Why: Downtown Vancouver has gained some superb dining options in recent years. Among those is Luxe. This gem is unassuming — you might miss it if you blink, because it does not have a strong street-side presence. The menu’s variety of made-from-scratch gourmet burgers, pizza, sandwiches and starters have a special flair. Desserts are exquisite, and brunch is served on the weekends. A selection of wines, cocktails, beers and ciders on tap are on hand to compliment meals.
What I tried: My dining companion and I started with the crab cakes and the hummus plate. I settled on the Margherita pizza for my entree, and my dining companion had the Gorgonzola burger with Parmesan garlic fries.
We finished our meal with a hot brownie topped with vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with caramel and chocolate fudge, with a side of espresso topping. We also had a seasonal cheesecake. Both were phenomenal.
The crab cakes sat atop a spicy cilantro pesto and were garnished with micro greens. The cakes were not greasy and held together well. They had an appetizing flavor with a hint of citrus. The hummus plate is pretty standard. We noted the pita bread was very fresh, though a few more pieces would have been in balance with the amount of hummus.
Dining out review: Luxe
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is served 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: 700 Washington St., Suite 103, Vancouver. eatatluxe.com
Telephone: 360-735-9007.
Health score: Luxe received a score of 5 on Oct. 13. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
Both entrees were delicious. The pizza reminded me of a flat bread, and the balsamic addition to this traditional pie complemented the trio of ingredients. My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed the burger and fries. He noted that although the Gorgonzola had a strong presence, it did not dominate.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The rustic grilled cheese sandwich is made with applewood bacon and Gruyere and cheddar cheeses. The black bean quinoa burger with avocado, aioli, tomato and greens sounded good. Pizzas include a chorizo and roasted red pepper and a barbecued chicken. Macaroni and cheese is on the menu, and there is a pollo asado bowl that contains brown rice, black beans and Cotija topped with cream, salsa and guacamole.
Salads include a baked goat cheese and pear, a classic wedge, and a fiesta chicken. The honey-ricotta croissant french toast topped with raspberry and powdered sugar from the brunch menu sounded delicious.
Atmosphere: The space is somewhat sophisticated, with a bit of industrial influence. Walls are painted in dark, rich colors. Seating consists of contemporary style tables and chairs, and lighting is simple and elegant.
Other observations: The wait staff is professional, friendly and attentive and the food is worth every penny. The atmosphere is enough to dress up for an evening out, though it does not demand it. This is one of those special places where you get the impression that every plate is made just for you and made to please.
Cost: Starters and small plates cost $6 to $13. Salads are $10 to $15. Pizzas are $10 to $12. Noodle and rice dishes are $11. Sandwiches range from $10 to $13 and are served with soup, salad or seasoned potatoes. Soup costs $6 and is served with Parmesan crostini (you may add a side salad for $2). Half-pound Angus burgers are $11 to $14 and are served with soup, salad or seasoned potatoes. Desserts are less than $10. Brunch pancakes, toast and waffle dishes are $10 or $11 (eggs or seasoned potatoes may be added for $3).
Happy hour menu items are $5 or $7 with wine, draft pints, wells and premium wells for $4 and $6. Cocktails are $7 to $10.
