In Vancouver, were not after fancy; we need more than delicious. Diners are looking for that special X-factor that inspires chefs to innovate and causes diners to line up around the block. Fables farm-to-table fare won over Vancouver bellies in 2012. Whos got what it takes to reign as Best New Restaurant for 2013?
Gastown is getting downright crowded. Chinatown is the happening hotspot. Enter Dane Brown and Clinton McDougall who, after a trip to LAs Berlin Currywurst, decided to open their own 25-seat German-style haute dog and beer joint at 105 E. Pender. Bestie will serve lunch by day and dinner and drinks by night with prices under $10. Everyones a wiener at the late-night take out window a repurposed lottery window. Keep your fingers crossed for a March opening.
Seasoned Chef Andrea Carlson (Harvest Union, Bishops and Raincity Grill) is bringing her considerable locavore talent to Burdock & Co. at 2702 Main, which she will own in partnership with Vancouver Farmers Markets. Known for pioneering the 100-mile diet here, Burdock will serve organic vegetable-focused share-plates for $20 and under. Kevin Bismanis has redesigned the former Cafeteria space to resemble an urban barn. Opening is scheduled for March.
Jordan Cash, the fried dough visionary, and partners and have finally found a 3,000 sq. ft. permanent home for their fancy doughnuts in Crosstown. Cartems will continue to serve exotic doughnut flavours like Earl Grey and Mexican Mole, as well as bacon-mania pandering varieties. The brick-and-repurposed-wood bakery will also serve Matchstick coffee and milk on tap. The exact address on West Pender is a secret, but WE Vancouver can confirm its between Richards and Seymour with an April/May opening. Cartems.com
Flying high on the success of their Yaletown location, chef owners John Crook and Erik Heck are setting up at 102 Water Street, the former lobby of the 107-year-old Winters Hotel last occupied by Chronic Tacos. The menu will be the same stick-to-your-ribs Canadian comfort food: thick three-pea soup with ham hock, pulled pork poutine and hearty short rib macaroni. They aim to open in early April.
Maruko Ramen, West End
Ramen is a niche that inspires obsession. If you want to slurp noodles in Vancouver, you know to head to the West End where Motomachi Shokudo reigns. Newcomer Maruko, at 1333 Robson, which opened February 18, may be the next big thing. Chef Shuma Sakakibara learned his trade at the popular Tokyo chain Komen. The chef handmakes the springy noodles in shop and simmers stocks for 10 hours. Shio comes with or without chicken. Shoyu comes with pork shoulder a leaner alternative to pork belly.
Owner Brandon Grossutti and celebrated Chef Makato Ono didnt expect their fledgling restaurant, at 350 Carrall across from gritty Pigeon Park, to become the focal point of the gentrification debate. But it has. Since its February opening, the buzz about the protestors at Pidgin has attracted more diners in search of fusion Japanese-Korean-French elegance. Expect atypical, beautifully-plated sharing dishes ($5-$26) such as steak ssam, foie gras rice bowls and mushrooms with yuzu brown butter. Dont miss the locally-made Artisan Sake on tap.
Tableau Bar Bistro, Downtown/Yaletown border
Paris-meets-West-Coast chic is an ambrosial combination. The bistro is expanding to a second location at 888 Homer Street. The team behind the award-winning restaurant are cagey on the details. If its more of the same unforgettable buttermilk fried chicken waffles by chef Marc-André Choquette and boulevardier cocktails by bartender Jean-Sebastien Dupuis, count us in.
Everyone from pretty young things to grizzled craft beer experts and families, flock to Tap & Barrels Olympic Village location for the 24 craft beers on tap and creative Canadian pub menu think marshmallow fluff yam fries and the PB&J burger. Owner Daniel Frankel is cunningly expanding his holdings to Vancouver Convention Centre West this spring.
Tractor, Kitsilano
Youd think that health-conscious Kitsilano would be saturated with healthy lunch spots. Yet most of the boroughs yoga-employed staff brown bag it. Tractor at 1903 West 4th Avenue, by Steven and Meghan Clarke, aims to change that with their salad-focused menu served cafeteria style. Mix-and-match items will be served by the scoop, not weight. The interior will be modern with repurposed wood and concrete floors. Expect an April opening.
