Dine Out Vancouver 2012 – Sandbar

Sunday, January 29th, 2012 :: 2:55 pm

Sandbar Seafood Restaurant – 1535 Johnston St, Vancouver – January 25, 6:45pm
Price per person: $28

Second dine out experience of this year goes to Sandbar on Granville Island. It’s part of the Sequoia Company which includes other restaurants like Teahouse in Stanley Park and Seasons in the Park. Apparently if you dine at all 4 of the participating Dine Out locations this year, you get a chance to win a prize pack (though I doubt if many people will do that…)

As for the food itself, I really liked the braised short ribs appetizer (in fact, I thought it was the best course of the night). Apparently the California Roll was pretty good – not sure how it compares to Japanese restaurants in town. As for the entree, I would say it was quite disappointing. I had asked for it to be cooked medium-rare as usual, but it was more like a medium well-done or even more, so the steak wasn’t that tender. The shrimps could’ve had more flavour or sauce to complement. As a whole, the dish didn’t stay hot for very long (I swear it wasn’t because I took photos in the beginning!) I had the apple strudel for dessert, which was quite typical, and I heard the pumpkin cake was just ok. If I ever come here next time, I would probably get a seafood main course.

It’s too bad that they have really good reviews online, but only a sub-par experience for Dine Out.

Below is my selection:
Appetizer: Lemongrass Braised Short Ribs; 5 spice crushed peanuts, chili scallion relish
Entrée: 4oz Chateau Rib Steak & Grilled Tiger Prawns; caramelized onion marmalade, creamed peppercorn demi-glace
Dessert: Apple Strudel; hint of star anise

Overall I give it a 6.

Sandbar Dine Out Menu

Shutter speed: 1/160s / Aperture: f/1.4 / Focal: 35mm / ISO: 2000


Sandbar Dine Out

Shutter speed: 1/20s / Aperture: f/1.4 / Focal: 35mm / ISO: 1600
Lemongrass Braised Short Ribs

Lemongrass Braised Short Ribs

Shutter speed: 1/10s / Aperture: f/1.8 / Focal: 35mm / ISO: 1600
Pan Roasted Sablefish

Pan Roasted Sablefish

Shutter speed: 1/15s / Aperture: f/1.8 / Focal: 35mm / ISO: 1600
Chateau Rib Steak and Grilled Tiger Prawns

Chateau Rib Steak and Grilled Tiger Prawns

Shutter speed: 1/13s / Aperture: f/1.8 / Focal: 35mm / ISO: 1600
Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Shutter speed: 1/40s / Aperture: f/1.6 / Focal: 35mm / ISO: 1600
Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel

Shutter speed: 1/30s / Aperture: f/1.6 / Focal: 35mm / ISO: 1600

2 Responses to “Dine Out Vancouver 2012 – Sandbar”

  1. whitney Says:

    我覺得不管好不好吃 被你照的都看起來很可口!

  2. a70 Says:

    Haha thanks. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing in terms of actually reviewing the food itself. Food should taste good as well as look good :-P

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