A couple weeks back, I was invited to attend Visa Infinite’s “Ultimate Brunch” at db bistro; the offer was bittersweet considering the restaurants’ imminent closing, however, I couldn’t miss one final extravagant Champagne soaked meal before two restaurants worth of top-drawer talent scattered to the wind.
The afternoon’s gathering brought together a sold out crowd of db regulars and industry friends wanting to enjoy one final meal and pay their last respects to the end chapter of one the city’s most epic restaurant sagas. The db staff did not disappoint, as they pulled out all the stops to provide an unforgettable event that was MC’d by wine educator, DJ Kearney.
Here are a few pics of the plates that were served:
^ Selection of Viennoiserie, fresh baked breakfast pastries
^ Plateau de Charcuterie, chef's selection of cured meats, paté, housemade pickles, paired with Williamette Valley, Oregon Argyle Brut 2006
^ Lobster Poutine, poached lobster, foie gras, pearl onion, cheese curds & lobster reduction, paired w/ Champagne Serge Mathieu Cuvee Prestige Brut N/V
If there was ever a dish that could kill me with a smile on my face, this would be it. Lobster Poutine, yo! Each bite was a decadent bunker buster of rich flavours and textures that only Champagne’s eloquent bubbles could properly cleanse my overwhelmed palate before the next bite. Sublime.
^ Red wine poached Alaskan Sablefish, house made bacon, brioche, spinach puree & poached egg, paired w/ Domaine de Mordorée La Dame Rousse Tavel 2009
^ Tropical Vacherin, coconut mousse, tropical fruit salad, pina colada sorbet, paired with Pellegrino Passito de Pantelleria Moscato 2008
^ Chef Nathan Guggenheimer
The meal was truly top notch and a testament to local boy Chef Guggenheimer’s maturing talents in the kitchen, of which we were only beginning to glimpse during his short tenure running the show at db. Unfortunately for us, Nathan has chosen to stay on with the Dinex Group and has moved to New York City to continue under the tutelage of Daniel Boulud. Let’s hope he returns home one day to continue where he left off.
Former Lumiere chef Dale Mackay is branching out on his own with his new French bistro called “Ensemble”, which will be opening in the former Corner Suite Bistro location (850 Thurlow Street) in the next few weeks; sommelier Kevin Van Hullebush has also joined him in the new venture, while former restaurant director and consummate professional Chris Gonzalez is still considering his options to stay in Vancouver as well as entertaining offers from the US (his home country) and abroad.
Thanks to all the staff who made my last meal at db bistro a memorable one.
Special thanks to Don House of Integrated Digital Media Group for organizing the event.
~ PK
UPCOMING VISA INFINITE EVENTS:
• Brunch on the Mountain at Fraiche with Dino Renaerts – Sunday, June 12, 2011 11:00 am
• Hawksworth Restaurant with David Hawksworth – Thursday, June 23, 2011 6:30 pm
Call 1-888-711-9399 to reserve your place at the table. For additional details, visit www.visainfinite.ca
