Update: Now Open as of Friday, June 19th, 2009.
Industry bartending veterans, Mark Brand (Boneta), Josh Pape (former Chambar) and Sophie Taverner (former Boneta, Cascade Room) are working together on a new concept for the upstairs corner of Powell and Carrall Street overlooking the beating heart of Gastown, literally a stone’s throw from the statue of Gassy Jack, Gastown’s original barman. They managed to convince the building’s long-time landlord, who had no desire to rent the space out to anyone, of their concept’s merit, thus gaining them access to one of Vancouver’s most historical corners in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
Mark Brand describes the concept as “a prohibition-era inspired restaurant and bar that will serve $3-$12 Asian-influenced small-plates, think Bánh mì and gyoza, with a serious and accessible bar program with cocktails priced from $7-$10.”
Josh Pape further describes the bar’s direction as “a tip of the hat to the classics. We plan to keep it simple and honour the history and tradition with quality ingredients and some style.”
The place will have approximately 80 seats (20 at the bar and lounge area, 60 dining) and is set to open in the first week in May. There is also a plan formulating in the near future for the space to also operate as a bartending school during the day. Definitely looking forward to seeing the completed space in action. See you soon! ~ PK
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
oh I can’t wait! it looks amazing.
Looks great and loking forward to classy cocktails and maybe a cocktail class to boot. Best wishes to all invloved.
Does anyone have their contact info?? Email or phone #
looks great, sounds great, but asian inspired food? one of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn’t belong…
Why can’t Asian-inspired food work with cocktails? I’ve had great cocktails at Asian restaurants that went wonderfully with the food and ambiance. I’ve even been to a brewpub in San Francisco that had a pan-Asian menu with a colonial-era decor that was awesome. Wait and see if it works.
Agreed Mark…not totally stoked on the Asian food but will go to try the cocktails.
Some (Charlie Trotter) might argue that cocktails do not go with any food.
If you don’t care what the food tastes like, then three or four cocktails before dinner won’t make a difference.
Are they open yet?
Food is food but booze is everything…..for some it seems. Myself included. There’s nothing better than a well crafted drink embodied with history and culture.
I’m gauging that this venue will be about real people drinking real drinks. Can’t wait!
I think Asian food does go great with cocktails as well. What I meant that there doesn’t seem to be a hint of Asian in the name, design, etc… If I walked in the door not knowing anything about the pklace I would be totally surprised to find an Asian menu. I will definately go try it and am pretty confident that it will warrant a return visit.
something to be said about tasty asian streetfood and a cocktail – i am TOTALLY into this. :)
I hear it opens tomorrow for good
Went last night and L-O-V-E-D it! Brilliant and original drinks list, very reasonably priced. Perfect snack food menu card you fill out yourself, also super-tasty and inexpensive. Great views over the mayhem that is Gastown on a Saturday night. Beautifully decorated. Friendly staff who seemed to be coping very well on Day 2 with no signs of teething problems. I think I’ve found my new favourite bar…
I went a couple of weeks ago and I loved it. From the decor, the service and of course the FOOD! Amazing!