Vancouver restaurant Lavantine taps into three generations of family

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When Farida Sayani set out to open the Azur Legacy Collection Hotel in Vancouver, she decided to lean in to the expertise of her family in order to do it.

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Located in downtown Vancouver at 833 W. Pender St., the art deco-inspired property features 104 rooms situated across 13 floors. Opened in 2023, the property sees three generations of Sayanis in operational roles. 

Farida, who holds the title of founder and managing director of AZUR, is joined at the property by her daughter, Sofia (head of food and beverage); and her two granddaughters, Sara (assistant front office manager); and Natasha (sales executive).

“Watching my daughter and granddaughters come into their own and prove their skills as business leaders and entrepreneurs has been incredibly gratifying,” says Farida.

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A primary pillar of the property is its food and beverage offering, which includes the Dahlia Restaurant and Bar on the ground level and the Lavantine Rooftop Restaurant & Skybar at the very top.

“Guests love Lavantine’s one-of-a-kind rooftop ambience and the bold, vibrant flavours of our dishes,” says corporate chef Shyam Longani. “Dahlia has become a favourite for intimate dining, and both restaurants are praised for their attention to detail, warm service and innovative menus.”

While Dahlia taps into a mix of flavours from the French and Italian Rivieras, Lavantine celebrates Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on the Levant region (including Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and others). According to Longani, the eatery’s menu serves up a “fusion” of Levantine flavours with a West Coast influence.

“Our menu blends traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with modern techniques, creating a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and approachable,” Longani says. “Every dish celebrates the vibrant essence of the Levant region while embracing the freshness of the Pacific Northwest. It’s an elevated dining experience that’s rooted in authenticity, yet feels fresh and innovative.”

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That influence translates to starters, sides and share plates that offer a variety of options to suit both vegetarians and meat-eaters.

I started my dinner with an order of the classic hummus ($19), which is served with crispy chickpeas, set in a pool of olive oil with a sprinkling of sumac overtop. Served with warm pita, it was straightforward and tasty. It made for a nice, smooth complement to the other side dish that was ordered as a starter, the Crispy Brussel Sprouts & Labneh ($12). Featuring a delicious crisp, I was happy to set a sprout atop a smear of hummus on a piece of pillowy pita for a delicious flavour bomb.

Blending local ingredients with international inspiration brings a fresh feel to the menu. Longani points to B.C. lamb, seafood and produce as menu highlights sourced close to home, while Middle Eastern staples such as za’atar, sumac and pomegranate molasses are imported from afar.

“Seasonal ingredients and a commitment to bold, balanced flavours guide every dish we create,” Longani says. “The menu evolves seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients and changing tastes of our guests.”

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Aptly named Large Plates range from Roasted Cauliflower with lemon, za’atar and raisin ($32) to the market-priced Cowboy Steak, cooked to preference and served with a harissa garlic butter.

Our dinner party opted for the Branzino ($55), a fish served whole with a garlicky chimichurri for dipping or drizzling. We opted to have the fish deboned at tableside for ease of eating. Offering another very shareable serving from the From the Fire section of the menu, the Lamb Aleppo Kebab ($39) was perfectly spiced and savoury. There was more than enough of each for a nice lunch spread the next day.

“We aim to bring people together through food, offering dishes that balance tradition with innovation and are perfect for sharing,” Longani notes of the two-plus dinner portions.

With a selection of spice-infused sauces and extra sides such as Sumac Fries & Feta ($10), there’s a flavourful way to fill out any dinner selection preference.

Satisfyingly stuffed from the main meal — and with the aforementioned leftovers already packed up for the following day — we weren’t quite set on dessert. But, for those with a sweet tooth, rest assured, there’s something to satisfy on the curated menu.

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With a robust wine offering and a creative cocktail menu said to be inspired by the story collection 1,001 Nights, divided into two “chapters, each offering a unique glimpse into the mystical realms of Arabian folklore,” it just might be worth skipping dessert in order to enjoy an after-dinner drink (or two).

According to Longani, the menus will be ever-changing as the restaurant continues to evolve and expand the Sayani family’s vision.

But one thing will remain the same.

“Lavantine will remain a place where the traditions of the Levant meet the energy of Vancouver, offering something new and memorable with every visit.”

Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar

833 W. Pender St., Vancouver | Lavantine.ca

Tuesday to Sunday: 4 to 11 p.m. Happy hour: 3 to 6 p.m. daily, except Monday.

Aharris@postmedia.com

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