Ever since I was old enough to moon walk (and be cool when doing it), I thought that Cheers was the only place in the world where ‘they always know your name’. Move over Ted Danson, The Flying Tiger is here!
After a six month hiatus, this past weekend we made a repeat visit to The Flying Tiger at 2958 West Fourth Avenue in Vancouver (Kits-tastic location, of course) and I thought to myself…YOU need to know about it. Why?
The service was absolutely off the charts…the food was epic…the price was reasonable…and the company was out-of-this-world (doesn’t come with the restaurant…but I’m sure you’ll find your own). Sound good so far?
First and foremost let me say that even though we hadn’t been in months, our server remembered us, remembered what we ordered (I didn’t even remember what we ordered completely…and I have a good memory!), and knew exactly how to stage our night.
For those of you with some 604 history under your lululemons, The Flying Tiger was the ol’ Living Room Bistro. Cut to early 2006 and the boys from Roadkill Entertainment (nevermind, Hell’s Kitchen, Abigail’s Party) came on the scene. Put 2 and 2 together and you get their fourth property…The Flying Tiger!
I really like this place. It’s funky. It’s really well laid out (uber efficient use of an incredibly narrow space). It’s not overly expensive. It’s servers are great (see above). It’s tapas style menu is out-of-this-world.
Why? What’s the deal? What’s the difference between this place and all the other tapas places in 604-town? What’s the frequency Kenneth?
Well, unlike your typical tapas line-up, it’s not sushi, it’s not Japanese (if you want to know where the best Japanese offering is, click here), it’s not seafood, it’s not a bird, it’s not a plane, it’s ASIAN STREET FOOD. Sounds a little weird, eh? Yeah,I know…well it’s not.
With Tina Fineza behind the grill/stove/oven/cooking utensils (known for her creations at Bin 942, George Lounge here in Vancouver, and Charlie Trotter in Chicago), The Flying Tiger has got some high-powered talent pumping out the dishes. Here’s your ticket to ride in six easy steps:
- Go to the Flying Tiger (do sit down)
- Order the Szechuan Green Beans
- Order the Pulled Duck Confit Crepes
- Order the ‘Humba Style’ Braised Pork Belly
- Eat these things
- Go home
Honestly, The Flying Tiger has mixed up a really cool offering that appeals to all ages and tastebuds. Throw this one against the fridge, and it’s going to stick.
darren
I am so curious now to check the Flying Tiger!
hey-found the site looking at rest. reviews in kits.
keep blogging,you’re better at it than most.
dave
thanks you..
I agree with everything you’ve said. The Flying Tiger is fabulous! All the servers are great, and if you get a chance to chat to Chef Tina, she’s awesome too. The whole place is just plain brilliant. And you should try the noodles…
Thank You..
I second your rave review. I love love love Flying Tiger and have had the same experience with the service; they may not know my name but they always acknowledge me in a personal manner (i.e. they recognize me) and the service is always outstanding. Thing is, that’s just a perk – I go for the food. I’ve tried almost everything on the menu and I have absolutely nothing but praise for Chef Tina – she’s a genius, and also just as personable as the servers. My boyfriend and I sat at the “chef bar” twice and she was super friendly and chatty, and every time I’ve been since, she always says hi, and often sends us dessert or comes out and chats. It’s nice to see that they really make an effort to personalize the experience. I can not say enough good things about this place.
That’s great to hear, Rachel!
I had another run in with the staff from FT…one in particular.
And wouldn’t you know it…almost three years since I wrote the post, the attention to service is stronger than ever.
1. Had wandered into Flying Tiger for a glass of The Show after the Canucks game (was by myself)
2. The bartender welcomed me and we talked about Kung Fu
3. She was pleasant and was a welcome relief from my busy week – had been traveling on business a LOT (including a client event at the Canucks game).
4. I went to pay…and she didn’t let me (said I seemed like a nice guy and hoped to see me again).
Now don’t get me wrong, you shouldn’t expect a free anything when you walk into FT. What you should expect, though, is attention. And lots of it.
Thanks…whatever your name was! (tall, short brown hair, smiley). You really made my night.