On to Plan B
April 2009: Plan B has now closed and will be replaced by a James-Bond themed restaurant called Shaken Not Stirred. I suppose we’re on to Plan C now.
Spring 2008
Some say Plan B — a sexy, small-plates, Yaletown lounge/eatery — Christened itself with a self-deprecating name, but I think I’ve realized the meaning of Plan B.
The owner, Glenn Cormier, will explain that he got dumped (so to speak) by the original location he was courting for his lustful lounge. That same day something better sauntered into his life: the Yaletown location. He was smitten and named her what she was — Plan B.
His confession aside, I have my own theory to put forth after visiting this vixen of a nightspot. If you land a date who’s a 10, this is a go-to destination with your A-Game and a Gold Card.
As you whisk the 10 into the swank surrounds, your feet slide along the hardwood and, inch by unclad inch, your eyes are drawn up the exposed brick wall to the high ceiling. Although from floor to table to lighting to art she’s dressed to the nines, the raw finish makes you wonder if Plan B might have a naughty side. You hope so, as you are seated in the intimate dining area, because Plan B is thin, curvy, and just dim enough to inspire sultry fantasies.
You and the 10 begin to eye-up the menu as Plan B beguiles you with the smooth sounds of instrumental lounge music. Seduction aside, the next heart-stopper might be the prices on the wine list. You go for a bottle of the Kettle Valley Gamay 2006. Not only is it no longer available from the winery, it’s one of the least expensive bottles on the menu at $44 and the jewelled ruby hue won’t turn your grin black while you engage in witty banter.
Your wine arrives and the sweet, light berry and blackcurrant aroma stimulates your senses. It is smooth with a slightly racy, acidic quality that reflects the atmosphere and will compliment a wide range of flavours the small plates menu affords.
The Main Tasting Menu is sure to break the ice and get you talking. Have you tasted nicoise tapenade before? I wonder how the woodland sorrel is with halibut? Where does one shop for rucola, pickled cipollini, glace d’agneau or argan oil? You narrow down the offerings and order the Wentzel Duck Breast with baby artichokes ($16), Stuffed Sweet Pepper Samosa with lemon curry foam ($13) and the Steamed Local Mussels in tomato saffron broth ($16).
It’s a busy weekend evening and you’ve already sipped away half the Gamay by the time you put in your order. As the food is meant to share, it drifts out of the kitchen as it’s ready, not waiting for the rest. By the time the first plate is finished (three scant mouthfuls each), you need another bottle.
As the next two plates arrive at their leisure, Plan B continues to tease you with tender and exotic mouth-watering sensations that whet your appetite but fail to satisfy. She leaves you perpetually longing for more.
You’re hungry, intoxicated; you’ve charged the mighty bill and lead the giggling 10 out of Plan B’s tantalizing clutches.
Now, you’ve got plans.
You suavely suggest to the 10 that you could continue conversation back at your Yaletown apartment over a glass of wine from your modest cellar. You don’t have any pickled cipollini and you can’t promise any lemon tobiko emulsion, but you do have some French bread and brie. There might even be some strawberries and chocolate in stock.
The 10 is tipsy enough to falter in judgement and hungry enough to agree. For somebody whose M.O. is taking home a 10 on the DL, Plan B is a good square one.
Details
Plan B
(604) 609-0901
1144 Homer St.
Vancouver, BC
Open Monday to Saturday. Cocktails from 4pm, kitchen from 5-1:00am.
www.planblounge.com
