likebyregina It is tough for a restaurant to open for 10 years in such a competitive industry, especially in Vancouver. And I am glad to witness one of them to celebrate its 10th year anniversary a few days ago. The Dirty Apron Cooking School, Delicatessen & Catering locates just right next to Jam Cafe on Beatty Street, and though I always past by, this is my first time entering the beautiful, spacious store. Along with the 10th year anniversary celebration, it is also the launch night of Gather, the new cookbook.
When you entered the store, there is a delicatessen on the left, where you can find gourmet sandwiches, specialty coffee, hot lunches, and unique ingredients. On the right, it is a huge kitchen where guests can learn everything about cooking. Besides the kitchen, it is a quaint dining area with wooden long tables.
All dishes featured in the event can be found in the cookbook, Gather. We first start with some appetizers. Servers are walking with small bites, and guests are mingling in the delicatessen. The most memorable is the soup of the night, with duck meat in it. Unfortunately, I forgot what the dish name is, but it is a hearty soup.
I also took a chance to guess how many caramels in here for a chance to win a cooking class for two, but it was difficult just by eye-counting!
I almost forgot to mention how delicious these Gluten-Free Chocolate Nourish Bars and Sour Dough with Honey Butter are!
Unlike many events I attended before, the main dishes are cooked in front of us. Chefs take advantage of their enormous kitchen and demonstrate four different dishes. The first one is the Seafood and Chorizo Paella. It is saucy, and the seafood is surprisingly not overcooked. Though it is on a saltier side, I am down for a second plate!
Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Beef Short Ribs are tender, and the flavor is on point.
It is amazed to see Seafood Motoyaki fresh from the oven. Pieces of seafood is baked and topped with a housemade ponzu aioli sauce.
Sake Braised Pork Belly melts in my mouth. How can I leave this place with just one plate?
I ended the night with a delicate dessert, Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake. I rarely see mascarpone cheese in elsewhere than Tiramisu, but it tastes as delicious when pairing with maple!
Overall Impression
I really enjoyed my night at the Dirty Apron, and I wish I try their food earlier. Since I am working fairly close to it, I can now drop by to try their other hot lunches and specialty coffee. If you get a chance to drop by, I highly recommend to buy their Honey Butter. It has a touch of sweetness in the salted butter – unique and best on sourdough. Otherwise, join their cooking classes for a fun and one-of-a-kind date night!
Taste : 5/5 • Service: N/A • Ambiance: 5/5 • Quality-Price: N/A
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