When you think of a typical testosterone sports bar, you imagine a place with raucous guys drinking pitchers of a heavily advertised beer, attacking plates of nachos, chicken wings, or pork bites in between fist waving and shouting at televisions. Chances are, people are not there for the quality of the food or drink. But why should those who enjoy watching sports, not be able to get a good craft brew and some tasty nosh? With Red Card, you can, and then some.
Combine a stylish modern bar with a trattoria, add 18 high-definition televisions, and you have Red Card. It’s a place where you can have just beer and a pizza, but they will be far from ordinary – as is the Italian-inspired menu that would not be done justice by calling it “pub grub.”
The red brick marana forni oven that takes pride of place in the centre of the room, turns out masterful pies that stop you dead in your tracks with the first bite. You may find yourself distracted just a bit from the on-screen action while your mouth competes with your eyes for the cerebral cortex’s attention. The remainder of the menu has something to satisfy everyone, be they of light or hearty appetite, omnivore or vegetarian. Three desserts act as a fluttering flag on a distant green.
For beer options, there are 16 taps offering an international mixture of micros, macros, and Strongbow cider. Draft Lost Coast Indica IPA, Pike IPA, and Rogue Dead Guy will appeal to those looking for something to invigorate the palate. Over 40 bottled beers will leave you further spoiled for choice, although the US craft beer selection is where the strength of the menu lies – not a single dud amongst them.
Red Card could have rested its laurels there and already upped the game in town. Instead, they are running a Summer Beer Series until September 10 where, every Friday, a feature beer is paired with a specialty pizza created by Executive Chef, Andreas Wechselberger. Pairing beer and food is an idea that has yet to take serious hold in Vancouver. But with places like Red Card starting to explore this frontier, it’s only a matter of time before beer drinking gastronomes will have better options when dining out.
~ RG
