Unless you’ve been living under a culinary rock, you’re probably aware that today is the first day of Dine Out Vancouver 2009. New for this year is a slight increase in the 3-course set menu prices to $18, $28, and $38. I always try to go to at least 1 or 2 dine outs each year but over the years, I find that the quality and service of the offerings has deteriorated somewhat. Now, instead of booking as many restaurants as possible, I try to look for the hidden gems that still keep the original spirit of Dine Out alive. 
I also tend to avoid the $38 menu restaurants because I feel that at that price, I can just go for the regular menu and get something of almost equal value and I also have more choice.
This year, I’m going to try out Pastis Bistro and maybe Pinkys Steakhouse in Yaletown. They’re both $28 menu offerings and I’ll be sure to report back on how they go.
What restaurants are you going to try at Dine Out this year? Any pleasant surprises that turned out to be better than you expected?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
While everyone is distracted by Dine Out, I’m thinking that I’ll go out of my way to try restaurants that aren’t participating. That way I can avoid the assembly-line mentality of the Dine Out restaurants, not have to fight my way through crowds and actually order what I want from the menus.
I think we are trying two restaurants for Dine Out this year – both in the $38 per plate range.; Brix and La Terrazza in Vancouver.
Sporttygal and I don’t get many opportunities for ‘fine dining’ that involves a 2.5 hour seating for dinner. Most of them are 15 minute chow sessions before our l’il guy needs to get down or risk throwing peas and potatoes across the table
Thank god we found a great babysitter!
Hi Brad – that is a great idea…I know Chambar is doing an anti-Dine Out of sorts. It is actually a really good time to check out the restaurants off the Dine Out radar.
Hi Matt – glad you & Sporttygal were able to find a sitter.
I’ve been wanting to try Brix for a while…let me know how that goes!
matt, i’ve had very good experiences with dine out at brix; for both dine out and the october taste of yaletown sessions.
i went to db bistro for dine out and was going to take pictures for the review, but decided against it. the food was decent, the db burger was excellent, and the service was a little bit on the lousy side. our waitress had a frown chiseled onto her face and seemed to enjoy asking every table beside ours how their dinner was going.
Hi Pick – that’s one of the crappy things about Dine Out—sometimes you’re stiffed with poor service or poor food!