2026 Status Update: From Test to Table
Many of the items I tried at the Test Kitchen in 2023 have now become Smooch-worthy staples at all Earls locations, including Fir Street and BC Place. Here is the 2026 "Data" for these popular bites:
- 🍋 Yuzu Calamari: Now a permanent menu star. 2026 Price: $19.75
- 🥧 Key Lime Pie: My wish came true! It's available everywhere. 2026 Price: $13.50
- 🍗 Truffled Parmesan Chicken: 2026 Price: $31.50
*Note: While my 2023 experience was at the Test Kitchen, these reviews remain a personal documentation of the flavours you can expect today.*
A Love Letter to New Flavours: There is a specific thrill in being the first to taste a potential masterpiece. Stepping into the Earls Test Kitchen feels like being invited into a chef's private diary. Not every entry is a success, but the journey of discovery is always worth the seat at the table.
Happy Sunday! My husband and I watched Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One with my sister and her boyfriend at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver. Afterwards, we decided to grab an early dinner at nearby Earls Kitchen + Bar Test Kitchen.
My sister, husband, and I got items from the test menu to try new things they offer. Her boyfriend went for the non-test menu, which is a great decision. The test menu is there for a reason.
The test menu items are unique to the test location, and I'll give honest feedback here.
Yuzu Calamari
For our appetizer, we ordered Yuzu Calamari. It's usually rich, fried calamari with unique yuzu aioli and togarashi dipping sauce. After a few bites, I asked hubby if he tasted anything different with this dish. He told me about the dip, so I focused on analyzing it. Annoyingly, I get no citrusy profile, and since my spice tolerance is relatively high, the supposedly spicy togarashi is not enough.
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Yuzu Calamari from Earls Test Kitchen Yuzu aioli, togarashi, fresh cucumber, jalapeño |
I'll happily order the calamari again, but I don't think the yuzu-ness came through.
Truffled Parmesan Chicken
For our main course, hubby and I shared the Truffled Parmesan Chicken and Roast Beef Sandwich.
I had high expectations for the Truffled Parmesan Chicken because it comes with mushroom risotto. Unfortunately, I did not taste any truffle flavour; the chicken's exterior was slightly burnt while the interior was dry as the dessert Tom Cruise was horseback riding through in the movie.
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Truffled Parmesan Chicken from Earls Test Kitchen Mushroom risotto, arugula, lemon oil, watermelon radish |
The risotto was on the dryer side, too. A third cup of broth and allowing it to be absorbed by the supposed arborio rice. Again, it's not something I'll order again.
Roast Beef Sandwich
It's one of the better foods we tried today. The shaved beef was tender, the grilled sourdough was perfectly buttered, and the arugula added its distinct flavour profile.
However, I am uncertain if I like the horseradish cream. The horseradish intensity and kick were too strong for my liking.
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| Roast Beef Sandwich from Earls Test Kitchen |
I wonder if I will order this again. The roast beef I had from Blue Hat Cafe at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is definitely better.
Prime Striploin
My sister ordered the prime striploin with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. She said the crispy onions on top of the mashed potatoes were good, while the seasonal vegetables were excellent. The meat was unevenly cooked - some sections were perfect medium while others were well done. This is the same experience we had the last time we visited Earls.
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Prime Striploin from Earls Test Kitchen Garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables. |
Key Lime Pie
Finally! Something absolutely excellent from the test menu: the key lime pie. I thought they would give us a slice of key lime pie, but we received what looked like a 5-inch pie, which we shared. It was a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Please bring this to all your locations.
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Key Lime Pie from Earls Test Kitchen Toasted coconut, chantilly cream, graham crumble, lime |
After dinner, we strolled across Burrard Bridge. We went left to South Granville while my sister and her boyfriend went right to Kitsilano.
Reflecting on this meal, I am struck by how much I appreciate the honesty of a "test" menu. It isn't always perfect—sometimes the chicken is dry or the citrus is shy—but when you find a gem like that Key Lime Pie, it makes the whole experience smooch-worthy. It’s a reminder that in food, as in life, we have to try the new to appreciate the classics.
Smooch Food Tip: If you are visiting Earls for Happy Hour, the Yuzu Calamari is often featured at a discount! Check your local Vancouver menu for daily timings.
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