"It's a love story, baby just say yes."
Referencing one of Taylor Swift's most popular songs makes sense when the subject is the Michelin Guide-endorsed Vancouver restaurant Say Mercy!
First, it seems fitting to take a playful approach to a restaurant whose name alone hints there's some whimsy at play. (Sure, you could even say they are Fearless.)
And, more importantly, because the concept is rooted in the notion of a "Love Story" that might, on the surface, raise objections. In the case of Say Mercy! it's the holy union of Italian and Southern BBQ. The result is practically musical.
Launched in early 2020, Say Mercy! was poised to capture imaginations and tastebuds before the pandemic immediately ground everything to a halt. One of a trio of restaurants owned by Collective Hospitality (sibling to The Mackenzie Room and Collective Goods," Say Mercy!'s light-filled corner space on Fraser Street became a hub for the group's Staff Meal takeout service with a philanthropic bent; meals could be purchased for workers in the hospitality sector who needed a little support.
In 2022, the Michelin Guide put Say Mercy! on its list of Bib Gourmand picks for Vancouver. The category reflects what the Guide describes as "value for money" restaurants where you can enjoy an excellent three-course meal without breaking the bank.
Tasting menu at Say Mercy!: As for Jesus to take the wheel
At Say Mercy! you can easily tap into this value by opting to tell your server you'd like to let "Jesus take the wheel."
The result: A multi-course meal that will fill you up (likely with leftovers) until you have no choice but to say "Mercy!"
The food at Say Mercy! reflects a harmonious co-mingling of Italian fare and American BBQ, with crowd-pleasing pasta, mains, salads, and gloriously buttery Parker House rolls served up in a bright, cozy dining room.
Recently, Executive Chef Sean Reeve refreshed the Say Mercy! menu to work back into rotation more hearty and soulful dishes that best represent the restaurant's easygoing but finessed spirit. You'll find these dishes at the core of the tasting menu experience. Open with a BBQ-inspired Caesar salad blanketed with a snowfall of grated cheese and Say Mercy!'s signature rolls before diving into the dish the Michelin Guide deemed essential: The BBQ Bolo. The dish is the perfect expression of Say Mercy!, with a smoky, sweet, BBQ-tinged pork ragu coating strands of al dente spaghetti.
This might be enough to have you patting your belly and stretching out, but the main course is on its way, featuring a platter of roasted, herby chicken, ribs with Alabama (white) BBQ sauce and sides, like spicy braised collard greens and a stunning roasted cabbage wedge in a tangy cheese sauce.
For dessert, a sweet marriage of Italian and the U.S. South, represented with crispy sugar-dusted cannoli filled with banana pudding. Just say yes! Better yet: Say Mercy!
Say Mercy! is located at 4298 Fraser St in Vancouver and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m.
Video: Trying the tasting menu at Say Mercy!
@forkingawesomevia 🚀🍝Ready for a food adventure that will make you Say Mercy!? Meet a Vancouver Michelin Guide-endorsed gem that blends Italian and Southern BBQ. The chef’s tasting menu is called “Jesus Take the Wheel” and it is a great value! #forkingawesome #vancouverbc ♬ trees and flowers by strawberry switchblade - Eissej
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