Warm weather is rolling in, and with it comes an influx of lighter fare. Leading the way are Bin 941 and Bin 942 Tapas Parlours, now both serving up Pinxos (pronounced pinch-os). Bite-size portions smaller than tapas, originating in Spain, the Pinxos at the Bins are just $5 a plate, making them as pleasing to your wallet as they are to your palate. Bin 941 and Bin 942 will be changing their Pinxos menus every two to three weeks, so be sure to pop in often to try them all. (See below for sample menu).

With two venues located in the heart of their neighbourhoods, the Bins offer great respite from predictable dining. The Kitsilano location, recently renovated to include the addition of a front bar and kitchen bar, allows patrons to dine solo or with friends and take advantage of summer cocktails and the infamous “Bingria”. Bin 941, downtown on Davie Street, reflects the bustle of Vancouver’s West End and showcases local ingredients artfully prepared by Owner Chef Gord Martin and his kitchen brigade.

Says Martin, “The Bins were originally developed to offer affordable dining options for Vancouverites – and they still do. The Pinxos we are now serving have been inspired by my recent travels in Spain, where people enjoy a few small dishes before the main event, or make an evening of sampling different pinxos.”

A repertoire of tapas-inspired small, affordable sharing plates, sexy desserts, artisan cheeses, a superb array of wines by the glass, select premium spirits and local micro-brewed beers make it easy to sample a variety of tastes. Proving they are still leader of the pack after ten years, the Bins have once again been named Best Tapas by the readers of the WestEnder. Bin 941 Tapas Parlour is located at 941 Davie Street at Burrard; Bin 942 is located at 1521 West Broadway at Granville. Seating is first-come, first-served. The Bins are open from 5:00pm to 2:00am daily (midnight on Sundays), indulging early diners and late-night cravings. For information, call Bin 941 at 604.683.1246 or Bin 942 at 604.734.9421 or visit www.bin941.com.

Pinxos Menu
$5 each

Bin 941/ Bin 942

– Arancini
goat cheese cauliflower puree
black truffle vinaigrette

– Bin Smoked Salmon Croquette
candied cerignolo olive vinaigrette, caviar

– Manila Clams, sherry steamed,
chorizo, patatas bravas

– Bison Tataki, shiitake mushroom,
green papaya salad, black pepper fireweed
honey vinaigrette

– Cold Smoked Fresh Halibut,
sherried summer bean English pea salad,
lemon Hangar 1 vodka mist