A Summer in France

Left to right, top to bottom:Grande Thé at Provence Mediterranean Grill, seared diver scallops roasted campari tomatoes at Le Gavroche, and apple tarte tatin at The Smoking Dog.

All photos by Anya Levykh

So the HST has you sticking close to home this year instead of meandering down the Riviera. You can still enjoy a taste of France all summer long, thanks to these summer deals.

Afternoon Tea à la Provence Mediterranean Grill

Afternoon tea has certainly made a comeback at local cafes and restaurants, but until now, no one has yet thought to offer the French version of this classic mid-afternoon pick-me-up. No sausage rolls or scones here, non, merci. Instead, this Grande Thé includes smoked salmon profiteroles laced with crème fraîche, sweet bell pepper marmalade crostini, rich fig and prosciutto baby quiche, and prawn canapés served in hollowed out rounds of English cuke.

As for the sweets, housemade macarons, warm Madeleines scented with citrus and a chocolate truffle square that is a fudge explosion waiting to happen are just a few of the treats on offer. This is only a two-tier serving, as opposed to the majority of three-tier offerings in town—but at $20 is great value, and the quality is good at any price point. Served Monday to Saturday, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

4473 West 10 Ave. | 604.222.1980 | www.provencevancouver.com

The Smoking Dog Welcomes Back a Prodigal Sous and a New Summer Menu

Chef Pascal Georges is back in front of the burners at The Smoking Dog after an extended stay in Europe and Asia. He’s brought a new menu with him, incorporating some of The Dog’s old favourites—think a classic Mimosa salad and lobster bisque—as well as some new deals, like the $15 all-day menu. Choose between steak frites, roasted half chicken frites, or grilled salmon frites, each available for $15 for lunch or dinner, all day long. Don’t miss out on the apple tarte tatin, served as a whole apple with vanilla gelato over a light flaky base.

1889 West 1 Ave. | 604.732.8811 | www.thesmokingdog.com

Le Gavroche Serves Up Sablefish and Other Summer Fare

When a restaurant’s been around this long (32 years and counting), you know they’re doing something right. Le Gavroche has launched their new summer menu, along with a special sablefish and lobster $35 three-course prix fixe, that will be available for the season. I tried smoked roasted sablefish with lobster emulsion, fresh, chunky gazpacho topped with silky avocado mousse, a classic Caesar prepared tableside, lobster-sablefish fritters, mustard-crusted lamb rack, and cherries jubilee, also prepared tableside. I especially enjoyed the tiny mint gnocchi that accompanied the lamb.

1616 Alberni St. | 604.685.3924 | www.legavroche.ca