Down by the Bei
JANUARY 29TH, 2010
Down by the Bei
Chinatown is changing. First, there was the Fortune Sound Club and now, a cool new brasserie called Bao Bei.
The
name means “precious” in Chinese, and it's indeed a special spot. Warm
and eclectically designed with cool vintage accents, like a wall of
silver platters, it serves up well-balanced cocktails and top-notch
traditional bites. We took a seat at the bar, and knew at once a woman
was in charge (that would be former Chambar barkeep Tannis Ling) as
soon as we saw the handy purse hooks. Double happiness was had with an
order of pork potstickers ($6.50) and mantou ($9), a steamed bun
stuffed with braised short rib, scallions, pickled cucumber, roasted
peanuts and hoisin sauce.
As for what to drink, “The Best F@#*&$# Pina Colada You've Ever Had” ($12) is as fun to ask for as it is to sip.
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, 163 Keefer St., Vancouver, 604-688-0876, www.bao-bei.ca