Cardero's (Vancouver, CANADA) ★★★★☆

When I was still in the planning stage of this trip, I was already struggling with the idea of where to have my first meal. Cactus Club on Beach Avenue seems intriguing and Boathouse by the English Bay isn't bad either. That was a real tough call but at the end, I decided to come back to Cardero's by the Coal Harbour.



This place sure brought back a great deal of fond memories for me that went back to my university days.



They have been using sustainably-harvested seafood here for years now and I am all for it. We first checked out some fresh oysters on their half shells. I didn't get to sample one personally but was hearing raving reviews about them throughout this meal.



Apart from fresh oysters, they also have one of the best pan fried oysters in town (second to Rodney's). Pan fried to golden brown color and served with a horseradish cocktail sauce, these oysters were heavenly delicious.



The Manhattan style clam chowder was one dish we could all do without. Should've gone with the New England chowder instead.



Caesar Salad with asiago cheese, garlic crouton and crisp capers was not bad but also not particularly good.



Now, the dish we've been all waiting for - sesame crusted Albacore tuna which was barely seared and served with wasabi soy sauce and broccolini. It used to be my favorite dish here more than a decade ago and it still rocks!
 


Lastly, a classic linguini Vongole with clams, chilies, grape tomato and parsley in a white wine butter sauce. It would've been a lot nicer if it's a little more moist.



It's great to be back at Cardero's after 5 years. Like most places in Vancouver, Coal Harbour has changed a lot since I last visited. Just look at all these expensive condos around the harbour!



What better to do than taking a relaxing walk along the Stanley Park after a fulfilling lunch like this? Wait, a storm seems to be coming our way......






Food Rating: 5.5/10

Price: $$

Address: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Coal Harbour, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tel: +1 604 669-7666
Website: www.vancouverdine.com/carderos