After the stunning reversal of fortune that saw Vancouver’s own Iron Chef champion, Rob Feenie, exit the two marquee restaurants he once called his own (the high-calibre, high-end Lumiere, and the more casual Feenies) and the ensuing closure of both locations, came the announcement that both establishments would re-open with famed Chef Daniel Boulud at the helm. While the changes to Lumiere were mainly on the menu, renovations utterly transformed it sister restaurant, from the bright and noisy Feenies to the chic D.B. Bistro. Well, the long wait is over as both restaurants opened their doors last week. And, last night, Fondy and I finally got the chance to check out the city’s most hotly anticipated new restaurants.
The room is gorgeous, elegant yet very warm and inviting. I dare say it’s probably the nicest dining area in Vancouver. The service was excellent. Our waitress was courteous and well-informed on all aspects of the menu. The food – well, to be honest, it was hit and miss, but definitely more hits and than misses.
The squash soup I had to start was fine. Chalk it up to personal preference, but I wasn’t a fan of the pieces of apple swimming within. Fondy found her Caesar salad a little heavy on the anchovy.
For my main course, I had the DB Burger – a ground sirloin patty with red wine-braised short ribs, foie gras, and black truffle at its core served on a parmesan bun. It was excellent, as were the light and crispy fries that accompanied it. Fondy, meanwhile, had a fantastic pasta dish containing squash, chestnuts, button mushrooms and lamb(?). Although the menu claimed they were orechietti and, yes, they were dimpled, they were the thickest orechietti I’ve ever had, with a texture more akin to rice cake than pasta. Regardless, I did enjoy the density and this particular plate was perfection. Of the side dishes we ordered, we much preferred the super green spinach (how do they get the spinach that green?) over a disappointing poutine Lyonnaise.
When it came time for dessert, Fondy, the queen of apple tarts, wasn’t enamored of the DB version. She did, however, manage to console herself by helping me polish off my chocolate clafoutis, a decadent little lava cake accompanied by two scoops of ice cream – vanilla and chocolate.
All in all, a memorable meal. I look forward to a return visit so I can get acquainted with the rest of the menu. And reacquainted with that orechietti dish.
Mailbag:
Inpa writes: Couple of questions:
1. Will Carlyle be keeping his natural accent for the show?
2. Will Universe in general see more alien life forms then the other two shows? Any chance of more puppet style aliens along the lines of Thor, or Farscapes Rygel?
3. You wrote previously that Carl Binder would be producer while the other writers including you would only write the occasional script but be less involved. Is that still the case or will Gero, you and the others all be producing and involved full time?
4. Will the show contain a plot device which allows people on alien worlds to be human?”
Answers: 1. I don’t know. That’s a decision for Brad and Robert to make. For my part, I quite like the idea. 2. Yes. I don’t know if we’ll necessarily see more puppets, but certainly more of the CG variety. 3. Nothing has changed (or will change). Carl, Brad, and Robert will be producing the show. Paul, Martin, and I will only serve as consultants. 4. I’m not sure I understand the question.
Thornyrose writes: “So, the doggies are doomed to being boarded while you head eastward for the holidays, or are you boarding up a person to care for them instead?”
Answer: Yes, we are literally boarding someone up. Lawren will be house/dog-sitting for us while we’re away. We lock him in the day we leave, then let him out the day we come back.
Narelle from Aus writes: “Joe – Want me to go away again?”
Answer: No, no. Not yet. I’ll tell you when.
Dori writes: “Any idea when the show will air?”
Answer: If at all possible, summer of ‘09 would be great.
Sherwood Forest Maiden writes: “I dont see any Bailey’s in your liqueur cabinet – great for pouring over vanilla icecream and poach pears!!”
Answer: Oh, I’ve got the Baileys (another key ingredient in an Oatmeal Cookie). I just didn’t think consider it bizarre enough to warrant a special mention.
Kristen writes: “Two weeks ago David, Rachel, and Jason were asked about the upcoming movie at the Burbank Con. At that time they told people that no one has ever contacted them about casting for the movie and were pretty disappointed that wasn’t already done.
With the movie being written, why hasn’t that been a top priority?”
Answer: Alas, I WISH I was controlling the deal-making process. If I was, then Paul and I would certainly have a deal by now.
Sheryl writes: “Hey Joe, did you get the chestnuts?”
Answer: Haven’t been in the office in a while. Hopefully Tanya hasn’t eaten them.
David writes: “Anyway the point of all this babbling is to find out if you know of a way that I can audition for the part or talk to someone about auditioning?”
Answer: Sorry, David. Auditions were already held in L.A. and they have already narrowed down the choices.
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