Given the popularity of this place amongst the hipster folk, I was expecting a lot of pomp and pretension. With the nightmarishly named street address, the proximity to other trendy Gastown late night offerings… Salt Tasting Room sounded almost too paint-by-numbers cool.
Thankfully, I was mistaken. It’s discreet and stylishly decorated with a muted industrial look. Patrons can sit quietly, relaxing and talking amongst themselves while music plays softly in the background. The entrance is demarked by a little sign covered by a faint outline of a saltshaker, a welcomed sight amongst the helter-skelter of abandoned-looking buildings and urine-marinated streets.
Despite it being a Saturday night, Salt Tasting Room Ltd was a bit quiet and we were seated immediately. As we sipped our drinks, which were brought to us very quickly, our server talked us through the menu. Having already decided on a manchego as the first out of the three kinds of cheese allotted for our tasting plate, she suggested a creamier camembert and a stronger tasting stilton. Condiment choice was left up to the waitress, who seemed pretty knowledgeable and matched each cheese with an appropriate pairing.
Everything was soooo good. Honestly, sometimes I don’t understand why people bother with this whole “four food groups” nonsense. At the end of the day, all you really need is wine, bread and cheese.
