The Hunger Struck - Confessions of a Food Fanatic.

The following is a list of what I consider to be the top 10 of Vancouver’s fine dining scene. With so many restaurants to consider in this great city, I based my selection on the restaurants that consistently deliver on all fronts: food, drink, service and atmosphere.

1. Lumiere

Lumiere is at the top of the list because it is quite simply the most fancy and decadent dining experience you can have in Vancouver. I’m talking about the new Lumiere post-Feenie since Daniel Boulud took over as executive chef. I would not suggest even considering booking a table here unless you have a ridiculous amount of money to spare or are so dedicated to your dining out experiences that you have no problem taking a second mortgage on your house. OK maybe I exaggerate a bit, but the point is it can get quite expensive, especially where wine parings are concerned. We were lucky enough to receive a gift certificate as a wedding present, should you be so lucky or if money is no object I would suggest the 7  course tasting menu, it will be be something you will not soon forget.

Recently when it has been my turn to pick a place to eat out on a special occasion, Italian seems to always be my first choice. I’m not sure why this is. When it comes to fine dining in Vancouver there really is an enormous amount of choice. I think that perhaps more than most people, I have a tendency to go back to the places that have left an impression over and over again . I like the familiar aspect of dining in a place where you know the standard of cuisine you will receive is going to be consistent with your previous experiences. There are a few Italian restaurants in Vancouver that fit this bill and Cioppino’s is right at the top.

This place is consistent across all aspects of the dinning experience. From the service, to the food to the over all experience this place always delivers. From being awarded Gold Winner in the 2007 BC Gold Medal Plates to being voted chef of the year in 2008, owner Pino Posteraro has many accomplishments under his belt. Once you tatse his food you’ll know why.