Le Trou Normand

http://www.letrounormand.ca/

Cheri wanted to go out for lunch in the area, but he was thinking more of Hazelton Hotel's One - an impressive patio and facade, but a mundane, overpriced menu.
A an everyday Caesar for $20? I don't know..

APPEARANCE

light, lemon yellow

I randomly saw the welcoming, decorated gate entrance to this cute patio and suggested it instead. The restaurant name being part of the fence, looks very authentic. I am just not a fan of the flat red family crest placed on top.

NOSE

citrusy and herbaceous 

Welcomed by an older man, the long patio had greens, cobblestone-like floor, square tables and round ornamented chairs. He was rushing to clean up and get everything ready, as we were the first to start our 11:40 lunch. 

There were a few posters on the sides. We didn't actually end up going inside, but it seemed fancy - window-like wall facing the patio. I decided to see what was recommended in the Urbanspoon reviews.. It runs out people don't even wants their enemies to come here.. * gulp *

SWIRL

easy-going, hint of apple (a bit cold - 5 degrees)

Already sitting, we were in too deep to walk up and leave. We though that people are probably exaggerating for the sake of being entertaining. That same older man seemed very polite and caring. He let us know their specials and let us take our time. Their warm brown soft menus were nicely de-bossed while the inside was crammed with a lot of outlined type. Cheri instantly chose their Foie de Veau, while I went for one of their daily special - Cod Salmon filet with saffron and cream sauce. I was tempted and decided to give in to a glass of Blanc de France, while Cheri had to keep it sober.

It was quiet and a bit chilly. We had a lady hand us two slices of warm baguette each and a plate butter while we waited. The saltshaker was not working so asked our waiter who quickly apologized, switched them and let us know its probably the moisture of them being outside.  If I was a germaphobe I might be freaking out, but I didn't mind much. 

Soon enough, it warmed up enough for us to break a sweat. French songs were playing in the background and a few tables around us started filling up around us.

PALLETE

a bit dry, light bodied (served too chilled), mellow

Our dishes arrived in big white places, elegantly presented. We both agreed to fresh peper. Cheri's liver was roasted in garlic and toped with a few chive springs. Surrounded by some of its sauce and steamed vegetables, it was an easy and simple dish. I didn't feel like trying it, but cheri finished it in no time. (I had to add, he is knows to enjoy bland food) My Cod-Salmon filet was also decorated with chive springs, covered in a light creamy sauce it also came with a side of steamed veggies and rice. The saffron scent was subtle, more predominant was the coarsely crushed pepper it was already baked in. It was also light on flavours and very simple. Everything felt very healthy.

FINISH

clean, refreshing, crisp

Both dishes were not tuned to the same European flavours we got too used to during our vacation,
so it was hard to judge. On top of all, this French mood got us in a bit of an argument so were a bit out of it. Regardless, the ambiance and manners of the serving staff made us both feel very welcome.

overall.. a light, mellow white blend

Shu Raku

http://www.shuraku.net/

So we just landed in Vancouver and it was only 10pm there, so we decided to not stay in on our first night - especially as this place was a 15min walk from our hotel. On top of that it was highly recommended by a colleague and furthermore re-enforced by Urbanspoon

APPEARANCE
yellow-green color with hints of gold
Granville with its neon reflections off the wet paving was quite gorgeous and this little place, was also adding to all the life on the street.

NOSE
crisp, some floral nuances
So we entered and were quickly sat. Perhaps too quickly to take a good look at the natural curving wood counter or the adorable line of lamps with wooden sticks. So the second part of the restaurant, the back long room, is where the late-night snackers were lead to. There was an easy vibe, with spanish-sounding music (rather out of place), a blank lit-up wall on one side and an illuminating sushi bar on the other.

SWIRL

yellow plum, honey melon

The long menus came along with their playful-traditional wordmark everywhere, but most elegantly placed on the black chopsticks pockets. Our waiter was great. A Japanese guy who spoke with a Brit accent. He squat down to speak to us coming to our height - very polite. Due to our interest but lack of Sake knowledge we went with the Hot Sake Flight -  2 kinds of sake of the day. Cheri was curious to try their Beef Asparagus and I was really craving a Volcano Roll. I asked for his roll recommendations, he talked about the Roulette Roll which we decided to give a go the second time around.

PALATE
balanced, delicate, supple
The Sakes came in their traditional clay thermoses keeping them warm, and right in front there were little laminated coasters of taste notes on the back, whoa.. it is like wine/whiskey. One was Yuki Hotaru (Niigata): off-dry, light, refreshing, crisp and floral on the nose. The next one was Kagatobi Gokkan Jaumai (Ishikawa): full-bodied, with delicate flavours of nuts and tropical fruits. Both were lovely and easy to sip on. The Beef Asparagus came, elegantly presented, barbecued and not overwhelming in any particular flavour. Next came out our bowl of Volcano Roll - covered with tempura flakes and dry crispy sticks coming out. As I dug in, the fresh tuna melted in my mouth while the red spicy sauce really heated me up. Last but not least, the Roulette Roll is definitely popular for more than its classy presentation - with a long line of black seaweed soy sauce and lotus root chips crowning the roll. To be honest, neither of us are anything close to scallops enthusiast, but I did not even feel it, it mixed beautifully with the tuna, onion, avocado, and cucumber parts.


FINISH
pleasant with a long finish
We lingered on, sipping our sake and nibbling on the gorgeously delicious dishes. We sank into this fusion of trendy and traditional from the interior and vibe to our waiter and the dishes. The victim of our great evening was one little clay sake cup, which managed to jump as we built a cup column.. but again it was dealt with graciously and quietly.
A must go-back-to place!




overall.. a charming Beaujolais Blanc