Vancouver Gaybourhood culinary delight

New on the #Vancouver culinary scene in the heart of Davie Village - the Gaybourhood, is a new tapas bistro called Exile.  The intimate space combined with the welcoming nature of the bistro staff make this a hidden gem in the midst of all the chain restaurants in the city. The mostly vegetarian menu makes this a rare treat where you can have a holistic and healthy dining options and feel good about what you eat! 

Exile's mantra is "hyper local, ethical + wild, and holistic" using locally sourced foods with some truly Canadian First Nations inspired culinary creations including Pemmica. Pemmica is sort of like home made beef jerky with wild berry, cured big game and cherry duck fat.  Yum!

We enjoyed a Vancouver Island rosé, from Unsworthy vineyards which paired perfectly with our light dinner.  We shared a beautifully crafted Borcht salad: beets, dill, creme fraiche ($10); Lentil Pâté: pickles, levain crakers ($13); thinly sliced wild mushroom in a extra virgin olive oil and sea salt with fresh lavender ($8); and Bison tataki: green onion ash, ginger-turmeric consommé wild wild fennel root ($16).

I really enjoyed the space and can see this will be a great place to come with a small group of friends or with someone special for a wonderful romantic night out.  Exile takes credit cards, however it is on a first come first served basis.  If the restaurant is full, enjoy a seat outside on the pedestrian tree lined lane and have one of their "Holistic" mock tails or add a couple ounces of spirits  for some of their delicious cocktails.

I can see that I will be returning often and look forward to see how the menu changes as different foods come into season.  

Atmosphere: intimate and friendly
Culinary Creations: healthy, fresh and delicious
Wine List:  Average
Cocktail List: need more time to work through the list!
Where: Exile - 1220 Bute St. Vancouver, BC