The MePlusFood team got invited to their first Food Blogger and Writer event at the R.TL (Regional Tasting Lounge) hosted byDanica of Divine Writes.
I was really excited to go because just the week before I wanted to try out the restaurant for my sister-in-law’s birthday but had to switch locations because our 9 month old nephew was coming along. They currently have food from South America and British Columbia with some really unique dishes that sound really good. The event started at 5PM, but unfortunately due to work, the team arrived at about 6:15. We were able to just walk in, and was greeted by the Alain, the manager who was really kind. He introduced himself and called Danica over so we could finally meet.
They were showing off some of their dishes, as well as giving small little plates for us to try them out, and also some drinks – San Gria’s and Wine. There were a lot of people there mingling, and taking pictures. We went to the bar where they were showing off their food and making drinks. While taking pictures we got to meet their new Chef Daryl Crumb. He’s a really cool dude who’s going to bring out some cool new ideas and keep with the unique feature of the restaurant. That is, they update their menu every few months with brand new food from a brand new region of the world. I think he told me he was going to bring in some Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean flavours in next. Completely revamping the menu every few months is a good way to keep people coming back. I love trying out new food.
Coming in late, we got to see a few of the dishes. When we got there they were showing of their Trio of Venison Sliders and Prawn Ceviche. We were able to try one of the sliders which was the wild mushroom and cheddar. The juicy burger was served on thin slices of toasted bread. The venisor burger was awesome, and so were the mushrooms and cheese. The only thing I disliked about it, was that it was really oily There was olive oil on the bread, and fat oozing out of the burger, it was really messy. The taste was delicious, but a bit too oily. Need to tone down on that. Later on in the night they had the blue cheese and bacon venison slider. Stupidly, I told the watiress that we already had it because I thought it was the same one. Sigh. I definitely had my eye on this dish when I saw it on the menu. I guess I’ll have to try them when I go back.
They were also showing off their wild mushroom risotto, and the sweet & tart apple duo dessert. We got to try the risotto after and I thought it was just alright, though I’m not that big of a risotto fan. I’m sure if we had a full portion we would get all the flavours.
The front of the restaurant is brand new as they opened up the front of the restaurant, hopefully more people will go in! The promoter, manager, and chef were really good to talk to, and learn some cool things about their restaurant. I hope to see good things happen to their restaurant because the food that we tasted was pretty good, and everyone was genuinely nice and seemed liked they really loved what they were doing.
I’m definitely going back to try out their menu. And hopefully in the next few months when the menu gets updated, I will go back.
R.TL wish list:
- Crisp Peruvian Chicken
- Crispy Skin Pork Belly
- Smoked Duck
- Venison Burger Trio
- Beef Tacu Tacu
- Beef Tenderloin
- Sweet & Tart Apple Duo
They are participating in Dine Out Vancouver 2010, so go take a look at their menu.
R.TL (Regional Tasting Lounge)
1130 Mainland St
Vancouver, BC
(604) 638-1550
