VANEATS.ca‘s has another dining package deal for Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge, which is just off Main Street on 8th Avenue, a half block off Main, hence the name.  Housed in an old residence this place is easy to miss, but it has been on my radar for a while.  I’ve enjoyed many a sandwich and salad here; the tuna sandwich with Seared Albacore tuna, avocado, arugula, wasabi, and sweet soy calls to me often.  It’s also a great spot to stop in at to sample a local wine or beer along with some steak bites, pizza or bacon sliders.

The restaurant sources fresh, mostly local ingredients and doesn’t have a deep fryer of microwave so there’s a type of slow food culture going on here.  Recently they’ve made a move to further composting and recycling, keeping the environment happy.

The VANEATS.ca Dining Package includes

1. Flight of Stanley Park Brewery Belgian Style Beer,
   • 2 “Ambers”, subtle toasted malt, lightly hopped, exceptionally clean finish
   • 2 “Bruns”, distinctive dried fruit aromatics, complex chocolate, roasted nut and malt biscuit
2. Your Choice of Appie:,
   • “Tortilla Soup”, chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tortilla crisps, mozzarella (gluten free)
   • “Baked Brie”, filo wrapped brie, local honey, sambal oelek, candied apple
   • “Dungeness Crab Cakes”, served with lemony yogurt and arugula
3. You Choice of Thin Crust Pizza,
   • “8th Avenue”, hot calabrese, chorizo, banana peppers, and sautéed mushrooms
   • “Market Place”, roasted vegetables, goat cheese, torn basil, sundried tomato base
   • “Wild Smoked Salmon”, BC smoked salmon, creamy dill, capers, red onion, craisins

Dungeness Crab Cakes are served with lemony yogurt and arugula and are full of meat without the filler that is often used.  The avocado and arugula salad offer some colour and additional flavour to the plate.  Well done.

Market Place Pizza with roasted vegetables, goat cheese, torn basil, sundried tomato base.  The toppings were fresh and plentiful, but the the crust needs some work as it was rather tough and slightly overcooked.

Here’s the VanEats.ca video promoting the entire package.  Great deal for $16.