Supping in Vancouver: Lift Bar and Grill

Lift Bar and Grill
333 Menchion Mews
Vancouver
Ph: 604 689-5438 or Reserve Online

Heading off to a play at PAL, the Performing Arts Lodge, I looked for a restaurant in the vicinity. I remembered that I had passed Lift  on several occasions while strolling around  Coal Harbour and wondered each time whether the food would be as good as the view.  This was the perfect time to try it out.

We snagged a parking spot on Cardero right opposite PAL. Although it was relatively mild for late autumn in Vancouver, there was a chill in the air, so we walked briskly to the restaurant. Once seated we warmed up quickly and the view from our window seat was as great as expected. We enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant, and admired the lighting of the bar area, flaming red when we arrived,  green later when we left.


Being a sushi addict since my first visit to Japan decades ago, I have enjoyed saba  sashimi in many restaurants but I have not had saba served warm before.  So for a starter I thought I would try their grillled saba  with blood orange, fennel and sweet onion in a sweet soy ponzu and ginger sauce. It was absolutely delicious. The mackerel just melted in my mouth.

I followed it up with the roasted venison loin and Barbary duck duo with port braised turnips, wild mushroom and pancetta flamiche (tart)  braised leeks and  huckleberry jus (seen on the left).

My companion chose the green salad served with caramelized pear vinaigrette, candied pecans,  sundried cranberries, chevre cheese.

He  followed that with the  olive oil poached wild sockeye salmon served with Indian candy cabbage roll, spot prawn and scallop boudin, honey-soy shitake and lemon grass sabayon.   Both dishes were declared a success.

A brisk walk back in the crisp night air and we were ready for the play. I thought to myself that  I would like to return during day time,  and try the lunch menu.