Last night, a bright sunny evening brought out a couple hundred foodie fans for Tasting Plates – Central Richmond.
The night was a great opportunity to dispel people’s preconceived ideas about food in Richmond. It’s not all Asian restaurants, there’s a great selection of restaurants with chefs bringing their own creative flavour to Richmond.
Tasting Plates began at check-in with a surprising discovery at Harold’s Bistro & Bar, a bright, sunny courtyard patio (above) awaited patrons. Located in the heart of the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, alongside the hotel’s pool, the patio is oasis in the midst of Richmond high-rises. The Harold’s Bistro & Bar Chefs served a Tasting Plate consisting of Five-spice rubbed Tuna Tataki with papaya relish, Italian Meatball with shaved Asiago, Pulled Pork Sliders the plate was paired with a refreshing glass of Somersby Cider.
Next stop was at the adjacent Marriott Vancouver Airport, their award winning restaurant The American Grille served a Tasting Plate of house cured Gravlax of Salmon, Roasted BC Halibut, Spaetzle, corn succotash and green pea puree with a Poached Anjou Pear on Stilton crumble tart. Their plate was paired with a Tasting Cup; Peach Breeze, a fresh and fruity combination.
Completing the trio of hotel restaurants within the block, the Hilton Vancouver Airport is home to the newly renovated CAVU Kitchen Bar, guests were greeted by a cool palate cleanser of Sour Cream Panna Cotta with local blueberries and a zesty wine Caesar. Following closely by a glass of Stone Road Chardonnay or Meritage and a Tasting Plate of two halves; hot side was Chorizo & Chicken with pepper, country relish, yucca and a honey glaze and on the cold side was a Pineapple Upside Down Cake with coconut & mango gel, and a maracon.
Down the road to the corner of Alderbridge and No 3 Road, we found another surprise at Fresh Press Coffee Bar. A bright contemporary coffee house tucked in the centre of the complex, the three month cafe is a stand-out amongst the mix of office, retail and restaurants. Owner and barista Questa was serving fresh brewed Pour Over Coffee, Affogato (Espresso & Gelato) and London Fog (Steamed Milk & Earl Grey Tea) along with a house baked Almond Croissant.
At the other end of the complex and the other end of the style spectrum, The Thai House serves up traditional Thai atmosphere and cuisine; Chicken Satay, crispy Shrimp Cake and spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps.
Finally, near the Moray Bridge, the stylish Apron Restaurant in The Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport
served up a Tasting Plate of Honeydew and Calamansi Gazpacho, with a Tamarind seared Scallop – a cool and cleaning starting taste, then a sous vide Pork Belly atop Parsnip mashed with White Chocolate.
If this tasty tour around Richmond whet your appetite join in on the next edition Tasting Plates – Lonsdale coming up July 23rd in North Vancouver.