Main Street's Cascade Room Serves Up European Comforts

By Leslie Horne
Located at 2616 Main Street, The Cascade Room is the latest addition to the growing Main Street restaurant scene. Situated next door to its sister restaurant, Habit, this gastropub-style eatery is quickly becoming a popular hangout among local and destination diners alike.

The restaurant features a diverse selection of European food styles prepared classically alongside West Coast local fare. It also has an extensive beverage program that compliments the menu well. The atmosphere is warm, contemporary and energetic, with line-ups most Friday and Saturday nights.

The menu is conservative in size, yet it still manages to offer something for everyone, including seafood and vegetarian options. It’s also updated quarterly to reflect seasonal changes. The prices are reasonable as appetizers and entrees range between $11 and $20.

Recommended is the Northern Buffalo Top Sirloin Steak, which is served with a cheese and potato gratin and a good portion of maple glazed beets. Another favourite is the Tagliatelle Amatriciana Pasta, which is made with smoked braised pork cheeks, fresh chili and tomato sauce.

The restaurant also offers a great selection of starters and sides including Mussels, Calamari, Pizza, Salads, Charcuterie and their signature Polenta Fries; Chef Travis William’s creative approach to the basic french fry. Made from thick strips of deep fried polenta and fresh rosemary, served with a side of curry mayo – a bit rich but great for sharing.

“Polenta Fries were created from my experiences working in Italian restaurants,” says Travis. “We used to deep fry bits of left over polenta for staff meals. They were so popular I decided to create a unique snack version for the menu. Besides, everyone else has yam fries – So boring!!!”

Travis also takes pride in using local, natural, and organic ingredients whenever possible. The Pemberton Natural Organic Beef Burger is a menu staple and popular among guests. Likewise, the Organic Mushroom Risotto, a new addition, is receiving great reviews thus far.

“People want to know where their food is coming from,” adds Travis. “We try to source meats from local farms and use organic produce from the Fraser Valley whenever possible.” The Cascade Room is also a member of the ‘Ocean Wise’ Program, as recommended by the Vancouver Aquarium for ocean-friendly seafood choices.

Although open for “Brunch” on Sundays, bacon and eggs are nowhere to be found. The restaurant’s motto reads ‘Sunday roast beats two eggs on toast”. It’s their latest roast beef dinner feature that’s quickly picking up steam, especially among British ex-pats looking for a little taste of mom’s home cooking.

Starting at noon and only on Sundays, the restaurant offers a traditional-style roast beef dinner complete with Yorkshire puddings, roasted potatoes and homemade gravy. An alternative roast is also prepared that rotates between chicken, pork or lamb. A three-course meal deal is offered on Sunday but only until 3pm.

The Cascade Room is also known for its unique cocktail menu with more than 45 classic cocktails made precisely how they were nearly 60 years ago. My server was quick to recite a few history details, making the whole experience of ordering a drink quite entertaining.

You’ll find Pimms or Absinthe cocktails served up along side a Moscow Mule or a Hemingway Daiquiri. Shaken not stirred? Of course, the bar offers a full selection of traditional and contemporary martinis, local and imported beers and international wines. The cocktail menu is credited as a large part of the success of the restaurant.

The Cascade Room is open every day from 5pm to midnight with the exception of Sunday from noon. For more information visit www.thecascade.ca or call 604-709-8650.

Leslie Horne writes regularly about food for Vancouver.com