Open since June 2006, Salt is another classic gastown effort by Sean Heather, owner of the Irish trifecta: the Heather, Salty Tongue and Shebeen. Tucked away in Blood Alley, the Salt Tasting Room feels edgier than you would expect from Vancouver, with a sparse dining room of  exposed brick and concrete, featuring a long shared wood table, some cozy window-front tables and a cellar for private events. One wall is occupied by a chalk board featuring 10 cheeses, 10 cured meats, and 10 condiments. The tasting plate involves choosing 3 meats &/or cheeses and 3 condiments (and is served with bread). ($15) Wine flight pairing is a fun option, with 3 small glasses to accompany the plate. ($15) The food and wine is placed on top of hand-written guides to your choices, both charming and useful, and sharing multiple plates is a great way to go. The wine list is impressive and almost all of it available by the glass, and they make a point of trying to sell their selection of sherries. The cheese, meat and condiments are all delicious, with great local, Canadian and International selections, constantly subject to change. It is a great style of eating for hot summer nights, but going to Salt ravenous is not suggested. Salt also hosts wine tasting events, such as the upcoming Blasted Church event.

Salt Tasting Room ~ Blood Alley, Gastown (604) 633-1912
www.salttastingroom.com
salttastingroom on Twitter

Photo Credits
chaulkboard by mezzoblue on Flickr CC-BY-NC
cheese plate by meganificient on Flickr CC-BY-NC-SA
others from salt flickr stream