A hidden gem of the West End
JT suggested Adesso when she knew I was looking for restaurants to be in my West End Cocktail Crawl. Vaguely remembered the name, I realized it was the restaurant that took over Parkside’s spot 8 years ago. Located in the midst of greenery a couple blocks from Stanley Park, it’s known for their regional Italian dishes and the European-style garden patio that could seat 40 people, an incredibly romantic place to sit with your date in the twilight when the starry illuminations start to lit above everyone.
The restaurant was recently renovated and is now helmed by Chef Pekka Tavela, whose impressive resume includes Boneta, Wildebeest and Hawksworth. He has apparently brought a modern European fine dining flair to the menu.
I was captivated by the surroundings when I was seated in the middle of the patio. This is perfect for a sunny Saturday brunch, then some happy hour drinks, which might lead to a romantic dinner. Boy, I could just sit here all day long.
The new happy hour menu
For the new happy hour menu, they offer $4 beer, $6 wine, and $7 fizzy cocktails made with prosecco. A few fresh craft cocktails are also available for $8.
The happy hour food menu features a few small plates such as Chef Tavela’s signature Tuna Crudo ($16), the Fried Chicken ($16), and the Beef Tataki ($15). With the protein nicely executed in the dishes, I was impressed just as much with the whimsical sides, such as the silky smooth pomme puree under the fried chicken, and what seemed to be gluttonous squares made of rice for the beef tataki, but looked like deep-fried tofu. This little peek at the cooking definitely sets up the expectations for my future visits.
The Cocktail Crawl
The little happy hour preview made me super excited to have this gem to be a part of my West End Cocktail Crawl.
The June 7 event will introduce a cocktail & food pairing experience held at 3 of the best restaurants/bars in the West End, recently voted “The Best Neighbourhood” in Vancouver. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a gourmet experience over a cocktail hop, and to meet some new friends with the same passion for great food and cocktails!
Guests will have 2.5 hours to complete the crawl, and each will receive one cocktail and a small appetizer at each crawl stop. If they decided to stay for dinner at any of the crawl stops, they will be offered a discount.
Here are the cocktails Adesso offers for the restaurant hopping event and one drink is included in the ticket price.
Negroni Bianco
A daring herbal and robust take on the classic Italian aperitif, gin, Martini Bianco and Liquor Strega is whirled together with fresh thyme and finished with flamed grapefruit oils to create the ultimate indulgence.
Elder & Younger
The Gin Gimlet re-imagined. Elder-flower. Thyme, Dill and Cucumber are muddled together with gin and Cinzano to create a whirlwind of freshness.
One amuse bouche is also included in ticket price:
Minted Pea and Ricotta Ravioli with Garlic Nage
Guests will receive at 15% discount on all food items.
The participating guests will also enjoy the following benefits:
- receive a discount on food and drinks on the regular menus of the restaurants/bars at any of the stops.
- receive a free membership of Vancouver Gourmet Club and enjoy benefits and discounts for 12 months.
- participate in “Cocktail of the Night” voting contest for a chance to win a ticket for the next crawl.
- receive further discount on the next cocktail crawl.
Tickets are available on:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/west-end-cocktail-crawl-tickets-46084359560
$$$
rating: [wp-review id=”14464″]
Adesso
1906 Haro St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1H7
(604) 568-9975 or adessobistro.ca
I like your method for dealing with Zomato’s decision to eliminate half points. I am so used to half points that I have been baffled about what to do with a place that is clearly between a 3 and a 4! Nicely done!