Foodie Finds: Dine Out Vancouver 2013 – Provence Mediterranean Grill
Foodie Finds: Dine Out Vancouver 2013 – Provence Mediterranean Grill
By Viv Chapleo, WAVEJourney.com Editor
For me, anytime is the right time for a relaxed lunch or brunch! I find that statement even more true on a very soggy, damp and grey winter day in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
While visiting Vancouver during the Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2013 (DOVF), and after perusing various lunch menus of participating restaurants, I decided that the DOVF lunch menu at Provence Mediterranean Grill would be ideal.
Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2013 Lunch Menu
Located in the quaint neighbourhood of Point Grey, Provence Mediterranean Grill is off the beaten track from the typical route tourists wander. But any restaurant that has been a continual favorite with the locals for more than a decade is definitely worth venturing outside the downtown core to discover. My dining experience proved to be one of those worthy finds that you want to share with others that also love great food.
My dining companion and I arrived at the cozy, warm, intimate and comfortable restaurant just in time for our noon reservation. Immediately upon entering we were greeted in a professional yet friendly manner and asked if we wanted to hang our coats. We were then escorted to our table near the window and settled in to enjoy the atmosphere of the dining room. The color scheme is muted tones of coffee, the ambiance is relaxed and understated, which keeps the emphasis on the food and doesn’t distract diners from conversation with their dining companion.
Antipasti Starter at Provence Mediterranean Grill
We both decided to start our lunch with a Provence Morning Glory – bubbles, orange juice and a splash of creme de cassis. The cassis provided a nice twist to an all-time favorite and the perfect accompaniment to our meal.
Duck Confit Entree at Provence Mediterranean Grill
The Dine Out Lunch Menu featured 3 courses (appetizer, entree, dessert) for CDN$28. Diners could choose from 3 appetizers – Grilled Prawns Provencal, Soup du Chef (cream of tomato) or 2 Choices of Antipasti (from the showcase selection). I started with the Antipasti and picked the Bocconcini and Tomato Brochettes with fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and Smoked Trout accompanied with pearl onions and cornichons.
Entree choices included Ocean Wise Steelhead Trout, or Duck Confit, or Wild Mushroom Ravioli. Of course, being a total fan of duck confit that was my choice. It was served alongside a three-bean cassoulet and brussel sprouts. The skin on the duck leg was just how I like it – crispy and flavorful and the meat was cooked to perfection, falling off the bone. The cassoulet was rich in flavor, a different version from what I’ve eaten throughout France, but perfect comfort food for a dreary winter day.
Berry and White Chocolate Clafoutis
As I have a sweet tooth and have never met a dessert I didn’t like, I asked our server to surprise me with whichever dessert she thought was THE best. She did not disappoint with the Berry and White Chocolate Clafoutis – a French-style cake served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Smoked Salmon Benedict at Provence Mediterranean Grill
My dining companion ordered from the brunch menu (served Saturday and Sunday) and thoroughly enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Benedict – 2 poached eggs cooked to order (medium), served on corn pancakes (a wonderful change from the old standard – English muffins). The eggs were accompanied by roasted potatoes and fruit. Her dessert of Double Chocolate Kahlua Cake served with berry coulis and freshly whipped cream was dense, fudgy, not too sweet and satisfied her chocolate craving.
Double Chocolate Kahlua Cake
We both found the food at Provence Mediterranean Grill to be of very high quality and fresh ingredients. The portion sizes were not overly large, but we certainly had ample to ensure we did not leave hungry.
The service was friendly, attentive, efficient and knowledgeable, and we were able to relax and take our time – did not once feel rushed during our almost 2-hour lazy lunch.
So next time WAVEJourney ventures back to Vancouver, Provence Mediterranean Grill will be on our list of restaurants to return to. Dining at this local bistro means we no longer need to wait until we return to Europe to experience the exquisite cuisine and wonderful flavors of France and Italy!
Note: Reservations are recommended so not to be disappointed.
If You Go:
- Provence Mediterranean Grill – 4473 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC. Tel: 6-4-222-1980
- Dine Out Vancouver Festival
