Denman Tap House & Steamworks

Laughing Statues at English Bay

Denman Tap House
This location has been many many different eateries before. Despite the fantastic location (overlooking English Bay), they cannot seem to get enough loyal customers. I've been here when it was a "fancy" seafood place, and most recently as SOHO pub (recently all closed down). It was the first day of playoffs, so it was pretty much packed everywhere. It was a half hour before puck drop and there were still several tables around. This didn't last very long though.

I was pleasantly pleased with my food. I ordered the halibut with couscous. It was just a tiny bit overcooked but it was actually quite decent. I had my trepidations ordering seafood in a pub but it was my second pub of the day and I already had "pub grub" at Steamworks in Gastown.

I hope to come back here in the summer -- check out it they make a decent pitcher of sangria.

Steamworks

This place in Gastown has been around for a long time (since 1995) but until last week, I've never checked it out. It is pretty much what you'd expect for a brew place -- good central location, typical pub grub, excellent for a group, good pub ambiance.

I recommend the ginger beer (I can't remember what it's called, but I'm sure they will know.) It was perfectly refreshing.

Restaurant: McLean's

This place is in the heart of gastown in the Le Magasin building, a few steps from the steam clock. Despite being owned by our former Canuck goalie, Kirk McLean, it is not a "hockey themed" place.

The ambience is nice. It has an interesting contrast of sophisticated chic with some subtle edge (thick beams of raw lumber). I liked the ceiling of what looks like cast plaster. It has three areas -- bar dowstairs, lounge and the dining area. There are fresh flowers on the tables (altough, the roses look like they were on their last breath).


We ordered a plate of charcuterie (sopressata, capicola, genoa, bocconcini, pecorino and variety of marinated olives). This was a nice variety, it had a good range from the mild to a bit of a bite. I wish that they didn't bring in the bread before they served us the charcuterie because we ended up eating it all by the time the order came. We followed it with mussels in white wine with a side of fries with some tarragon aioli. The wine flavour was quite pronounced, it was nice. I would have prefered if maybe they use a bouquet garni that they can pull out before serving, and sparingly sprinkle with the herbs for garnish. I don't really like biting into too much rosemary, it's way too pungent. If you don't like garlic, don't have this dish because there were plenty of huge cloves.


For dessert, we had the classic crème brûlée. It was a little too much on the brûlée side, it was, therefore, a bit bitter. It was a garnished with some raspberries and coulis.

The service was good. It wasn't very busy (Tuesday night), so the bartender was attending to our order. He was quite attentive, coming back every so often to check if we needed anything.


I would like to go back there again and try something else.



I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

McLean's

200-332 Water StreetGastown, Vancouver, BC

604.669.1112 

http://www.mcleansrestaurant.ca/index.html