Have you been into the Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver of late? There are actually two great spots to dine, the more casual GRAIN in the hotel lobby and Mosaic Restaurant, merely an escalator ride away. Mosaic flies under the radar, but I’ve had some amazing meals there over the  years, prepared by a number of different chefs. I used to work across the street at 666 Burrard Street, so it was rather convenient. Vaneats.ca has a wicked $27 3-course dinner deal on now, so what better timing to check it out?

Chef Jo Ong was in when we visited and came out for visit to go over the dishes that are included in the package. She’s newish to the city, but has had no problem figuring out how to work with the local suppliers and the kitchen sources very close to home.

The White Asparagus Bisque comes topped with Parmesan and a crispy bread stick and it is rich, smooth, and has an ideal texture. I want to move to somewhere where I get white asparagus more often, as once a year doesn’t cut it, and this stuff wasn’t canned.

 The Earth Apple Farms Mixed Kale Salad came with a variety of mixed greens, both pickled and fresh radishes and a mild dressing with noticeable garlic scape flavour. Super fresh!

Braised Maple Ridge Farm Veal Cheeks are atop a lovely house made stinging Nettle Pasta, with asparagus tips, diced asparagus and a delightful morel cream sauce. This combination, although rich, was divine. There must be more veal checks served please, and now I am thinking about making these at home.

BC Bouillabaisse with Spring Salmon are accompanied Salt Spring mussels, manila clams, sugar snap pea, charred scallion, fennel, and new potatoes. This celebration of spring in a bowl was accented with fragrant saffron notes and the salmon was done just right.

Green Garlic Quinoa Risotto was served with some local fiddlehead, fava beans, green peas, watercress and topped with Parmesan. I am not entirely sold on the texture of quinoa in risotto and would have preferred a barley or rice as it was a tad too mushy for me. I did love the flavours, just want them carried on a different vehicle.

MOSAIC’s Signature Triple Layer Cake with fresh berries is rich and dense; a fine example of a great chocolate cake.

Maple Espresso Creme Brulee had the perfect bruleed top and a silky smooth custard bottom.

The service here is attentive, and as the lights go down, the view out over Burrard and down into the inlet in worthy of observation, so get a window seat. This is an excellent deal, don’t miss it.