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Claire Schneiderman | Last Updated: October 02,2008 10:46:34 am
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M  aybe it’s the declining economy, the rising number of people hitting middle age and thus midlife crises, or the seemingly frequent natural disasters, but restaurants featuring upscale comfort food are on the rise. Or maybe locals are just craving, shall we say, uncomplicated fare. Whatever it may be, the number of inexpensive-but-still-hip cafés and eateries are indeed increasing.
Take newcomer Grub, for recent example. This Main Street eatery is angling on making a tidy profit from of those with simple and hearty dining aspirations. Having started in the Toronto restaurant scene at Bar One, eventually opening her own place in Shanghai, restaurant owner Ling returned home to Vancouver, She spent some time working at other local spots like Public Lounge to get a feeling for the city. What she found was the need for reassurance in sustenance form; more than just meat and potatoes.
The décor alone suggests nostalgia in its attempt to appeal to many generations. Multicolor flecked wallpaper reminds us of an old aunt's home, while cocoon-like chairs evoke a mod throwback to a simpler time. Blond wood tables are accented by a bright yellow wall-length bench, rounding out this kitschy mishmash of furnishings.
Grub is all about hearty, healthy, and fresh food. The bar menu is a stable selection of antipasto platters including meat, vegetarian, and seafood options, as well as salads, such as lamb sausage with wilted swiss chard. The bar serves a plethora of throwback drinks such as the Casablanca, with gin and Spanish wine, or the Great Gatsby, with rosehip tea and brandy, served in a rose water coated glass. For a gathering, three types of punch are served in the requisite bowl with ladle and mini cups to help get your mind off of the rising cost of fuel.
But the mains are the real reason to go to Grub. Changing frequently, with 2-3 meat and fish dishes daily, as well as vegetarian and vegan options (including vegan desserts), they are inspired by a range of ethnic influences, though there is none of that fusion business here, expect more French country than Alain Ducasse. Mains such as half roasted chicken with rosemary and lemon, corn, and cabbage slaw, or cumin chili crusted red snapper with an artichoke and olive couscous, are sizable and all under $15 a plate. With only 15 portions of each made daily, this food is selling out. –C.S.
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AT A GLANCE
Grub
4328 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
604-876-8671
International
Main Street
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Mon - Wed 5:00 - 10:00 Thur - Sat 5:00 - 11:00
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Visa, Debit, Cash
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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21 Reader Reviews | super fun!
great room, and the food was absolutely killer
service was laid back without being sloppy with only 2 of them commanding the room.
was very impressed!
1. Anonymous's Review :: October 29, 2009 Anonymous's Rating: 4 Stars |
Food was awesome, but the seating was uncomfortable. The servers were attentive until it got busy, then they went into panic mode (and it was only a Wens night, so not too busy). My date struggled with the overall 'scene' the restaurant was catering to, but the food was so good I didn't care.
2. BP's Review :: May 15, 2009 BP's Rating: 3 Stars |
I only had their late night menu and it was pretty good. Great place to be at when you're in the mood for that small town atmosphere.
3. Tracy V.'s Review :: March 21, 2009 Tracy V.'s Rating: 3 Stars |
OMG I just got back from Grub and had the best hands down Arctic Char with homemade gnokki with pesto cream and dill aioli - UNBELIEVABLE.
I almost ate my husbands as it was so delicious!
Thanks Grub.
4. Jennifer's Review :: March 13, 2009 Jennifer's Rating: 3 Stars |
Great food. Good sized portions. Reasonable prices. Try the punch!
We will definitely return again.
5. Cindy's Review :: February 23, 2009 Cindy's Rating: 4 Stars |
Love grub! yum yum!
6. 360photo's Review :: February 19, 2009 360photo's Rating: 4 Stars |
One of our local favorites. Excellent value. Soups are hearty and delicious, veggie dishes are inventive and tasty, traditional European plates never disappoint.
7. Sylvia's Review :: October 10, 2008 Sylvia's Rating: 4 Stars |
The fare here is outstanding, and the atmosphere is nice and has a quaint feel. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone in the area, looking to have quick bite.
8. Janice Ian's Review :: August 27, 2008 Janice Ian's Rating: 4 Stars |
Not bad. Cute. But slightly overrated.
9. Anonymous's Review :: July 22, 2008 |
Not bad. Cute. But slightly overrated.
10. Rick McMaster's Review :: July 22, 2008 Rick McMaster's Rating: 2 Stars |
My husband and I live in Manhattan and came to Vancouver for the weekend. We absolutely loved this restaurant and the area. It's similar to Soho, but friendlier. What an amazing restaurant, what an amazing city! We will tell all of our friends about it!
11. Jen Daniels's Review :: June 24, 2008 Jen Daniels's Rating: 4 Stars |
Hopefully they will get more seating ... and a little patio would be nice too. Congratulations Grub Chef!
12. Anonymous's Review :: June 11, 2008 |
Great little spot! The food was delicious and the service was attentive but not overbearring and the waiter was fun. My date started with the steak and almost fainted because it was so scrumptious. Everyone's meal was perfect however, more of a grazing than dining adventure.
13. Anonymous's Review :: June 11, 2008 |
Hopefully they will get more seating ... and a little patio would be nice too. Congratulations Grub Chef!
14. Dan Meister's Review :: June 11, 2008 Dan Meister's Rating: 4 Stars |
Great little spot! The food was delicious and the service was attentive but not overbearring and the waiter was fun. My date started with the steak and almost fainted because it was so scrumptious. Everyone's meal was perfect however, more of a grazing than dining adventure.
15. Karen Allen's Review :: June 11, 2008 Karen Allen's Rating: 3 Stars |
We had a great time at Grub on Saturday! Thank you to Crub, and the entire staff for the outstanding service. The new executive chef has brought pizzazz to the menu, and everything was superb.
16. Anonymous's Review :: June 06, 2008 |
We had a great time at Grub on Saturday! Thank you to Crub, and the entire staff for the outstanding service. The new executive chef has brought pizzazz to the menu, and everything was superb.
17. Jen Tate's Review :: June 06, 2008 Jen Tate's Rating: 4 Stars |
Grub is one of those places that you want to check out - in the beginning. Then you wonder why you ever set foot in the place to begin with. I won't go through every detail, but there does need to be some improvement if you want to survive in Vancouver. Grub is all show. Great looks inside and out. Let's implement that in the food team.
18. Anonymous's Review :: June 05, 2008 |
Grub is one of those places that you want to check out - in the beginning. Then you wonder why you ever set foot in the place to begin with. I won't go through every detail, but there does need to be some improvement if you want to survive in Vancouver. Grub is all show. Great looks inside and out. Let's implement that in the food team.
19. Dale Fuchs's Review :: June 05, 2008 Dale Fuchs's Rating: 2 Stars |
Loved the drinks extreamly well made.Loved the food had a pasta dish that was very home spun .The only disapointment was the dessert. Rubbery custard on top of a dry sponge with terrible ganache.
Would recomend over all
20. Anonymous's Review :: May 30, 2008 |
Loved the drinks extreamly well made.Loved the food had a pasta dish that was very home spun .The only disapointment was the dessert. Rubbery custard on top of a dry sponge with terrible ganache.
Would recomend over all
21. Foodie On The Run's Review :: May 30, 2008 Foodie On The Run's Rating: 4 Stars |
| Click here to view all 15 reviews |
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4328 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
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