I recently had the opportunity to experience the re-vamped ARC After Dark at the downtown Fairmont Waterfront hotel. It was a rainy Thursday evening that indeed found us entering the restaurant as the cloudy sky was just beginning to turn to dark. After a friendly welcome as we entered through the hotel main doors and turned towards the restaurant to begin our evening, we experienced yet another friendly face and were led through the lounge area to the restaurant, noticing on our way guests enjoying cocktails at high tops and around the illuminated circular bar. The restaurant is actually an arc, or at least in the crescent shape of an arc, with two levels that gives it, not just the impression of, true privacy and quiet initimacy. We selected a table on the lower level with views looking out towards Coal Harbour and the cruise ship terminal across the way. Very subdued and, in my opinion, a very romantic setting. Think “date night”.
The menu is extensive with fresh and local ingredient driven “share plates”. This to me is always the ultimate dining experience where you get to try must, if not all, of the dishes on offer. Not surprising the menu is accompanied by an extensive wine and cocktail list. We hadn’t even ordered yet and I was already thinking about which post dining cocktail to enjoy at the end of the evening.
Arc After Dark is available Thursdays to Saturdays 8:00 to 10:00 pm.
We started with the Share Plates and first the Crunchy Bread with Garlic Miso Butter.
Crunchy on the outside and soft and rich on the inside.
Hubby followed this with two of the Oysters served with apple, jalapēno and lime.
Succulent and oh so fresh, the evening we were there the oysters were from Washington State.
Before we started on our next selections we each chose a BC Wine; a Burrowing Owl Merlot
for hubby and I opted for an old favourite, the Tantalus Riesling.
On the recommendation of our server, Arwin, we next shared the
Bass Carpaccio with Rosemary Oil and Radish Salad.
Again, so fresh and so good.
Served along with our other choice the Tuna Crudo with Orange, Hazelnuts and a touch of Coriander.
Of the two dishes this one was our favourite.
Although the restaurant was fairly busy the two elevations and the curved shape of the space along with the fabric upholstered sidewalls kept the room quiet and also quite private which we really appreciated. A little background music at just the right volume and we were both enjoying the ambience and the opportunity to engage in some conversation. After a long day at the office, or just in front of your keyboard, it was the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy each others company.
In no rush we next shared the Orecchiette, with Nduja, Arugula and Tomato.
This was one yummy dish with a slightly spicey sausage.
Sirloin with Radicchio and Salsa Verde
The Cod with Cavolo Nero, Celeriac and Jus Gras.
All three shared plates were delicious but the Orecchiette was definitely our top choice.
Hubby just had to try the Beef Tartar with Rice Crisp and Bone Marrow Aioli,
which was declared first rate.
Finally deciding on the Chef’s Feature of Trofie, Pesto, Potato and Green Beans.
Just when we thought we were finished Arwin insisted, although it didn’t take much
prompting, for us to share the Blackout Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream.
With the Masala Chai Carrot Cheesecake
I’m not a huge chocolate fan but I definitely was into the Blackout Cake. So good.
With the rain coming down outside we ended this perfect evening with a couple of night cap specials in the Heating Up category.
A Hot Toddy made with brandy, honey, lemon and cinnamon for hubby.
A Valhrona Hot Chocolate made with Valhrona Chocolate, Baileys and Kahlua
and a yummy marshmallow.
I think we really outdid ouselves! So if you’re looking for a bit of late night diversion this is definitely the place. We would definitely go back again to enjoy ARC After Dark. See the ARC menus here. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
Chef Adam Middleton
Originally hailing from the U.K, Middleton brings 15 years of experience in international restaurant operations where he received firsthand knowledge working in kitchens across Europe and North America during his extensive travels in pursuit of global culinary experiences through cultural immersion; honing his skills in classic British, Italian and French cuisine styles.
Chef Middleton’s experience within the bustling culinary scene in London saw him work at Wolseley Hospitality Group’s grand and iconic Michelin Guide-listed venues Bellanger, The Delaunay, and Colbert, where he spent several years as Head Chef, bringing his culinary ethos of no-frills cooking, focused on bringing fresh and quality ingredients to each of the restaurant venues.
in 2020, Middleton traded his brolly for an umbrella and made the move to the Great North, landing on the west coast, where he joined Nemesis Coffee. Vancouverites familiar with the trendy homegrown café group will have dined on menus curated by Chef Middleton in his two years as Executive Chef and Partner. During his time, he managed three head chefs and 25 cooks across three venues and launched the high-end dinner series ‘Word,’ a six-course tasting menu that is now a monthly sell-out success.
“Chef Adam Middleton brings a wealth of experience that aligns with our culinary and leadership philosophies,” said Culinary & Beverage Director, Mike Pagnacco. “His experience in both upscale restaurants, urban eateries, and cafes make him the perfect fit and we’re thrilled for what’s to come as we move ARC Restaurant forward under his culinary leadership.’’
ARC Restaurant is situated on the waterfront in Coal Harbour, offering an authentic West Coast setting to enjoy simply inspired, handcrafted fare made with locally sourced ingredients, including those grown on the rooftop herb garden and apiary. The uniquely curved glass space offers stunning harbour and mountain views and is the perfect place to take in the vibrancy and energy of downtown Vancouver. Open from morning until late, ARC serves up daily breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, as well as their signature weekend bottomless brunch.
About Fairmont Waterfront
This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property is connected to the best of everything the city has to offer and is consistently ranked among top luxury hotels by travel authorities such as Condé Nast (named 2nd Best in Hotel for 2021) and Travel + Leisure (named 4th Best City in Canada for 2021). The hotel’s expansive rooftop garden is home to a honeybee apiary and is thought to be one of the city’s first green roofs. Fresh, handcrafted artisanal cuisine pairs perfectly with a world-class wine list, local craft beers, and expertly mixed cocktails in ARC Restaurant.
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivaled portfolio of more than 80 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
With thanks to Kristyna Vogel, Director, Public Relations & Marketing, Fairmont Waterfront for arranging this special evening for us. Dinner and drinks were complimentary to facilitate this feature. All images: MyVanCity. This feature was not submitted for approval or edits prior to publication, all opinons are my own. We left a gratuity equal to 20% of the cost of our evening for Arwin, in thanks for the outstanding service, and for the culinary team at ARC, Fairmont Waterfront. Kudos to Chef Middleton. We hope to visit again soon.
