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All "Yew" Need is Cheese!

This week Christine and I were invited to the most wonderful Dine Out event at Yew Seafood + Bar at the Four Seasons.
This week Christine and I were invited to the most wonderful Dine Out event at Yew Seafood + Bar at the Four Seasons. All "Yew" Need is Cheese was sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Canada and was essentially Chef Ned Bell creatively infusing a number of seafood dishes with fine Canadian cheeses. Monterey jack, cheese curds, marble cheddar, double cream camembert, mild cheddar, aged cheddar and fromage frais all made their way in - sometimes subtly and sometimes not - to the array of dishes that I'm sharing Christine's photos of below. We started with Cheddar Gougeres made with Bothwell Cheese Company's Marble Cheddar. january272013_mcavoy_0002 Followed by (Ned's award winning) Organic Ocean Humpback Shrimp Chowder served with Cheesy House Made Scones made with Bothwell Jalapeno Pepper Jack cheese. january272013_mcavoy_0005 Next, my favourite dish of the night, which will soon be appearing on the Yew menu: Lobster Poutine (!!!) made with Golden Ears Cheesecrafters' Fresh Cheese Curds. january272013_mcavoy_0010 The choice of mains were this Dungeness Crab & Camembert Stuffed Heritage Chicken Breast made with Poplar Grove Cheese Co's Double Cream Camabert (which is what Christine had)... january272013_mcavoy_0016 And the Roasted Sablefish, Kale & Cheddar Pesto, Tomato Jam made with Village Cheese's Aged Cheddar (which I had)... january272013_mcavoy_0013 Dessert was Cheesecake, Fromage Frais Ice Cream, Salted Caramel & Chocolate Cheddar Sauce made with Little Qualicum Cheeseworks Fromage Frais and Village Cheese's Aged Cheddar. january272013_mcavoy_0019 Every course was introduced by the ever-hospitable Chef Ned Bell, who promised (and delivered) "cheesy" puns throughout the night. january272013_mcavoy_0003 The dishes were all (quite obviously) wonderful, and as one of the heads of the Dairy Farmers of Canada was sitting at our table with us I learned some interesting facts about our cheeses, the most awesome being that there are no growth hormones allowed in them. At all. If you see the "100% CANADIAN MILK" seal on products you can be assured that there are no hormones used. If it's not on the cheese products you're buying they could be made using imported milks (from the USA and overseas), which could quite possibly have come from cows pumped full of growth hormones. It's not quite as clean as all our cheeses being fully organic but it's pretty cool that across the board, regular milk (and of course cheese) in our country is better for us than our neighbours' down south. january272013_mcavoy_0006 This dinner was a one-off and won't be happening again, but that shouldn't stop you from taking a look at their Dine Out menu HERE and considering booking a reservation. Watch out for more looks inside Yew Seafood + Bar in the coming months as we've partnered with them to host some of our upcoming 500 Coffees where I sit down with interesting Vancouverites for coffee (lunch and coffee in these upcoming ones) and then share some insight on them with you. All photos Christine McAvoy - mcavoy.ca Check out Yew and some other great seafood restaurants in our 2014 guide to our favourites:

Local Guide: Vancouver Seafood Spots

By Vancouver Is Awesome

Being on the West Coast and all, we know a thing or two about seafood. Luckily we have a slew of restaurants serving up the freshest stuff you can get without catching it yourself.

  • The Fish Counter

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    This restaurant/shop caters to the Main Street community with seafood that's fresh, healthy, and sustainably-sourced. The perfectly battered halibut has earned rave reviews.

  • Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Consistently awarded Best Seafood Restaurant in Vancouver, Blue Water is the city's definitive destination for dishes of the deep waters. Their Raw Bar emits a true Japanese culinary experience.

  • Pajo's

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    A local fish and chips chain, this joint has the best locations, from on the dock in Steveston to on the water in Coquitlam. Grab a cone of fish and fries; enjoy!

  • Tojo's

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Inspired by Japan and rooted in the Pacific Northwest, Owner/Chef Hidekazu Tojo draws an faithful following of Vancouver locals and celebrities with his fresh, local, and seasonal seafood cuisine.

  • Steveston Seafood House

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Richmond's best seafood restaurant is located at the centre of Canada's largest fishing port. Diners can enjoy fresh oysters every night for $1 a piece.

  • C Restaurant

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    One of the most original and exciting seafood restaurants in the nation, C is the founding restaurant in the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise Program, exhibiting their devotion to the environment.

  • Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    The legendary Joe Fortes draws international attention with its San Francisco styled seafood grill. With their horseshoe oyster bar and roof garden, the restaurant itself is as iconic as their menu.

  • Landmark Hot Pot House

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Vancouver's original Hong Kong style hot pot restaurant is well-known of their flavourful seafood dishes and generous platters.

  • The Sandbar

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Right in the heart of Granville Island, this Sequoia Company establishment is a top destination for dinner and dancing. Dine on fresh fish and enjoy some live music any day of the week.

  • YEW Seafood + Bar

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, YEW delivers delicious coastal cuisine, wonderful wines, creative cocktails, and an inviting, chic atmosphere.