Posted by Miss Kat Jade on March 23, 2010
Vacationing in Vancouver recently, this Klusterette was introduced to The Diamond: a cocktail bar and restaurant nestled in Maple Tree Square, slap bang in the heart of historic Gastown. Hidden on level two, this chandelier lit gem is owned by Mark Brand, Josh Pape and Sophie Taverner (hailing from our home town Sydney). With serious cocktail and food credentials between them, we knew we were in for a ride.
In an impressive room with hardwood floorboards, full-length arch windows and exposed brick archways, we were seated at long communal tables to peruse the well-priced menu of Asian-style sharing dishes ($3-$13 per plate). We started with aromatic pork gyoza dumplings, surrounded with sesame and spring onion sauce, moving onto Moorish and fresh lightly salted edamame beans with prawn, cabbage and roe betel leaves. The pickled beats, quail egg salad and duck sub were extraordinary. Don’t let the small prices deceive you - the portions are well rounded.
Although wine and beer are served, head straight for a cocktail. Charlie Ainsbury, Sydney’s bartender of the year in 2007, has been imported to add further talent to this team. Seated at the high bar we are treated to a delicately balanced classic Manhattan, a bubbly house special Isabella, and an original Buck Buck Mule that’s fresh and zesty. The proud and very knowledgeable Charlie informs and gently guides our choices long into the night. We also learn that they rock a cocktail school for those who want to learn how to shake their own Gin Fizz.
Great food, attentive service, awesome atmosphere and a passion for the true art of cocktails, you can’t get any better than The Diamond. We dare you not to visit.
The Diamond is at Level 2, 6 Powell St, Vancouver. Open Wed-Sun 5pm-late.
the diamond, vancouver, restaurants, bars, cocktails