New Hendricks Resto-Lounge a Welcome Addition to Downtown Vancouver

by Catherine Dunwoody

With floor to ceiling windows overlooking Vancouver’s Library Square, Hendricks Resto-Lounge is just what Robson Street needs. A hotel restaurant that’s not just there to service the guests sleeping in those Westin Grande Hotel Heavenly Beds, but a new eatery for breakfast, lunch and dinner that locals will love as well. Matter of fact, locals already are loving it plenty.

Hendricks sleek bar bisects the room into restaurant to the right, lounge to the left. Serving up old-school drinks updated with fresh, bright flavours, like head bartender Matt’s Robson Roy cocktail with Apothecary Bitters from East Van. Note: check out the live music and DJ nights here too.

Chef Chris Savino’s menus are impressive, with fresh BC seafood front and centre. The Shrimp Cocktail features tiny, tender and meaty Bella Bella humpback shrimp from Organic Oceans, shredded lettuce and green goddess dressing. The west coast salmon salad is a colourful plate with spinach & watercress from Barnston Island Herbs, in Surrey, dotted with pomegranate seeds, pickled radish and goat’s feta with lemongrass and hemp seed vinaigrette.

Tuna poke might be a trend in the culinary scene leaning towards overkill, but who cares when it’s this fresh and delicious? Haida Gwaii albacore tuna is blended with tomato, jalapeño, scallions, and served with taro chips and togarashi spiced guacamole.