Archive for the ‘Openings’ Category

Le Parisien Opening

April 6th, 2012 admin

Last night, April 5th, I attended the opening party of Le Parisien, located on Denman in the heart of the West End.

John Blakeley (owner - left) & his bar stars

Le Parisien is owned by John Blakeley, who also owns Kitsilano’s Bistro Pastis.

making Kir Royal cocktails

Guests were treated to red and white wine with topped up glasses throughout the night, Kir Royal cocktails along with delicious canapés from mini-crab cakes to cheese crostini’s and more.

Guests were also treated to wonderful French music by one a musician that people loved.

Guests from L to R -- Julia Watt, Steven Schelling, Nancy Wong & Dianne Chow

Executive Chef Tobias Grignon has mined the bistro repertoire to bring the best of the best to Le Parisien’s menus – roasted bone marrow, roast chicken for two, cassoulet, boudin noir, croque monsieur, moules et frites, côte de boeuf , oysters, omelettes and tartare three ways – all this and much more will satisfy any appetite seeking the authentic taste of France. Le Parisien’s prices also reflect the French bistro ethos of good food at reasonable prices – you’ll find Le Parisien is kind to the budget and the pocketbook.

Guests mingling

Le Parisien is open Tuesdays through Sundays – coffee and pastries at the bar are offered every morning from 8 – 11:30 a.m.; lunch service runs 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner is offered from 5:30 – 11 p.m. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there is a lighter bar fare menu every evening from 5 – 11 p.m.

Le Parisien is located at 751 Denman Street, Vancouver and can be contacted by phone at 604-687-1418 or online at www.leparisien.ca

By: Richard Wolak

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French Made Baking Opening

March 27th, 2012 admin

Catherine & David - owners

Last night, March 26th, I attended the media opening party of French Made Baking, located just North of Broadway on Kingsway in EastVan.

Tree of Macarons

French Made Baking is owned  by husband and wife team David and Catherine, who started off doing the Bakers Market before opening their own bakery cafe in Mount Pleasant.

Pistachio & Earl Grey Macarons

Caneles & Madeleine`s

They specialize in French bakery fare: croissants and viennoiseries, baguettes, sandwiches, quiches, chocolate mousses, macarons, canelés, etc. They also bake individual tarts like apple tatin, lemon and chocolate-raspberry.

Making Macarons

French Made Baking is located at 81 Kingsway in Vancouver and online at www.frenchmadebaking.com you can follow them on twitter @FrMadeBaking

By: Richard Wolak

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Max’s Burgers Opening

January 18th, 2012 admin

Last night, January 17th, I attended the media opening party of Max’s Burgers, located across the street from Whole Foods on Cambie and 8th Avenue.

Chef Connor Butler

Max’s Burgers is the brainchild of Chef Connor Butler (Connor Butler Restaurant, C, Pearl on the Rock) and Redpath Foods, the team that’s brought you Max’s Deli and Stuart’s Bakery for decades.

British Columbia Sliders

Rooster on a Tailgate Sliders

Hail to the King Crab Po’ Boy Slider

Kennebec Fries with Truffle Mayo

Fraser River Mud Shake

Media guests were treated to a casual sit down dinner party where we chowed down on mini versions of many of their burgers, from the tasty British Columbia Sliders (the beef), to the Rooster on a Tailgate Sliders (the chicken), to the Hail to the King Crab Po’ Boy Slider (the crab). I also ate the Kennebec Fries with Truffle Mayo, tried the Poutine and sampled several beverages including the favourite Fraser River Mud Shake followed by the Orange Creamsicle Shake which was my #2.

Now, Chef Connor is making ‘perfect burgers’, and serving them with refreshing cold beverages, milkshakes along with fries, onion rings, and yam fries -  all fried in tallow. Max’s Burgers is focusing on using as many local suppliers as possible and providing amazing burgers with attitude and affordability!

Max’s Burgers is located at 521 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver (Just West of Cambie Street behind the Liquor Store) and will be open for lunch and dinner daily after January 23rd.

Call 604-873 6297 or visit them online at www.maxsburgers.ca or follow them on Twitter @maxsburgersvan

By: Richard Wolak

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Chewie’s Opening

December 15th, 2011 admin

Richard Chew - Co-Owner

Last night, December 14th I attended the opening party of Chewie’s Steam and Oyster Bar in Kitsilano.

Chef Tyrell Brandvold (2nd from left), Richard Chew (middle) and staff

Media guests were treated to a sit down dinner party where we could order anything we wanted off the menu and try as much as we were able to eat and drink all night long. It was a fun and festive atmosphere with a great playlist of tunes.

The staff were so hospitable and energized, all wearing their sporty t-shirts “Steamed, Stewed or Nude” referring to their oysters!

Shucking Oysters

Oysters, Oysters and more Oysters

They are showcasing many BC, Washington and east coast oysters at the huge 14 seat oyster bar you can also sit and admire the experts shucking you any type of oyster on the bed you chose! ”The menu offers fresh, local seafood being inspired by the delicious taste of New Orleans. The steam bar is unique to the city and guests will experience the true art of steam cooking southern classics like Gumbo, Etouffee, and Creole Mussels to name only a few, in the open kitchen concept.

The 'Buttermilk Biscuits'

I ate my way through the Buttermilk Biscuits, Southern Fried Chicken, Cheese Grits and the French Quarter Beignets.

Long-time restaurateur Richard Chew is one of the co-owners of Chewies, along-side partners Mel and Jamie Haddad. The bar features a selection of award winning and locally brewed craft beer. The wine list will reach from Naramata, British Columbia to Mendosa, Argentina and all the way to Marlborough, New Zealand.

Chewie’s Steam and Oyster Bar is located at 2201 West 1st Avenue in Kitsilano. Open nightly and with brunch to begin mid-January.

Call 604-558-4448 or visit them online at http://www.chewies.ca or follow them on Twitter @ChewiesOysters

By: Richard Wolak

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Founders Lounge Opening

November 29th, 2011 admin

Chefs Allan Bosomworth (l) & Karl Gregg (r)

Last night November 28th I attended the opening party for the Founders Lounge at The Cultch.

Guests were treated to small plates and wine selections, a taste of the menu offerings.

East Vancouver’s highly respected Two Chefs and a Table have taken over management of all food programs at The Cultch. The Two Chefs team are going to run The Cultch’s food services using the same fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable approach developed running their original Alexander St. bistro and the ground breaking nose-to-tail Big Lou’s Butcher Shop on Powell St.

The 38-seat Founders’ Lounge is located at 1895 Venables Street in Vancouver (inside The Cultch) and is open six nights a week from 5:30-11pm serving tapas, wine, craft beer and cocktails to event attendees and the public alike. It’s also available for private bookings on non-event nights.

Reservations can be made at 604-340-3445.

For more information on The Cultch, visit thecultch.com.

By: Richard Wolak

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Dunn’s Famous Opening

November 16th, 2011 admin

On Tuesday November 15th,  I attended the opening party of Dunn’s Famous Restaurant in Vancouver.

This Montreal based deli was founded in 1927 and there Vancouver restaurant is the first to open in Western Canada.

Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches

Guests were treated to Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, hand carved by guest chefs from Montreal.

Poutine

Heritage Angus beef burgers

I ate my way through a Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich, a mini burger and a taster of the Reuben Sandwich, Poutine and Carrot Cake for dessert!

Specializing in 17 day smoked beef brisket, steamed 3 hours right before serving and always hand sliced to order lean, medium, fat; comfort food, family favourites, all day breakfasts, big desserts and six Montreal poutines!

The room is black and red throughout from the big booths to the seating in the room with brick walls and white hanging lights.

Dunn’s Famous BC is located at 827 Seymour Street (at Robson) in Vancouver. Serving an All day menu Sunday – Thursday 10am – midnight and Friday & Saturday 10am – 1am.

Call 604-682-8938 or visit on the web at www.Dunnsfamousbc.com

By: Richard Wolak

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Chinois Restaurant Opening

November 10th, 2011 admin

Executive Sous Chef Christopher Chabot (L) & Executive Chef Ryan Mah (R)

On Wednesday, November 9th I attended the opening party of Chinois Restaurant in Yaletown.  Proprietor Peter Girges of Rocksglass Concepts was on hand to greet media and other invited guests as they opened Yaletown’s only Chinese restaurant.

X.O. Fried Rice

The menu is made up of traditional Chinese dishes that have been jazzed up or fused if you will, from BBQ to meat, Seafood, Poultry to rice, noodles and vegetables.

Jumbo Prawns with candied walnuts

Prawn Toast

Out of all the appetizers that I tried my favourite was the Jumbo Prawns with candied walnuts in a creamy spicy sauce followed by the Prawn Toast.

White and red wine was being poured along with champagne and some house cocktails.

Executive Chef Ryan Mah, formerly of Goldfish and Joe Fortes is working alongside Executive Sous Chef Christopher Chabot also formerly of Goldfish. General Manager is Gordon Fai.

The David Nichol designed room is dark with Gold shining lights taking their cue to the old Chinese Lanterns that you may find in Chinatown.

Chinois Restaurant is located at 1035 Mainland Street in Yaletown, the restaurant is open for dinner nightly.

Call 604-629-8808 or reservations. On the web at http://www.chinoisrestaurant.ca

By: Richard Wolak

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Black+Blue Opening

October 31st, 2011 admin

On Friday, October 28th I attended the opening party of Black+Blue on Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver.  Proprietors Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa Yacoub share a passion for classic-style dining with their Black+Blue, a new steak-centric restaurant.

Executive Chef - Dennis Peckham

From juicy steaks to crisp service, classic cocktails to sumptuous décor, Black + Blue brings decadence and glamour back on the Vancouver dining scene.

Blue Velvet Cocktail

Lobster Bisque

Executive Chef Dennis Peckham, has crafted a menu where steak reigns. Working alongside Chef Peckham is Chef de Cuisine Jason Labahn, from famed Las Vegas steakhouses: Fix at Bellagio; Brand at Monte Carlo; and Alex at the Wynn.

Stunning lights

Baked Potatoes

Taking a cue from the restaurant’s name, whether you prefer black or blue, all cuts are prepared to perfection. The range of offerings is also impressive with an extensive selection of prime cuts available – from Wagyu to US and Canadian Prime.

In addition to steak, guests can expect to be wooed with a diverse mix of seafood classics: Oysters Rockefeller; Shrimp Cocktail; and Salmon Coulibiac. Tableside Caesar salads and shaker cocktails add charm.

Baked Alaska

As for the aesthetic, BOX Interior Design is behind the impressive 240-seat, three-level space design. Gold accents pop against a palette of rich tones to highlight classic-steakhouse finishes in velvet and leather. Striking details include: the meat cooler’s Himalayan Rock Salt ‘Wall’ where the salt acts as a canvas for the aged and cured meats on display; the glass-walled elevator, elegantly transporting guests between the three floors; a custom designed lighting installation suspended over the central bar from famed UK industrial designer Tom Dixon; and the private and semi-private dining rooms boasting smoked tobacco wall panelling, high coffered ceilings and granite-clad fireplaces.

Black+Blue is located at 1032 Alberni Street, the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, and for dinner only Saturday and Sunday. Call 604.637.0777 for reservations.

By: Richard Wolak

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