The GOODS from West

Vancouver, BC | Belvedere Vodka’s ‘The Challenge’ (Americas) took place in New York City recently, with 11 spirited competitors presenting martini cocktails to a panel of international judges. Vancouver’s Sabrine Dhaliwal, who assumed the Bar Manager position at West Restaurant just a few months ago, earned a place in the top three and will go on to compete in London.

“I was flattered to have been invited to the Americas’ run-off,” states Dhaliwal. “To earn a place in the finals – and as the only female competitor – well, that makes it even more exciting,” she says.

Belvedere Vodka recently partnered with the new James Bond ‘Spectre’ movie, and Dhaliwal was quick to exploit the connection. The ingredients for her two winning cocktails – ‘Pink Skies at Night’ and ‘Departed Disposition’ – were introduced via former Bond women brought back to life.

“Eight Bond women each brought an ingredient to the party,” Dhaliwal says, “for instance Miss Moneypenny brought Lillet Rose for ‘Pink Skies’, and Miss Taro introduced Curaçao for ‘Departed Disposition’. Each of the women shared her story, and I summarized it on a map – a blueprint for the judges. Every drink needs some context, a back story, and I think that might have given me an edge.”

Belvedere Vodka’s ‘The Challenge’ Grand Final will be convened in London from June 16th to 19th, and will include nine competitors from the US, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. The winner will be announced, and the winning martini recipe unveiled, on World Martini Day, June 19th.

Although new to her position as Bar Manager at West, Sabine’s provenance runs deep: She worked alongside multiple award-winning bartender David Wolowidnyk at West for four years. In addition to many other national and international awards, David was crowned ‘World’s Most Imaginative Bartender’ in the Bombay Sapphire competition in 2012, in Marrakech, Morocco. David is now the Bar Manager at sister property CinCin Ristorante + Bar in downtown Vancouver.

Both of Sabrine’s cocktails will be featured over the summer months – warm weather refreshers to be sure – at West, South Granville’s favourite bar and restaurant. For more information about West Restaurant or to make reservations, please visit westrestaurant.com.

DETAILS

2881 Granville St. | Vancouver | MAP
Voice: 604 738 8938
Web: westrestaurant.com
Email: [email protected]

Gallery

Hours

Restaurant: Nightly from 5:30 – 11:00pm
Bar: Nightly from 5:30 – midnight
Lunch: Daily from 11:30am – 2:30pm
Weekend Brunch: 10:30am – 2:30pm

Our Team

Quang Dang, Executive Chef
Rhonda Viani, Pastry Chef
Owen Knowlton, Wine Director & Restaurant Director
Sabrine Dhaliwal, Bar Manager

About West Restaurant

True to our Region True to the Seasons

Recognized as the “jewel in Vancouver’s culinary crown,” West’s outstanding contemporary regional cuisine and seamless service has garnered much critical acclaim, including four consecutive wins as Restaurant of the Year by the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, and a prestigious four star rating by Mobil Travel Guide.

Pristine local ingredients are sourced to deliver superbly conceived dishes offering modern interpretations of classics. Exuding energy and action, the kitchen offers two ‘chef’s tables’ that render an up–close culinary theatre experience.

The elegant dining room is highlighted by a magnificent, temperature-controlled wall of wine housing West’s extensive wine collection, an ever-evolving list of acclaimed Old World producers, rare finds and exciting New World vintners. At the gleaming cherrywood bar, martinis and cocktails are composed of fresh herbs, juices and creative infusions.

West is located in Vancouver’s chic South Granville neighborhood (just five minutes from the downtown core).

Accolades

Wine List Award, Gold
Vancouver International Wine Festival, 2013

Best of the City “Gold for Best West Coast Cuisine”
Westender Reader’s Choice Award, 2013

Silver – Executive Chef Quang Dang
Gold Medal Plates 2012

World’s Most Imaginative Bartender, David Wolowidnyk
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® World’s Most Imaginative Bartender Competition, Morocco, 2012

Wine List Award, Platinum (Best Overall)
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, 2012

‘Best of’ Award of Excellence
Wine Spectator, 2012

Top 50 Restaurants in Canada
Vacay.ca 2012

Best Upscale Restaurant, Silver
Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, 2011

Sommelier of the Year, Owen Knowlton
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, 2011

Four Star Award
Mobil Travel Guide, 2011

Four Diamond Award
AAA / CAA, 2011

Best Service, Gold
Restaurant of the Year, Bronze
Best Last Course, Bronze
Best Regional, Honourable Mention
Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, 2010

Best West Coast
WHERE Magazine ‘To Dine’ Awards, 2009

Ranked No. 1 in BC for Food & Service ?Vancouver
Zagat Survey, 2009

——————————————————————————