AnnaLena is a one Michelin starred restaurant in Vancouver, Canada, and probably one of the best gastronomy dining experiences we’ve had in a long while. The set menu was CAD $168 per person, and the premium wine pairing was CAD $195 per person.
Set Menu
They dared to start off their set menu with their best dish, the bread. It was deliciousssss! And probably the best bread we’ve eaten.
This was a rustic piece, hand-torn from a massive 3kg loaf, that was soaked in garlic and beef fat oil, charred at high heat, and served ultra-crispy on the outside yet incredible soft and fluffy on the inside. This was served with a sour cream and dill dip.
This was a rustic piece, hand-torn from a massive 3kg loaf, that was soaked in garlic and beef fat oil, charred at high heat, and served ultra-crispy on the outside yet incredible soft and fluffy on the inside. This was served with a sour cream and dill dip.
Next was off the coast, an Argentinan prawn, halibut, scallop , mussel and smoked tomato dish that was fresh, umami and creamy.
This was their bait and switch, an oyster with shaved foie gras that had the most delicate and creamy texture. Plus a cured and smoked tuna with XO and shiso. It was amazing. The oyster was mind-blowing 🤤.
This was an extra bite of fried potato with parfait cream and shaved foei gras.
Next was aged with grace, an aged duck with daikon and sake ponzu vinaigrette. This duck was perfectly refined and tender. The mix of acidity and crunch from the puffs made this bite sooo yummy.
Their palatte cleanser was a lemon jello. This was so creative.
This was all that follows, a chilled brassica lifted with a bright green peppercorn vinaigrette and finished with a cloud-like aerated mimolette that added a delicate savoury richness.
Next was under story, a carrot agnolotti with king oyster mushroom and chilli crisp. And dayum, it was so savoury we couldn’t believe it was vegetarian for a moment.
I forgot what this drink was, but it was light and sweet – a nice palate cleanser.
Our last main was slow and low. This was a beef striploin, with braised cheek, turnip, spinach, vadouvan, and madeira jus. It was absolute perfection!
For desserts, we started with a bold griddle goat. This was goat cheesecake, focaccia, and haskap. I don’t know how they did it but they made goat cheese palpable and enjoyable.
This was far from the tree, a roasted apple financier, sunchoke, and miso apple caramel. It was a rich and deep sweetness.
We finished with a pâte à choux. It was so light and creamy, ending the dinner on a cold and sweet note.
Drinks
These were the wine pairings, and a 7th glass of 2016 Martin’s Lane “Naramata Ranch”, Naramata, BC.
Service
The service was impeccable. The staff were friendly and attentive, the pacing was perfect, and the ambience was moody – perfect for a date night.
Review
We loved this dining experience and if we travel to Vancouver again, we would definitely dine here again.
Thanks for reading. Happy eating!
Thanks for reading. Happy eating!
