The Refinery located on Granville Street, clubbing district. It is hidden upstairs on the second floor beside Sip Lounge and Le Chateau. There is two sections to the quiet restaurant (which would later be bustling with energetic guests): Bar and long high top tables in the front; and seated booths and long tables in the back. The atmosphere is casual, sophisticated but not stuffy. We were fortunate to be seated on a corner booth where Jess and I got to play catch up and exchange a few vacation stories.

Our focus was on the tapas menu. A few good plates to share after a long week. TGIF indeed.

Steak Tartar 13: I must admit I do find crostinis boring. That’s why Tableau Bar Bistro’s waffle chips were such a delight. The tartar here was deliciously seasoned mixed with cornichon, capers and shallots. The creamy quail’s egg yolk held everything together after you mixed it all up.

Seared Scallops 12: Three giant sized baja diver scallops seared perfectly. Carrot puree wine syrup, and scallions lifted the flavours of the juicy and sweet center.

Prosciutto Flatbread 14: Cured ham, pear, gorgonzola, walnuts, onion jam. Thinly crusted punctuated with sharp cheese. The amount was perfect – neither too much where the Italian blue cheese would overwhelm. God knows blue is not on my list of cheese heaven.

Bacon N’ Eggs 12: Crisp and fatty braised pork belly with two fried quail’s egg atop of caramelized onion and apple. A bite of sinfulness as it melts in your mouth.

After a few glasses of wine later, we wondered why we didn’t just ordered a bottle instead. A bottle of Kiwi Walk was only 35 anyways. But that’s the problem we you are in company of good friends, good food and good wine. | Kiwi Walk, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 8/g, 35/b

Next time, Charcuterie will be on my menu.

1115 Granville St Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1
(604) 687-8001