WELCOME TO THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE

Gastown gets a new go-to spot with the opening of L’Abbatoir.

Gastown gets a new go-to spot with the opening of L’Abbatoir.

When Gastown’s L’Abbatoir opened last month, it had a lot of hype to live up to. And did it deliver? Absolutely.

Multiple visits uncovered very little to find fault with. Set in 19th century brick and beam building, the sexy room features old-school Gastown exposed brick accented by natural wood, glass, steel and French tiles.

Chef Lee Cooper’s menu of French-influenced West Coast fare features a fresh take on simple ingredients. Standout starters include the Salad of Chicken and Pickled Cauliflower ($13) and Dungeness Crab and Chickpea Toast ($12). With a name like L’Abbatoir our favourite main came with a side of irony (as it’s the vegetarian option), but do yourself a favour and try the Crispy Mushroom Turnover with Truffle Fondue ($22).

Vancouver Magazine’s Bartender of the Year, Shaun Layton, has put together a cocktail list of classic and signature drinks that focuses on premium spirits, fresh fruits, herbs and housemade syrups and infusions. We had a hard time picking a favourite from the cocktail list, so you’re going to have to just do what we did …

Try them all.

L’Abbatoir
217 Carrall St.
www.labattoir.ca