The New Oxford Dine Out Vancouver 2018 Review

The Donnelly Group is participating again in Dine Out Vancouver 2018 with what might well be the most delicious, value-packed $20 Dine Out menus anywhere. Donnelly Group’s culinary team Alvin Pillay, Sarah Stewart, and Chris Stewart have put their stamp on fresh, satisfying, scratch-made menus which are built around a core group of 14 dishes, mixed and matched to create unique offerings with multiple options at each location. The menus also include BC VQA wine suggestions from Bar & Beverage Director Trevor Kallies, and this year, each selection is available singly and in different sized pours for sipping, sampling, and sharing. Thanks to The Donnelly Group, I was able to try out the Dine Out menu at The New Oxford in Yaletown. Here’s a look at what you can expect from 3-course dinner.

Disclosure: I was invited to a media tasting. All food and drinks in this review were complimentary. Opinions are my own.

APPETIZERS

cauliflower & brie soup

This cauliflower & brie soup was wonderfully rick, thick and creamy. It felt very comforting, especially on a rainy night. The wine pairing was a Gehringer Cabernet Merlot.

kale caesar salad

As a vegetarian option, this salad really hit the spot being loaded with flavours. I loved the different textures in this salad from the creamy avocado slices, the crispy garlic croutons and the crunchy pumpkin seeds. This was paired with Summerhill ‘Alive’ Organic white.

ENTREES

yam falafel bowl

I loved how the falafels were crisp on the outside and light, fluffy on the inside while still remaining very moist. The orange tahini dressing was nicely thick, creamy and fragrant. I enjoyed the wine pairing with Volcanic Hills Pinot Gris.

brisket cavatappi

The brisket cavatappi was on the sweeter side and I was impressed with the portion of meat incorporated into the dish. I thought the Tinhorn Creek Merlot was a nice pairing because it was dry which contrasted the sweetness of the dish.

DESSERTS

chocolate praline bar

The chocolate praline bar had very similar flavours of a Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup. I liked the taste of the different layers of nuts, chocolate, peanut butter and whipped cream.

coconut panna cotta

The coconut panna cotta had a peach compote with ginger cookies on the side. The ginger cookies were particularly good being soft, chewy with the flavours of the spices nicely balanced. The coconut panna cotta wasn’t very sweet and was interestingly on the thicker side. The peach compote added some fruitiness but not sweetness.

Overall Impression of The New Oxford’s DOV 2018 Menu

The New Oxford’s $20 Dine Out Menu exceeded my expectations in terms of taste, creativity, presentation and value. I’d definitely recommend this menu to others. My ideal three-course dinner would be the cauliflower & brie soup; yam falafel bowl and coconut panna cotta – all of which are vegetarian. Rating: 4.5/5

The New Oxford
Address: 144 Homer St, Vancouver, BC
Website: ‎http://www.donnellygroup.ca/new-oxford/