Saturday, May 7, 2011

C Restaurant


Highlights
  • extremely good service, if not the best I've ever had
Lowlights:
  • 3 hours is a little too long for a 7 course meal
  • seating is a little crowded
  • value isn't there without the groupon
I had a Groupon for the place and had been waiting to try it out.  It's pretty much located under the Granville Street bridge and right along the jogging path.  There's meter parking on the side streets but if you're lucky, there's free 2 hour parking in the lot underneath the bridge.




 We were greeted by the hostess and sat on the upper level and had a view of the chefs making final preparations before service went out.  A ground level seat is definitely recommended to view the waterfront as you won't be able to see it from upstairs.


 Here's the menu for the 6-course tasting menu ($84).  Some of the courses will allow you to switch or add on additional dishes for an extra cost including $110 extra for shaved perigold truffles.


House bread which includes sourdough rye, nori (seaweed) scones and licorice with sea-salted butter on the side.  I liked the nori, but not a big fan of the licorice bread.



Oxtail consomme - I am not a fan of oxtail but this was surprisingly very good.


Notch Hill Beet Salad - a little plain and nothing really spectacular.


Crisp Squid - peppery and salty like the Chinese style fried squid with prosciutto.


Lobster Tagliatte - $12 extra supplement. The lobster was done perfectly.
Seared Bayne Sound Scallops - three scallops on seared pork belly, and very good.  It came with a fried apple slice which was interesting and good.
BC Albacore Tuna - the tuna was perfect but it tasted better when not eaten with the lemon emulsion on the side, which was too sour for my taste.
Petit Fours - pieces of dark chocolate with a caramel drizzle


Lemon Mousse  - refreshing and a great way to end the evening


Overall rating: 7.5/10 - Despite having a Groupon, service was bar none the best I've ever had a restaurant.  I know some places tend to look down on people who present coupons or Entertainment books but C was first  class all the way.  Upon the serving of each course, the servers would take the time to explain each dish which I liked.  During the evening, our scallops came out out of turn before the tuna, and though it didn't bother me, the manager actually came out with the tuna, apologized profusely and even offered to take the lobster add-on off the bill!  Truth be told, I didn't actually view their dinner menu but in regards to the tasting menu, I did not think it would be worth $84 as the food itself was good but not spectacular for the price. I'd definitely come back... just not very often.







C Restaurant
2-1600 Howe Street
604-681-1164