We did this review in 2015, but unfortunately the Left Bank Vancouver is now closed! Sniff!!

Denman Street – the urban centre of cool in Vancouver. Rainbow flags, English Bay Beach and bike rentals for Stanley Park sightseeing contribute to the vibe. And now we are blessed with Left Bank. On the north end of Denman, veteran Vancouver restaurateur John Blakeley created the only restaurant blessed with an alley patio and spectacular, moderately priced French cuisine.

I ate a spicy albacore tuna cone and sticky pork rib with my cocktail. Perfection.

Delicate salmon and desserts of a master, I savoured every bite and didn’t want to stop eating.

After the meal, I could have been wandering out into the Marais of Paris instead of a hot Vancouver evening. I would be back.

I came back a few days later, husband on my arm. He must try. We met a lovely theatre actress who comes weekly for the happy hour special. She felt at home and luxurious, as if in her native land across the ocean.

We shared plates, exchanged stories and could easily have been mistaken for old friends in a french bistro.