IT’S OPEN!
Click here to see video of the launch party.
Confirmed: the Glowbal Group has taken over the Chianti Cafe space on West 4th (recently closed). They are looking at a few conceptual options, one of which would be to reprise the Italian theme that’s been working so well for them on Alberni.
This will come as disastrous news for one of our less enthusiastic readers:
I liked Chianti’s, plus it was one of the last (if not the last) place that provided an affordable dinning [sic] experience on West 4th. Unfortunately, the street has been taken over by the yuppy foodie scum that Urban Diner caters to. Chianti’s may not have provided been the best food, but it was authetic [sic], gave large portions, had character and you didn’t need to own an SUV to eat there. It’s another sad statement about the way Vancouver is going. This city used to belong to everyone. Now it’s for the rich. Thanks, assholes.
I don’t know what to say. You’re welcome?
UPDATE: They’ve started demolition (it’s now late January) and hope to have it open in May.
UPDATE: The name will be Trattoria Italian Kitchen
UPDATE: It’s open
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Yah screw everybody else, and keep it all for my kind. What a bunch of bullshit. The spaghetti factory will always be there for people like you. Chianti was perfectly just fine if that is what you like. There is always Antons. It may be a little far for you non SUV types.
Spare us the hate, and STFU.
Try a little harder to find a cheap, great food experience. Why as a matter of fact if you look carefully you will find great food at a reasonable price on Urban Diner.
Problem is that you were eating mediocre food for cheap.
Go on, and get past the missionary position in life and search out something new.
Hey do not knock UD. If you took your head out of your arse, you could find some new spots to dine in, by using this site to explore, rather than slag of us “yuppee food scum”
I think his point are valid and your reaction laughable.
Sometimes mediocre stomach filling food on the cheap is needed.
Not everyone wants there food ‘infused’ with truffle oil.
when you have failed in life, you tend to lash out at those who have been successful.
It is human nature and the foundation of socialism.
Can’t be cured, we just have to live with it.
Holy macaroni! Everyone calm down. Have a drink, smoke something, EAT! Relax a bit. Both points of view noted.
Get back on topic please. I think the new management should explore more interesting options/themes. We have enough pan-Asian fusion/westcoast/Italian/izakaya. Why not something interesting like African bush-meat cuisine or maybe Scandinavian or something not seen around Vancouver. Glowbal bush-meat satays or pickled herrings anyone?
Nod to FatBoy….
I would personally applaud a bit of risk taking on the part of the Global Group, perhaps a commited focus on ‘great’ food?
To their credit, they have been so successful at creating… atmospheres, that now, I would like to see a culinary jewl in their crown.
How about a place that served nothing but leftovers (always taste better re-heated the next day).
They could call it “sloppy seconds” or something.
While I disagree with the tone, it is indicative of creeping gentrification that is happening all over Vancouver. Sure, tons of notable restaurants are opening up, how many of them are upscale and high-end? It does not fit into the median income, or better yet, the average income from wage-labourers in Vancouver. Our fastest growing industry is the F&B “service” industry – which, no matter how well you want to dress it up, is unskilled labour. Job growth is great, but these jobs are construction and serving rich folks their food. Not the best way to make a living in the world, but what else do retiring baby boomers need to maximize their West Coast lifestyle?
So Fred, spare the political commentary because Vancouver is no longer an affordable place for the “unsuccessful”. If a glamourous retirement home where the largest industry is F&B (aka Victoria BC?) serves to your interest, then you shouldn’t be one to call socialists the ones who lash out at the “successful”.
I have little doubt that the Glowbal Group will be successful. It probably just means former Vancouverites moving to Surrey in order to pay rent. Not everyone owns multiple properties to live off of, or seasonal ownership in a Whistler cabin, or an investment portfolio managed by UBS. It’s a self-delusion that the average Vancouverite in their goal for Vancouver to become a “world-class city” will ironically displace them from it. This, of course, excludes the population already having been displaced living in the DTES.
Actually ate at Chiant’s for the first time a few months ago with a friend on his recomendation. I found it to be pretty good and busy. I also wondered how they could survive with these prices? (it was their cheap pasta night). I guess I got my answer.
I agree some of his points are valid. Sadly Vancouver does not have as many great cheap joints/hole in the walls as older cities like Montreal, New York, or even most cities in USA. We love our new joints, We love our Italiano slant on all, and tend to ignore old places sometimes. Thankfully all of the new places being openned by the youth of our industry are actually not serving foccacia/Tira Misu, but being creative and cutting edge.
There is always room for cheaper places serving good food. Mediocre is never good.
UD is a great tool to use to find good food in all prices. A discussion recently on taco joints is evidence.
Having grown up at 1st/Collingwood, I know 4th avenue, and sadly it is a bit to Yuppee for me. I much prefer Broadway bettween Stephens, and Alma. Many more independant businesses, although the yupee scene is creeping in. Thus I ended owning a home in the Commercial Drive area. It is 4th avenue circa 1972 all over again. Also lots of cheap joints.
10 years ago the grunge were up in arms because of the new better places openning on the drive. They wanted to keep it grungy. 10 years later we are welcoming Me and Julios, Carthage, Timbre,Charlatten etc…
Authentic what?
Yeah, his points are valid, but to call us all Yupee food scum/assholes. Yeah it is getting pricey, and it helps to be rich.
But my reaction is not laughable. I call you an asshole, and I suspect your reaction will not be laughable.
Thank god the Old Spaghetti place will always be there for those who want cheap/mediocre food and are too bitter to search out the reasonable gems serving cheap food.
Sometimes I want a nice dinner “experience” and sometimes I’m just hungry, have no food at home and need some dinner in my tummy!
Best way to judge what kind of place it is before you commit to dining there? Check the proportion of grey heads in the restaurant. Seniors know where the good value is. But if it’s all seniors, run away (buffet dining!!!)
Restaurants in Vancouver fall into two broad categories. Those opened for the food, usually by chef/owners and those for the scene and money. Places like Aurora, Fuel, Boneta et al fall into the first category, the Glowbal group restaurants fall into the second.
When I want good food I go to the first, when I want to hang out with my buddies, have a few drinks, look at pretty people and not necessarily care about the food, I got to the second.
There is a place for both in Vancouver, budgets and political reasons be damned :-)
There are lots of affordable places to eat in Vancouver, especially if you’re into ethnic food. Just look east of Ontario Street.
Just had dinner at the another gem under glowball restaurant umbrella – Trattoria Italian Kitchen. We walked in with no reservation and got the best table at the window and later got “upgraded” to the patio. The staff is trying to accomodate every request. The manager was coming by each table making sure the guest are happy, helping wit the menu and often personally delivered dishes. The place is of a warm and modern decor with open kitchen, private and community tables The menu consists of light mediterranean fare very delicate flavors.Small portions perfect for ordering several items and sharing. We were delightedby the delicately marinated beef carpacio, veal cutlets and beets and arugula salad. Do not miss mushroom bruchettas right out of the oven. panna cotta was light and creamy and chocolate graham cake completed the evening. The wine selection is superb – I would recommend light italian prosecco. This place is a delight can’t wait to go back
Let’s hope the people pushed out of Alberni Street didn’t find haven on 4th Avenue.
Okay, I didn’t get offended by “yuppie foodie scum” because I don’t consider myself in that category at all, so I’m not going to get all defensive about it, hahaha…but I will say that it’s offensive for someone to group Chianti’s in with the Old Spaghetti Factory and Anton’s. Chianti’s was much better than that (though to be honest, I hadn’t gone in years, even though I generally had a good impression of them). The food was tasty, simple (as Italian food is at it’s best), and good value for what you were paying. No, it wasn’t spectacular, but it wasn’t Spaghetti Factory. Let’s have a little respect for the dead. By the way, I ate at Trattoria, and it hadn’t been open long, so there were some issues (and hell yah, it was filled to the brim with yuppie scum…I say that affectionately though, lol) like long waits and my fig dessert was actually brought out without figs, and it took some convincing for me to actually get my figs in the end (and they didn’t comp it after the screw up), but I could see a lot of potential once they get into the swing of things. Food was quite good, but it also cost quite a bit more, so it better be good. I’m not rushing right back, but I wouldn’t be opposed if someone were to suggest the place.
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