I must say I started out a little disappointed when I checked the $35 Dine Around menu on line. It looked interesting, but there were only two appetizers to choose from, two main courses and only a single dessert. It seemed limiting. Then on arrival there were a few moments of indecision and pausing as we were seated, still with our winter coats. Our hostess finally stepped up to the plate as we patiently waited for her to ask us if she could hang our coats.
Once the awkwardness was over, I was over the moon to enjoy a glass of Joie Riesling, one of my favorite BC wines. The ‘joy’ had arrived and the fun began! The ambiance of the modern, open room is warm with elegantly set tables, smooth jazz playing, and warmth of a crackling fire.
The $35 menu turned out to be ample and delicious. The roasted organic vegetable veloute was rich with the flavour of parsnips and nicely accompanied by my glass of ‘joy’. I chose the sockeye salmon entrée with Swiss chard and a rich and creamy Israeli couscous that reminded me of a barley risotto. The earthy wild mushroom in the couscous added depth and made it my favorite taste of the night. Of course the wild salmon was delectable – perfectly cooked. There was only one choice for dessert, apple pie with a crumble top – tasty but not overly sweet. It wouldn’t have been my first choice for a dessert after such an elegant dinner, but it was an enjoyable finish.
My dining companion didn’t see anything that tickled her fancy on the $35 menu, but we were both pleased to see there was also a $25 Dine Around menu. She began with the SeaGrille sunomono salad that was very generous compared to most Japanese salads: wakame seaweed, crisp cucumber, sweet fresh crab, octopus and a seasonally unnecessary bland tomato. The sushi course was composed of entry-level sushi—California roll, wild salmon and maki and nigiri—nothing on the plate to challenge a sushi lover but sure to sate any appetite. She did have to ask for chopsticks with both courses and our served wasn’t familiar with one of the selections…but it was the first night of Dine Around so some latitude is allowed. Do note there is a wonderful selection of sake by the bottle but not by the glass. It would be nice to see a flight of sakes to take this experience to a new level.
For my guest the one dessert choice was a duo of house-made sorbet. It arrived in a bowl that was right out of the freezer. The mango sorbet maintained the integrity of the fruit in both texture and flavor and was actually very tasty. The berry sorbet… not so much. It was icy and uneven in texture. However, once it sat for a while, the flavor was better as the temperature came up and the sorbet began to soften.
Over all we say Two Chopsticks Up!
- The Secret Diner
T: (250) 544-5100, 849 Verdier Ave.
