DOW: Dark and Stormy
>> Saturday, April 30, 2011
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In Boston in early April without my better half, I was still determined to have at least one great dining experience. Lady Luck smiled me on this night. I was wandering around the Back Bay and into the Theater District when I noticed a promising sign, literally. Seeing the green and white Erbaluce sign adorning a typically attractive brick building just off Park Square, I walked over to peruse the menu posted outside. Although it was just past ten o'clock, a sign in the window indicated that the establishment closed at eleven. Perfect.
Inspired by our recent visit to Café Régalade, we jumped right back into our French food endeavours with a return visit to Café Salade de Fruits. We first ate here many moons ago, and it was our first stop during last summer's escapade when we eventually ended up at L'Abattoir.
I knew I chose the right tea when I saw a recipe for a Lime Bang martini on the back.
When Steeve Raye Pastry opened last October, we were thrilled by Steeve's incredible creations. We were devastated to hear of its imminent closure in February and only moderately mollified by news of its replacement, Café Régalade French Bistro. A few weeks ago, while we were in Whistler, the bistro opened, and ever since we've been itching to go.
Well, we finally made it to Café Régalade, for Tuesday brunch. We would have gone the day before, but they are closed on Mondays. Funny how people like to have a day off.
The Top Table Group boasts four multiple-award winning restaurants. Having enjoyed CinCin, West and Blue Water Cafe in Vancouver, it was only natural that we book a table at their remaining one, Araxi, when we finally made a return trip to Whistler.
I've noticed a trend in restaurant ratings. Whenever a place uses high quality ingredients, whether organic or sustainable or fair trade, it seems people are not willing to pay the price premium, and, as a result, their ratings suffer. Despite this, Creekbread still has a reasonably high rating on Urbanspoon, which I think is telling.