Upstairs: Catch Restaurant Gourmet Informal 100 Stephen Ave. SE 403 206-0000 www
In 2011, Catch closed its doors for a major renovations to its decor, its style and its menu. And therein lies the difficulty that we are having with this review. The new restaurant keeps the wonderful stone and brick work of the old bank building and augments it with rick, dark wood trim. But why the antique mirror/menu over the serving area? I suppose that is linked with the more informal style. Gone are the ironed table clothes and in come placemats and booths. And finally the menu still offers fine seafood dishes, with some beef etc. for land–locked Albertans thrown in. However, the bits of culinary magic —like tasting dishes with different soups and gorgonzola cheesecake—that used to come and go on the menu, have now been replaced with excellent, but easily–found–elsewhere dishes. All in all, we still enjoy the Catch experience, but it is no longer at the top of its class. Note: The ancient mirror/menu above the bar says Halabut 55¢ with a baked potato for 10¢ extra. Grant wanted these items, but evidently they are more expensive on the present menu. The seafood here is approved by the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise program. Click here to make reservations through Open Table.
Lunch
Closed Sunday
M to F 11:30 a.m.
Dinner
Closed Sunday
M to Sa 5:00 p.m.
Downstairs: Catch Oyster Bar Seafood Informal 100 Stephen Ave. SE 403 206-0000 www
This oyster bar constitutes the lower floor of the Catch restaurant establishment right on the Stephen Avenue Mall. It is a favourite of business lunchers and its traditional wood surroundings make it a comfortable extension of the office boardroom. The oysters are excellent and the rest of the menu has some hits, but too many misses for our taste. For example, the basic fish and chips can be obtained for less and with at least euqal quality at a place like Trawlers. The seafood here is approved by the Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise program. Click here to make reservations through Open Table.
Lunch
C.losed Sunday
M to F 11:30 a.m.
Dinner
Closed Sunday
M to Sa 5:00 p.m.