The world is crazy for Japa Dog. During the Olympics, the unique hot dog stand’s multicultural lineup often hit Le Chateau (approximately 40 meters away). Considering the overwhelming success of the ballpark food’s Asian-American twist, where is ‘Japa Burger’? Last week, I found its equivalent in Town Hall, located at 1032 Alberni Street.
The rebranded Saltlik’s elaborate dining room and ultra high ceilings made me feel small, which is a great way to feel prior to consuming a big, juicy burger.
Once you’ve absorbed the scenery, noting the cozy fireside dining and the baby grand piano on which live jazz is performed weekly, order the juicy Miso Turkey Burger. Lathered in a tangy Asian bbq sauce and lemongrass aioli, finished with fresh baby arugula, you’ll never again be satisfied by rainbow-colored condiments. This simple-looking sandwich proves that it really is all about the sauce:
If you’re not a ‘burger person’, I suggest converting, or trying the Oyster Mushroom Tempura appy sprinkled with Asian salt. Observing my hesitation towards anything deep-fried, fun and informative Chef Dawn Doucette took me to the kitchen to demonstrate the very quick oil dip taken by the fungi.
Turns out the appetizer is basically health food. I dove in, dousing each delicious bite with its green onion and basil mousseline, a creamy tzatziki-like sauce:
Now for something seriously healthy: the whitest halibut I’d ever seen. Its inside was the color of snow. I’m shopping for a classic white shirt this bright:
At the table, chardonnay butter was generously poured over the moist fillet surrounded by green beans, roasted fingerling potatoes, tender sweet peas, and crispy capers.
To help develop an appreciation for art, I recently attended a lecture by world renowned artist Dennis Oppenheim. He was interesting, but edible art – like this vanilla pastry cream-filled sugary phyllo cup topped with bruleed banana, served with rich chocolate gelato – is what I’d prefer seeing in giant proportion on display in English Bay:
Armed with a facelift and a new menu, Town Hall has become a true player in Alberni Street’s elite restaurant league. And though Japa Dogs are delicious, it’s time Vancouver discovers the Miso Turkey Burger – a to die for sandwich that doesn’t cost you $5 and a thirty minute wait in the rain.
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Ciao for now.
It's To Die For Banana Bread à la Urge Chocolates
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