The Dish

The Dish
1068 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC

There are times when we “lament” restaurants do not do homestyle cooking. But, then again, why should it? I mean, if you can cook it at home, chances are, you might not want to get it in a restaurant! However, that is assuming you belong to that culture… For us Chinese, it is the issue of where you were born (or your parents were born) but, overall, you can find Cantonese and more recently Shanghai, Taiwan and Beijing. Some regions… Well, that might be more difficult. But, how about Western style home cooking? Given that “meat-and-potatoes” stereotype, I guess it would be “easier” to tackle that concept. And that’s more or less what is served at The Dish (plus, given we are in Vancouver, the concept of being “good” food).

One thing that I have lamented lately is the fact I have been “grounded” (as in not travelled for business) and, because I have been quite busy, not venturing to some other places in the West End except those close to my workplaces (as in less than five block radius). However, on this day, I took an early lunch to do some blood test (no fasting necessary) so, on my way back, I chose to stop for lunch. Most of the places nearby were… Well, I wasn’t that interesting that day. However, then I spotted The Dish. While there wasn’t anything enticing about it, as mentioned above; instead, it was that concept of being “Fabulous Nourishment”.

When I walked in, I noticed they had a plate of food on a counter detailed (or showing?) the dish of the day: a turkey dinner: turkey dish with stuffing, mashed potato ad gravy. Also, they had a wrap but, you know what? Despite turkey is not my favourite form of fowl, I would certainly be interesting on checking what it has to offer. So, for that I went.

After paying it, I walked outside and sat at one of the two tables there. After a short wait, I got the plate above. Well, I will have to admit it looks quite home-y! I mean, this is no fancy cooking on fancy china. This was, for the most part, a down-to-earth dish most Canadians or Americans would easily recognize.

I won’t say I necessarily like this stuffing. It was a bit too mushy for my liking. The mashed potato, on the other hand, was killer! In addition to it been fluffy and having a light consistency, it had an interesting hint of coconut. Really interesting twist which I will have to admit I liked. The cranberry sauce had a tangy taste but not too strong. Not necessarily outstanding but it certainly did its job.

The turkey, ah, the turkey… I wasn’t given the option of white/dark meat and, alas, I was served white meat. Now, if you prefer chicken white meat, please give dark meat a chance. It is really more flavourful (though more fatty, of course). As for these slices, it had a slight dry consistency but, still, it was moist enough not to choke. And, on that note, the gravy had a really light taste but didn’t feel “artificial” (as in made from a mix). Again, similar to the mash, it is good in its own ways!

Overall, the food was quite similar to what you would find in somebody’s home. While it was the “special” for one day, I am almost certain other dishes are prepared in a similar way, i.e., literally home style. While not my “home” style food, still, I can see myself coming back. (This is regardless of the “fabulous nourishment” note it has).

Tagged under: Lunch • Vancouver • West End