Location: Stanley Park, 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2

During a recent visit to Stanley Park, I decided to try this restaurant, reputed for having some of the best poutine in Vancouver. Upon entering, I was warmly welcomed by a staff member who promptly seated me and informed me that they would be closing in an hour, with the last orders being taken in 15 minutes. I appreciated the heads-up and eagerly settled in, anticipating a taste of their famous Double Duck Poutine. Unfortunately, the waitress regretfully informed me that they had run out of the duck, and only the poutine without the meat was available. Though slightly disappointed, I decided to explore other items on the menu.

Food

Seafood Chowder The Seafood Chowder, though generously portioned, left much to be desired. The menu promised a creamy chowder, but what arrived was a rather thin and slightly under-seasoned broth. Despite the abundance of ingredients, such as shellfish, steelhead, cod, potatoes, bacon, and a side of baguette, the overall flavor lacked the depth and richness one expects from a classic chowder. It felt like the dish was missing that comforting, velvety texture that defines a truly great bowl of chowder.

Rating: 5 out of 10

Truffled Parmesan Fries The Truffled Parmesan Fries, served with a liberal sprinkle of Parmesan, initially seemed promising. However, they arrived lukewarm, which significantly impacted the dish’s overall enjoyment. While the truffle aroma was pleasant, it wasn’t enough to elevate the fries to their full potential. A hotter serving could have made this dish far more appealing, as the flavors struggled to shine through in their current state.

Rating: 3 out of 10

Artichoke Spinach Dip The Artichoke Spinach Dip was a standout dish and provided a much-needed bright spot in the meal. It arrived warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. The blend of cheese and spinach was well-balanced, creating a rich and savory experience that paired nicely with the accompanying chips, despite the portion of chips being somewhat on the smaller side. This dip is undoubtedly one of the stronger options on the menu and well worth trying.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Ambiance The ambiance of this establishment is undeniably one of its strongest attributes. Seated on the patio, I was surrounded by a canopy of trees, which added a serene and almost enchanting quality to the dining experience. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a meal, especially when the weather is agreeable.

Service

Service was satisfactory, but not without room for improvement. While the waitress was polite and accommodating when present, there was a noticeable gap when she was nowhere to be found, which hindered the experience slightly. Nonetheless, her friendliness and attentiveness when available made up for this shortcoming.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Price The pricing was reasonable for a location within Stanley Park, considering the portions and quality of the ingredients. Although not every dish hit the mark, the cost felt appropriate given the setting and ambiance.

Verdict Despite the mixed experience with some dishes, particularly the underwhelming truffle fries and the lackluster chowder, there were redeeming qualities that made the visit worthwhile. The beautiful surroundings and the exceptional Artichoke Spinach Dip make this restaurant worth another try. I would recommend visiting with tempered expectations and perhaps sampling other menu items to discover the full potential of this establishment.