Mary in Vancity

For my second Dine Out Vancouver adventure of 2012, I decided to check out The Xi Shi Lounge at the Shangri-La Hotel. Until February 5th 2012, they’re offering a three-course menu for $28.

Located on the lobby of the restaurant, the space is very elegant without being stuffy. Their menu is mostly small bites, cocktails and a high tea menu served from 11:30am until 5:00pm. I’ve been here before for their high tea service.

I started my meal with a cocktail: the Iron Lotus ($12) is their signature cocktail: vodka, fresh raspberry, elderflower, ginger, lime, and sparkling wine. Very refreshing and light.

For my first course I ordered the Chickpea Frites with pickled lime and a flowering rosemary garnish. The dish came with a curry aioli  that was fantastically spicy. The skin of the frites was perfectly crispy while the inside had the consistency of mashed potatoes. Beautiful presentation.

Second course: Xi Shi Burger. Tomato soffrito, parmesan, sticky garlic, roasting liquor emulsion and hand cut french fries.  This was one juicy burger. With two big beef patties, this was a very satisfying entree.

I should mention that with the frites for an appetizer and fries with the burger, there is too much starch with this menu. There is a salad that you can order instead of the frites as a first course, and in retrospect, I should’ve gotten it. I felt too heavy after my meal.

Third course: Apple Pie Sundae – there was very little ice cream on this sundae, as you can see from the picture. It was more like an apple crumble with a small scoop of ice cream on top.

The Xi Shi Lounge is offering their Dine Out menu at lunch time, Monday-to-Friday, starting at 11:30 am. The menu is only available for dinner on the weekends.

Follow them on twitter @XiShi_Van