Gastown—(January 10, 2019) After the new year, we are now fully ready and in the mode of the sixteenth annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival with its many set menu options. Last week, on the first-stop of our Tourism Vancouver restaurant tour, we were treated to the still newish downtown shellfish eatery Coquille Fine Seafood to sample their various three-course prix fixe dinner ($45) items.
The spacious, modern yet classically decorated 4,100-square-foot fish house from team L'Abattoir offered a pleasant creative vibe to its quintessential seafood and shellfish dishes. With seating for a hundred in an expansive dining room, bar, and lounge appointed complemented by a nautically-inspired decor, I was excited to revisit the restaurant after its initial opening and buzz.
Luckily, Coquille's Dine Out menu is made up mostly from existing dishes from their regular menu with a few exceptions—modified for the set menu—but thought to be up to 80% of what they normally offer on a nightly basis.
To start, both the yellowfin tuna tartare (with crispy rice, sesame dressing, green onion, and cucumber) and Coquille ceviche (white fish, shrimp, octopus, citrus, red onion, and chips) were dynamite fishy appetizers well-prepared and presented. The tartare, in particular, was quite refreshingly flavourful as a nice meal primer.
I also really dug the how the grilled and broiled oysters (with garlic butter and breadcrumbs) were cooked and seasoned—quite delectable.
Next, the entrées proved savoury and satisfying with more than a few very appetizing seafood dishes. The table's obvious highlight was the spaghetti and clams (with chili, white wine, and parsley) for its tasty simplicity, seasoning, and easy comfort.
Second, the gently slow-cooked fillet of trout (with sautéed green beans, beurre blanc, and fine herbs) was another subdued yet filling endeavour. Finally, the roast scallops (with squash gnocchi, browned butter, and capers) made for a safe yet solid effort.
For dessert, I was most delighted by the classic soft serve sundae (with brownies and hot fudge or strawberries and jasmine shortbread) while the dark chocolate cremeaux (with salted caramel chantilly and biscotti) and baked rice pudding (with raisins, banana, and white chocolate) were also not-too-sweet classical treats fit for capping off any dining experience.
Overall, I was impressed with Coquille's many offerings as a good representation of their regular dinner menu with a few obvious limitations. It proved a satisfying meal with pleasing dining options that was a culinary delight. Dine Out is on now and runs until February 3rd.
More | YVArcade / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / Globe and Mail / Nuvo
