Sanafir Restaurant & Lounge

Sanafir - Arabic for 'meeting place' – invites guests into a buzz of energy where 25-foot high ceilings, social seating, a high energy kitchen and exotic lounge rock your casbah with tapas from the near and far East.

With 130 seats on two levels, plus a 12-seat bar, the room has been designed to allow for a variety of dining options: intimate dining throughout the first level amidst hand crafted Egyptian amber urns, or on the Moroccan-style richly upholstered beds in the mezzanine level overlooking the restaurant.

Director of Kitchen Operations Sean Riley and Executive Chef Milton Tanswell have created a menu that consists of ‘tapas in trios’ prepared with the flavours of the North Africa, Asia and Middle East, offering a mix of both regional and exotic ingredients. The highlight of the kitchen – the unique Trio Plates – offer three different examples of items such as Ahi Tuna, Wild BC Salmon or Lamb, to name a few. Quality raw ingredients only available on the West Coast are combined with the exotic flavours from the ‘Silk Route’. The menu puts Chef Tanswell’s creativity to the test and invites each and every guest to take a culinary journey.

THE TEAM
Michael Moore, General Manager
Michael has been a key member of the GLOWBAL COLLECTION for the past seven years. Working his way up the Glowbal ladder, moving from his starting position as head bartender in 2002, to Beverage Manager in 2006, and then Senior Assistant General Manager in 2008 - at the well established glowbal grill & satay bar - Michael brings a wealth of experience to his role as General Manager of Sanafir Restaurant & Lounge. Michael prides himself on an “enthusiastic and fun approach to service”, and feels that the skills he has developed through his years with the GLOWBAL COLLECTION of restaurants will allow him to build on the level of success attained thus far at one of Vancouver’s “most unique and sexiest restaurants.”

Milton Tanswell, Executive Chef
Milton’s love of cuisine was fostered from an early age, by parents who were self professed ‘foodies.’ He began his restaurant career when he was 16 years old and has never looked back. Over the years, Milton has had the opportunity to work in some of Canada’s most renowned dining establishments, including Toronto’s Drake Hotel and Jamie Kennedy’s Wine Bar.
Milton’s cooking philosophy revolves around flavour exploration, and the fact that he is at the helm of a restaurant devoted to showcasing the flavours of the ‘Silk Route’ is important to him as, “that is where flavour was born.”  He looks forward to leaving an indelibly positive mark on all those who visit Granville Street’s most exotic dining destination.

LOCATION
1026 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC   V6Z 1L5

CONTACT
T: 604.678.1049  F: 604.602.7523  E: info@sanafir.ca  W: www.sanafir.ca

HOURS
Open daily from 5:00 pm

PRICE RANGE
Tapas Trios: $14

SPECIALITIES
Tapas menu offering exotic flavours showcasing North African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Indian dishes.

DESIGN
Evoke International Design
Sanafir’s design is intended to create a restaurant that marries the rich culture of the near and far east with the modern innovations and aesthetics of western culture.

On the ground floor eastern opulence reigns with ornate hand crafted light fixtures made from Egyptian urns, coloured glass and amber. Five fixtures over 6 feet long each dominate the back wall of the bar. The plan is organised around a 40-foot long marble bar. Custom oak benches provide the rest of the seating downstairs.

Three hanging wall panels hand painted on papyrus with lotus flower motifs provide a dramatic backdrop on the 25-foot high walls.

Stairs near the kitchen lead the patrons to the mezzanine level. This level has two distinct areas. One has a Moroccan inspired theme with low solid oak tables and large floor cushions to sit on. Six feet tall basket weave floor lamps contain the area without the use of walls.

Across from this area are four private beds for reclining, raised on an oak floored platform, surrounded by harem inspired draperies. The headboards are fully upholstered and bright “silk” pillows are generously provided. Bronze coloured mirror with etchings and more custom light fixtures complete the look.