VA2007 - Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House

A Classic American Seafood Brasserie

Photos: Bruce Law
Seen Right: Executive Chef / Partner Scott Pratico, Managing Partner Darren Gates, and MaitreD' / Partner Frenchy welcome you.

Whether gazing up at the stars on the rustically elegant roof garden, or spotting one of the Hollywood variety who are frequently found dining inside this classically appointed marble and mahogany laden brasserie — every guest of Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House is treated to celebrity status and Joe's extra special brand of friendly, flawless, professional hospitality and style.

Beloved hero and something of a local celebrity himself, Joe Fortes was a bartender by trade and Vancouver's first lifeguard. Named "Special Constable" by the city for his good works in the community, a monument was erected after his death in 1923 honoring Joe for his excellence in community service.

Today, Joe's spirit for excellence lives on in this DiRoNA award winning restaurant and defines the essence of the culinary pleasures and bountiful treasures that await as you step inside this classic American seafood brasserie.

To start, try a glass of locally handcrafted beer accompanied by a mouthwatering array of freshly-shucked oysters at the "best Oyster Bar" in the city — 400,000 served last year (35 kinds).

Joe's lively Bistro and Sidewalk Café tempt with live piano nightly and 40 single malts to choose from at the Grand Horseshoe Shaped Bar. California style salads, shared plates and an appetizer menu are perfect for sharing while taking in some of the best people watching in town.

More formal dining beckons in the white linen clad and palm fronded dining room with its luxuriously cozy back booths. Just caught Halibut, Tuna or Florida striped Bass grilled to perfection may be among the 15 daily selections.

For a more intimate venue and spectacular view of the bustling brasserie below, try the cedar planked salmon on the Mezzanine. And not to be missed — one of Joe’s signature delights; 3-tiered Seafood Tower on Ice piled high with prawns, scallops, oysters and lobster enjoyed on the heated patio roof garden (an urban oasis — open year round!). Designated smoking area.

Executive Chef/Partner, Scott Pratico, uses only the finest and freshest in his award-winning creations and prides himself on the restaurant’s Pacific Northwest regional focus and commitment to the Oceanwise Program for sustainable seafood practices.

Menu Highlights

Appetizers

Vancouver's Best Oyster Bar

Three Tier Seafood Tower on ice

Clam Chowder

Steak Cut Calamari
Cracked chilies, sun dried tomato remoulade

Oysters Rockefeller
Creamed spinach, P armesan, hollandaise

Cobb Salad
Chicken, blue cheese, bacon, tomato, egg, avocado

Jumbo Tiger Prawn Cocktail
Fresh horseradish seafood sauce

Entrées

Grilled Fresh Fish
With more than 15 varieties available daily

Cedar Planked Wild Salmon
Bourbon glaze, tomato chutney

Surf and Turf
Petit filet and half lobster, sauce béarnaise

Porterhouse Steak
Fresh horseradish, double smoked bacon mash potato, Sterling Silver AAA

Slow Roasted Prime Rib au Jus
Buttermilk mash potato and Yorkshire pudding

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Steak
Ginger soy glaze, asian greens and jasmine rice

Desserts

New York Cheesecake
Berry compote

Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée
Coconut macaroon

Espresso and Chocolate Tiramisu
Mascarpone and ladyfingers

Local and International Cheeses
Sample one, or put together your own platter

Best of the Cellar

White Wine

Kenwood 2005, Sauvignon Blanc – Sonoma County, California
Liberty School 2004, Chardonnay – California
Sonoma-Cutrer "Russian River Ranches" 2004, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California
Tantalus 2006, Riesling – Okanagan Valley, BC
Joie "Noble Blend" 2006 – Okanagan Valley, BC

Red Wine

Benzinger "Tribute" 2003 – Sonoma Mountain, California
Niebaum-Coppola "Rubicon" 2002, Cabernet Franc – Rutherford, Napa Valley
Château Ste. Michelle "Indian Wells" 2003, Merlot – Columbia Valley, Washington
Shafer "Hillside Select" 1995, Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California
Black Hills "Nota Bene" 2004– Okanagan Valley, BC
Cakebread 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California

Above: "Champion Oyster Shucker, Bob Skinner "cracking" the best at the Oyster Bar in the dining room"

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow Street at Robson, Vancouver, B.C., 604-669-1940
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