Just on the other side of Downtown Vancouver sitting across False Creek, in between Cambie Bridge and Granville Bridge sits Monk McQueens. If you don't know Vancouver or didn't quite get that this reads to a pretty ideal location. Stamps Landing, where Monks is found, is smack bang in the middle of pretty Vancouver, you cant get a much better location than on False Creek.
Location Location Location: Did I mention location? Not only well situated by being close to everything, Monks has a fantastic view, I have been lucky enough to watch the sunset from here and its stunning. To take advantage of this prime location Monks has a lot of glass windows; you don't want to miss a minute of this great view - water in front of you, downtown opposite you and the
mountains in the background. If it's a sunny day (i.e. You are in Vancouver in those two months of the year where the sun shines) Monks also has a deck.
Getting here:
In boring terms Monks is found at 601 Stamps Landing, at the end of Moberly Road - 2 up from Cambie Street and one across from Ash - Vancouver's grid system certainly makes life easy. From downtown you can take one of the mini ferries across to Monks, its walk able from bus stops (on Broadway) or to drive there it's free to park at lunchtime, or $6 valet parking at dinner. If you are lucky there is free street parking around, but it's popular. There is also a pay to park nearby.
The Staff:
Vancouver wait staff of course work on the tipping system so usually tend to be pretty friendly. Monks is no different, though because I was in a party of 8 or over we were automatically charged a tip % and not required to add to the tip. Still they do work for it and it shows. The staff couldn't be more helpful or friendly, sitting on the deck some of us were a bit cold, some were not so the staff ran around with
outdoor heaters making sure to place them near the cold people, several adjustments being required! Monks also rather cutely supply blankets to keep you warm. The first time I went we sat at the bar for a while which is in front of a grill, the chef kept giving us little treats to try and chatted away to us while working.
Bookings:
Monks do take advance bookings, but wont book for the patio in advance. Booking rules change according to the time of year (which of course relates to Monks popularity), size of party and time of day. Bookings can be made in person or via Tel: 604.877.1351. I have shown up twice for dinner, both times in parties of 8 or more (boy I am popular) and been seated no problem, once indoors, once outdoors.
I'm on a see-food diet:
Close proximity to so much water means Vancouver is as proud of being a seafood town as
Sydney is, shame I can't stand the stuff. Menus vary from Lunchtime, brunchtime, upstairs, downstairs but basically you can expect seafood. Seafood fans tell me there is quite a variety and mussels, halibut and tuna are just a few choices. Variations on the seafood menu include pasta, steak and chicken - a choice of one of each.
Giant ravioli with portabellini mushrooms is nothing to complain about and as a non seafood eater I was more than happy. Everyone I have dined with here has complimented their order and apparently the disgusting sounding "oyster shooters" are delicious.
Diet? Whats that?
When faced with options of crème brulee, hazelnut tartlet and brown sugar vanilla bean cheesecake thoughts of my flat mate being two sizes smaller than me fly out the window. Ice creams, sorbets, galette, and chocolate caramel bomb - bring it on. The cheesecake found its way to me and we had a good time together, and I hope that we will meet again. Desserts are all $8.
Upstairs:
Upstairs is a more formal section, advertised as being for romantic nights and big parties. Weekends they have live
music and there is also an outdoor balcony. Not being a formal sort of girl I haven't been upstairs but there are some lovely wooden stairs that lead that way. Upstairs has a pricier and slightly different menu, though it still sticks to the seafood theme.
Price:
Averaging around $20 for a main with the priciest being the lobster dish at $40. Last time I went for dinner my bill came to $43, which included a main, dessert and drinks. Remember that's all Canadian style money. Credit cards, debitcards, cash - they will take them and if it's a card they will even return it to you.
You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on.
Vancouver seems to be a
Martini town and Monks is no exception. Monks mixes around ten varieties of Martinis and also has a special summer cocktail menu. They also serve local brew and have an extensive
wine list. Martinis are $10 each,
beer is around $5, these are standard local
restaurant prices. I had (for Ciao reviewing purposes only of course) an Octopussy, which is made up of
absolute vanilla, GM
navan, amaretto, banana &
pineapple juice - tasty!
"Party Party Party, that's our image"
Above is a classic quote from Muriel's wedding but what does that have to do with Monk McQueens? Well they will help you to organize your party, only of course if you are holding it at Monks. If you are having it at Dave's down the road I suspect they would be less willing to help you out. Just contact the management, there's also a few suggestions on the website to help you out.
Got the look:
Wooden floors, glass, bar seating, table seating, deck sittings. Tastefully funky.
1986
1986, the year that we saw Halley's comet, Hampton Court Palace caught on fire, Vancouver had its World Expo (and its still talked about to this day, at least by Vancouverites), Mischa (which spell checks to read "mishap")Barton was born and Monk McQueens opened.
Chained:
Monks also has a Monks Grill in Whistler and own Lift Bar and Grill in
Seattle.
Short and Sweet:
Great location, tasty food, friendly staff - I would go again.
www.
http://www.monkmcqueens.com/
"Oysters are the most tender and delicate of all seafoods. The stay in bed all day and night. They never work or take exercise, are stupendous drinkers, and wait for their meals to come to them."
Hector Bolitho, 'The Glorious Oyster' (1960)
The diet starts tomorrow. 
