One of the indisputable perks about a showcase restaurant week like the upcoming Taste of Yaletown 2016 is that it accords affordable opportunities for diners to get to know restaurants they’ve never experienced before.
Each year new restaurants sign on to take part in Taste of Yaletown; they are either brand-new to the ‘hood, or re-joining the event after a hiatus, or just first-timers to the popular annual dine-out week.
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For this year’s Taste of Yaletown, happening from October 13 to 27, seven of the 31 participating restaurants are newcomers.
Among those seven is WildTale, the seafood-centric restaurant that made its debut in the spring of 2015. “Taste of Yaletown is a great way to bring the community together to celebrate the happening Yaletown restaurant scene,” says Erik Heck, WildTale Chef/Owner. “The festival gives us the opportunity to showcase new dishes to regulars while also encouraging visitors and new diners to visit our restaurant.”
Over at House Special, the contemporary Vietnamese restaurant that came on the Yaletown scene just a few months ago, co-owner Victoria Do is similarly excited about TOY 2016.
“The Yaletown community has been so welcoming since we opened – we are really excited to be part of Taste of Yaletown for the first time!” says Do. “The prix fixe menu is a great way for us to introduce some of our favourite dishes to new customers and offer our return diners a chance to try some different items.”
Here are the seven new restaurants to check out during Taste of Yaletown 2016:
21 Nautical Miles
An upscale Chinese fusion restaurant, 21 Nautical Miles opened in Yaletown in the spring of 2016. Their TOY menus span all three price ranges ($25, $35, $45) which means curious diners can take the plunge at whatever level is best. Their signature “Garlic Seafood” dish is included at every price level.
Address: 1257 Hamilton Street
Phone: 604-688-2333
House Special
Inside House Special (Jess Fleming/Daily Hive)
This sibling-run modern Vietnamese restaurant serves up elegant, inventive fare based on traditional recipes, flavours, and techniques. They are going all out for TOY with a delectable five-course tasting menu showcasing their incredible eats, including a deconstructed Banh Mi starter and a fried quail main.
Address: 1269 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-2939
Kuma Izakaya
Serving up sushi, sashimi, rolls, and izakaya-style share plates, Kuma is getting in on TOY 2016 by offering two menus, both priced per person but designed for sharing. If you’re up for it, go for the $45 omakase (chef’s choice), which includes your choice of hot or cold sake or a glass of wine, too.
Address: 1233 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-1177
La Terrazza
La Terrazza returns to TOY after a one-year hiatus. For 2016, they’ve got a three-course $25 tasting menu, from which diners can select dishes that showcase the restaurant’s elegant Italian fare.
Address: 1088 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-899-4449
Little Saigon
Launched in Mission in 2006, Little Saigon’s Yaletown location opened in 2013. With a menu of MSG-free Vietnamese fare, this restaurant will give diners a great taste of what they’re up to with their $35 menu for two, which includes a sampler platter appy, mini-pho main, and fried bananas for a sweet finish.
Address: 1263 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Phone: 604-683-6746
Rodney’s Oyster House
Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive
A veteran on the Yaletown scene, this good times seafood joint is getting in on TOY this year with a simple menu showing off what they do best: Oysters. For $25, enjoy 6 Kusshi oysters paired with a glass of Mionetto prosecco.
Address: 1228 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-609-0080
WildTale Coastal Grill
Offering a $35 per person three-course menu, WildTale invites diners to get a taste of their contemporary west coast cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, and includes tempting wine pairings for each option in each course (for an additional charge) to go with TOY 2016’s “pairing” theme. Dishes on their menu include Lobster Bisque, wild mushroom gnocchi, grilled striploin steak with lobster mashed potatoes, and their indulgent chocolate pot au creme dessert.
Address: 1079 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-428-9211
Taste of Yaletown 2016
When: October 13 to 27
Cost: Menus are priced at $25, $35, $45 per person; details available online
Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of Taste of Yaletown 2016
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