With the Celebration of Light fireworks competition starting this Saturday (July 28) and running until Aug. 4, you may be racking your brains for the best pre-or post-pyrotechnic eats. If you're coveting a prime time patio seat, are prepared to open your wallet and move fast, obvious choices include Cactus Club's Rob Feenie set-menu ($120, with a 6 p.m. seating, 604-714-2060) and Raincity Grill's 8: 15 p.m. set menu ($110 for the patio, $75 inside) with an àla carte menu offered earlier (604-685-7337).
You could also check out these Davie Street faves:
. Lolita's (1326 Davie St., 604) 6969996). To say it's compact is an understatement. But this cozy, pack-em-in cantina punches well above its weight, with some modern takes on the classics. Go for the specials, such as a tasty pair of piping hot crab cakes with coconut and cucumber salsa that goes perfectly with a glass of Stoneboat Pinot Gris. Or hunker down for affordable beer and cocktails, good sangria and work your way through guacamole and brisket taquitos. This little room always has a great buzz and is well worth the wait- particularly if you want to eat late.
. Kadoya (1063 Davie St., 1184 Denman St.). If there's a crazier sushi list in town, we've yet to find it. Chances are you won't score a seat on the patio at the English Bay hotspot, but who cares? Work your way through whimsical but super fresh sushi rolls, such as the patriotic Canada roll, with bacon and tuna tempura, the Snow White (prawn tempura with fluffy coconut) and the Canuck (spicy tuna, bonito and salmon tempura).
. Takis' Taverna (1106 Davie St., 604-682-1336). The "other" Greek spot on Davie doesn't get the attention it deserves for hallmarks such as tender kleftiko (lamb shank), hot and cold mezethes and moussaka. Mix in friendly service and Takis adds up to one of the village's best bets.
. Gurkha Kitchen (1141 Davie St., 604565-7965). Head upstairs for Nepalese flavours such as lekaali taama (bamboo shoots with black eyed peas), Sherpa chicken, Tibetan soup, momos (dumplings) and more. It's a friendly, polished casual setting with a well-hidden deck.
. Bin 941 (941 Davie St., 604-683-1206). The original Bin lures with detail-driven small plates. Bring your palate, damn the decibels, and stay late if you want.
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Was all the buzz about the right for diners to bring their own wine to restaurants really worth the fuss? Any changes that drag B.C.'s liquor regulations into the 21st century and make us feel like responsible adults give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. But in case you're wondering how this plays out, here's some clarification.
You still can't (legally) bring wine (or beer) into unlicensed premises, which in some places is the whole point of BYO.
Even then, don't expect the participating restaurant to welcome you and your cherished bottle of 2008 Gato Negro (BCLS $9.99) with open arms. In fact, they won't. Like it or not, the spirit of the change to the act is intended to encourage quality over value. If you want to bring wine, best call ahead to make sure the corkage fee isn't more than the bottle's worth. Better still, if it's a special bottle, a good restaurant will build a meal around it. And if you are shocked how much the fee is, it may be an intended deterrent. [email protected]
