The annual six-week spot prawn season launched this past weekend at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf, and local restaurants have geared up to offer endless variations of this large, sweet, local crustacean. Here, in no particular order, are a few picks for where to find the best “spots” in town.
The Place: Nu Restaurant, 1661 Granville St, 604-646-4668
The Price: $13.50
The Dish: “Deconstructed” spot prawn cocktail
The Details: Think of fresh gazpacho, crisped tails and a hidden surprise underneath.
The Place: Le Gavroche, 1616 Alberni St, 604-685-3924
The Price: $45
The Dish: Three course tasting menu
The Details: Spot prawn ceviche, spot prawn and lobster bisque, spot prawns in piri-piri sauce…did I mention spot prawns?
The Place: Fuel, 1944 West 4 Ave, 604-288-7905
The Price: $85
The Dish: Three courses, including spot prawn boil with R&B Cream Ale
The Details: Every Saturday night you can sit at the bar for a big, messy, southern style chowdown on a tub full prawns. No cutlery — just dig in until you’ve had enough.
The Place: West, 2881 Granville St, 604-738-8938
The Price: $18.50
The Dish: Lightly poached spot prawns
The Details: Rhubarb and watermelon essence, marinated cucumber salad, this is one cool cocktail.
The Place: Go Fish, 1504 West 1 Ave, 604-730-5040
The Price: $10-$15
The Dish: Fried spot prawns, spot prawn tacones [sic], spot prawns and chips.
The Details: Gord Martin’s cooperative with the False Creek fishermen means it’s literally just off the boat and on to a paper-lined basket near you.
The Place: C Restaurant, 1600 Howe St, 604-681-1164
The Price: $15-$20
The Dish: Spot prawn salad or spot prawn and chorizo mash
The Details: However Chef Quang Dang does it, you know it will be the epitome of haute West Coast.
Top Shelf
Eat! Vancouver, the everything Food & Cooking Festival, will be here May 22 to 24 at B.C. Place Stadium. Cooking shows, free samples and more. Visit eat-vancouver.com for details.
Dining Out
Blue Fence Special
Twisted Fork Bistro (1147 Granville St) is offering a $25 three-course prix fixe nightly between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Menu changes weekly, but sample items include gruyere and onion tart, organic oxtail soup, chicken breast with risotto and plums, and caramel-raspberry napoleon. Call 604-568-0749 for reservations.
Whistler Brewing @ CRU
On May 25, CRU (1459 W. Broadway) will host a five-course dinner paired with the all-natural beers from Whistler Brewing. $65 includes fresh oysters, pork terrine, spot prawn bisque, duck leg confit, dark chocolate and hazelnut brownie, plus full beer pairings. Call 604-677-4111 for details and reservations.
Food in Brief
Farewell to Chow
It is with sadness that we announce that Chow Restaurants has fallen prey to the economic currents and closed as of May 10. We wish the owners and staff all the best for the future.
Hello to the Corner Suite
Andre McGillivray, Steve DaCruz and Anthony Sedlak will open The Corner Suite Bistro de Luxe in July 2009. And just when you thought 2009 was going to be a write-off…
