It appears Vancouver's Gastown is getting a restaurant twofer.
Signs are up for a pair of new eateries at 435 Abbott St., advertising the incoming Carnitas Don Jose and Brat Haus. The pair are replacing Poke M, which quietly closed sometime in 2023. No announcement was made when the poke shop closed permanently.
Carnitas Don Jose has been active in Vancouver for a while, specializing in carnitas, which translates from the Spanish as "little meats."
"Traditionally, carnitas are made by cooking pork in lard or its own rendered fat until it becomes tender and crispy on the outside. The pork is typically seasoned with a blend of spices and the secret recipe," describes Carnitas Don Jose's website.
The carnitas are served on tacos, tortas or in other combos.
They've been offering their food through delivery options or catering, working out of commissary kitchens in south Vancouver and the Strathcona industrial neighbourhood.
Brat Haus appears to be a new venture. The only evidence of the business appears to be an Instagram account that simply states "sausages and milkshakes" are coming soon to Gastown in the spring of 2024. Vancouver is Awesome has reached out to Brat Haus and will update the story when new information is provided.
Prior to being Poke M, the location was the original Tacomio location. The taco shop ultimately closed up in Gastown but grew to have three locations in the region, all of which had shuttered by the end of 2023.
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