We are head over heels for these newbies to Vancouver, boasting exciting flavours from renowned local chefs, great energy and authentic concepts that are unique to the foodie scene. These restaurants are definitely worth checking out soon amongst your roster of local favourites – perhaps they will even become your regular stomping grounds.
Bambudda
Bambudda was welcomed to the Gastown scene back in 2013 and we had to include it as a new spot to try this year if you haven’t indulged already. The entrance to this modern Chinese Restaurant is completely open concept, with the bar as the focal point from the street. Bambudda recently opened their patio as well, which is roomy enough to fit a gaggle of Gastown locals.
The contemporary menu at Bambudda is prepared with passion by Executive Chef Scott Korzack. Some crowd pleasers include the oven roasted chicken skins, delightfully crispy and crackly in your mouth, the oozy and saucy BBQ pulled pork buns and the melt-in-your-mouth mushroom dumplings with braised lamb and water spinach. These are only a few examples of what Korzack has in store, so come hungry.
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What’s incredibly unique to this contemporary Chinese restaurant is the absolutely tantalizing drink menu, featuring some of the coolest cocktails in town (try their Bubble Tea with Gin, Blue Curacao and Hibiscus bubbles). Bambudda should be enjoyed in the early evening – begin at the bar with one of their amazing cocktails and make your way onto the patio for dinner.
Burdock and Co.
Located at trendy, up-and-coming Main and 11th is a bold newbie that is swiftly becoming known to many as one of the best spots to enjoy refined West Coast dining utilizing local, sustainable ingredients with exciting execution.
Renowned Executive Chef Andrea Carlson (C, Raincity Grill, Bishop’s) creates stunning dishes. We recently indulged in the scintillating seared ling cod and the flavourful fried collard greens and grits with smoked ricotta and charred garlic – memorable dishes that will keep us coming back. As a past pastry chef, Carlson was also keen to develop a delicious assortment of desserts that are available for $8 (we recommend sharing a few of these with your dinner date).
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A rustic, narrow space presents communal table seating that adds to the warm, friendly ambience of the restaurant itself. Another unique addition to Burdock and Co. is Carlson’s selection of ‘Naturalist’ wines from France and Italy (organic, chemical free, using old world traditions), along with craft beers and bespoke cocktails. This is definitely a new spot to try in the summer months, with an amazing selection of light share plates and a lively energy.
Fat Badger
From the West End boys that brought you the local Spanish tapa bar, España, comes a second Restaurant perched within the Alberni street neighbourhood that delivers tasty British ‘Gastropub’ fare in a quaint old heritage building. Edward Perrow and Neil Tayler (who resides from Berkshire, England) create a menu that mirrors authentic, traditional English food you can get excited about.
Try Fat Badger’s delicious black pudding (blood sausage), served up with a soft-boiled egg and lentils and you’ll feel like you’re a stone’s throw away from London proper. There menu, which is chalked up on the board with weekly specials, also boasts some of the best fish and chips we’ve had (paired with mushy peas of course) and mouth-watering savoury pies (try their chicken and mushroom pie, or their cheddar and thyme tart).
Fat Badger features an array of English, Irish and Scottish beers on tap behind a large deep brown wooden bar. The atmosphere is relaxed, calm and less noisy than your typical British pub. Fat Badger will be an even bigger hit in the winter months, with a warm fireplace crackling in the main living room and the sound of stout pouring from the taps at the bar. This place is comfort food at its finest.
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Have you wined and dined at these new restaurants yet? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
