A New Tableau and Spot Prawns Galore

from left to right: Executive Chef Marc Andre Choquette, GM Michael Love, Sous Chef Tret Jorden. credit: Anya Levykh

Like most people, I was surprised and saddened when Voya at the Loden Hotel closed down a few months ago, not least because of the loss of chef Marc-Andre Choquette from the local culinary scene. So it was welcome news to hear Choquette was back and spearheading a new menu in the same digs, except this time under the banner of Tableau Bar and Bistro.

The restaurant is labelling itself as “French-influenced” and the menu seems to waffle between bistro classics like moules frites and lamb shank and pub food like hamburgers and pizza (flatbreads).

The opening party gave some small samples of what’s to come, including a juicy burger with onions and bacon, a fresh, light niçoise, and some very popular lamb chops. I’ll have to reserve final judgement until a proper sit-down visit or two, but with Choquette at the helm, one can reasonably hope for good things.

Spot Prawn High Season

Two weeks in, and restaurants are flogging these small, succulent fruits of the sea with happy abandon, and rightly so, as the season has a scant four weeks left. Le Gavroche is offering a three-course spot prawn menu for $39 until June 5. Options include smoked pork belly with garlic spot prawns, a half-pound of sautéed spot prawns sauced three different ways, prawns with mussels, spelt kernels and vegetable ragout, and dessert. Reservations required.

– Anya Levykh