SoL Sun Belt Cookery

They were smoking busy on their first Friday night of service so I'm going to cut them some slack. The service was definitely friendlly and enthusiastic and we got inside info that one new staff couldn't handle it and left them short-handed.

Owner Gord Martin was moving about the tables keeping an eye on everything. I'm not sure who the maitre d'-type guy was who came over to welcome us and check on our table but he seemed quite pleased with business and was grinning with delight.

We ordered a bottle of Kris Pinot Grigio to have with olives, bruschetta and chorizo mussels. I've had mussels at Bin 941 before that were amazing and these could have been better. Again, cutting them some slack on their first week of service. The olives and bruschetta, which had pork/beef meatballs and asiago cheese on it, were delicious!

The olives came out late and we'd ordered a bottle of Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barolo for our next wine. That too took a long time to arrive. When our server came back apologising for the delay I asked if she'd had to go to Italy for it. She definitely appreciated our humour and patience and then she hammed it up reading the Italian label for us.

We scored a table on the patio with a view of the marina and a cute little skunk who was wandering around the seawall. The heaters were cranked when we got there and we asked if they could be turned down - it was a lovely night out. They did and it was really comfortable. On a chillier night the heaters would be great.

It's great to see this locale hopping right off the bat. We were told that the neighbourhood has been supportive and Gord does have his Bin941 followers. He thanked us for coming and admitted that the staff were just finding their groove. He'll get them whipped into shape soon enough. If you're patient though and want to check out this space go, get on the patio, and soak up what summer we have left in this lively, vibrant, new spot.

Went here for a nice sunny dinner out on their patio. The backdrop of boats, Stanley Park, and people strolling by made for a good relaxed eating experience. Service was good with the host and waiter being friendly and helpful with questions I had.

I tried their squid steak appy which was pretty good - fairly tender and not too salty (some might find it a bit bland but I find many places over do it on the salt for my taste). Four stars for that dish.

For the main, I tried the duck confit. I had mixed views on that dish. The flavour was good and complex but the duck was cooked unevenly with the breast meat being slightly undercooked (a bit pink and chewy) and the leg being a bit overcooked (slightly dry and leathery). If the duck was cooked right, I'd say the dish would be a solid four stars. Unfortunately, because I would expect better from a place like this, I'd say that dish would be a two star they way it was served.

The dessert was deep fried "donuts" (really strips of batter deep fried) drizzled with honey with a chocolate ganache on them. Not bad but I was getting stuffed by then so I don't think I enjoyed them as much as I could have.

Overall, I'd say three stars for their food and four and a half for the experience.

I was here on a Friday night. As it was our first time here, we had a LivingSocial coupon handy! Koodos to the staff for not wincing at the thought of someone coming in with a coupon!

The staff greeted us very promptly at the door. When we arrived, there were only two tables of four already dining, and two men sitting at the bar - it was 6:30 pm. We were seated by the window, where we would have had a lovely view if not for the rain!

Wines here are quite expensive, in my opinion. They were all $40 and up, for labels such as Blasted Church. We settled with two glasses of white wine for $9 each.

***NOTE: The menu on their website is outdated!

My hubby and I both started with the Morroccan Sausages. The presentation could have been better - the sausages were molded in a very unappetizing shape.
Taste: Excellent! Close your eyes and eat up!

Next, I had the Rump of Spring Lamb. It came with deep fried shoe string potatoes.
Taste: Excellent!

My hubby had the Pan Seared Duck. It came with risotto.
Taste: Excellent!

For dessert, we both had the Chocolate and Caramel Tart.
Taste: Excellent!

We also had a lovely waitress attending to us that evening. Service was prompt and polite. By 8:30 pm, we were happily fed and ready to leave.

Overall, we had a lovely time and the meal was delicious. If you're wondering about this place, I say give it a go!

This little spot tucked into the cul de sac at the end of Denman has had many reincarnations. More lives than a cat I should say. The current is Sol, cuisine from the sun belt. I actually don't know what that means, which belt?

Popped in for drinks and potentially some food around 5pm a few days after their opening. Interesting. Retro pop decor meets seaside shack with a Buddha Bar vibe. That's one confused baby, but I'm willing to hang anywhere if the food is good. The little bar tables were... little. And, a little wobbly. Hard pressed to try and get drinks on there plus a plate if you wanted to nibble. The regular tables looked perfectly fine to eat on.

We ordered wine and the selection is OK, I have noted that most mid level restaurants in Vancouver's wine lists these days seem to be predominantly BC wines which is (sorry BC) some of my least favourite wine. OK in a stretch for a light white but no thank you on the red.

We only ordered one dish and it was SUBLIME. A roasted chicken with truffles stuffed under the skin. I still dream about this chicken and am dying to go back to have another try.

The staff were there, neither good nor bad, some interesting make up, no comment on anything untoward or amazing.

Oh, outdoor patio, which I think is brilliant for the summertime. Good people watching off the sea wall. Wish it didn't have the concrete barricades but beggars can't be choosers when it comes to patios in Vancouver.

I will update this review more when I have had a full meal. I can only vouch for the chicken and odd decor at this time.

Went on a Wednesday evening, the place was empty except for 1 other table.

Service was decent, I think the guy was new. Nothing to write home about.

Starter: Moroccan chick-pea soup. Tangy, real good.
Main: Duck leg confit. Salty, delicious.
Dessert: Creme Brulee. They made this WONDERFULLY. It wasn't cold and jelly-like.

The Moroccan tea is also DELICIOUS. Sweetened fresh mint tea. Yum!

They have a nice patio area, and you're right by the water, so I think this place would look fantastic in the sunset or afternoon.

We went for dinner using a groupon which was an amazing value after seeing the prices on the menu! We ordered what was on the prix fixe menu and the quality of food was fantastic. Definitely a must try if you haven't been. We went in the midst of our winter, so I'm sure the summer would be wonderful to sit out on their patio and have dinner with a view of Stanley Park!

Great ambience ! Great food! Awesome belly dancing too . I only gave this a 4 because our reservations got messes up other then thAt everything was fabulous

Solid 3.5 stars, possibly a 4-star til i try the food, but if you want a romantic setting with gorgeous water/mountain views while being on the ground level, this is it.

Just outside of the Westin Bayshore, and right on the seawall track.

Good-size restaurant, it's cozy but with a high-end flair to it.

Some metered street parking.

I cannot remember when was the last time I was at a mediterranean restaurant. My friend wanted to try something new for the Vancouver Dine-out this year around. So I chose Sol Sun Belt Cookery, after two hours of restaurants shopping on www.dineoutvancouver.com and cross referencing on Yelp.

The research sort of paid off. I was pleasantly surprised by the food. We ordered some appetizers, tapas, Grilled Mackerel, and Confit of Duck Leg. They are all delicious. The quality of food is top notch, and I really appreciate their recommendation of wine pairing.

My one recommendation will be that the server could be more detail orientated. I think it was apparent we didn't know much about mediterranean food and were scratching our heads for ideas. Our server just stood there and did nothing. It was a bit awkward to say the least.

All in all, we were happy about the food, service, and location. Too bad it was too dark to see any view.

They have very nice food and great beers on tap.
But their service staff needs more training! Not impressed.