West Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»cafe owners Tarry and Kristine Gianniakos (of the always busy Crema at 15th and Bellevue) have just opened Revolver in Gastown, and this time theyve left their four coffee-loving sons George, John, Chris and Matt in charge. There are some 20-25 seats on suspended benches in a stunner of a room designed by Craig Stanghetta (he of Meat & Bread and Stackhouse fame). Its far more than just pretty; Revolver is a coffee-lovers paradise. Theyve imported a Mirage espresso machine from The Netherlands, but the real action is in the brews. After selecting ones beans (chosen by the brothers each week by blind tasting), one can then choose from one of five brewing methods: default steel filter; clever; aeropress; siphon, or French press. Take a look for yourselves at 325 Cambie.
Award-winning Cibo Trattoria in the Moda Hotel is hosting three very special regional suppers on the horizon. The first is on Sept. 21 and will feature four courses of Tuscan cuisine; the second is on Oct. 12 and will zero in on the food of Umbria; and the third will focus on Lombardy. Prices for the set-piece meals vary from $48 without wine pairings to either $96 or $149 with wine pairings (depending on how super premium the chosen bottles are). Reserve by calling 604-602-9570 (900 Seymour Street, ).
Restaurateur Harry Kambolis of Nu, Raincity Grill and C has just opened Nu Greek, a tiny brick and mortar off-shoot of his street food cart. Customers will find several types of souvlaki, Greek salads and more. Its located at 542 Robson (between Japadog and Beard Papa).
Boneta Restaurant in Gastown presided over its final restaurant service at its original 1 West Cordova location. It now begins its transition to its new spot in the courtyard behind Gaolers Mews (with entrances from Carrall and Water streets as well as Blood Alley). The new address boasts 2,222 sq ft of virgin concrete and glass that includes an 800-sq-ft solarium equipped with five sliding doors; floor-to-ceiling glass; a U-shaped bar with 12 seats; a year-round heated and covered courtyard patio and brand new everything from electric to air conditioning. Lovers of the original can rest easy as old wood panels from Boneta #1 have been incorporated into the new banquettes; the old bartop is being fitted at the time of writing; and the walls will be dressed in the same iconic artwork by Charles Forsberg as before. Stay up to date at .
Jacob Sweetapple of Fairmont Pacific Rim and Justin Taylor of Four Seasons YEW Restaurant + Bar will be flown to France this October to represent Canada in the Giffard International Cocktail Challenge. They won the 2011 Iron Bar Competition, which saw 39 local mixologists prepare and present original sparkling cocktails. Each cocktail had to include Giffards new Violette Liqueur, made from natural violet extracts, and Louis de Grenelle Cremant. Sweetapple came up with an Eau de Vie while Taylor invented an entry called Elizabeth Taylor.
Did you see the dozens of Vancouverites sitting cross-legged for that guerrilla potluck supper above Robson Square a couple of weeks ago? It was an amazing sight: the low table snaking its way in front of the Art Gallery steps causing many to gawk. It was the latest in a series of outdoor dinners organized by Al Fresco Tonight, food-lovers who enjoy dining on summer nights in the great outdoors, taking over public places and breaking bread with strangers of similar minds. To learn more and get in line to attend, visit .
