AZUR Legacy Hotel will add another highlight to Vancouver’s hospitality scene — one that quite literally towers above all others — when it officially welcomes guests to its Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar located high atop the downtown hotel at 833 West Pender Street this spring in May.
Taking its cues from the exotic Middle Eastern region, the Arabesque-inspired restaurant invites guests to immerse themselves in a world of enchantment and delight in an urban garden oasis reminiscent of the legendary tales spun in the beloved compilation of stories and legends known as One Thousand and One Nights.
Situated on the rooftop of the newest 5-Star boutique hotel in the city and the only member of the Leading Hotels of the World in Western Canada, the Lavantine will be open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (except Monday) and feature an open-concept kitchen and chef’s table and Skybar, all complemented by sweeping views of the city skyline, ocean and mountains.
The Lavantine menu is envisioned and executed by AZUR Chef duo Shyam Longani and Daniel Kenney and their talented culinary team and inspired by the flavours and recipes of the Levant region as well as the fresh, locally sourced ingredients available from purveyors throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Representing a marriage of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with strong influences provided from both traditional and local ingredients, Lavantine offers an array of tantalizing starters such as Watermelon Saladwith whipped feta, mint, olive crumble, sour apple, passion fruit and poppy seed vinaigrette, a Mezze Platterfeaturing baba ganoush, muhammara, hummus, pita, crudité and pickles, and Grilled Halloumi with wildflower honey and figs, among others, with ingredients like molasses, pistachios and pomegranate featured prominently throughout the menu.
Guests can indulge in sumptuous savoury entrées like Kofta Kebab (minced meat skewers) and Short Rib Tagine with ras el hanout, batata harra, horseradish labneh and crispy Brussels sprouts, or a 24 oz Cowboy Steak seasoned with red wine jus and smoked sea salt and conclude the experience on a sweet finishing note with the perfect ending to an unforgettable culinary journey courtesy of a dessert course of Baklava andPistachio Gelato.
The list of libations that will be available at Skybar is curated by AZUR Bar Manager Serhii Kulikov and includes an array of classic and contemporary cocktails, wines that showcase the very best vines from Old and New World alike and some of the best craft beer from BC’s burgeoning brewing community.
Kulikov’s cocktail list is divided into two distinct chapters, with each offering a unique glimpse into the mystical realms of Arabian folklore. The first offers a tribute to legendary voyages such as The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor and takes guests on a sensory journey through layers of Mediterranean flavours via floral notes and exotic spices. The second is inspired by the timeless tale of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp and features signature drinks that evoke desserts and pastries from around the world like Thai Pandan cheesecake and a Japanese Miso Rice Krispie Treat.
Opened last fall, the AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel brings a new level of luxury, service and style to Vancouver’s hospitality scene and offers locals and visitors alike an urban oasis in which they can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and sample the very best in cuisine, culture and creature comforts.
The AZUR is the first and only property in Western Canada to be part of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World portfolio that includes more than 400 boutique, luxury properties across more than 80 countries worldwide.