Sage Bistro

An updated review on Sage Bistro's April menu can be found here

I know it really shouldn't, but it surprises me when I hear that people don't know that there's a pretty restaurant on the UBC campus called Sage Bistro. I mean, no. It's not for the student budget. And no, it's not somewhere you're supposed to go to for every lunch. But it's definitely worth a visit if you're at UBC. That's a given.
So when a friend that I haven't seen in a very long time told me he had never been there, it was time for another visit.

It's a little difficult to find Sage Bistro if you don't already know where it is. It's on the far end of the campus, and sure, there's a sign that has the name of the place, but the outside definitely does not resemble a restaurant.

I was surprised to see so many individuals waiting for lunch. Perhaps there was a function going on. The first time I came there wasn't nearly as many people.

And since we hadn't called for reservations, they stuck us in the lounge. Haha; that's alright though, the lounge was also very nice.

It's just too bad the main dining area was set off today. I know the picture doesn't do any justice, but the view from out those windows is just gorgeous.

I realize they probably had a larger crowd then they're accustomed to, but service here has always been a tad lagging. Pleasant enough though. Although it can feel that you're being jilted due to student status at times. We were started off with some bread. Standard.

At any rate. We spent a very long time deciding what to order. Sage Bistro changes their menu... I think seasonally, but you'd have to double check on that. The last time I came here, I was not impressed with the selection. This time however, many of the dishes sounded promising. Unfortunately, I wasn't very hungry, or else I would have tried an appetizer as well as an entree.. ah well. Salad it was.

Poached Alaskan Scallops -- French beans/artichokes/snow peas/pea shoots/roast garlic-Dijon vinaigrette ($14). I liked this. I liked this very much. I was not a fan of scallops when I was younger, but I think this has to do with how they were cooked in Chinese restaurants. These scallops were nice and tender, yet firm enough to cut through with the edge of a fork. Very nicely done.Wish there were more scallops there. Yes, there were more than what you could see in the picture, but only one was of decent size. I could have done with a little less dressing, but that's personal preference and it paired very nicely with the fresh crunch of the peas and beans. I do wish there were more artichokes, but my only true criticism, and this is probably my fault entirely because I am a clutz, was that it was very difficult to eat. D:. The pea shoots were cut very long, which made it difficult to keep on the fork and put in your mouth with any form of etiquette.

My other two eating companions ordered the Pad Thai -- /rice noodles/Tiger Prawns/tamarind/eggs/peanuts/bean sprouts/shredded cabbage/snow peas D: I don't think I'm the only one blogging here who feels that everyone should order something different for the sake of variety. haha. But that's alright. Not here to dictate what someone orders.
This was... well. In two words, not authentic. But come on. That's a given. It did taste a little too strongly of ketchup, but in the end I have to say I really liked it because of how sweet it was. This would probably put a lot of people off, but it was still alright. Noodles were nicely done, the prawns were excellent. Unfortunately, not too much peanut flavour.

Our quick bite to eat was a pretty standard price for a regular restaurant. And unlike last time where I felt I paid too much for my underwhelming meal, this time was enjoyable. The service may have been slow, but my friend, his friend and I caught up on a lot so service did not detract.
I will be here again to try when they change up their menu again~

It feels a little funny coming to such an upscale looking eatery between classes though. heh.

Sage Bistro:

Food:

• Seasonal (or monthly?) menus, causing many hit and misses
• perhaps a little underwhelming considering the location and price
• One of the few eateries on campus that can hold their own as a restaurant (and not just a "the foods alright... for a place on campus")

Atmosphere:

• beautiful location/seating/environment (and yes. you are paying for that)
• A little difficult to find on campus

Service:

• Slow. But polite.