When a major deal is on the table, hashing out the details in a stuffy boardroom can feel stilted and unfriendly. And million-dollar decisions like these shouldn't be made on an empty stomach. Why not treat yourself and your client or business associate to an exquisite lunch or dinner at one of downtown Vancouver’s premier restaurants? The food and drink will make shaking on it all the more satisfying. [Image courtesy of Miku]
If you’re aiming to impress potential clients, look no further than the award-winning, highly praised Hawksworth Restaurant at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Using the best ingredients the season has to offer, you can expect nothing but fresh, innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine perfectly executed by the kitchen’s top-notch chefs. We’re talking $30 entrees at lunch, though, so be sure you’ve got access to a company expense account. And since you do, consider ordering a bottle of wine from their impressive cellar, suggested by 2015’s Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards sommelier of the year.
For something slightly less extravagant but no less delicious, head to the Four Seasons’ Yew Restaurant + Bar. As with Hawksworth, their location in a hotel means that they’re accustomed to providing impeccable service to out-of-town guests, who in this case may be your clients or partners. Yew is all about seafood, so consider the spot prawn tacos for something on the smaller side or go all out with the Lobster Cobster, their take on the classic Cobb Salad, complete with whole lobster. Seal the deal over mouth-watering desserts and delicious coffee from the North Shore’s Moja roasters.
Take in the majestic Vancouver views at Miku near Canada Place while you analyze quarterly reports and discuss growth strategies. Keep things light, food-wise, with Miku’s signature Aburi-style sushi — lightly seared (and entirely sustainable) seafood that here is accompanied by stunningly creative maki and expertly steeped miso soup. Or leave it up to the competent chefs to choose for you so you can focus on the business at hand.
If you or one of your colleagues happens to be a member at the Terminal City Club, enjoy the privacy and distinguished service at their Members’ Lounge where you can order lunch and conduct meetings — after your friendly game of squash. Or for more of a fine-dining experience, head to 1892 Bistro, their signature restaurant, for seared foie gras followed by steak-frites or whole roasted trout. Traditional and elegant, the Club aims to impress both its members and their guests and is the ideal spot to wow your business associates.
This casual but sophisticated French bistro on Melville Street just west of the financial district is a great option for conducting business over savoury, straightforward bistro fare. Roasted chicken breast or a burger and frites will conquer any midday stomach grumblings, while oysters and a seared tuna salade niçoise is perfect for the lighter eater. And who says the three martini lunch is a thing of the past? Let the expert bartender shake up something delicious for you and your client. Business needn’t be so serious.