Vancouver has a thriving food scene filled with innovative surprises, and one delightful discovery is the hidden gem Bar Tartare, an after-hours wine bar at the beloved café Birds & the Beets. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a special pop-up event by chef Rafael Racela, known locally for his inventive culinary explorations at Pop Up Tayo and Hanap YVR. This charmingly unexpected transformation turns the cozy daytime café into a vibrant evening eatery, highlighting creative dishes inspired by global and Filipino flavors, perfectly paired with exceptional wine.
From Café to Culinary Haven
Birds & the Beets, known primarily as a daytime spot for coffee, pastries, and light bites, undergoes an enchanting transition after sunset. The lights dim slightly, the vibe shifts to laid-back sophistication, and Bar Tartare comes alive. It’s the perfect atmosphere for diners seeking an intimate and memorable dining experience.
The pop-up menu crafted by Rafael Racela was concise yet impressively varied, each dish showcasing thoughtful preparation and distinctive flavors.
We started our culinary journey with the deceptively simple yet deliciously rich Butter Toasted Bread with Smoked Sea Salt. A modest entry on the menu, this bread was delightful in its simplicity, the smoky hints of sea salt elevating the humble toast into something memorable.
Next was the Greens Salad, featuring a shio koji vinaigrette, crispy pan de sal croutons, and parmesan. The vinaigrette added an umami complexity that beautifully complemented the freshness of the greens and the comforting crunch of Filipino-inspired pan de sal croutons.
The experience elevated further with the Beef Tartare, naturally a centerpiece of Bar Tartare. The dish was uniquely enhanced by coconut curry vinaigrette, carrots, and daikon—subtle yet vibrant flavors that transformed a traditional beef tartare into something refreshingly innovative and distinctly Southeast Asian-inspired.
A standout seafood offering was the Hiramasa Crudo, served with longanisa XO, peas, and cucumber. This inventive dish artfully balanced the freshness of the hiramasa fish with the savory, slightly spicy notes of Filipino longanisa XO sauce—a delightful fusion that celebrates culinary creativity.
For pasta lovers, the Maltagliati was an exceptional choice. Hand-cut pasta tossed in a robust soy mushroom ragù, peanuts, and sharp pecorino created a satisfying vegetarian dish that was both comforting and complex.
Another highlight was the Lechon Porchetta, paired with lemongrass curry and gai lan. The tender, crispy-skinned pork matched perfectly with the aromatic lemongrass-infused curry, evoking the comforting familiarity of Filipino flavors elevated by sophisticated culinary technique.
Dessert continued to impress, particularly the Filipino Tiramisu—a unique spin on the classic Italian dessert, made irresistible with ladyfingers soaked in coffee and sprinkled generously with milo. Nostalgic and indulgent, it was an ideal ending to an extraordinary meal.
For guests eager to taste everything, the menu generously offered a “Try Everything” option priced at $60 per person (minimum two people), making it an ideal choice for adventurous foodies seeking the full culinary adventure.
Our evening was beautifully accompanied by a bottle of Ad Mura by Rocco di Carpeneto. This Italian wine, with its rich, velvety textures and smooth finish, was a perfect complement to the diverse and flavourful dishes. The wine selection further emphasized the careful consideration and refined taste guiding the pop-up experience.
Rafael Racela’s thoughtful and innovative dishes showcase an exciting blend of Filipino and international flavours, highlighting his creative expertise and passion for distinctive cuisine.
As Vancouver’s food scene continues to evolve and delight, Bar Tartare exemplifies how imaginative collaborations and secret transformations can lead to memorable dining experiences. Next time you’re craving something unique after hours, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this charming wine bar that features local chefs—who knows what delicious surprises await?
