For owner Eugene Dong, Cottage Bistro began as "a challenge."
“At first especially,” he notes with a smile. “Because my first language isn't English. I didn't have any Western culture when I came to Canada. I remember when we started: I didn't know how things worked. I'd mostly worked in the kitchen. And I had to learn a lot to be serving in the front, in another language. I was a chef. I'd never been the bartender, or the floor manager. There was so much I didn't know.”
Nonetheless, under his ownership, the restaurant has been a Cedar Cottage staple for nearly 20 years, first as a simple blues bar, and then evolving into a hub for Asian Fusion cuisine and live events of all kinds; everything from music to stand-up comedy to poetry and story readings. Today, Cottage Bistro has a live event virtually every night, with jazz every Monday, and its famous Roots and Blues Jam (which has been running for 16 years) every Saturday afternoon.
“At first, almost every night was blues,” Eugene recalls. “Then, later on, we added other types of music: rock n' roll, country, folk, original stuff, jazz. Now, we've got standup comedy, poetry, readings, storytellers... and it's all been very successful. I feel very lucky to be in Vancouver. People have supported our situation and helped to make it better.”
Chicken Wings
crispy outside, juicy inside.. cool cucumbers, choice of: ranch or hot sauce
add honey garlic sauce $ 1.50
Wor Wonton Soup
prawns, BBQ pork, chicken & greens... in a delicious broth
Edamame
with fresh cracked sea-salt, pairs well with your drink gluten free
Prawns & Seared Scallop
Avocado oil, lime, fresh cracked garlic , peppercorn..
Crispy Oriental Dumplings
chicken & vegetable in a thin pouch, on shredded lettuce, hot spicy, garlic sauce & cilantro
Skewer Appy
prawn or chicken or veggie, served with a peanut & hot satay sauce , gluten free
Spring Rolls
vegetarian style w/ home-made sweet & sour sauce...
Dry Garlic Spare Ribs & Crispy Taro
tossed with green onion & fresh puree of garlic
Spicy Potato Wedges
tossed with onion, cracked garlic & spicy seasoning. house made chipotle aioli gluten free
BBQ Pork
our favourite, sliced pork, served with baked peanuts, soy sauce and natural honey glaze
Quartet Crispy Bean Curd (tofu) 7 Kikkoman soy sauce & sesame seed oil. gluten free
Organic Baby Greens
tossed with organic extra virgin olive oil & balsamic gluten free
** Add seared scallop or wild salmon $7
grilled chicken or shrimp or pulled pork $4
Quinoa & Organic Kale
tossed with sundried organic tomato, olives, roasted pumpkin seeds, black Truffle flavoured oil
vegan & gluten free our signature!
Scallop & Arugula
seared Pacific coast scallop on a bed of salsa, accompanied with tossed organic Arugula and
squeezed lemon, Himalayan pink-salt, cracked peppercorn gluten free
Chicken, Bacon & Feta
tossed organic baby greens topped with grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, feta cheese??gluten free, our signature!
Spinach & Pear
organic baby spinach tossed with balsamic vinaigrette & organic extra virgin olive oil,
accompanied with honey glazed poached pear & roasted organic pumpkin seeds gluten free
**Add seared scallop or wild salmon $7
grilled chicken or shrimp or pulled pork $4
BC Sockeye Salmon
pan seared to your satisfaction, with fresh dill, lemon creamy butter sauce.
seasonal veggies & potatoes or rice (substitute quinoa for $3)
add prawns $4
Cottage Burger
Angus beef patty, sautéed garlic, onions, accompanied with tender BBQ pork.
lettuce, tomatoes, BBQ sauces and mayonnaise, served with baby green salad and fries
(substitute yam fries for $3) add: cheese or bacon or mushroom $1
Veggie Quesadilla & Salad
mixed cheese, shredded veggies, house salsa & sour cream
Add grilled chicken or shrimp or pulled pork $4
Crispy Ginger Beef (spicy hot)
fresh cracked garlic, shallots, a hot spicy, ginger & hawthorn sauce
served with rice and seasonal greens
Thyme Baked Eggplant & Quinoa
accompanied with Portobello mushroom, grilled tomato and baby spinach.
seasoned w/ Truffle flavoured oil, Himalayan pink-salt pepper vegan & gluten free, Our signature!
Szechwan Crispy Tofu (spicy hot)
in a spicy hot chilli & vinegar sauce, seasonal vegetables
& sesame oil with jasmine rice??gluten free this is a popular vegetarian dish!
New York Cheese Cake
chocolate & fruit coulis
Pecan Pie
with chocolate ice cream
Malibu-nana
coconut rum sauce accompanied with ice cream, our signature!
Affogato
frozen Vanilla ice cream in hot Espresso
Ice Cream Celebration
with mixed fresh fruit
Apple Pie
with vanilla ice cream and sprinkled cinnamon
Drinks
Barista Station
Beer On Tap (Draft)
Bartender's Choice
Pint of draft beer
Glass of house wine
Bartender’s choice Scotch whisky
Bottled Beer
Bartender’s choice cocktail
Highballs
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I would not have thought to come here if it weren't to watch a band that was playing. I don't go down Main Street that often. Would I come here just for the food no but would eat and listen to music yes. Because it is managed by Asians I thought it must serve decent Chinese so tried their ginger beef, it was ok. Stick with the burgers I was later told.
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Cottage Bistro has a live jazz jam every Monday evening from 7 to 11 pm, as well as great music and jams on other nights, too. This Main Street venue also has an incredible selection of single malt scotch and is open until midnight daily. Keep an eye on their music schedule and check it out soon.
View this Smart ListEven some Mount Pleasant locals don’t know about this decades-old bistro. Serving simple, cheap drinks and a mix of Asian and Canadian cuisines, Cottage Bistro also hosts regular poetry readings, local bands and Open Mic nights, among other community events. On performance nights, this place is packed and an ideal location for making new friends, with approachable staff weaving around tables filled with boisterous buds, families and couples alike.
View this Smart ListDon’t fancy dressing up in your finery for New Year’s Eve? If you’re looking for a lively and relaxed vibe, The Cottage Bistro is a cozy spot to say farewell to 2015. The Mount Pleasant restaurant and bar is hosting a special Countdown Bash with live musical entertainment from The Gale Force Blues Band. The fusion menu will appease picky eaters and the easy-going atmosphere means everyone will feel right at home. New Year’s usually demands a glass of fizz, but this bar boasts a solid selection of single malt Scotch for those who prefer their booze without bubbles.
View this Smart List