One day, someone woke up with the great idea that the spot where the Crime Lab was sitting (the strange convergence of Pender and Georgia, which normally run parallel) was prime spot for condos and thus my beloved Crime Lab disappeared.

There is also a story behind my love for this spot, as my very close friend JT and I had a really important conversation there, and I asked what has become now “The Crime Lab question” (it’s a synonym with tough questions now).

So when I learned from Jeffery Simpson that The Crime Lab was coming back, I knew where I wanted to go for my birthday dinner. The new location is in Coal Harbour, at 100-550 Denman St. The place is very much like I remembered it, great decoration, affordable food, amazing list of martinis (also dangerously sweet) and most definitely, the same flavor they had before, with the crime theme.

The food is definitely affordable, with a range between $17 and $25 for a main course (abundant portions, and very tasty). I chose the risotto with chicken and we all shared a vegetarian platter (for 7 people, nobody really left hungry). There were varied choices for dinner – from burgers with fries AND salad to ravioli to salad with salmon. Very nice menu. The dessert menu is also amazing, in my humble opinion.

There were many details that made my experience very good. While at some points our server struggled a bit with too many tables (I think they were understaffed for a couple of hours), I never felt that we were left down. The service was excellent, and at the end, a very classy gesture by our server: since it was my birthday, she offered to comp my dessert. While I was afraid that if I chose one that could be shared amongst 8 people (the chocolate fondue) they might not see me with good eyes, I was very pleasantly surprised to see that she didn’t even blink. She smiled and proceeded to bring me a “Happy Birthday” chocolate fondue. Now, THAT is classy

Admittedly, we did consume abundant alcohol, but the martinis are also in good price range $ 8.00, actually slightly less expensive than other Coal Harbour spots. But don’t raise the prices! Keep them there! I have to say that I had a fantastic experience at The Crime Lab, and if it sounds as though I’m gushing, I actually am.

If I had to rate my experience at The Crime Lab, I’d say it was pretty much a 9.5 out of 10. I can’t wait to come back!

Related posts:

1. Grand Opening of Prestons Restaurant at Coast Coal Harbour Hotel
2. Theatre review – “The 21st Floor” at PAL Theatre (Coal Harbour)
3. Le Gavroche (Coal Harbour)

We were here for Tanya and Corinna‘s birthday party, and it was a pretty large group. The first thing that impressed me is the size of the restaurant. It’s huge! Very comfortable, cozy, there’s room for everyone. Last night (Saturday) was packed. Relatively good eye-candy, although definitely not very good at approaching others (I was hit on but just vaguely!)

The food was outstanding, Monica and I shared a dessert (the chocolate panna cotta) and I had two martinis (one with fresh watermelon cuts). Outstanding. Definitely not pricey and really good food at affordable prices. If I had known that I was going to have such a good time, I would have come for dinner much earlier. I sampled other people’s platters as I was too busy chatting to order a full meal, but I am sure I’ll be back for a sit-down meal with a few friends soon. Definitely worth checking out.

Our waitress (Number 1 – I forgot your name, damn it!) was really sweet and the service is outstanding. The staff is super friendly. Their system is really great to keep separate checks. You receive a number and they put your order down on your number, so by the time you need to clear your bill, it’s a really simple and painless process. I wish more restaurants in Vancouver did this. Trust me, it’s not all that complicated. If The Rugby Beach Club Grille can do it, I don’t see why others can’t learn from their excellent strategy. I have seen waiters and waitresses from a lot of other restaurants scrambling with separate bills.

This system looks really easy (however, I should say that I find that Rugby Club is probably very well staffed, there’s a lot of staff people to look after the customers – maybe that’s not the case with every other restaurant).

Here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure, all are on my Flickr account.

Related posts:

1. Restaurant review – Cactus Club Cafe (Various locations, Vancouver)
2. The Beach Club Resort in Parksville, BC
3. Swirl at the Beach Club Resort (Parksville Uncorked 2011)

So, what is the Locus?

Located at Vancouver’s busy and thriving trendy Main Street neighborhood, the Locus Restaurant offers an eclectic fusion of modern and classic favourites. The staff sources the best local and seasonal ingredients to create innovative dishes and delicious daily specials.
[The Locus website]

The decor would turn off someone like me, who does not thrive in kind of gothy, dark, red light kind of decor. However, admittedly, the food is simply excellent, so I am not going to complain about that. What I really wanted was to consume good, well prepared food, which is the highlight of the Locus. I would come back during the day. At night I think I’d be a little bit creeped out. But the place is so popular, I can understand how some people might like their unique and eclectic decor.

I have heard that it’s also a great place for brunch though I’ve never tried it. They have a great patio, so maybe it’d be a good place for some beers and brunch. We’ll see.

Related posts:

1. Restaurant review – Nyala (Main Street)
2. Restaurant review: The Wallflower Modern Diner (Main Street, Mount Pleasant)
3. Restaurant review – Burgoo Bistro (Main Street)