Have you ever had a Bellini? It's on most menus around Vancouver, nay the world, but your average guy will poo poo the notion of such a girly drink, à la Marshall from How I Met Your Mother. Should we though? The short answer is hell to the no. The recipes can vary, but generally it tastes like those peach slice $0.5 candies, Slurpee style, with a dollop of champagne. Do yourself a personal favour and get one the next time you go out!
We posted up on the Joey Burrard patio and ordered a Bellini, hence the opening rant, and a Blueberry Mojito. Joey Burrard holds a special place for the JCP family. It is where Jenn and I first met! On a lark we decided we'd try and replicate the meal we had after we struck up a conversation at the bar while waiting for our friends. After 10-15 minutes of very engaging conversation we both texted our friends and told them we wouldn't be able to make, a little white lie seeing as how we were already there, and proceeded to grab a table and our impromptu first date commenced :)
Bellini & Blueberry Mojito
I acted aloof on our first date like getting a bunch of appies and splitting them buffet style was a regular thing, but it wasn't. It is now :) We ordered a Rainbow Roll, Gyoza, Chili Chicken Bites, Sushi Cones and, after some debate since I don't believe it was on the first date curriculum, Hot Wings with blue cheese. As a rule I try not to get sushi at a pub. It's generally a good rule. Throw it out the window at any Joey's! The rainbow roll is in my top 10 for sushi rolls in Vancouver. Ahi tuna, salmon, crab and avacado accentuated by a Srirachi Aioli. I know that sounds good. You can pick this blog post back up after you get back from Joey's. Go ahead, I'll wait.
I have had on occasion bad Gyoza. Sadly it's a fact of life. I'm sure a place or 2 has served me pre-packaged, frozen Gyoza with its rubbery texture and chemical rich preservatives. Those are bad experiences, this was an excellent experience. Hand made pastry cradling deliciously prepared pork and served with a spicy mustard. It's amazing! Their Chili Chicken Bites were just the right amount of tangy and the chicken was plump and juicy. This is not McDonald's "chicken" this is the real deal. Come to think of it they are similarly priced. Why on Earth does anyone go to McD's!? The sushi cone is in the same boat as the Rainbow Roll. Usually avoid, but at Joey's dive in! Prawn tempura with avocado, spicy mayo and tobiko. Even the 12 year-old at McDonald's could make a tasty meal out of those ingredients! It's so nice! The chicken wings, of which I purport to be an expert, were really good as well; 8/10. Tasty, not too steroidy chicken, with a good medium hot sauce.
Rainbow Roll
Japanese Gyoza
Chili Chicken Bites
Sushi Cone
Hot Wings with Blue Cheese
Did I mention that we got to Joey's thirsty? In between our buffet style appie extravaganza a couple tequila sunrises snuck their way in, a few sangrias with Bellini slush, yes as good as it sounds. Then our entrees came out. Don't judge us we were very hungry :) A divine lobster ravioli and a succulent 12 oz New York Strip steak. The lobster ravioli, a regular order of mine, was as good as many of the high end Italian restaurants in Vancouver that specialize in them. A near perfect 9/10! The steak came out the perfect medium rare, first box ticked as I like to say, and the meat was high quality AAA beef. I would go back for a steak anytime!
Tequila Sour
Sangria with Bellini Slush
12oz New York Strip with peppercorn & mushroom jus
Lobster & Prawn Ravioli
Spun Daily Strawberry Icecream
The incredible patio setting, extremely attentive and congenial staff and the myriad of drink and food options makes Joey Burrard, or any Joey's for that matter, a must dine! Head over and tell them Jenn Chan Photography recommended them and you just might be able to skip a line or, at very least, get a crisp high five. Both are good!
Photos: Jenn Chan