It is all about seasonal dishes using as much local produce and proteins available, it is hyperlocal and it is owned by Chefs Devon Latte and Lucas Johnston. My friend Lee Man and I visited for a catchup where we had the “Let us cook for you” tasting menu; enjoying several dishes that we shared as well as a few that we each had solo. It was the first time for both of us, yet chef/co-owner Devon had cooked for me in the past when he was at the Acorn.

The menu changes almost daily with a few dishes offered all the time with twists and turns in flavours, herbs etc. started off with a refreshing iced tea to get our palate going ……

I had an Elderflower mocktail that was bright in flavour.

These are the dishes we had:

Crudite vegetables

Shishito peppers

Kohlrabi salad Thai style

Warba potatoes

Charred Saku Saku cabbage

Sourdough focaccia with garlic scape oil

Cavatelli Broccolini

Cropthorne farm heirloom tomato with Cantaloupe melon

Albacore Tuna + BC rice duo with rice (grown in Abbotsford bu Masa Shiroki) – tuna loin (incredible) and tuna done as a tartare

Dessert — unique and a beauty Wildflower Honey Gelato with strawberry rhubarb sauce and local hazelnuts.

I adored the restaurant and can not wait to return as the seasons change.

Nero Tondo is located at 1879 Powell Street in East Vancouver. An advance reservation is a good idea.

By: Richard Wolak