After losing to the Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final we were deluged by sad images of our beloved Canucks colours being worn by buffoons behaving like Cro-Magnon louts. Today, witnessing the returning tide of jerseys pour in and out of exhibition games (peacefully, mind you) has been hugely satisfying. The only thing better is the joy of going out decked in white, green and blue and watching the games over a good meal.
Though there are hundreds of establishments that show Canucks games, many aim low (bad wings, over-priced nachos and horrible beer) forcing hockey-loving diners to accept mediocrity as an unfortunate facet of fandom. But it doesnt have to be that way. Here are 10 delicious, hockey-friendly options some new and some old that Id happily dine in even if there wasnt a game on.
Ensemble | 850 Thurlow | 604-569-1770 | EnsembleRestaurant.com
Dale Mackays exacting, inspired cooking had me enraptured when he starred at Lumiere, and even though his new restaurant off Robson is decidedly more casual, I expect to be wowed. Be sure to grab seat #2 at the bar, where you can simultaneously watch the game on a screen directly in front of you and desserts being made in the kitchen to the right.
What to order: Its not every day that I come across a risotto with prawns flavoured with tarragon and chervil. Twas excellent. (Expect a full review soon)
Hawksworth | 801 West Georgia | 604-673-7000 | HawksworthRestaurant.com
David Hawksworth is a huge hockey fan, so it comes as no surprise that the chefs super-sleek signature restaurant in the Hotel Georgia has a TV screen dominating its sexy bar. (Im fairly certain he has one in the kitchen, too!)
What to order: Its hard to put a tongue wrong in such a high-end joint, but try the bar menus beef burger with applewood bacon and cheddar or the albacore tuna roll done in tempura with ponzu.
The Cascade Room | 2616 Main | 604-709-8650 | TheCascade.ca
Expect an always enthusiastic crowd and a kitchen that does a better job than most with the sort of comfort foods one would associate with the game.
What to order: The breaded calamari with spicy aioli. If its a Sunday night game, go for the special English roast beef supper, including real-deal Yorkshire pudding.
Hamilton Street Grill | 1009 Hamilton | 604-331-1511 | HamiltonStreetGrill.com
Though I havent been in years, chef/owner Neil Wyles talent with beef will draw me back. I remember the steakhouse bar fondly (particularly its pair of sizable TVs), and have always appreciated how reliable its been as the neighbourhood evolved around it.
What to order: I have my eyes on the poutine with gorgonzola and red-wine demi.
Lupo | 869 Hamilton | 604-569-2535 | LupoRestaurant.ca
My favourite place to watch a Canucks game remains table #30 in the upstairs bar at Yaletowns Lupo. Its located right in front of a TV and the atmosphere is at-home cozy.
What to order: Co-owner/chef Julio Gonzales-Perini is one of the citys most experienced, uncompromising Italian chefs, so indulge in one of the classics (Im partial to his spaghetti pomodoro).
Campagnolo | 1020 Main | 604-484-6018 | CampagnoloRestaurant.ca
Close to my home, I probably spend more time at this award-winner than all those others mentioned here put together. The TV is located in the back room with its glowing bar, so the experience is refreshingly intimate.
What to order: Zero in on the crispy ceci (chickpeas with chilies and mint), the tagliatelle with rich pork ragu or any of the pizzas.
Tableau | 1181 Melville | 604-639-8692 | TableauBistro.com
Chef Marc-Andre Choquette has gone with a casual bistro theme, and though Ive yet to review it in full, a recent first pass was promising. Also, I couldnt help but notice the TVs in the lounge.
What to order: Im a sucker for French onion soup and they nail it here. I also have my eye on their weekly Saturday night special: short ribs lacquered in BBQ sauce with creamy coleslaw.
Cactus Club | 588 Burrard | 604-682-0933 | CactusClubCafe.com
Regular readers might think it out of character that Ive included a chain restaurant on this list, but on the few occasions last season when I watched games at the Bentall 5 Cactus Club, both the food and service were flawless. (It didnt hurt that the Canucks won each game).
What to order: Any of Rob Feenies signatures dishes (look for RF icons on the menu) especially his famous butternut squash ravioli.
Red Card | 900 Seymour | 604-689-4460 | RedCardSportsBar.ca
This is the only self-described sports bar on my list because its unlike any other in town that Ive ever spent money in. It has an Euro-sports theme and a predominately Italian menu of comfort dishes that they actually give a damn about.
What to order: Polenta fries with parmesan and the Napoletana pizza with fior de latte cheese and anchovies.
