Joe Fortes

Located at Thurlow and Robson corner, second floor on top of Cupcakes. They sometimes open up the patio area where the garden is on nice days.

Was here two weeks ago with my coworker who also loves food as much as I do. We were greeted and welcomed at the door, our server was really sweet (maybe even a bit too friendly). Unfortunately we were seated at a table that was between two aisles kind of, so that people constantly rushes past us and the place is very.. dated.

We ordered from their lunch special menu, where 2 courses were around 15, and 3 were for 18. We also had oysters, 2 kusshis and another 2 from the west coast oyster menu.. forgot what they're called. I liked the kusshis better, the other ones were a bit grimey for me, but LOVED the oysters. My coworker had the clam chowder, which was very filling for her and was decent. She had the shrimp linguine for her main, she said it was just okay. Though the shrimp were fairly small, it was compensated with quantity. I had the grilled salmon. It was very mediocre for me, especially at a well known restaurant like Joe Fortes. It was a piece of salmon on top of a bed of vegetables. The vegetables were just okay, the salmon was overcooked and dry and not seasoned enough. Squeezing some lemon juice on it just gave it a bit more taste. We shared the creme brulee. It was just mediocre. The sugar on top was burnt, which really affected the taste overall. The bottom was not creamy enough, perhaps the ingredients weren't of high standard. Nice touch with the vanilla beans at the bottom though. And overall, the presentation of the food was nice.

Our bill came up to 50 dollars (both of us), each of us getting a 2 course menu with an additional 4 oysters and tips. I liked that they gave a chance for us to give feedback with the little card that came with the bill. I may or may not come back.. depends.