Last night was an incredible evening of gourmet delights shared with a group of food writers at the invitation of the apron and Michelle Lan of Armstrong+Lan.
My first time at this conveniently located restaurant in the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport. Highlighting seasonal, sustainable, and thoughtfully crafted dishes.
This incredible dining experience included almost every item on the dinner menu. It was an amazing array of artistically crafted dishes that were nothing short of sensational. This is what we enjoyed in order:
burrata salad
$ 32
burrata, grilled stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, radish, sesame seeds, tarragon vinaigrette, bread v
Assorted Heirloom and pickled grape tomatoes in varying colours. Generous portion of creamy Burrata with olive oil and basil slices with grilled peaches complimenting this dish. Always a feature of mine I love it when a chef adds a special touch, this time the peach was the star.
grilled caesar salad
$ 23
baby gem leaves, croutons, crostini, anchovies, crispy capers, furikake, buttermilk dressing
The grilled Caesar salad was a generous size dotted with anchovies and crispy capers. The buttermilk dressing made this dish unique. If you’ve never had Romaine lettuce still warm off the grill then you’re in for a toasty treat.
beef tartare
$ 24
smoked aioli, cured egg yolk, rice paper, chives, cornichons, capers, shallots (gf) (df)
The beef tartar was especially well prepared, fresh and firm with smoked aioli and grainy mustard on the side, puffed rice paper dusted with togarashi spice. Very nicely presented, fresh and tasty. A dish I sometimes try cautiously, no worries with this perfectly seasoned and uniquely presented dish. The puffed rice paper could become addictive.
black cod (Ocean Wise)
$ 40
parsley velouté, leeks, celery root, green beans, zucchini (gf)
The black cod was nicely prepared, the fish was moist and mildly flavoured with tender/crisp beans, zucchini and leak slices. This dish was very nice and a hit for those wanting an ocean wise choice. It is good to see local chefs bringing back this fish variety to their menus.
pacific salmon (Ocean Wise)
$ 38
extra virgin olive oil-compressed fennel, cauliflower, dashi beurre monté (gf)
The local pacific salmon was seared on the bottom and perfectly cooked resulting in a moist and tasty dish. Again another ocean wise choice. Always a treat for West coast palates.
ragù bianco
$ 36
handmade tagliatelle, pork, fennel, broccoli rabe, pancetta, reggiano emulsion, herb oil
If you love pasta as much as I do then this dish has your name on it. The flavour melded together for a treat for the mouth. Pasta done just right. A classic made extraordinary.
forage mushroom
$ 33
house-made gnocchi, local mushrooms, espuma, truffle, grana padano
A vegetarian classic with rich flavours and a soft inside surrounded by heavenly pasta parcels, complimented with local mushrooms and grana padano. A dish like nonna wished she had thought of first. A must try.
duck l’orange
$ 45
seared duck breast, fondant potatoes, baby beets, citrus reduction (gf)
Think “slightly shabby Paris bistro” you discovered by accident but fast became your favourite go to. Just this side of rosé cooked just right for lovers of this specialty offering. This dish will challenge your imagination and leave you dreaming of . . .
frutti di mare (Ocean Wise)
$ 42
hand-rolled pappardelle ripiene, seafood medley, seafood mousse, scallops, pickled symphony
tomatoes, chilli oil, tomato nage
A dish as outstanding as it appears. The colours, the texture, the flavours, the presentation, everything comes together in this grande finale frutti di mare. If I were to pick a signature dish for the apron this would be my choice.
Each dish is executed with the utmost care and attention making dining at the apron a very special and unq1ue experience. The evening lived up to expectations, from the beautiful tranquilly designed space decorated with flair and good taste to the fabulous food we tried, to the beautiful sounds of the quiet piano in the background. This really is an uncomparably amazing and memorable dining experience.
We also enjoyed a selection of cocktails:
kalamansi lemonade, topped with sandhill brut
sunset sunrise
passion fruit mezcalita
Wines for pairing, I tasted:
la lisse soie d’ivoire chenin blanc 2023
Stonefruit on the nose with a touch of citrus notes. Lively with a hint of spice on the palate. A rich golden colour, a wine with gentle acidity and medium body that lingers in the mouth.
Cartier bros project b 2022
A very pale rose colour, very attractive in the glass. Some strawberry, but subtle with hints of white peach. Very delicate scents. A touch of honey on the nose with the suggestion of more aromas to come, light citrus in the background.
Beautiful texture, complex with flavours of wild strawberries. The colour may suggest subtle but the flavour is surprisingly bold. A sophisticated Rosé, the wine gets better as you slowly enjoy it with the food pairings.
Every dish is lovingly and expertly prepared by Executive Chef Clement Chan and his team deserves every compliment for preparing the dishes and providing us with an extraordinary evening.
executive chef: clement chan
We are delighted to welcome Chef Clement Chan to The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport, as our new Executive Chef.
With nearly two decades of experience, Chef Clement Chan is a celebrated figure in the Canadian culinary world. A National Chef of the Year and member of Culinary Team Canada, he has represented the country at global competitions like the World Culinary Olympics. Known for his creative flair, Chef Clement has appeared on Food Network’s Chopped Canada, Top Chef Canada, and Eat St., showcasing his innovative approach to cuisine.
Locally, he has worked at renowned Vancouver establishments such as Chambar, Blue Water Cafe, and Hapa Izakaya. His entrepreneurial ventures include co-founding the acclaimed Le Tigre food truck and the vibrant dining hotspot Torafuku.
Chef Clement’s philosophy focuses on creating inspired dishes that celebrate wellness, sustainability, and global flavors. With technical expertise and a dedication to mentorship, he brings passion and precision to every plate, ensuring unforgettable dining experiences.
savour the story
Every dish has a story,
and so do we.
location
3099 Corvette Way, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6X 3A3
contact
inquiries: 604 238 2105
With thanks to the apron for hosting us and Michelle Lin for the invitation. Descriptions of each dish and cocktail courtesy of the apron. All images: MyVanCity. My remarks and comments in italics.