East Vancouver’s Commercial Drive neighbourhood is a dining destination with a diverse restaurant scene, that welcomes exploration. Explore it for yourself on September 4, 2019 with Vancouver Foodster’s Tasting Plates Commercial Drive.
As with all Tasting Plates, visitors will get to explore the neighbourhood with their friends and fellow foodies, while sampling the fare that Commercial Drive chefs have prepared for the evening. Vancouver Foodster invites chefs to create a tasting plate of bites unique for the evening or curated from their menu.
Tasting Platers will check in at the welcome desk to collect their Tasting Plates cards and maps then hit the streets with their taste buds at the ready.
Tasting Plates Commercial Drive on September 4th has so far included the following restaurants in the line-up;
Federico’s Supper Club: 1728 Commercial Drive
Grounds for Coffee: 2088 Commercial Drive
Fratelli Bakery: 1795 Commercial Drive
Watch for more restaurants to be added as the date nears.
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite (fees may apply)
Ultra Early-Bird tickets: $30 per person until August 9, 2019
Early-Bird Tickets: $36 per person after August 9, 2019
Advance Tickets $45 per person after August 23, 2019
Regular $60 per person after September 1, 2019
Starting the night on a lively note as special musical guest, Lesismore, performed their while we dined at Federico’s.
The Federico’s Supper Club tasting plate included 4 great bites; Arancino (a rich Arborio rice ball with saffron, Pecorino Romano and truffle oil), Bruschetta al Pesto di Piselli e Menta (grilled bread with a fresh topping of crushed peas with mint, olive oil and ricotta salata), Involtina di Prosciutoo e Burrata (Prusciutto wrapped Burrate with basil and fried capers) and a sweet Fico con Ricotta Fresca (honey roasted fig, with ricotta and balsamic reduction). A $5 wine pair for each plate was also offered.
Next we had a healthy, palate cleansing trio of Tasting Cups from Bonvita Health. Their juice and smoothie options were “The Root Down” (Orange, Beet, Carrot and Ginger juice), “Green Revival” (Cucumber, Kale, Celery, Cilantro, Dandelion, Apple and Turmeric juice) and “Bonvita Classic” (Banana, Cacao, Date and Almond Milk smoothie)
Over on Clark Drive, we found the Via Tevere Neapolitan Experss truck parked outside Strange Fellows Brewery. Hot Neapolitan Saltimbocca Sandwiches fresh from the truck’s stone oven; the options were Proscuitto and Arugula or a Caprese sandwich. Both were hot and melty contrasting with fresh greens and mayo.
Back up to The Drive, stepping into Fratelli Bakery was like a visit to Italy as the bakers piled a selection of their sweet Italian treats into a tasting box. Cream and Cheese filled Canollis, Nutella Macarons, Amaretti and, Espresso Cookies, Custard Filled Cream Puffs all gave us a taste of the old world.
The final stop at Prado Cafe helped wash everything down with a Italian Soda, or an alternate choice of Cold Brew Coffee or Iced Tea. The drink was served alongside a rich and moist slice of “Jackie’s Birthday Cake”.
Vancouver Foodster’s Summer Series of events continues next month with 
Put on in conjunction with the Tequila Expo, the afternoon started with a welcome cocktail, “Spiked Agua Fresca” – Watermelon Thai Basil con piquete (or without). Garnished with a bright cube of watermelon, it was a great summer splash on a sunny day.
As the food preparation and associated aromas filled the air, along came a palate warmer, “Spring in San Pancho” – Silver Tequila, housemade berry syrup, jamaica, berries and soda. Even a virgin version was a refreshing, fizzy pick-me-up.
Tamarindo Margarita