If you walked by the brightly coloured oval on Carrall Street at night, its easy to get confused. Is it an art installation? Is it a public gathering place? Why are there all these benches facing into the centre of the oval but no way to get inside to take a seat?
The oval is a pilot project spearheaded by Sean Heather of Heather Hospitality and co-owner of Rainier Provisions, which has created Vancouvers first and stand-alone patio. Designed by Michael Green Architecture and painted in a cool Paul Smith colour palette, during the day the 30-seat oval is filled with tables for restaurant patrons. (Its open at 2 West Cordova in Gastown till 6pm on weeknights and Sundays and 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights.)
Rainier Provisions serves old-fashioned, carvery-inspired roasted meats with sides such as mashed potatoes, polenta and gravy A dessert bar serves locally made Earnest Ice Cream, ice cream sandwiches and Okanagan fruit crumble. To drink, guests select from over 18 types of bourbon, six on-tap beers and exquisite coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
