orth Vancouver was once almost void of any descent dining establishments (hard to believe, I know). After all, who in their right mind would have bothered to fight the traffic to come over the Lion’s Gate Bridge with only average fare awaiting them on the other end? Fortunately, times have changed and now Lonsdale Avenue is calling us with a revived culinary scene. The latest player to throw their cards on the table is The District.

In contrast to some of the big box restaurants Vancouver’s downtown core has seen open in the past few months, The District is a smaller, more intimate room complete with quality service to match. Soft beige and brown colours with natural wood furnishings and comfortable leather banquettes complete the décor. A few seats at the bar allowing views into the open kitchen and patio seating have already been nabbed, perfect for this warm day (and future days too, if they ever come back).

The concept is “modern brasserie” which translates to fairly casual fare made with fresh ingredients. Stopping in for lunch I’ve joined the mixed crowd of both leisurely day-offers and business lunch goers. Chef Reid McLellan (last at Cioppino’s) serves a great selection of panini (Montreal beef, roast chicken, grilled vegetable) as well as share plates such as duck confit spring rolls, Portobello mushroom tarte and the house specialty – crab and shrimp cakes. Dishes are flavourful and prepared with care.

Later in the day trendy locals drift in for some “extended cocktail action”. Owner Paul Mon-Kau has designed a cocktail list worth working your way through, and there’s a good selection of boutique BC Wines that you won’t see at your local liquor store.

With a fondness for fresh ingredients, The District’s chalk board specials are worth checking out. Be sure not to miss the prawn lollipops – a crunchy delight dipped in ginger beer batter and rolled in taro root with ebi mayo for dipping - your childhood candy pales in comparison. Also a must are the mussels served in a variety of sauces, the spicy long beans ( wok sautéed) and the Indonesian chicken satays. Bring your closest friends and share, share, share.