RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK
A PERSONAL REVIEW OF RESTAURANTS AROUND THE WORLD

JOE FORTES
VANCOUVER, B.C.

This restaurant is billed as having Canada's best oyster bar.  While we didn't dine at the oyster bar itself, we did enjoy some and they were quite tasty.

The restaurant has a richly appointed decor with lots of wood.  It is named after a bartender and lifeguard who hung out in Vancouver in the 1880s.

Appetizers include the usual suspects and is heavy on oysters on the half shell and a multi-tiered appetizer tray consisting of oysters, shrimp, clams and other goodies.  My wife had some New England clam chowder and it was nicely done.  I slurped down some local west coast raw oysters.  They were great!

After the starters, we shared a Caesar salad and it was great with just the right amount of garlic.

For our main course I chose halibut and my wife had wild salmon.  Both were very good.  Each had fancy sauces.  If seafood isn't your deal you'll find a nice selection of steaks, veal and even pork chops.  And for a side, go ahead and pop for some creamed spinach.  It was delightful!

While we certainly enjoyed our dinner here I personally prefer a larger menu when it comes to seafood selections.  But everything was fresh and well done.

Joe Fortes is located at 777 Thurlow (at Robson) in downtown Vancouver.  Reservations are highly suggested.  Their number is (604) 669-1940.

They have a comprehensive web site here.

ADDITIONAL RESTAURANT REVIEWS FROM CANADA:

Bangkok Garden - Toronto, Ontario
Chandler's Seafood Restaurant - Victoria, B.C.
Fine Kettle of Fish - Niagara Falls, Ontario
Floata Seafood Restaurant - Vancouver, B.C.
Hy's Encore - Vancouver, B.C.
Keg Steakhouse & Bar - Niagara Falls, Ontario
Kettle of Fish - Vancouver, B.C.
Mamma Teresa - Ottawa, Ontario
Milos - Montreal, Quebec
Moulinere - Quebec City, Quebec
TBQ - Tunnel Barbecue - Windsor, Ontario