A bright spot in a sometimes unwelcoming neighbourhood, The Union Bar heralds a rejuvenation of Vancouver’s downtown eastside. The lastest offering from The Cascade Companybrings another great location into the restaurant family that includes The Cascade Room, Habit and Latitude. Tucked in behind the Jimi Hendrix Shrine on Union Street, in the ground floor of the V6A development, along with a growing selection of other new businesses, the dark and stylish bar welcomes patrons to interact with their community at the long communal dining tables or be close to the action by perching at the bar.
Chef Lisa Henderson has created a beautifully varied Southwest Asian inspired menu.
A participant in the FeastVan promotion, $1 from each prix fixe menu supports the Vancouver Inner City Backpack Food Program, the $20 menu is a perfect three course sampling. With two starters, entrees and desserts it’s the perfect option to share as my friend and I did, so we could try it all.
Beginning with a light, flavourful Hot & Sour Soup or fresh Green Papaya Salad (just two of a large list from the main menu), the appetizers may at first appear on the small side, they are just the thing to start your tastebuds.
The two entrees, Nasi Goreng – perfectly spiced rice, chicken and shrimp combined and topped with a perfectly fried egg and Peanut Noodles – thick noodles with shitake mushrooms, eggplant and a rich peanut sauce, are ample and rich with flavour, making the other bowls on the main menu a temptation for future visits.
Rounding out the meal with two desserts that are both light and rich at the same time. Pandan Coconut Pannacotta, warm, toasted popcorn-like scented cream is topped with tapioca pearls, caramelized baby banana and brandy snap or Hot & Sweet Mango & Lychee Crumble – dense and moist crumble mixed with mango and topped with a lychee and cream.
Pairing the meal with one of a wide selection of wine, beer and unique Asian influenced cocktails created by Arthur Wynne tops off the dinner perfectly. Even the non-alcoholic creations are deliciously refreshing and quenching.
Head down and try the FeastVan prix fixe menu now, until February 5th or stop by anytime for a great a la carte meal or cocktail.
The Union Bar is located at 219 Union Street (near Main Street)
Contact info@theunionbar.ca or 604.568.3230
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