June on Cambie Day 1 – The Good and The Not So Good

June on Cambie is a new brasserie inspired restaurant in Vancouver which just opened yesterday. The experience started off on a low note. Since they didn’t have an online RSVP system in place, I called to make a reservation and was given an 8:30PM spot at the bar for 2.

Upon arrival, they did not have our RSVP and the host asked us to wait for a manager to sort things out. The place was packed and it was good to see. The first thing that jumped out at me was the beautiful interior which gave it a sleek lounge clubby vibe.

After waiting a few minutes, I followed up with the host stand and there was now a guy and lady there. It was apparent the initial guy we checked in with didn’t bother to follow up with the manager about our RSVP like he said he would. Anyway, the lady explained that the phone number on their website was mistakenly linked to a different website so when I called that number earlier, I had made an RSVP at the other restaurant not theirs. Anyway, there was space the bar so we were seated immediately after this interaction.

We started with the tuna tartare which was good but could of used a bit more acidity:

I liked the fact that the plates were branded. The cocktails were also good. The first I had was the white negroni. One detail I thought was really cool was the quail Scotch egg which topped the tartare:

With the tartare they brought out the pate en croute. It was beautifully done:

Flavor-wise, it was pretty good and the mustard it was served with was especially good. My benchmark for pate en croute was in Paris, and while this was not of that level, it was still well executed. Next, the Caesar salad:

I liked the use of croissant croutons. Overall, it was pretty good and I would give it an 8/10. The star of the night was the “Pasta for Rachel”. Basically, an uncut sheet of ravioli with a Bernaise sauce. The pasta was perfectly cooked. The texture was spot on. The filling, potato and Compte cheese was so silky smooth and full of umami. The sauce went so well and tied everything together. The Bernaise was well balanced. This goes into the “still thinking about this the next day” category.

For our main, we had the Steelhead. The fish was perfectly cooked. It was delicious.

Dessert was a flan that was just OK.

With the bill came some jellies:

Overall, service from the floor and bar staff was good. Friendly and efficient. The place was buzzing in terms of vibe and they clearly invested a lot into the space. The food ranged from good to very memorable delicious. I would go back and recommend this place.