From the press release:
After more than five years of operation in Vancouver’s emergent Main Street neighbourhood, Aurora Bistro has closed its doors. Aurora Bistro opened in June 2003 to rave reviews and has remained a popular regional restaurant winning numerous awards.
Despite the restaurant’s broad following and significant acclaim, it recently became evident that the business could no longer remain profitable and continue to operate.
To close the restaurant was a difficult decision to make, but after committing five years to Aurora as a hard-working chef and active restaurant owner, Jeff Van Geest is ready for a fresh start and welcomes more time to spend with his family.
“I want to thank my incredible staff for their hard work and dedication to Aurora. I also want to sincerely thank our suppliers, customers, our dear industry friends and the food and wine media for their amazing support over the years” says Van Geest.
With sad resignation, we send our well wishes to Jeff and his family and to all the staff as they move on to new adventures.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
This is really tragic.
Restaurants do come and go, but this is like the departing of a family member. We wish Jeff and his crew all the best as they move forward
As a diner – I want to thank Jeff for all of the great meals and fun times I had at Aurora. The little restaurant made a huge impression and kick started Main Street’s rise and a dining destination.
I eagerly look forward to Jeff’s new ventures – knife and fork in hand.
all the best to jeff and his family – the business is tough, and i’m sad to see aurora leave.
i really enjoyed the heirloom tomato festivals, and their brunches.
bonne chance!
That is very sad – I loved Aurora.
However, I wonder if this means Chef Van Geest will now say what the spices are in his donuts. I can hope!
This is a really shitty closure. Jeff and his crew are all good people. Jeff is truly one of the good guys in this business. He has a passion. I find it tough watching the mediocre succeed while a place like aurora floundered. Driving past a full Joey’s, Cactus Club, Moxies etc…and then reflecting on what Van Geest was doing I get a sick feeling in my stomach. This is yet another sign that society, for all it’s talk, are simply sheep…
Well said Cory…
Such a shame. It was just a great restaurant, with fine food food and great service. I’ll miss Jeff van Geest’s food and the servers, like Rich and Sara. Main Street’s loss for sure.
Sad news indeed. Aurora was one of Vancouver’s finest small independent restaurants. cschwart makes a very good point.
Good luck Jeff with your future ventures!
Jean-Georges is the rumour for JFG???
This a huge loss for Vancouver diners. However I am sure with Jeff’s innovative talent and energy he will do something splendid again. Raise your glasses and say Cheers to Aurora Bistro!
Sad, very sad news indeed. The Aurora Bistro was a leader in so many ways, and certainly well ahead of “the pack”. Their support of independent small local organic producers, the magnificent BC wine list, such treats as draught merridale cider and carefuly craft brewed beers all culminated in a wonderful dining experience every time. That marvelous creative energy, great staff and a dedicated passionate combination of only the finest components meant every visit was memorable.
Such a sad state of this city. most restaurants here are large corporations and that isn’t changing anytime soon. more corporate restos to open. too bad the little guy here with local and organic produce can’t make it. Here’s to the olympics…
This comes as sad news to me – and probably to foodies across the city. I have had some very memorable meals at Aurora over the years, and will remember the food, the staff, and the room fondly.
As others have said, it is tragic that a restaurant so dedicated to excellent local food can be over-shadowed by the many ‘catch the trend, make some money’ rooms that have opened over the last few years.
I wish the best for all of the Aurora staff. Hopefully they will find other ways to make this city a better place for eaters.
I loved this place and visited at least twice a month. The staff was so friendly and the food was reasonable.
Will be missed!
Bollocks! Aurora was great.
It looks like The Wallflower will be replacing Aurora, I am looking forward to see how Lisa Hewlett’s Modern Diner will fair amongst the trendy hipster establishments along main st. I can’t wait for it to open.