10 replies to this topic

[Gary H]

Aura...

 

The only thread I found referencing Aura was a "Aura or Vista 18" for a special date.  The consensus back in 2010 was that Aura had superior food.   Fast forward to 2015 and I wholeheartedly agree!   We sampled their entire $30 Dine Around menu and even splurged on their wine pairings (highly recommended).  A most memorable meal.  The food is at a gourmet level, something you'd see in Top Chef finale.  You also get a buttery croissant to share as a starter.  Service is also first-rate.  Make a reservation for 5PM on a weeknight and you can get their best window corner table.  While everything was great, we indicated our favorites. 

 

 

First Course - Sous Vide Flat Iron Steak, ssamjang bbq sauce, baby lettuce, pickled vegetables (wine pairing: Sandhill Gamay)

 

 

First Course - Seared Albacore Tuna, seafood cabbage latkes, uni beurre blanc tobiko (wine pairing: Road 13 Chenin Blanc)

 

 

Main Course - Osso bucco, braised veal shank, celeriac mash, red beet soy mustard, wild mushroom, black garlic puree (wine pairing: CedarCreek Merlot)

 

 

Main Course - Ling Cod, seared ling cod, kimchi salt cod brandade, smoked pork, red pepper & eggplant soubise, pickled shemiji mushroom (wine pairing: CedarCreek Chardonnay)

 

 

Our Dessert Wines

 

 

Dessert Course - Chocolate Pate, sambuca creameaux, salted chocolate ice cream, cassis foam (wine pairing: Sumac Ridge Black Sage Port)

 

 

Dessert Course - Neapolitan Mousse, roasted strawberries, brown butter madeleine sponge (wine pairing: CedarCreek “M”)

[GabriolaGirl]

We stayed at the Laurel Point last time we were in Victoria & the rooms are lovely, staff is attentive but not overly so.  We went to the Bengal Lounge for dinner which was very yummy but next time we will stay in house & try Aura.  Thanks for the review.  GG

[Mike K.]

Fantastic place for lunch, for sure. And the prices are quite reasonable.

[Matt R.]

Aura is in the Inn at Laurel Point, not the Delta. I've been there on a few occasions, top shelf indeed.

Matt.

[lanforod]

I found the food excellent, but over priced and portions too small. Our whole table was not feeling full after an appy, entree and dessert for each, yet the bill at over $50 a head implied we should be.
I won't repeat Aura.

[Gary H]

Aura is in the Inn at Laurel Point, not the Delta. I've been there on a few occasions, top shelf indeed.

Matt.

 

Yeah, I started this thread and an moderator must have renamed the topic.  This restaurant is NOT at the Delta - that one is Lure!

Edited by Gary H, 25 February 2015 - 08:23 PM.

[Gary H]

I found the food excellent, but over priced and portions too small. Our whole table was not feeling full after an appy, entree and dessert for each, yet the bill at over $50 a head implied we should be.
I won't repeat Aura.

 

As we've only tried the Dine-around menu I don't know about small regular menu portions.  As can be seen from the pics, the Dine-around portions are small BUT we found them to be of perfect size for a three course meal with three servings of wine and bread to start.  But that's just us, we usually share a "normal" portioned appy and entree and often skip dessert.

Edited by Gary H, 25 February 2015 - 08:56 PM.

[Mike K.]

Fixed!

[Gary H]

Fixed!

 

Almost, it's the Inn at Laurel Point http://www.laurelpoint.com/ 

[AllseeingEye]

Oddly enough about the time the proliferation of burger establishments started to arrive in town, Aura was rated as having one of the best hamburger's in town. It was a towering concoction not for the faint of heart but I can attest to the fact it was amaaaaazing....

[vicernie]

can we get more dine around Victoria reviews?