VAN: Tasting Plates Tours Yaletown

If you’re like us, you love an excuse to forego kitchen duty in favour of a culinary adventure around town. Well, last night we scored the opportunity to do just that, as guests of the latest Tasting Plates. Featuring some of Yaletown’s hottest spots for great eats, the event was a well-timed, given that Taste of Yaletown just kicked off (and features a number of the restaurants we popped by, as well).

Though it was a bit of a soggy start to the night, we certainly didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits as we joined hundreds of attendees to the Yaletown edition of the popular roving feast. With more than a handful of different restaurants, cafes, and chocolate shops on board to host us, we brought out appetites and got to work touring the neighbourhood – one of the city’s best for dining.

Tasting Plates is essentially a self-guided culinary tour that takes participants through a specific area of the city, leading you to various establishments to sample and experience some stand-out dishes and offerings. It’s a causal and fun way to meet new and enthusiastic foodies, get to know some of the top chefs in town, as well as check out the latest openings without having to drop a ton of cash for a night out.

Just in time for the rain to stop, we made our way to the much buzzed-about Bella Gelateria’s Pizzeria on Marinaside. Since opening late this summer/early fall, it’s been abuzz with activity and has already scooped up tons of accolades. Owned and operated by James Coleridge, this 80-seat restaurant features a stunning European design and layout, and an equally tantalizing menu that extends beyond Coleridge’s famous award-winning gelato. We feasted on samples of pizza, calzone, and their signature Panini sandwiches before it was time to move on.

Another hot spot on the tour was Romer’s Burger Bar – which was clearly a popular pick given that they ran out of their Chef’s Tasting Plate, which features top picks off of their new happy hour menu. We didn’t have to wait long though, as the staff was quick to serve up plenty of pulled pork sliders, house cooked chips, and truffle popcorn — all of which we had no problem inhaling.

To sweeten up the night, Tasting Plates also had us pop by Xoxolat (where we scored dark chocolate bites), Ganache Patisserie, and Elarose Chocolate (where we indulged in their amazing homemade Ecuadorian chocolate).

A trio of goodness awaited us when we made our way over to check out the newly opened second location of Krokodile Pear (you may recall we wrote about it here a few weeks back).  Their culinary team tempted our near-satiated appetites with what we’ve dubbed a ‘salad in a glass.’ It was cold-pressed green juice goodness that featured a healthy does of kale, ginger, apple, spinach, parsley, and romaine.

At the same stop, we found Nourish where we were treated to samples of their quinoa, coleslaw salad with roasted hazelnuts, and toasted chickpeas.  This was the perfect finish to a flavourful night, and it definitely guaranteed we didn’t go to bed hungry (or unhealthy).

For more on Tasting Plates or to nab tickets to the next food tour around town click here. What’s your favourite Yaletown spot to grab a bite? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter at @ViewTheVibe.

Photo credit: Patrick Boyer of www.urbancowboy.net.