Sea Glass Waterfront Grill Opens in Sidney

photos by Kirsten Tyler

SIDNEY

Sidney is offering up a brand new dining venue via the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill at Van Isle Marina on Harbour Road. Chef Ron Vincent and his wife Maureen have recently moved back to the island from Vancouver, in order to spread roots where Ron grew up. Ironically, when Ron was about 10 years old his mom owned the Quarterdeck at the same location, before it burnt down. With his brother backing him up in the kitchen, one could say it’s become somewhat of a family affair.

Sea Glass is years apart from the breakfast and lunch diner that it once was, to the airy and bright place it is today. The wood floors are light, the spacious windows offer a wonderful view of the water and the marina and there are calming hints of aqua green and seashells adorning the walls.

Ron graduated from Vancouver Community College with his chef’s degree and went on to work in such notable places as Joe Forte’s, The Boathouse, Milestones and the Vancouver University Golf Club before deciding that it was time for a place of his own.

I was impressed with the sophistication of his signature Stuffed Challah French Toast filled with Vancouver Island brie cheese and topped with fresh blackberry ginger compote (definitely not the sweet, cloying french toast of your childhood). I also sampled his Ouvos Italiano, fresh Vancouver Island eggs braised in marinara sauce over a petite grilled cheese, grilled Italian sausage and asiago pan fried potatoes, which was beautifully presented and flavourful.

Since breakfast was such a hit we made reservations for dinner the next Saturday night, only the second week into service. When we arrived, the room had morphed into a cozy beach feel, with only the fire pit missing. Ron had a full house, but he was calm and collected behind the pass through sending out Short Ribs in Espresso that melted in your mouth and the best Cioppino I have tasted in a long time. As usual with a new place there are wrinkles to be worked out but they are few. The portions are generous and beautifully plated; the ingredients are fresh and the prices fair. I think Ron’s mom would be proud.

—By KIRSTEN TYLER

www.SeaGLassWaterfrontGrill.ca

778-351-3663

2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, BC