Bigger cities mean more people. Often, you’re also looking at more people in a small area; more bustle. More bustle means more running into people, rubbing shoulders, more earshot. I like that. Especially at restaurants. It reminds me of New York. So, while here in Vancouver I’ve particularly enjoyed meals at small restaurants that are too tight and naturally, too loud. Right or wrong, I attach the buzz of such places to the buzz of urbanity and want to return again and again. That is why I bring up La Quercia (The Oak) again.
Small, tight, loud.
Excellent food—that happens to be Italian.
For my first visit, my party and I ate our way through 9, n-i-n-e, courses. This time, I noticed you could do a 5- or 9-course family style set menu. Remembering my previous food baby… my dining date and I chose the 5-course menu. As the kitchen takes your food allergies and aversions into consideration, what follows is the perfect fresh and seasonal menu created just for our table. I noticed that the table over did 9 courses and had none of the same dishes as us. Methinks that’s pretty cool.
Some days I dream about those perfect soft, but supportive pasta pillows. Other days I want to savour little spoonfuls of that light-as-air soufflé. All days usually require a moment where I want to twirl al dente spaghetti.
House-smoked trout
Parmigianno souffle
Fennel salad with walnuts and blue cheese
Spaghetti ai frutti di mare
Gnocchi with walnuts and gorgonzola
Ruby trout with chanterelle sauce
Saffron and quince tart, chocolate mousse, tiramisu
Dreams can become reality: I already have another reservation.
La Quercia
3689 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver
