Raspberry Cocktail

While it might be the time of year many are cutting back on dining out, post holiday indulgence, once you look over the Dine Out Vancouver menus for many of the restaurants around town you’ll be certain to at least be tempted to book a few.  With three course dinners priced at $18, $28 and $38 there’s good value out there, not to mention unique dishes that aren’t on regular menus.  Don’t forget the hotel specials and unique events which have been added to the festival each year.

Check out http://www.tourismvancouver.com/dine/dine-out-vancouver-2012/ for details.

I was invited to try out a few of The Glowbal Collections dishes last week and have a few previews of their offerings.  Seats are still available throughout the festival, running January 20 until February 5, but act quickly as prime times are already booked.

First on the journey was Society, the most youthful restaurant in the group, with a customer base that tends to drift in later and a huge selection of crazy cocktails including boozy milkshakes and cotton candy topped drinks.  The menu here is also on the funky side, serving up grilled cheese, lobster shepherds pie and pink nachos, but quality isn’t compromised for novelty.  The Vancouver Dine Out menu here is merely $18 and includes starters such as spinach salad, pull pork croquette, mains of prawn linguini and veal piccata and a chocolate smore creme brulee.  Chef Alfred Contiga will soon be changing up the regular menu, so stay tuned.

The spinach salad included orange segments, pecan slices and was serviced atop melted riopelle cheese – a good flavour combination and the deep fried pork croquettes were lightened up with some apple and onion slaw.  The veal was tender and served with a hearty polenta, and the prawn linguini came with a surprise prawn mealball and plenty of rich tomato sauce.  The creme brulee is light up table side, caramelizing the top and if you dip in the house-made graham cracker, you do get the campfire experience with a gourmet twist.

Heading over to glowbal grill steaks and satays, the menu jumps to the $38 price point due to the addition of a few higher-end ingredients, and the more formal atmosphere.  Choose from roasted butternut squash soup, grilled beef tataki or prawn cocktail to start. Entrée options include: Beef tenderloin; seared Alaskan black cod; or wild mushroom gnocchi. Dessert is chocolate crème brûlée with cinnamon and pear compote and almond biscotti.

The beef tataki was served with truffle aioli and was my favourite over the rather ordinary prawn cocktail.  The beef tenderloin would definitely bring me back to the restaurant with it’s accompanying rich garlic whipped potato, confit shallot and red wine jus. Fish lovers will enjoy the Alaskan black cod pieces that served with cauliflower purée, roasted fingerling potatoes, and vanilla beurre blanc.  The service at glowbal is always friendly. I’ve been in a few times in the past year, and I welcome the professionalism, along with a familiarity I’ve earned from keeping the bar seat warm.

Sanafir’s three-course Dine Out menu is $18. Choose either the pan-seared tandoori prawn, tabouleh salad, yellow coconut curry, with lemon chutney and a papadum crisp, or the fried chickpea and saffron cous cous salad, with mint and tomatoes, to start. Entrée options include: Singapore prawn cashew curry with aged basmati rice; butter chicken with aged basmati rice and papadum; or almond cauliflower korma with papadum. Dessert is cardamom-dusted zelbias, cinnamon crème anglaise and chocolate bark.

I hadn’t been to Sanafir in ages but after retasting the menu and enjoying the festive atmosphere, will return.  I particularly appreciate the high ceilings and East Asian decor that manages to transports you to a far more exotic city.

The portions here are generous for $18 and packed full of flavour.  Basamati rice and papadum crisps are necessary to mop up the extra sauce.  I’d choose the tandori prawns and butter chicken from the menu over the other options, but Sanafir is a great choice for vegeterians looking for something other a bit out of the ordinary, as the fried chickpea and saffron cous cous salad and cauliflower korma are also good alternatives.

January 20 – February 5

The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is proud to once again participate in Dine Out Vancouver, the city’s annual restaurant festival, January 20 to February 5. All seven restaurants within The GLOWBAL COLLECTION – glowbal, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria, SOCIETY and Black+Blue – will feature inspired three-course, prix fixe menus, indicative of each restaurant’s concept. From BC snapper to butter chicken, veal piccata to lobster ravioli — along with a host of decadent desserts — there is something at each GLOWBAL locale to tempt the home cook to take the night off.

As a special treat, until January 15, The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is offering guests 25% off the food portion of lunch and brunch bills at all locations (except Sanafir). Go here for details. Happy New Year indeed.

glowbal’s three-course Dine Out menu is $38. Choose from roasted butternut squash soup, grilled beef tataki or prawn cocktail to start. Entrée options include: Beef tenderloin; seared Alaskan black cod; or wild mushroom gnocchi. Dessert is chocolate crème brûlée with cinnamon and pear compote and almond biscotti.

COAST’s three-course Dine Out menu is $38. Choose from roasted parsnip and bay scallop chowder or crispy fried reid oysters to start. Entrée options include: grilled BC snapper; pan-seared icy water arctic char; or grilled Alberta beef tenderloin. Dessert is lemon bavarois with cranberry ice cream.

Sanafir’s three-course Dine Out menu is $18. Choose either the pan-seared tandoori prawn, tabouleh salad, yellow coconut curry, with lemon chutney and a papadum crisp, or the fried chickpea and saffron cous cous salad, with mint and tomatoes, to start. Entrée options include: Singapore prawn cashew curry with aged basmati rice; butter chicken with aged basmati rice and papadum; or almond cauliflower korma with papadum. Dessert is cardamom-dusted zelbias, cinnamon crème anglaise and chocolate bark.

 Italian Kitchen`s three-course Dine Out menu is $38. Choose from truffled celery root zuppa or artisan lettuce with prosciutto and mascarpone croquettes to start. Entrée options include: herbed roasted beef tenderloin; lobster ravioli; or baked rigatoni primavera. Dessert is classic tiramisu with mocha anglaise or lemon and basil brûlée with biscotti.

 Trattoria’s three-course Dine Out menu is $18. Choose from arugula, orange and fennel salad or cream of cauliflower soup to start. Entrée options include: roasted pork loin or butternut squash, gorgonzola and spiced walnut risotto. Dessert is classic tiramisu with mocha anglaise.

SOCIETY’s three-course Dine Out menu is $18. Choose from the sweet potato and pulled pork croquette or spinach salad to start. Entrée options include veal piccata or prawn linguini. Dessert is a chocolate smore ‘flambe’ crème brûlée.

 Black+Blue’s three-course Dine Out menu is $38. Choose from “bacon ‘n’ eggs” (thick cut double smoked bacon, fried duck egg, spicy maple syrup), or tuna carpaccio to start. Entrée options include: Angus tenderloin; roasted sablefish; or roasted onion tart. Dessert is a classic crème caramel, served with orange-almond biscotti and orange liqueur.

 Make your reservations online at glowbalgroup.com.

Check out The GLOWBAL COLLECTION blog for the latest news on all the restaurants at glowbalgroup.com/.

From juicy steaks to crisp service, classic cocktails to sumptuous décor, Black + Blue brings decadence and glamour back on the Vancouver dining scene.

“The concept for Black+Blue echoes the lively and popular steakhouses of the past along with the nostalgic pleasure of experiencing a stand-out meal,” says Yacoub. “The twist is that from the moment you enter the restaurant, guests are dazzled by the tangible energy and gracious West Coast hospitality our GLOWBAL team tables like no others in the city.”

Executive Chef Dennis Peckham, formerly of sister restaurant COAST, with past positions at French Laundry and Charlie Trotter’s, has crafted a menu where steak reigns. Working alongside Chef Peckham is Chef de Cuisine Jason Labahn, from famed Las Vegas steakhouses: Fix at Bellagio; Brand at Monte Carlo; and Alex at the Wynn.

Taking a cue from the restaurant’s name, whether you prefer black or blue, all cuts are prepared to perfection. The range of offerings is also impressive with an extensive selection of prime cuts available – from Wagyu to US and Canadian Prime. Hand-selected exclusive boutique products are also offered.

In addition to steak, guests can expect to be wooed with a diverse mix of seafood classics: Oysters Rockefeller; Shrimp Cocktail; and Salmon Coulibiac. Tableside Caesar salads and shaker cocktails add charm.

As for the aesthetic, BOX Interior Design is behind the impressive 240-seat, three-level space design. Gold accents pop against a palette of rich tones to highlight classic-steakhouse finishes in velvet and leather.

Striking details include: the meat cooler’s Himalayan Rock Salt ‘Wall’ where the salt acts as a canvas for the aged and cured meats on display; the glass-walled elevator, elegantly transporting guests between the three floors; a custom designed lighting installation suspended over the central bar from famed UK industrial designer Tom Dixon; and the private and semi-private dining rooms boasting smoked tobacco wall panelling, high coffered ceilings and granite-clad fireplaces.

Black+Blue’s expansive roof-top garden is slated
to open Spring 2012.

Located at 1032 Alberni Street, the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, and for dinner only Saturday and Sunday. Call 604.637.0777 for reservations.

About The GLOWBAL COLLECTION
The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is comprised of seven restaurants: glowbal grill steaks & satay, COAST Restaurant, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen, SOCIETY Dining Lounge, Black+Blue; and two lounges: AFTERglow and O Lounge. The energy, bustle and allure of these celebrated Vancouver restaurants are what most people notice first. In addition, flawless service, exquisite wine lists, and some of the most inventive, celebrated cuisine in Vancouver define every restaurant in the collection.

From Vancouver to the Vineyard: Three Chefs are the Charm at Mission Hill Family Estate as
Collaboration with The GLOWBAL COLLECTION Takes the Stage at Terrace Restaurant

On Saturday, August 27, Mission Hill Family Estate and The GLOWBAL COLLECTION present an exclusive wine country collaboration.

The ‘Three Chefs in the Vineyard’ dinner features Matthew Batey (Executive Winery Chef at Terrace, Mission Hill) and Vancouver-based culinary artists Dennis Peckham (Executive Chef, COAST Restaurant) and Ryan Gauthier (Corporate Chef, The GLOWBAL COLLECTION of Restaurants.)

To set the mood and start the soiree, fresh summer wines and canapés are served between rows of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.

Next, guests stroll to the Terrace restaurant where inviting and dramatic harvest tables are set for an amiable evening of dining ‘al fresco’. A locally-inspired four-course menu is presented by this trio of chefs, expertly paired with highlights from the winery cellar — all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley.

Experience an intimate gathering with fellow food and wine lovers, enticed by rich experiences, great company and creative chefs — from some of BC’s favourite and most memorable restaurants.

Three Chefs in the Vineyard
Saturday, August 27
6pm Reception
7pm Dinner
Tickets: $129 plus tax and gratuity

Seating is limited. Reserve space online at missionhillwinery.com or call 250.768.6483.

Be Fleet to Tweet to Win
Follow us on Twitter: @MissionHillWine @Glowbal_Group
Log on to Twitter to win two tickets to Three Chefs in the Vineyard, an unforgettable feast by Mission Hill Family Estate and the Glowbal Collection of Restaurants. Share your favourite food and wine pairings using the hashtag #ThreeChefs and you’re automatically in the running to win!

About Mission Hill Family Estate
Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Family Estate is world renowned for its award-winning wines, stunning setting and architecture, and Terrace Restaurant. Honoured as one of the Top Five Winery Restaurants globally, the restaurant and epicurean program is led by Executive Winery Chef Matthew Batey. Majestic mountains, scenic lakes and lush orchards encase the winery’s dramatic architecture and culminate in a setting that celebrates wine, food and the arts. With sustainable practices that ensure care for the environment, and a timelessness that respects the family’s European heritage, guests experience the height of winemaking in an incomparable lakeside mountaintop winery. missionhillwinery.com .

About The GLOWBAL COLLECTION
The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is comprised of six restaurants: glowbal grill steaks & satay, COAST Restaurant, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen and SOCIETY Dining Lounge; two lounges: AFTERglow and O Lounge; and a catering company: Glowbal Catering. A seventh restaurant, Black & Blue, will open Fall 2011. The energy, bustle, and allure of these celebrated Vancouver restaurants are what most people notice first. In addition, flawless service, exquisite wine lists, and some of the most inventive, celebrated cuisine in Vancouver define every restaurant in the collection.

About the GLOWBAL COLLECTION
The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is comprised of six restaurants: glowbal grill steaks & satay, COAST Restaurant, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen and SOCIETY Dining Lounge; two lounges: AFTERglow and O Lounge; and a catering company: Glowbal Catering. A seventh restaurant, Black & Blue, will open Fall 2011.

The energy, bustle, and allure of these celebrated Vancouver restaurants are what most people notice first. In addition, flawless service, exquisite wine lists, and some of the most inventive, celebrated cuisine in Vancouver define every restaurant in the collection.

Make your reservations online at glowbalgroup.com.

Check out the GLOWBAL COLLECTION blog for the latest news on all the restaurants at blog.glowbalgroup.com/.

If the way to someone’s heart is through the stomach, the collection of restaurants – including glowbal grill, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria and Society – surely confirms that adage with a passionate line-up of Valentine’s Day menus perfect for sharing with that special someone. Cupid’s bow takes aim early this year with The Glowbal Collection offering the special menus at all its restaurants, Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14. Avoid a broken heart by reserving today!

Fan Fare
Show the love for The Glowbal Collection by ‘Liking’ each of its restaurants on Facebook and be automatically entered to win an unforgettable Valentine’s Day “Lovers Table” prize package. glowbal grill, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria and Society are all participating in the contest, with each restaurant awarding one prize package to a lucky Facebook fan. Showering the winners with affection, each restaurant is offering the chance to score not only dinner, but also a bundle of goodies that couples are sure to love. Get clicking today, the contest runs through February 10. The winners will be randomly selected on February 11. Who loves ya, baby?

glowbal’s inspired three-course platter offerings will have hearts aflutter. Start things off with Citrus-crusted Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, Fried Bufala with Sweet Tomato Relish, and Baby Field Green Salad with Pickled Beets. The fully-loaded entrée platter features Grilled New York Striploin, Atlantic Lobster Thermidor, and warm Asparagus, Artichoke and Sicilian Olive Salad. A happy ending ensues with dessert of Milk Chocolate Pot de Creme and White Chocolate Fondue complemented by fresh Berries and Brioche. $49 per person (excluding beverage and tax). Each course is also available on its own.

Sultry AFTERglow Lounge gets in on the Valentine’s action with three tasty fondues to choose from: White Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Biscotti and Pannetone; Dark Chocolate Fondue with Pineapple, Melon, Mango and Chocolate Bread Pudding; or for the savoury set, Applewood Smoked Cheddar Fondue with Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus, grilled Lamb Chops, Crostinis, and grilled Strip Loin Satay.

COAST woos seafood lovers with a three-course platter affair. Lobster Ravioli with Lobster Cappuccino, Dungeness Crab with Fennel Salad, and P.E.I. Mussels start the meal. The main attraction includes Sliced Angus Beef Tenderloin, Butter Poached Lobster Tail and Burrata Salad served with Caramelized Onion Risotto, Arugula, and Glazed carrots. For dessert, the ‘Lovers’ Platter’ seduces with a warm Chocolate Brownie, Cinnamon Heart-crusted Vanilla Gelato, Champagne Strawberry Gelee, Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Honeycomb Niblets. $59 per person (excluding beverage and tax). Each course is also available on its own.

Sanafir goes coo coo for cocoa with a decadent five-course chocolate menu. The first-course features Cocoa and Chili-seared Ahi Tuna with Orange Ginger Puree and Radish Salad. Second-course: Cocoa Butter Seared Scallop with Shimiji Mushroom and Curry-braised Scallions. Third Course: Braised Short Rib with Parsnip and White Chocolate Puree, kanafa Crisps, and fried Herbs. Fourth-course: Cocoa Nib and Espresso-crusted Lamb Rack paired with Saffron Potato Cauliflower Gratin and Huckleberry Jus. Fifth Course: Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake drizzled with sweet Pomegranate Syrup. $35 per person (excluding beverage and tax). Each course is also available on its own.

Say, Ti amo , to your Valentine with a meal at Italian Kitchen. The three-course platter medley marries creamy cheeses, succulent meat and fresh seafood in an exquisite union. Appetizer Platter: Prosciutto-wrapped Scallops, Four Cheese-baked Polenta with Shrimp and Lobster Bolognese, Cauliflower and Pecorino Fritto, Forno Crostini with Burrata and Agro-Dolce Sauce. Main Course Platter: Pan-roasted 10oz Tenderloin, Burgundy and Tellagio Risotto, Truffle Spaghetti with herbed Ricotta, whole Forno-roasted Branzino. Dessert Platter: Classic Tiramisu with Mocha Anglaise, Chocolate Zeppoles, and Strawberry Pana Cotta. $49 per person (excluding beverage and tax). Each course is also available on its own.

Head to Trattoria and covet platters laden with sumptuous Italian specialities. First Course: Beet and Fennel Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette, Goat’s Cheese Caprino on Crostini, Beef Carpaccio with Truffled Asparagus Salad. Second Course: Braised Short Rib with Cannellini Bean and Pancetta Ragout, half Lobster Ravioli with Limoncello Cream, and Jumbo Prawn Salad. Dessert: Warm Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Compote, Vanilla Pana Cotta with Basil Anglaise, and Zeppoles. $35 per person (excluding beverage and tax). Each course is also available on its own.

SOCIETY’s flirty four-course menu showcases a lovely mix of treasures from both land and sea. Amuse your bouche with a ‘Teaser’ of Confit Duck Taquito. Whet your appetite with ‘Foreplay,’ choosing either the Baby Beet Salad with Mini Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich or the Atlantic Lobster Bisque with Olive Oil Crostini. ‘Main Event’ selections include Herb-crusted Rack of Lamb or Cioppino-style Seafood Stew. Start the ‘Pillow Talk’ with a Chocolate Platter dessert of Dark Chocolate Cake, Cinnamon Heart-crusted Gelato, Chocolate covered Strawberries, Chocolate Macaroons, and Cotton Candy. $35 per person (excluding beverage and tax). Each course is also available on its own.

Make your reservations online at glowbalgroup.com.

Check out THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION blog for the latest news on all the restaurants at blog.glowbalgroup.com/.

The GLOWBAL COLLECTION President and CEO takes one for the team

 Emad Yacoub, the visionary behind The GLOWBAL COLLECTION of restaurants was honoured at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 Pacific Awards, held on September 28 in Vancouver, BC, with the Entrepreneur Of The Year – Hospitality/Tourism category.

Yacoub’s company – comprised of six restaurants, two lounges and a full-service catering company – is widely recognized for the verve it brings to the local dining community. This worthy accolade is cause for celebration for both Yacoub and his team of 780 employees, as it celebrates the company’s raison d’être — to always go above and beyond what is expected and forge innovative new roads into Vancouver’s hospitality and culinary scene.

“I am both humbled and honoured to be recognized with this award,” says Yacoub. “Thank you to my wife and family, my partners and my team of valued employees who each play a huge role in the success of The GLOWBAL COLLECTION. Passion is the strongest motivator in my career and it is something I pour my heart into every day. To receive an award of this nature inspires me to continue my entrepreneurial endeavours.”

About Entrepreneur Of The Year
The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards honour the spirit and contribution of entrepreneurs here and around the world. This year, the Canadian program is proudly celebrating 17 years of honouring Canada’s outstanding entrepreneurs from all areas of business. For more information on the program, visit ey.com/ca/eoy.

Nominees are reviewed by an independent judging panel, which is composed of distinguished business leaders and previous award recipients. The 2010 Pacific region judging panel consisted of Ryan Beedie, President, The Beedie Group, and Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 Pacific Award winner; Bev Briscoe, President, Briscoe Management Ltd.; Jim Case, CEO, Travelers Financial Group; Amar Doman, Chairman and CEO, CanWel Building Materials Ltd.; Tracey McVicar, Managing Director, CAI Capital Management Co.; Jim Moore, President, Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc.; and Grant Weaver, Partner, Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP.

About The GLOWBAL COLLECTION
The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is comprised of six restaurants: glowbal grill steaks & satay, COAST Restaurant, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen and SOCIETY Dining Lounge; two lounges: AFTERglow and O Lounge; and a catering company: Glowbal Catering. The energy, bustle, and allure of these celebrated Vancouver restaurants are what most people notice first. But The GLOWBAL COLLECTION goes far beyond just flash and excitement. These are serious culinary hotspots, created by some of the most accomplished chefs and restaurateurs in the game. Flawless service, exquisite wine lists, and some of the most inventive, celebrated cuisine in Vancouver define every restaurant in the collection.

Embrace the flavours of fall at glowbal grill. The ‘Taste of Yaletown’ three-course menu features two choices per starter (Pear, Endive and Gorgonzola Salad or Butternut Squash Bisque) and entrée (Grilled 8oz. Canadian Prime Tenderloin or Pan Seared Sockeye Salmon). Dessert is a Granny Smith Apple and Cranberry Crisp topped with caramel gelato. glowbal’s Taste of Yaletown menu is $45 per person.

What a catch! COAST displays its bounty of fresh seafood with a Costa Brava-inspired menu. Starters include Cured and Charred Mackerel or Olive Oil Poached Octopus with Saffron Aioli. Feature entrées like the Grilled Arctic Char, Roasted Ling Cod and 16 oz Canadian Prime Rib-Eye are complemented by tasty side dishes, including fried artichokes, steamed mussels and confit grapes. Warm up with Cinnamon Churros for dessert.

Exploring culinary gems along the Silk Route, Sanafir heads to Thailand this month. Crispy Vegetable Spring Roll starters are packed with mixed vegetables, enoki mushrooms and vermicelli noodles. The Tapas Trio includes Satay Gai (coconut marinated chicken thigh), Prawn Pad Thai, and a Halibut Wonton. Sticky Rice – vanilla coconut sticky rice balls and mango ice cream – sweeten the deal for dessert.

Heirloom Tomatoes play the starring role in Italian Kitchen’s October feature menu. From starters of Heirloom Tomato Salad with warm bacon vinaigrette, and Eggplant Parmigiana, to entrées of Heirloom Tomato Brodetto with Bass and Scallops and a Grilled 16oz Canadian Prime Ribeye complemented with Heirloom Tomato, Crab, and Watercress Salad — the juicy and colourful tomatoes take centre stage. Of course, dessert gets in on the tomato action as well – with a Fried Tomato Frito drizzled with cinnamon cream and topped with vanilla gelato.

Give hunger the boot this month at Trattoria with a menu devoted to Sicily. Primo starters include the Prosciutto Calzone and Carcioffo – Artichokes stuffed with pancetta, sweet peas, smoked cacciocavalo. Feature entrees include Farfalle ca Sasizza e Cucuzza – Roasted squash, pork sausage, fennel, ricotta and breadcrumbs, and Branzino – Forno baked Striped Bass, garlic, cayenne, cumin bread crumbs, eggplant and caper caponata. For dessert, try the Cannoli alla Siciliana – with cinnamon, dark chocolate, citrus and Amarena cherries.

The ‘Taste of Yaletown’ three-course menu features two choices per starter (Chicken Noodle Soup or Confit Albacore Tuna) and entrée (Grilled BC Salmon or Short Rib Pot Pie). Decadent Chocolate Brownie Waffles with Chantilly Cream are offered for dessert. SOCIETY’s Taste of Yaletown menu is $25 per person.

Whichever location you choose, from August 19 – 29 , glowbal grill, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen and SOCIETY Dining Lounge are offering hot deals that won’t make you freckle!

Enjoy Surf & Turf selections this month at glowbal grill. Begin with a Wagyu Beef Chuck Satay and Dungeness Crab Cake or try the Braised Short Rib and Sweet Pea Risotto with a Tempura Atlantic Lobster Claw. From the Prairies to the Pacific, entrées span the country with offerings of Canadian Prime Tenderloin and Jumbo Tiger Prawns. Sample the ‘Surf & Turf Platter’ to taste a variety of treats, including a Dry-Aged Canadian Prime Strip Loin, Lobster Risotto, Jumbo Tiger Prawns with a Buratta and Tomato Salad and Sautéed Green Beans. Sweeten the deal with White Chocolate Crème Brulée for dessert.

COAST is going wild this month with an untamed assortment fresh from British Columbia’s shores. Start off with a Gratinee of Wild Sockeye Salmon or a Dungeness Crab Salad with oyster vinaigrette. Main course selections include Seared Fillet of Halibut complemented with Chanterelle Mushrooms or enjoy Barbequed Haida Gwaii Sablefish spiked with miso bourbon barbeque sauce. Chocolate Crème Brulée with salted caramel ice cream is on offer for dessert.

Experience a taste of Mumbai this month at Sanafir. Try the Spiced Tomato and Lentil Soup appetizer with sweet corn and onion bhaji. Mumbai is the epicentre of India and the cuisine incorporates many different cultures which are reflected in Sanafir’s ‘Surf, Turf, and Earth’ main course Tapas Trio. The unique blend of dishes includes Braised Beef Korma and Basmati Rice, a Prawn and Sweet Pea Samosa served with watercress yogurt, and a Vegetarian Curry. The Mumbai-inspired dessert is a Chai Baked Rice Cake served with cherry vanilla ice cream.

Can’t getaway to cruise the waterways of Italy this month? Taste your way through the beautiful country with a Veneto-inspired menu from Italian Kitchen instead. Featured starters include Scallops poached in Saffron Tea or Tuna Salad with Confit Fingerling Potatoes. Entrées include a Butter Poached Dungeness Crab or Braised Duck Pasta. Finish the meal with an order of ‘Zaleti,’ fritters topped with candied fruit and caramelized pistachios.

Simplicity and fresh ingredients rule this month as Trattoria pays tribute to Tuscan-inspired fare. Antipasti selections include Potato and Bean Salad or a traditional Italian Crostini – toasted bread with spicy Fennel Sausage and fresh Buratta Cheese. Steak and pasta are offered for entrées, including a Grilled T-Bone Steak and Angel Hair Pasta with Tiger Prawns in a lemon cream sauce. Sweet Sugar Dusted Fritters, served with Arborio rice pudding, cap the evening.

Get your kicks on Route 66! The famous highway has inspired the culinary talent at SOCIETY Dining Lounge. American favourites are re-worked with appetizer options like Blackened Ahi Tuna Sliders or Cobb Salad with Confit Chicken. Hearty main dishes include ‘Bacon and Eggs’ – Braised Pork with a Poached Egg topped with Truffle Hollandaise – or check out the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and house-made Waffles. For dessert, sip a Root Beer Float (made with house-made root beer and vanilla gelato) and enjoy the ride.

Make your reservations online at glowbalgroup.com.

Check out THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION blog for the latest news on all the restaurants at blog.glowbalgroup.com/. Text ‘glowbal’ to 82442 on your mobile phone for a directory of all the GLOWBAL restaurants and instant links for reservations and special offers (standard text and data rates may apply).

This month, glowbal grill is paying homage to Texas and its famous BBQ. Appetizers include the Chipotle, Prawn and Avocado Tortilla or Spicy Texas Chilli. Put some meat on your bones – and in your belly – with entrée selections like Bourbon BBQ Glazed Bison Ribs or the Southern Spiced 16oz Cowboy Cut Ribeye. Finish up with the quintessential summer dessert – Strawberry Shortcake.

COAST explores Vancouver Island from bottom to top with appetizer plates offering Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops or Charred Local Octopus Salad with truffled sea urchin vinaigrette. Main courses offer sea selections including a Grilled Wild Ling Cod with a Dungeness Crab Crust or a ‘Canadian Surf and Turf’ of Broiled Beef Tenderloin with Poached Atlantic Lobster. Diners will fall hook, line and sinker for COAST’s patriotic Canadian Maple Parfait – complemented with house-made fudge – for dessert.

Guests may just ask Sam to play it again after feasting on Sanafir’s Casablanca-inspired menu this month. The Mixed Olive Salad appetizer features confit garlic in a tangy tomato cumin vinaigrette. Lamb Tagine, Lobster and Fried Eggplant, and Fig and Apricot Couscous, are featured in the Tapas Trio entrée. For dessert, sample the decadent Crème Caramel topped with coconut and almond truffles.

Discover the ancient flavours of Sardinia at Italian Kitchen. Known for its natural beauty and abundant seafood, this Mediterranean island is the inspiration for menu items like Cassula – a Prawn and Halibut seafood soup, or Culingiones – stuffed ravioli with cacciocavalo cheese and braised greens. Entrées also embrace the sea with Aragosta Arrosto – Stuffed Lobster served with Bianco Risotto, and Tonnato – Tuna with Fennel Sausage, Peas and Heirloom Tomatoes. For dessert, enjoy Frutti di Bosco al Proseco con menta – fresh berries in Proseco and mint with a limone sorbet.

Explore the Puglia and Apulia regions of Italy at Trattoria. From the land of many colours comes a kaleidoscopic menu. Primo selections include a vibrant Roasted Beet Salad or Duck Tortelli in Tuscan tomato sauce. Pizza and pasta are offered for entrées, including Spicy Calabrese and Gamberi Spaghetti Nero and Oven Roasted Cauliflower and Onion Pizza. End on a sweet note with a Sugar Dusted Fritter.

Summer screams for delicious comfort food and SOCIETY is dishing it up with delight. Try a Mini Chilli Dog or Bacon Vichyssoise to start the meal. Entrées include Queen Charlotte Halibut Fish ‘n Chips and Kobe Beef Hamburger Helper served alongside macaroni ‘n cheese. Strawberry season is in full swing, enjoy it with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert.

Make your reservations online at glowbalgroup.com.

Check out THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION blog for the latest news on all the restaurants at blog.glowbalgroup.com/. Text ‘glowbal’ to 82442 on your mobile phone for a directory of all the GLOWBAL restaurants and instant links for reservations and special offers (standard text and data rates may apply).