If you’ve ever wanted to experience a meal at the James Beard House in New York, you can come close this month at MARKET by Jean-Georges (1115 Alberni Street) in the Shangri-La Hotel. Until May 31, the restaurant is offering the same five-course tasting menu ($68) that Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Culinary Concepts Hospitality Group recently presented at the historic culinary venue.

I previewed the menu at a recent media dinner at Vancouver's MARKET, and it's an interesting one indeed. The dishes aren't on the regular Vancouver menu, as they all originate from chefs at different restaurants in the group, such as Spice market, Brasserie Quartier, and Cook Hall. 

Highlights include a divinely rich, crispy poached egg with caviar and crème fraîche. The egg is soft-boiled egg in its shell using the circulator method of cooking, then peeled, rolled in panko, and deep-fried. 

The grilled black-pepper octopus is made from local Pacific octopus, which executive chef Wayne Harris gives a good workout in an industrial-sized mixer. The result is tender and meaty rather than rubbery.

Shaved tuna with chili tabioca, Asian pear, and lime sorbet makes an interesting starter.

Wine parings are available with the meal for an additional $45 per person.