Author: Brian_48

Opened in 2011, and located in the historic Hotel Rosewood Georgia, David Hawksworth’s namesake restaurant has garnered a well-deserved reputation as “the” serious fine-dining establishment in Vancouver. Of course, that’s not to say Hawksworth Restaurant is one of those stuffy hoity-toity places. Such establishments don’t...tend to last overly long in Vancouver – a city known for its rather casual approach to, well, all things. In that regard, Hawksworth is rightly described as “Glamorous and elegant, yet relaxed and welcoming.” The décor is upscale, but you’ll feel right at home whether you’re wearing an Armani suit or a casual t-shirt and jeans (I was wearing the latter). In any event, I was quite pleased to finally have an opportunity to dine at Hawksworth, a restaurant that’s been on my “must try” list since 2016. Knowing its pedigree, and the litany of awards it’s received over the last decade – including the prestigious Georgia Straight Golden Plate (“Fine Dining”) and ranking #19 on Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants for 2020 – made this experience all the more rewarding. I was seated in the bar, which had tables suitably distanced to accommodate the necessary COVID protocols. The bar, while far more casual than the adjacent dining areas, still maintained a fine-casual décor suitable for Hawksworth. The small table I was seated at was very, shall we say, shiny. For some reason, sitting here reminded me of a bar/restaurant scene in the film “American Psycho” where the characters are looking at steel, reflective menus. It must’ve been the shiny table with its “mirror” center. For lunch, I ordered the Scallop & Crispy Pork Belly, which came with a delightful plum chutney, carrots, green peas, and pea puree. The plating was nothing short of exquisite and highlighted Chef Hawksworth’s technique and drive for perfection. He knows how to utilize space on a plate to maximize presentation while concomitantly placing an emphasis on the food via a contrast in colours. Of course, plating is all well and good but, for me, it all comes down to taste and, well, Hawksworth knocks it out of the park. The scallops were cooked to utter perfection; the pork belly had a nice crispy outer layer while the inside was tender and flavourful – the whole experience is one that exhilarates the senses and leaves you wanting more. To conclude my meal, I had the raspberry sorbet. I felt it was the perfect end to my lunchtime repast because the sorbet was cool and light – a great way to offset the pork belly and scallops. Easily a thumbs up for dessert! On the whole, Hawksworth is definitely a 5-star experience; however, while I was dining, I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation that, to me, was a little off-putting. In short, this gentleman was sitting at the bar, having a beverage and chatting with the bar tender. It’s obvious this fellow is a regular because they were on a first-name basis. Anyway, while they’re talking, one of the servers – Jessica – came to say a few words to her colleague at the bar. At this point, the patron got rather pushy: “Do you mind introducing me to Jessica? Why haven’t you introduced me before?” That exchange went on for a few moments and almost seemed like harassment to me. You know, a dirty old man practically forcing an introduction to an attractive, young server. Seeing and observing that left a bitter taste in my mouth and reminded me of a good ol’ boys club. For that, I am knocking off a star. FOOD: 5/5 SERVICE: 4/5 VALUE: 4/5 RECOMMENDATION: There’s no denying Hawksworth is a destination restaurant. The food is exquisite, inventive and unmistakably Vancouver. Recommended! PS: If you found this review helpful in any way please consider hitting the "helpful" button!More