Noshwellmenu

[rating:4]

Pink Peppercorn is a newly minted Seafood restaurant along Kingsway in the rapidly developing Cedar Cottage neighborhood of Vancouver. They bring a little bit of old school everything to a new school world.

(Clockwise: 1. Time to break bread. 2. A little Chardonnay to go with our meal. 3. Tomato and Bocconcini Salad.)

Our friend Andrew was raving about this new seafood joint that opened up in his neighborhood that was headed by one of the ex-chefs of the old Cannery. That was enough for Case and I to go check this place out.

(Clockwise: 1. Their food is Daily Fresh. Says on the placard outside. 2. Grilled Scallops and Prawns. 3. Baby Crab Claws.)

Everything about this place has an old school vibe, from the kitschy marine-influence decor — a la fish netting on the walls and portraits of the Titanic — to the wait staff in white shirts and black ties. Bejewelled glass dividers also remind me of early 80’s style Chinese/Western restaurants. Everything here is immaculate, but it’s like we’ve stepped into a cryogenically preserved restaurant from a couple decades ago.

(Clockwise: 1. Baby Shrimp, Clams, Mussels and Candied Salmon. 2. Assorted dips. 3. Freshly Shucked Oysters.)

Luckily for us, the food produced is also of the old school variety — freshly and simply prepared and cooked with heart. Case and I started with the Bocconcini and Tomato Salad and two glasses of Chardonnay. A bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip arrived. The salad was simply prepared and fresh, the Bocconcini firm yet creamy.

Case and I ordered a seafood platter for two: clams, mussels, oysters, baby shrimp, baby crab claws, grilled scallop and prawn and candied salmon. It was a veritable bounty from the sea. The preparation was absolutely no frills: clams and mussels were juicy and tender; the crab claws meaty and the scallop and prawn grilled to perfection. The freshly shucked oysters were beautifully tender and sweet.

The platter did come with some dipping sauces on the side — their exact content elude me. But, we honestly felt guilty drenching all this nicely prepared seafood in them. It’s best to enjoy them au naturale.

(Top to bottom: 1. New York Cheesecake. Straight Up. 2. Coffee, also straight up.)

Topping off the evening was a slice of plain New York cheesecake and coffee. The cheesecake was creamy and fluffy with just a hint of crumbly crust at the bottom. On the side were drizzles of berry coulis which was fun to mop up.

Our meal came to $74.21 including taxes and tips, which is a remarkable deal for nicely produced seafood. Pink Peppercorn might not win any distinction for ambience, but the friendly staff, the well prepared seafood, reasonable prices and unpretentious environment make this a great go to place for a solid dining experience.

Perfect for: A great seafood joint for a reasonable price.

The Details

1485 Kingsway Street, Vancouver
604.569.3626
eddyspinkpeppercorn.com

— ♠ —