Rodney's Oyster House - Yaletown

Cuisine: Seafood

The Down Low: All the boat decorations almost make you feel sea sick after sitting through a big meal. Although it’s more likely the lobster poutine and beers will be to blame, as opposed to the décor.

Favorite Dish: New England Clam Chowder on the West Coast

Music Pairing: Alpha 9 in Miami for a State of Trance 

Walking into Rodney’s is like walking into a rustic, seaside bed and breakfast. The old lady running the B&B was a decorator in the city before retiring to the coastal village. A lot of thought has gone into making the place 'authentic.' She loves the sea and especially the sea-men. "Wait, what?" That's right, let's address the whale in the room. There are sexual undertones dotting the place.

You'd really have to like oysters to confidently wear this shirt in public

...and now I am sexualizing a perfectly normal oyster shucking picture.
The old lady at the B&B has me in her trap.

Watch out for those nets.
This young man was one of her latest victims

BUT an imaginary, seductive old lady running a bed & breakfast and exploiting young men is way off track from the original intent of this food blog. I'm sure Rodney was not going for that vibe. In fact, Rodney’s is one of those places that fits every social encounter:

• Bring the whole family for a nice evening away from home. You can only hope that the kids get caught in a net or trapped in a lobster cage.

• Go with a group of buddies, and walk out of there feeling like a drunken sailor. You’ll probably already be wearing a Mackintosh (fisherman’s raincoat) to handle the Vancouver rain that is undoubtedly waiting for you outside.

• There is no risk going on a first date there. If you are unimpressed with the looks of your specimen, you can always stare at the crabs in the tanks over his / her shoulder, and dream of a more capable pair of claws helping the pinch in your shoulders.

• Even take your grandparents there. Old people love the ocean. I'm sure if Rodney's started offering a seniors' discount, there would be a mass exodus from Red Lobster. At least in Calgary they are quasi retirement homes. 

• Or simply go alone wearing an eye patch, speaking like a drunk, and wearing a captain’s hat. You’ll for sure be mistaken as an Aussie.

Lobster poutine, garlic prawns and crab cakes

Honestly they have done a great job with the place.
I understand there are now locations outside of Vancouver. I imagine they also have a cool seaside vibe about them. But it cannot get any more seaside than Vancouver.

Tasty dreams,

JB