Intrigued by all the buzz surrounding The Mackenzie Room, my partner and I embarked on an exciting culinary adventure to Downtown Eastside for a belated Valentine’s dinner. Our expedition turned out to be an unexpectedly elevated farm-to-table experience.
The Atmosphere
The Mackenzie Room is really laid-back and has a charming rustic feel. When I entered the restaurant, it felt like I stepped into my grandma’s home. The menu was displayed on a prominent chalkboard hung on the wall, giving the place a nostalgic and authentic feel.
The Food
While The Mackenzie Room suggests the indulgent $85 “I Want It All” course menu for first-timers, we decided to explore the à la carte options instead.
Chicken of the Sea ($22)
We kicked off our meal with the delightful Chicken of the Sea, one of their signature dishes. The rich and buttery sea urchin pâté topped with crunchy hazelnuts perfectly complemented the subtle flavors of the squid ink brioche, while the sweet pear added refreshing notes.
Wesley Snips ($19)
Next, we tried the Wesley Snips. The natural sweetness of the parsnips blended beautifully with the tangy notes of the blue cheese, creating a harmonious flavor combination. The satisfying crunch of the pumpkin seeds paired with the buttery smoothness of the walnuts added an interesting contrast of textures, which made each bite truly enjoyable.
Hello Clarice ($22)
The lamb tartare, aka Hello Clarice had a more subdued flavor profile than I anticipated. The meat itself was tender and well-prepared, yet it missed that distinctive gamey taste I was craving. However, the creamy feta and the zesty lime brightened up each bite.
Surf n Surf ($52)
The Surf n Surf was subtle and very beautifully executed. The sablefish was cooked to perfection with its buttery flakes that practically melted in your mouth. However, it was the aromatic pernod sauce that truly stole the show, adding a remarkable depth of flavor to the entire dish. The combination with the white carrots resulted in a harmonious pairing.
Dessert
Quince of Darkness ($52)
Saving the best for last, we simply couldn’t resist diving into the irresistible Quince of Darkness. True to its name, this treat packed a punch of rich and intense flavors, yet it was expertly balanced, never crossing the line into overwhelming territory. What I truly liked was the thoughtful interplay of textures. The crispy and slightly bitter cacao sheets provided a delightful contrast to the velvety chestnut cream and the bursts of sweetness from the quince bits. It was a succulent finale.
Overall
The Mackenzie Room delivered a great dining experience with flawless service, delectable cuisine, and unique orange wine, which I had never heard of!
The rustic and homey atmosphere added a charming touch, making it an ideal spot for a date night. However, it did get a bit noisy at times, and the tables were positioned closely together, which slightly compromised the intimate ambiance we were seeking. Nevertheless, we truly enjoyed our meal.
I highly recommend The Mackenzie Room, and I myself would love to return. This restaurant effortlessly captures the essence of comfort and simplicity, providing the perfect setting to unwind and savor a delicious meal.
The Mackenzie Room
Opening hours: open every day from 5.30 to 10pm
Website: click here
Address: 415 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G7
Telephone: (604) 253-0705
Note that prices and information featured in this article are subject to change.
