Chop Steakhouse Bar: Vancouver, BC

Avocado Super Bowl with Chicken Meal

CAN$26

10

Celiac Knowledge

10.0/10

Staff Empathy

10.0/10

Taste

10.0/10

Symptom free post meal

10.0/10

Pros

• Safe
• Many options available
• Friendly and Knowledgeable staff

Cons

• No dedicated fryer

Jet lagged and tired, my husband and I stopped at the Vancouver Convention Center and were referred to a steakhouse around the corner, with a great view of Coal Harbour, Chop Steakhouse Bar. We hoped they would offer gluten free menu options, sometimes referred to as gluten conscious or “GC”. Ryf, one of the convention center employees, was kind to give use a couple of coupons for a free appetizer and a salad, so we decided to check it out; after all, what did we have to loose? Free food at a steakhouse with view of the harbor…? We were in!

At the restaurant

A distinguished looking and very polite young man with a really cool mustache; the kind that is thicker in the middle and thins out along the length of his top lips and slightly turns upward as it tapers off, greeted us as we entered. He sat us along the glass, floor-to-ceiling wall, facing the harbor and the old convention center, which is still bustling with hotel guests and smaller conferences. Incidentally, we were told by our server, that the old convention center was one of the sites where COVID-19 vaccines were distributed to the general public, en-mass, during the pandemic.

At the table

Tyler was our server; he was professional, personable and impeccably dressed. His longish, well groomed dark hair and full beard highlighted his bright blue eyes and friendly smile. It was still mid-afternoon, but our bodies thought we were having “dinner;” and it was still early enough for the lunch menu, so that’s what Tyler brought us, a lunch menu which clearly denoted gluten free menu options with “gluten conscious (GC)” designations. Tyler was attentive and showed great concern for my dietary restrictions, always careful to ask the chef if any ingredients in their dish were not gluten free, trying to minimize exposure and cross-contact. Tyler knew to ask if I was “celiac” and he also properly used the “cross-contact” terminology. Whatever the training these guys are receiving, it is working… I think I can speak for all celiacs here, when I express a big “Thank You!” to the restaurant leadership.

Meal

My gluten free menu option (GC) meal was delicious! I started by ordering a Strongbow Apple Cider, paired with a Caesar Salad (no capers or croutons- turns out the capers were deep fried in the same oil as other gluten containing items). My entree was an incredibly flavorful avocado bowl with a cauliflower rice base, mixed with chunks of sweet potatoes, broccolini, salad greens, edamame, avocados, seeds and a delicious and very complimentary subtle vinaigrette dressing that tied everything together. The bowl was paired with a moist grilled chicken breast (also available with shrimp.) I finished my meal with a flourless chocolate torte and a freshly brewed decaf coffee. The entire meal was impeccable; from the gluten free menu options (GC), to the food presentation, taste and, most importantly, NO CELIAC SYMPTOMS post meal!

The only thing that could have made the meal even more heavenly, would have been the steak bites appetizer, had they not been lightly floured and deep fried with other gluten-containing items. You see, I am Brazilian and I was born a steak lover (sorry if I offend anyone!), so I was a bit disappointed… Still, I was able to vicariously enjoy the steak bites through my husband’s experience as he oooh’d and ahhh’d at each perfect bite, especially when paired with the horseradish aioli and the golden mustard dips.

Return Visit

As we were getting ready to leave, I asked Tyler about the steak entrees, and after a quick consult with the kitchen, I was assured that they were gluten free. Trust me when I tell you that that’s what I’ll have the next time I visit Chop, and believe me, I will be back!

Recommendation

I highly recommend Chop Steakhouse Bar, if you are a fellow Celiac visiting Vancouver. Be sure to tell your server you have Celiac Disease, and I have no doubt they will take great care of you!

To the restaurant managers, I would recommend they invest on a small dedicated GF fryer and some Bob’s Redmill GF Flour. This would allow all GF customers to enjoy your delicious steak bites headliner!