January 30th – First in a Series Planned to Showcase ‘45 World Beers’ & Modern Comfort Food Menu
Top Chef Canada Winner Dale MacKay, well-known for his lingering, multi-course wine-paired dinners, has expanded his repertoire in salute to ensemble Tap’s extensive ‘45 world beers’ cellar and modern comfort food menu.
On Monday January 30th, Belgian Beer expert Dave Turnbull and Chefs Dale MacKay and Brad Hendrickson honour four extraordinary Belgian beers, with modern comfort menu items chosen specifically for their pairing characteristics. Cost per person, for this inaugural event is just $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity), but seating is limited to 45, so reserve now! “I am really looking forward to this event,” says MacKay. “We have just started our beer program, but already we have 45 fabulous craft beers from all over the world – and 15 of those on tap. This is the first of many themed beer-paired dinners and other unique events we have planned for eTap.”
January 30th Belgian Beer-Paired Dinner Menu
· Oysters with BBQ Consomme.
paired with Duvel – Belgian strong ale brewed by Duvel Moortgat of Breendonk-Puurs.
· French Onion Soup – Gruyere Cheese, Croutons and Red Wine.
paired with Carolus (Gouden Carolus Classic) brewed by Brouwerij Het Anker of Mechelen.
· Bangers & Spaetzle – Housemade Sausage, Tarragon Spaetzle, mushroom-onion gravy and onion slaw. paired with La Chouffe strong ale brewed by Brasserie d’Achouffe of Achouffe
· Banana Split – Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla Ice Cream, Sprinkles and Chopped Nuts.
paired with St. Bernardus Abt.12 brewed by St. Bernard Nrouwerij of Watou.
The moderated event will be held upstairs in ensemble Tap’s mezzanine/private event area, and seating will be traditional wine dinner style. Service will begin at 6pm sharp, so guests are asked to arrive promptly. A credit card reservation will be taken on booking. For tasting notes related to the featured Belgian beers, please visit the ‘On Tap’ and ‘Bar’ pages of the ensemble Tap website.
ensemble Tap restaurant
Modern Comfort cuisine and fresh beer on tap. A casual, neighborhood taphouse style restaurant featuring simple comfort foods designed for modern urban diners, and an extensive blend of 40 Canadian and Euro microbrews on tap (15) and in bottles. A 60-seat mezzanine for private parties, 40’ live-edge eat-or-drink-at bar with18 high-back stools, and a 60-seat main dining room that opens onto a summer sidewalk patio. Chef/Owner Dale MacKay, Executive Chef Brad Hendrickson, General Manager Chris Cho. Open from 11-midnight daily for lunch and dinner service at 990 Smithe, just east of Burrard next to the Scotia Theatre. Reservations or walk-in. Reservations required for parties of eight or more. Street and lot parking nearby. For information call 604.566.9770 or visit www.ensembletap.com. Twitter: ensembletap Facebook: ensembletap
ensemble restaurant & bar
Modern French cuisine. A casually elegant, 80-seat restaurant and bar on the residential edge of downtown Vancouver’s shopping and entertainment district. Combining the classic French techniques and precision execution that earned Dale his Five Diamond reputation, with the casual, cosmopolitan vibe of Vancouver – ensemble promises an extraordinary culinary experience in a fun and approachable environment. Tasting size plates, contemporary cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Resident Executive Chef/Owner Dale MacKay, Executive Sous Chef Ryan Mielty, General Manager Kevin Van Hullebush. Open Tuesday thru Sunday for 5pm-11pm dinner service at 850 Thurlow street, one block west of Burrard, at Smithe. Reservations recommended but walk-ins welcome. For information call 604.569.1770 or visit www.ensemblerestaurant.com. Twitter: ensemblevan Facebook: ensemblevan
ensemble catering
Operating from the ensemble Tap kitchen, ensemble catering offers a variety of favourite and ethnic sandwiches on classic and specialty breads; plus green, potato and pasta salads; pie and cookies; and a build-your-own-sandwich platter. Delivery to the downtown core only (free delivery orders +$100). Take-out or pick-up. Chefs request at 4pm cut-off for next-day delivery. For information call 604.566.9770 or visit www.ensembletap.com to order online. Twitter: ensembletap Facebook: ensembletap
About Chef Dale MacKay
Chef MacKay’s resume, like his culinary style, is condensed and flavourful. Highlights include time spent as a private chef in Italy; as Executive Chef at an exclusive BC resort; protégé to Chef Gordon Ramsay at his restaurants in Tokyo, New York, and London; then most recently, as Executive Chef of Lumière, Vancouver’s Five Diamond, Four Star, Relais Gourmand establishment managed by New York Chef Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group. At the age of 27, MacKay made culinary history as the youngest Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux in the world.
In May of 2011, MacKay opened his own establishment, ensemble restaurant and bar, an 80-seat modern French restaurant on the residential edge of downtown Vancouver’s shopping and entertainment district. In July, 2011, he was voted Canada’s Top Chef, by the judging panel of Food Network Canada’s inaugural season of Top Chef Canada, which aired nationally (MacKay made history once again when the 13-episode series became the highest rated program in network history). On December 6, 2011 MacKay will open ensemble Tap a 140-seat casual restaurant offering modern comfort food and 40 global beers (15 on tap). When Chef MacKay is not in the kitchen or on the floor at ensemble, he and his son Ayden keep busy doing homework, exploring city restaurants, and visiting family and friends. MacKay is committed to passing his good fortune forward, mentoring at-risk youth, and working with aspiring young chefs.
