It was Groucho Marx that once said, “I’m not crazy about reality, but it’s still the only place to get a decent meal.” Well, he was only partially right – Vancouver is rife with ‘safe’ places to get fed – whether it be mega-restaurant chain with the pretty girls or the familiar-to many symbols of American imperialism, none of which make a far departure from the oh-so-standard burger and fries.

Last year, on the Urban Mixer blog, I wrote about r.tl in Yaletown and only about the pretty girls, the aesthetics and the opening party but not much about the food. A couple weeks ago, I was invited to check the restaurant out and satisfy my curiosity as to what r.tl was all about.

Firstly, r.tl, other than being a really cool website address (http://r.tl) purchased from a Timor-Leste website registry (very much like .ca names can be purchased from a Canadian website registry), stands for Regional Tasting Lounge. r.tl is located at 1130 Mainland Steet half-a-block down from Goldfish towards OPUS Hotel.

So what’s the food like? Currently, r.tl is featuring tastes from Portugal, France and the Coastal BC Region – they change this up on a regular basis – here’s the what we really, really really enjoyed, photos and all – feel free to judge for yourself.

Oak Barrel Smoked Breast of Magret Duck – $15
three grapes salad, caramelized walnuts
(hot smoked in house)

Fava Bean & Cilantro Salad – $11
fresh fava bean, thinly sliced garlic
white wine vinegar, Maldon salt & cilantro

Of course, there was always a cocktail or some vino to accompany… especially worth consideration since the restaurant has 30 wines by the glass all expertly preserved with a state-of-the-art system.

Riesling
Basserman-Jordan Kabinett
Pfalz. Germany
2006

Tinta Barroca / Tinta Roriz
Quita Do Vallado
Douro, Portugal
2005

Grenache / Syrah
Domaine de Cristia
Chateauneuf du Pape
2005

Prawns Piri Piri – $14
pan seared wild sea tiger prawns
traditional Portuguese chili sauce

Bolhinos de Bacalhau – $12
salt cod fritters with parsley and onion
saffron aioli, piri piri dip
roasted garlic mayonnaise

Berkshire Pork Belly – $14
hibiscus braised purple cabbage, cipollini onions braeburn apple compote, braising jus reduction

La Petite Salad Niçoise – $11
fresh micro greens, quail eggs, haricot vert
niçoise olives, fingerling potato

Braised Bison Finger Bones – $15
five spice, sour cherry compote
daikon fondant

Tart de Jour Végétarienne – $12
The menu says ask about today’s creation – I would say this tart is best described as ‘yummy!’

Tart Tatin
caramelized apple straight up
& vanilla brandy a la mode

With three people fed – or rather stuffed (and very happy), and a just a bit over a c-note for the food (drinks not included), I’d say you’re in for some serious value. Something that the above cited restaurant genres can’t even compete with despite their buying power. Chef Erik Smith, Sommellier and Manager Alain Canuel and Barman Matt Martin are definitely a force and their talents combined, worth checking out.

r.tl in Yaletown
1130 Mainland Street (MAP)
Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9

TEL: 604-638-1550

WEB: r.tl

HOURS: Open 5pm daily, 7 days a week