The words “cocktail crawl’ alone might well have been enough to strike fear into my heart. But an evening with Marriott International Cocktail Crawl happily proved otherwise.
This was a fun opportunity to check out contrasting programs at The Westin Bayshore, Marriott Pinnacle Downtown and Parq Douglas, with an array of ten cocktails over the evening—and timely bus hops in between.
Yes, the key word was ‘sipping’: pacing was paramount.
H Tasting Lounge has turned out to be a superb addition to the landmark Westin Bayshore, a clam toss from Stanley Park. It’s name is a subtle nod to the reclusive Howard Hughes, who lived at the hotel in the early 1970s but was never seen in public.
H Tasting Lounge: Rolling Uphill Mountain Berry tea
Another touch of whimsy is the delightful, Art Deco inspired, plush, pastel furnishings. Fave taste here was the Rye Chai (Rye, Mezcal, apricot liqeuer, falernum, lemon and Chai tea)—and excellent crab cakes, courtesy of Chef Shaun Maclean.
Also worth checking out: the outdoor, 30 foot long fireplace bar overlooking Coal Harbour.
Marriott Pinnacle’s Lady Wallflower
Then, on to Marriott Pinnacle Downtown for share plates and good tastes such as the Lady Wallflower, which celebrates local distillers. It’s a nicely balanced composition of Long Table Gin and Odd Society Crème de Cassis, with lots of fresh lime and cinnamon syrup. Top tastes here included crab cakes and Angels on Horseback.
The bustling bar at The Victor, The Douglas (on top of Parq Vancouver) is always a fun stop and didn’t disappoint this time.
The Victor: Crouching Tiger with ceviche
It offered up a trio of smartly paired cocktails and canapés. First up: Crouching Tiger (Bombay Sapphire gin with Fukumitsuya Sake, Lillet Blanc, yuzu, lime and thyme—with scallop or prawn ceviche on scallop shells).
The Victor Parq Mule
Next up: the Parq Mule, a riff on a Moscow Mule with a little extra colour, lime syrup and Fever Tree ginger beer—with Dungeness crab cake, sea bean & fennel salad, and mild curry aióli).
The Victor Oaxacan Warrior with steak tartare
To wrap: the Oaxacan Warrior (Cazadores blanco, sombra Mezcal chili chocolate agave and orange bitters)—that delivers a real kick!—with steak tartare on house chip.
Kudos to The Victor lead bartender Miles (above) for his inventive creations and presentation.
Homeward bound, past the glowing hues of BC Place Stadium
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