Hidden on the backside of a flight of stairs beneath road degree, Arike is a real hidden gem. This Nigerian-inspired restaurant positioned in West Finish is an ideal choice for an intimate eating expertise.
The Environment
It’s not a straightforward process to search out quiet institutions with wonderful meals. Arike has a really intimate setting that means that you can take pleasure in completely executed dishes whereas having an audible dialogue, and that was an actual plus for me.
The décor was easy. Slightly bit extra may have been carried out to make the place look extra upscale and really feel extra “Nigerian”, however the playlist made up for what the décor lacked.
The Meals
My companion and I went with the Fall Tasting Menu ($65) and the elective wine pairing ($27).
Preserved Pear, Aerated Coconut and Ginger, Basil
Paired with “Rigour and Whimsy Rousanne Marsanne”
The 5 course meal began with a lovely Preserved Pear, Aerated Coconut and Ginger, Basil dish. The pear dish was delicate but flavorful. It was recent and it had an incredible stability of fruity and acidic notes.
Wild Boar Stomach, Pineapple Jerk Barbecue, Coconut Rice
Paired with “Summerhill Biodynamic Pinot Noir”
Subsequent, we have been served a Musubi, which is a typical Hawaiian dish. The same old spam was traded for a slice of Wild Boar Stomach with a Pineapple Jerk Barbecue Sauce sitting on aromatic Coconut Rice. The meat was juicy and cooked to perfection. It was one in all my favourite dishes of the night.
Hibiscus Granita
The Hibiscus Granita was an incredible palette cleanser, though the hibiscus was very delicate.
Char Grilled Leek, Ginger Crayfish Chili Sauce, Bonito
Paired with “Daydreamer Riesling”
The Char Grilled Leek was wonderful. The Ginger Crayfish Chili Sauce took this dish to the subsequent degree. It was each candy and spicy, and the bonito flakes added some smokey flavors.
Roast Boar Chop, Plantain and Cipollini, Bone Marrow Butter, Chermoula
Paired with “Rigour and Whimsy into The Darkest Wooden Syrah”
The principle was excellent. The buttery Boar Chops have been extraordinarily tender with the proper quantity of moisture. The Chermoula was so scrumptious it may have been loved by itself.
Dessert
Panna cotta, Thyme Shortbread, Poached Pear, Macadamia
The Panna cotta was an incredible ending. Visually, it was extraordinarily interesting and it was additionally scrumptious. I actually appreciated the distinction of textures between the crunchy macadamia, the crumbly shortbread and the jiggly panna cotta. This dessert was very properly balanced and gratifying.
General
The meals was a ten out of 10. It was clearly not a conventional West African culinary expertise, however there have been a number of touches of Nigeria right here and there. The Musubi and the Wild Boar Chops have been the highlights of the night. Amount-wise, we had simply the correct quantity of every little thing.
Sadly, the wines didn’t match the greatness of the meals and I want we had extra clarification concerning the wine choice.
I might extremely suggest Arike for a particular date or event. The wholesome distance between every desk and the quiet setting have been so refreshing. Remember the fact that the place is moderately easy, so if you wish to wow your date, it could be a minus. That being mentioned, the service was good and our server was very nice and pleasant.
One other level to notice is that you should pay for all the meal throughout the reservation. The restaurant prices a 18% gratuity payment. Personally, I discovered it handy to stroll out with out having to deal with the fee or serious about tipping, however it could flip some folks off.
Arike
Opening hours: open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm
Web site: click on right here
Handle: 1725 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1W5
Phone: (604) 336-9774
Be aware that costs and data featured on this article are topic to vary.
