Lauren Mote travels North America as a celebrated mixologist and creator of Bittered Sling bitters. But shes missed having a bar she can call home and her fans have missed having a place where they can regularly enjoy her cocktails. No more. Last week Mote announced that she is joining Uva Wine Bar as its bar manager. Its a beautiful, lovely room, very intimate, and they have [an extensive list] of rare and interesting spirits, she said at last weeks Bittered Sling Bistro. Its a really great fit. Its perfect in every way. Uva had been known as an industry hub and Mote wants it to be the centre of an innovative cocktail culture. Shes joining Steve Edwards, the general manager and wine director of Uva and its adjacent Cibo Trattoria, and Cibo chef Faizal Kassam (La Brasserie, Bacchus and Hawksworth).
In early October, Blueprint plans to open Bismarck, a 60-seat bar/restaurant where people can mingle, drink, and eat in Crosstown, perhaps before they head over the the nearby Rogers Arena for a concert or game. (If patrons dont have tickets, they can watch games on eight HDTVs.) The Abbott and Pender space was formerly Pivo, which Blueprint had run for the past four years. Bismarck will feature house-made savoury sausages, artisanal bread and a selection of craft beers. On weekends, DJs will amp up the atmosphere.
With deep traditions to draw from, David Auer and Montgomery Lau are looking forward to creating innovative new approaches at Market by Jean-Georges. Auer (Divino Wine Bar, Uva, Le Gavroche) is the new manager of the Shangri-La restaurant while Montgomery Lau has been promoted to chef de cuisine. Lau grew up exploring Hong Kong food markets with his mother, who made weekly dim sum outings a special part of his childhood. In 2011, he was chosen to represent BC for Canadas Chef of the Year at the national chefs conference. With diplomas in restaurant management and wine, Auer worked at some of Europes finest restaurants, including becoming the youngest Michelin star restaurant manager in Austria (Lowen Hotel Schruns.) Love brought him to Vancouver, where hes not afraid to challenge the status quo.
Taking their Japanese pub approach a delicious step forward, Justin and Lea Ault have added an oyster bar at the 1479 Robson Street location. Better yet, during Hapa Hour (5:30 to 6:30), oysters are $1.49.
