Kirk McLean’s Restaurant: Hockey Night in the Kitchen

Retired NHL legend Kirk McLean couldn’t save himself in the kitchen.  He told me so himself.  But this doesn’t mean he’s a stranger to good food.  In fact, he’s got excellent taste.  His new favorite spot: the upstairs, wooden-beamed bar of his classy new restaurant, McLean’s (see below).

Located at 322 Water Street, a stone’s throw away from The Old Spaghetti Factory, travellers now have a hope of stumbling upon quality food when (puzzlingly) sent to Gastown in search of the dated tourist trap.

One of Kirk’s favorite McLean’s menu items is juicy Free Range Chicken Breast, which I agreed was one of the best selections from his menu (created by Chef Eddie Szasz) featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Food-loving Vancouver media attended the introductory soiree, which began with large carafes of sangria.  We were invited to test everything on the largely carnivorous menu.

We began with two to die for appetizers that I highly recommend.  Firstly, the Albacore Tuna Tartar with avocado, ponzu, cilantro and sesame seeds served with crunchy nori (seaweed) chips:

Secondly, the tangy Seared Flat Iron Steak Tataki with citrus, soy, daikon, and grapes garnished with cilantro:

For those of you on a liquid diet, you can indulge with a Toblerone martini or fresh-squeezed watermelon juice with Brut Rose Cava and lime, instead.

Now, onto the solid main courses, which raise the topic of leftovers.  In most cases, specifically pastas and curries, food is even more delicious a day later.  It’s clear that Kirk and Eddie agree with this notion, hence the generous portions at McLean’s.

Here is a beautiful dish for steak lovers – the AAA Beef Tenderloin & Tiger Prawns with caramelized onion potato gratin, asparagus, and grape tomatos, finished with a demi glace.  This plate is stacked like Captain Kirk’s pads during the save.  Even Robert Reichel and his Calgary Flames would enjoy its richness.

My selection was the perfectly roasted Free Range Chicken Breast served with pommes puree (its consistency was that of the smoothest custard), asparagus, and carrots:

One of my dining partners, Dawn Chubai, enjoyed the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli with white wine cream sauce, sundried tomatoes, Italian parsley, and pecorino pepato:

Next time you’re craving a hearty meal bearing your all-time favorite goalie’s stamp of approval, head to McLean’s in Gastown.  Also, look for an FMA Entertainment Weekly segment with Kirk and I in the kitchen coming soon.

Thanks to Kirk, his staff, and Cassandra Anderton for organizing the glorious night of feasting.

For delicious Tweets, follow McLean’s on Twitter here.  While you’re at it, you should follow me, too.

Ciao for now.

Tagged as: Dawn Chubai, Eddie Szasz, erin ireland, Gastown, Kirk McLean, Kirk McLean's Restaurant, McLean's, twitter erin_ireland, vancouver, Vancouver Canucks