{"id":20648,"date":"2020-10-29T15:59:35","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T22:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickydiners.com\/www\/?p=20648"},"modified":"2020-10-30T09:24:32","modified_gmt":"2020-10-30T16:24:32","slug":"media-preview-medina-after-dark-provides-a-romantic-dinner-option-with-mediterranean-coastal-flavours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickydiners.com\/www\/media-preview-medina-after-dark-provides-a-romantic-dinner-option-with-mediterranean-coastal-flavours\/","title":{"rendered":"Media preview: Medina after Dark provides a romantic dinner option with Mediterranean coastal flavours at Media Cafe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Medina Cafe<\/a>\u00a0has been a favourite late lunch spot for me for years. Why late lunch? As it is so popular, I would never have the patience for the long lineup if I come early.<\/p>\n

And I have often wondered why they never ran dinner services because it is such a beautiful bistro-style dining room at L’Hermitage Hotel. High ceilings, tall windows and stone walls with an old-world charm – all look perfect for a romantic dinner date.<\/p>\n

Now 12 years after Medina first opened its doors, it now finally\u00a0offers dinner service –\u00a0 a wine-and-small-plates concept called\u00a0Medina After Dark<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The food is also heavily influenced by Mediterranean flavours of course, and the menu is designed by\u00a0Chef\u00a0Chris West\u00a0<\/strong>and available Thursdays through Saturdays for dine-in as well as pickup.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\"Medina<\/a>
Medina Cafe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
I was invited to dine with my dear foodie friends, Maggi (@magmei<\/a>), Joyce (@monkeyeatsworld<\/a>), and Eileen (@misseileensoo<\/a>).<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Greeted with the warm, amazing Medina hospitality the restaurant is known for, we started with a round of dangerously delicious cocktails mixed with Aviation American Gin<\/a> and purple basil.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

Here are the dishes we tried.<\/p>\n

Le Poulet<\/strong>\u00a0($12) comes with 3 chicken drumsticks, all brined for 48 hours for great juiciness for flavours before they are grilled. Nicoise\u00a0salad lovers must try\u00a0Le Thon<\/strong>\u00a0($17) with beautifully seared albacore tuna salad, garden fresh spring mix, tomato and soft boil egg – a fantastic job to make boring albacore delicious. The\u00a0Hummus Agneau<\/strong>\u00a0($18) is topped with roasted and shredded lamb and little gems of pomegranate for fun texture contrast.<\/p>\n

Seafood lovers like me definitely enjoy the\u00a0Harrisa Prawns<\/strong> ($16), with such vibrant Mediterranean flavours and presentation.\u00a0 And the\u00a0Carrots <\/strong>exhibit amazing taste with the sauces of raita and persillade, and the za’atar seasoning.\u00a0\u00a0Le Porc<\/strong>\u00a0($24) comes with grilled pork loin with flavours that remind me of Greek souvlaki.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Hummus Pitryot<\/strong>\u00a0($17) is another awesome vegetarian dish topped with roasted mushroom for a bit of smokiness. Every single item in the\u00a0Charcuterie & Fromage<\/strong>, board has its own impressive flavour. Last but not least,\u00a0\u00a0Les Boulettes<\/strong>\u00a0has truly brought the Mediterranean coastal flavours and comfort to the table.<\/p>\n

This menu is such a great match to what I recently tasted at Como Taperia<\/a>, although they are different cuisines.<\/p>\n

I’m really loving this wine & small plates concept!<\/p>\n

\"from<\/a>
from top left, clock-wise: Le Poulet, Le Thon,\u00a0 Hummus Agneau, Harrisa Prawns, Carrots, Le Porc, Hummus Pitryot, Charcuterie & Fromage, Les Boulettes at Medina Cafe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Caf\u00e9 Medina General Manager\u00a0Jenna Briscoe<\/strong>, also an accomplished sommelier has curated a\u00a0list of wines<\/a>\u00a0with Mediterranean coastal inspirations .<\/p>\n

Both wines I tried were brilliant and slightly on the dry side: the Edetaria ‘Via Terra’ Garnacha Blanca<\/strong> ($12) and the Alta Alella ‘Mirgin’ Cava<\/strong> sparkling ($14).<\/p>\n

A\u00a0happy hour menu<\/strong>\u00a0featuring specially priced\u00a0beer<\/strong>,\u00a0cocktails<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0wine<\/strong>\u00a0and a limited food menu will also be offered from 3 to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n

\"Alta<\/a>
Alta Alella ‘Mirgin’ Cava<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Medina<\/a>
Medina Cafe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Medina<\/a>
Medina Cafe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0$$<\/strong><\/p>\n

rating: 4.5\/5<\/strong><\/p>\n

Medina Cafe<\/em><\/h3>\n

L’Hermitage Vancouver<\/em><\/p>\n

780 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3A4 <\/em>
\n(604) 879-3114 or medinacafe.com\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n