Saltlik is a steakhouse own by the Fuller family. Anyone who knows the Vancouver dining scene will know the Fuller name. Leroy Earl Fuller is the Founder and Chairman of Earls Restaurants Ltd., one of the most successful independent restaurant chain in Canada, with over 50 locations and $300 million per year in sales. Saltlik is Earl’s entry into the steak dining business.
At the moment, there are only three Saltlik, one each in Calgary, Banff and Vancouver. The Vancouver Saltlik is the newest and most expensive location. It is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver at Alberni and Burrard. The room is magnificent, with seating on three open levels, a huge custom chandelier and a backlit wine-rack featuring a 1,200-bottle wall of wine accessed by rolling ladders. Adding to the richness are leather covered menus.
On any given Friday night you can find many of Vancouver’s upwardly mobile set dining at Saltlik. The restaurant targets the city’s 25 to 35 year old movers and shakers. Saltlik isn’t as high end as Gotham Steakhouse but it isn’t as expensive either. Think of it as an upscale Keg.
Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell
Dinner started with a half dozen oyster on the half shell with a raspberry serrano mignonette. The oysters were very fresh and made a nice opener. If you love oysters, you’ll enjoy the ones at Saltlik.
Pacific Wild Salmon Fillet with Chili Butter
This was Sarah’s main course. The chili butter is that cheesy looking thing on top of the salmon. It was served with brown and wild rice, toasted almonds and mint. A grilled lemon added flare to the dish. The salmon was flaky and tender and Sarah really enjoyed it.
New York Stiploin
My main course was the good old fashion NY strip. You really can’t go wrong ordering a New York. At least you can’t go wrong at Saltlik. The steak was cooked a perfect medium-rare and was extremely tender. It didn’t quite match the tenderness of the USDA Prime steaks at Gotham but it was more than good enough to rank as one of the best steak I’ve ever tasted.
I highly recommend a visit to Saltlik if you’re ever in downtown Vancouver. The food is every bit as impressive as the room. Dinner for two at Saltlik came to $115 with wine, tax and tip.
