Does anyone remember Kris Barnholden, owner/chef of Mis Trucos (now Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen)? If you were a fan of Barnholden’s food, get excited. He’s back after several years in Toronto with a new restaurant, called Latab, on Helmcken Street at the base of the Wall Centre. The space used to be a café, but has been reworked into a small 25-seat wine bar, and Barnholden has partnered with Eryn Dorman, formerly of Campagnolo Roma and original GM at Mis Trucos. LaTab.ca
Two BC restaurants, Pilgrimme on Galiano Island and Kitsilano’s AnnaLena, have been awarded spots in EnRoute magazine’s Best New Restaurants in Canada for 2015. Pilgrimme received the number three spot, while AnnaLena came in at sixth. Congratulations to both restaurants!
According to a social media post by Big Trouble owner Steve da Cruz, the restaurant is immediately and permanently closed due to the acceptance of a sale offer on the assets of the business. With the owners and staff seemingly all off on new ventures, it sounds like a great ending for everyone except the fans who will miss the eclectic and delicious menus, and the burgeoning neighbourhood on the edge of Chinatown. We’re already missing the eggplant perogies.
A new type of Japanese grill has opened in south east False Creek (the old Olympic village) at 159 West 4th Ave. Q Shi Q will focus on yakitori (meat on sticks) using local, sustainable and Ocean Wise meats and seafood. Expect some salads and mains as well, and most prices under the $10 mark. QShiQ.com
Bar Oso, the anticipated new property in Whistler from Top Table Group (Araxi, Blue Water Café, et al), has announced that its opening will be delayed until early November from the original Oct. 31 opening date. BarOso.ca
The Irish Heather was recently Gold as one of the best Irish whiskey bars outside of Ireland at the international Irish Whiskey Awards. Sláinte! IrishHeather.com
Long-time industry veteran Edwyn Kumar has joined Chambar as their new General Manager. Kumar was formerly GM and wine director at Hart House in Burnaby, and prior to that has worked at Nu, Lumière and Cin Cin, among other top establishments. Chambar.com
In related news…Kumar is taking over from Justin Tisdall, who is moving on to open his own restaurant, Juke, a homestyle fried chicken concept, with partners Cord Jarvie (Meat & Bread), and chef Bryan Satterford (Hawksworth). Juke is slated to open in the spring of 2016.
Odd Society Spirits is commemorating their second birthday with the release of their first barrel-aged vodka on Oct. 29. Aged in whiskey barrels for four months, the East Van Aged Vodka is only available at the distillery for $24 per bottle. OddSocietySpirits.com
Sai Woo is holding a haunted Hallowe’en party in their downstairs Woo Bar on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31, from 7pm to midnight each evening, along with live DJ and a séance. A prize for best costume will also be awarded. SaiWoo.ca
On Nov. 5, Hart House Restaurant is teaming up with Four Winds Brewery for a special beer-paired five-course dinner. Menu includes potato, cheddar and beer soup, duck prosciutto with housemade beer bread crostini, beer-battered ling cod with fingerling chips, oxtail cheese burger, and a chocolate porter ganache torte. Tickets $75 per person. Reservations by phone only. 604-298-4278. HartHouseRestaurant.com
