After a few unsuccessful attempts at getting a reservation for Dine Out somewhere downtown on Friday, my friend and I decided to take a stab at a walk-in (check with the restaurant beforehand as some only offer the Dine Out menu on reservations). Luckily, the dinner rush wasn’t yet in full swing so we were able to snag ourselves a table in the dining room. This was my first time at Cardero’s and I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in the restaurant. There was a large seating area separated into three sections: the main dining room, the bar and the lounge. There is also an outdoor patio area which would be perfect during the quickly approaching summer months. We were seated a bit far from the open kitchen, but the few sitting at the bar had a good view of what was going on in there. Cardero’s sits on Coal Harbour and they certainly take advantage of the location with big picture windows that let the natural light and the scenery pour in for diners to enjoy as they dig into their meals.
For my appetizer, I chose the clam chowder while my friend had the mixed greens. The chowder was tomato-based and was filled with vegetables and clams, but it was more soup-y than it was chowder-y, which left me feeling slightly unsatisfied. The soup had a nice depth to the flavour, but because of the consistency I’d say it was passable. My friend’s greens also didn’t dazzle us as it was just a plain ol’ salad with vinaigrette. Maybe it’s better to keep things simple, rather than throwing nuts, berries and other dohickies in salads. Anyway, on to the next course!
I went with the veal osso bucco for my entree and it was delicious! There was a sizable portion of veal and it was tender and juicy. The demi-glace complemented the meat well and wasn’t too overpowering or salty. The veal was presented nicely with a pop of colour from the slice of red pepper and stalks of grilled asparagus served on the side along with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. I enjoyed my main and would definitely order it again.
My friend had the cedar plank coho salmon and her dish was presented much the same way with a scoop of rice, red pepper and asparagus. She was also given a generous portion of salmon and she enjoyed the soy maple sauce it came with.
Cardero’s Dine Out menu only gives one option for dessert so if you’re not a fan of berries, crumbles, or ice cream, then you are out of luck. I’m sure if it were a problem, you could request a different dessert but we didn’t try. The berry crumble was served warm topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The crumble layer on top was crisp and the berries (and I think there was rhubarb in there) were tart but as I ate it with the melting vanilla ice cream, the flavours and textures melded together perfectly in each spoonful.
Our server, Aaron, was friendly and attentive and provided solid service. And as I took a look around, it seemed that most tables were happy and seemed to be enjoying equally good service. With good food, great service and a comfortable atmosphere with a view, Cardero’s is definitely worth a visit this summer.
Cardero’s
1583 Coal Harbour Quay
Vancouver, BC
(604) 669-7666
www.vancouverdine.com/carderos/home.html
One Comment on "Cardero’s, Good Eats with a View"
I’m a complete stranger, but I’d just like to say that I think Janet is the best writer you have. You should totally give her a raise! Or make her the editor! Her words are like a black pig, fattened on acorns and left to roam in the Oak forests of the Spanish countryside. Delicious and expensive. Her punctuation is almost as good as that of an English teacher.
I love you, Janet, even though we’ve definitely never met.