Many of us know Le Gavroche as an iconic restaurant in Vancouver, notably a "Place to kiss" in the Pacific northwest and it was with great pleasure that we welcomed many of our members and also guests to the "new" Le Gavroche under the ownership of Rob Guest. Our dinner was a masterful tasting menu prepared by Rob and his new Executive Chef London Niro. What an evening! Nine courses, each beautifully presented and with great flavours of local produce.
Our evening started in the Lili La Puce reception room with Chef's canapés and flutes of Blue Mountain Brut. Our first course, served in the refreshingly bright dining room upstairs, was a Brown Butter Pear Gazpacho followed by a Pan-seared Qualicum Scallop with a Herb Mousse, both served with a 2011 CedarCreek Ehrenfelser. The next wine, Le G de Chateau Guiraud, was served with a Smoked Salmon Tartare with Smoked Caviar and a Squid Ink Cracker followed by a Braised Leek Terrine with a Parsley Foam.
A beautifully balanced 2009 Byron Pinot Noir accompanied the next courses of Duck Skin Crisps with Duck Confit Watercress Mousse and a Duck Consommé Noodle and a Rabbit Chop with Rabbit Demi, Carrot Purée and Garlic Scapes. The Herb Crusted Venison, with Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli and a tasty Potato Pavé was paired with a sturdy and delicious 2007 St. Clement Progeny Cabernet Sauvignon before a Savoury Sorbet of Red Beet followed by a Blue Cheese Dessert and a tasty glass of 2005 Chateau Liot.
The dinner was highly enjoyable and thanks go to President Jim Robertson for organizing the evening, Cellar Master Jim Esplen and Photographer Milena Robertson and especially to Dr. Bob Rothwell for his splendid accolade!
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