I missed the deadline for the Northern Voice opening party, so I left workspace around 6:30 for dinner at <a href="http://www.boneta.ca/">Boneta</a>. I've been intrigued by Boneta since it opened. It's at a horrible location, Cordova and Carrall street which is right next to a bunch of really scuzzy places. It looks very upscale with a really attractive looking menu and bar.
The net is that the food was very good, the wine list was short but great selections, the liquor menu was amazing, and the service was very friendly. I had the stuffed squid appetizer which was good but the sauce didn't do much for me, it seemed to overshadow the subtle squid flavours. The lamb main course was really great. They had a winter ale on tap and a great Hewitson Monastrell red. I passed on the wonderful Saint Cosme, a favourite producer of mine. I also passed on the Grandfather's Tawny port, another outstanding selection.
Justin, the bartender, was super friendly. In fact, I'd say the entire restaurant staff were all much more friendly than I was expecting. Not at all like the snobby Chambar. I'm quite enjoying the friendliness of the last few restaurants.
The restaurant might have been a little high on the pricing side. Overall, a wonderful addition to the downtown eastside and the continuing gentrification of Vancouver's ghetto.
That is good to hear as I work just around the corner and I am always looking for good places to go.