The new kid on the block in Yaletown (Vancouver), is r.tl (regional tasting lounge) which offers regional cuisine from British Columbia and two other culinary destinations. This cozy, dimmed light resto is the perfect place for a first date and the menu is made for sharing. The three regional features change up every two months and currently the regions featured are B.C. Westcoast, Middle Eastern and Spain.

The menu, created by Executive Chef Erik Smith (formerly of Le Gavroche), highlights seasonal, organic and fresh ingredients. I loved the Braised Lamb Cheeks served on apricot & fig jeweled Israeli couscous ($13 CDN), Berenjena Con Queso pan friend eggplant & Manchego cheese ($10 CDN) and of course the Spanish Meatball Trio of lamb, Bershire pork & veal ($12 CDN). To finish it all off, I had to have the raspberry topped cheese cake and the saffron sorbet sprinkled with pomegranate.

With the revolving menu concept, there is no doubt I will go back for another tasting in the next couple of months!

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

r.tl regional tasting lounge
1130 Mainland St.
604-638-1550