Hidden from the flashy bustle of Robson Street, Tapastree
is a gem that only the locals know about. Located
on the corner of the quiet side of Robson and Denman,
Tapastree offers great dining value. Outfitted with a tiny
patio for the smoking crowd, Tapastree’s patio is always
packed well into the evening. The dark, candle burning
dining room scores points for being an ideal first-date
spot. The elegantly decorated room manages to maintain a
casual ambience, while offering diners an environment that’s
just calm enough to hold a private conversation and loud
enough to make those silent gaps in conversations less
quiet.
Tapastree offers some of the most delicious tapas in
town, and some of the most deadly cocktails in the
downtown area. The food and wine list offers good value,
with most plates listed under $12.00. The martinis are
well-made, the cocktails well-crafted, and the wine list
offers a well-chosen variety of grapes by the glass or
bottle. Tapastree’s champagne based cocktails are worth
sampling while waiting for the tapas to come out.
Complimentary house bread arrives in a basket, the
white, neatly sliced loaf still warm. The piped tomato
butter sits in a silver tin, soft enough to melt slightly
on the spongy bread. Though the butter is yummy, save
aside some bread to mop up some the sauces of the upcoming
dishes.
The sautéed wild mushroom with goat cheese is a nice
dish ($9.25). Served on herb bread, the warm goat cheese
pairs well with the wild medley of mushrooms. The ahi tuna
is a brilliant combination of flavours and textures.
Arriving on a long white plate, the tender slices of tuna
are presented in a long domino-like line. The slices sit
on a sauce of ponzu and hot Chinese mustard, lightly
seared ($10.95) The outer edges of the seared tuna are
still warm, contrasting nicely with the raw center.
The baked filet of salmon was nice but a little dry.
The salmon is baked with Dijon mustard. ($9.95) The spicy tuna tartare was nice, but not one of the
highlights of the dinner ($10.00). The seared scallops are
luscious in its slightly sweet sauce of pickled ginger and
mirin cream sauce ($10.00). The scallops are grilled
perfectly, still tender and slightly browned.
The calamari Dijonnais should be listed as a deadly
sin, with its generous serving of breaded calamari.
Decadent calamari rings, tasting of butter, slightly
crispy, are encased in a slightly grainy, creamy mustard
sauce ($9.00). A healthier alternative would be the
grilled calamari - though not as satisfying, it’s a nice
dish cooked in sweet garlic and chili sauce ($8.50).
The side dishes are appetizing. The side order of green
beans with garlic butter shouldn’t be missed, fantastic
with its sprinkle of roasted almonds and garlic sauce
($8.00). The fries are scrumptious, crisp on the outside,
and hot and mealy in the inside. The fries are served with
mayo and ketchup ($3.95)
The crème brulee was nice, but unfortunately
indescribable at the end of the meal. After all the
beverages and rich dishes, my tastebuds were shot. Perhaps
I should have eased off the calamari dijonnais and the
seared scallops, but what is done is done. For two, expect
to get in and out for under $100.00. That includes drinks,
enough tapas to have you motivated to diet the next day,
and one dessert to share. Reviewed by: Christine G. Louie
Last reviewed: August 25, 2005
|
