Latitude on Main

Ok so it's been forever since even I have visited my blog. I guess I'm just not in the habit yet. I will get better and I will give you guys something to read!

Latitude on Main: Great food, quiet atmosphere, no-fuss service!

In January, the day of my Birthday, I couldn't decide where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. Even though it was winter time it was pouring rain as it tends to do in Vancouver, especially in the winter and the idea of getting dressed up to go out did not sound appealing. After searching and searching online for a new restaurant to try my boyfriend (David) and I decided to go check out one of the new restaurants in our neighbourhood. We are fortunate enough to live on Main street Vancouver in a lovely part of town called Mt. Pleasant. The name says it all!

Latitude is on Main and 16th avenue on the south east side of the street. At first glance you wouldn't know there is a restaurant, but since our first visit they have now added a big wood patio! Great idea since during the day the sun shines so bright (when it's not raining!) and it will bring even more business in for the summer.

We had made a reservation, but being who we are we tend to eat early (or late- but by this point we were hungry) We were one of 3 tables in the restaurant, so they were able to seat us by the window and side-by-side, our preferred method of eating. Being fish-eating-vegetarians (pescatarian, aquatarian - whichever you prefer) we looked at the menu and automatically ruled some options out. This may make for a difficult blog as I'm sure many 'foodies' are not vegetarian. I will however give you the scoop from my perspective, as well as places to go for great food at great prices!

We selected 4 dishes:
- Empanadas (vegetarian)
- Scallops
- Chickpea fries (vegetarian)
- Ling Cod

We share everything we eat so we both get to try a bit of everything!

The empanadas were fantastic! Flaky on the outside, and hot on the inside! Sweet potato, mushroom and spinach stuffed empanadas served with tomatillo salsa and chile raisin jam. We got two so we each had one.

The Chickpea fries were something I have never seen before. Shaped like a long rectangle box served with smoked paprika mayo. Crispy on the ouside, soft on the inside like a perfect frie! I felt that they needed some acid and asked for some lime wedges. Oddly enough they didn't have any, so they brought me a ramekin of lime juice. SOOOO much better. The fries were delicious without but it was like adding vinegar, just needed some moisture.

The scallops - oh the scallops. Seared to perfection, medium rare inside nice crust on the top and bottom. Came with some guacamole, chive oil and arepitas. Little corn patties that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Fantastic! We've been 3 times since then and have the scallops everytime!

And the Ling Cod - where to begin with the ling cod...Charred tomatilla salsa, shaved fennel, swiss chard and white beans. MM MM Good! The fish was cooked perfectly and the accompaniments were just right. Not an intense fennel flavour, which made me happy since it's not my favourite but just enough to accent the lightness of the fish.

We washed all of this down with some Phillips Phoenix Gold Lager - an awesome brewery on Vancouver Island.

We took a piece of Tres Leches home for dessert. Soft sponge cake with 3 milks, a maple chantilly and a crushed pecan praline! AWESOME!

The best part is ladies and gents, the total bill for all 4 dishes, plus dessert and 4 beers. Was 60$ including tip!!

The service was exactly what I like when I go to eat. Take my order, bring my food, ask if i'm enjoying it, clear my plates, offer me more drinks, dessert and bring me a bill. Straight forward, friendly and no fussing!

We've been 3 times since and everytime we just rave about how good it is. The menu has changed since we first went and they are now doing lunch! I will let you know how that goes!

Latitude on Main: GOOD to the last bite!

--Taisa