When Steve Edwards phoned Lauren Mote to ask her for suggestions about who could shake things up at the Uva Wine Bar, he thought hed be tapping into her vast knowledge about the cocktail scene, both here and across North America.
He was delightfully shocked when she said shed be interested in the job. After establishing herself as one of Vancouvers top mixologists, Motes career had veered towards establishing Bittered Sling Bitters with her partner, chef Jonathan Chovanek. But as she travelled from event to event as a supplier, presenter and competition judge, she and her fans realized the same thing: they missed having someplace to enjoy her cocktail creations.
Last Friday, Uva unveiled two new themes: Uva by Night, with Motes new cocktail list, and Uva by Day, with a new lunch-time menu and tasting options. With Uvas already vast alcohol list, and Motes palate, the possibilities are, quite literally, endless.
Next door at Cibo, part of the Italian corner at Seymour and Smithe, Edwards has been making some changes of his own. Hes added a grappa bar to entice people to explore what he calls the best after dinner drink.
It makes me feel lighter, he says of the grape-based pomace brandy. It is indeed a digestif, something that aids in the digestion, hence being able to enjoy a full meal and walk home feeling nourished but not heavy. The restaurant also has a lighter look with several cosmetic changes.
UvaWineBar.ca | CiboTrattoria.com |
900 Seymour
