wines (and sherries) are for the most part faithfully Spanish and well researched, making this the perfect spot to head for sherry and tapas. Cabritomeans 鈥渂aby goat,鈥漛ut there鈥檚 none on the menu. You鈥檒l still have to go to Spain to get your suckling goat fix.
Crab attack
Fancy a taste of Dungeness? Siena restaurant has daily fresh crab deliveries right from the boat to buoy its Dungeness Festival, running until March 26. Book in for crab ravioli with smoked salmon cream, crab tagliatelle, crab and saffron risotto, Dungeness and steelhead fritters, and more. Arts Club patrons get 15 per cent off by showing their same day theatre ticket, and all wines are half priced on Mondays. Reserve at or 604-558-1485.
Brunch hunch
If you ever needed to take the pulse of Vancouver鈥檚 dining scene, a good place to start would be Vintners Brunch, the sold out shindig that closes the 麻豆传媒映画International Wine Festival. Every year there are some interesting results that often come out of left field. (Last year鈥檚 winner was pop-up Farm 2 Fork). It鈥檚 equally interesting to note how much Asian influenced plates and ingredients have moved into the mainstream, with inventive dishes and pairings.
This year鈥檚 giant killer (and there some big names in the room) was Railtown Catering and Caf茅鈥檚 sous chef Matthew Koyanagi, whose black rice congee with red wine braised duck 鈥攑aired with Hahn Family SLH Pinot Noir 2013 鈥攌nocked it out of the park.
Coming a close second was ShuRaku鈥檚 shrimp and fish ball with dashi espuma, beautifully balanced with Thornhaven Gewurz 14. ARC at Fairmont Waterfront鈥檚 chorizo Scotch egg, pork and paprika paired with Gil Tempranillo 2013 placed third.
Belly鈥�s Budget Best
Vi帽a Leyda Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Distinctly Chilean Sauv Blanc from within sight of the Pacific Ocean: Crisp, clean, citrus and tropical fruit with fresh acidity and a juicy end. Great value at BCLS for $13.99. 90 pts.
