Metro Vancouver Restaurant News thread

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by Klazu

Their pick-up system is weird. I see a lot of people pick up an order from the Metrotown Chipotle during lunch hour and they rarely check for any kind of order confirmation. It would be so easy to just walk in and walk out with someone else's order.

you can do that easily at Starbucks too, some of the locations have Mobile Order stand and you can just grab whatever is there if you wanted. But a lot of them do keep that stand and is attended by staff who hand them out.

[hollywoodnorth]

Popeyes diner officially opens second Richmond location

https://www.richmond-news.com/local-busi...y-opens-second-richmond-location-4515040



also I heard a rumour that they may have a Downtown space at the NE Corner of Howe and Pender. (the old National Bank space) When I drove by the other day it was being totally stripped down to the studs with "Leased" signed now up. Its a large enough space for a Popeyes for sure. Anyone know anything about that space?

[officedweller]

Miantiao just announced it will be closing at the end of the month

It was here for a good time, not a long time. Miantiao, the newly opened eatery inside the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, has announced it will be closing this month.

The concept from Kitchen Table Restaurants occupies the upscale third-floor restaurant space (previously MARKET by Jean-Georges) and opened to the public in June 2021.

After a six-month run, the Italian-Chinese restaurant will be offering its last service before closing on Monday, November 29.

It’s not all bad news, though, as Kitchen Table Restaurants has revealed two new Italian concepts are already planned to open in the space.

The first is slated to launch in late fall 2021. The culinary direction will be led by Chef Mark Perrier.
...

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/miantiao-closing-shangri-la-hotel-vancouver

Originally Posted by officedweller

Also, Italian-Chinese fusion cuisine has failed at least twice downtown before.
There was Oritalia at Le Soleil on Hornby St. and later, after that failed, another on the 2nd floor of what used to be the Keg Ceasar's space at Hornby and Dunsmuir (can't recall the name).
I think that diners of either Italian or Chinese cuisines are disappointed by fusion food not being 'authentic' to either. i.e. adding a bit of sesame oil isn't going to cut it.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by officedweller

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/miantiao-closing-shangri-la-hotel-vancouver

LOL, that's gotta be a record of some sort!

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by whatnext

LOL, that's gotta be a record of some sort!

Probably has more to do with scouting Mark Perrier and rebranding it for his concept (and to get away from the pan-Asian angle).

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Probably has more to do with scouting Mark Perrier and rebranding it for his concept (and to get away from the pan-Asian angle).

Surprised they didn't lobby hard to get David Chang and Momofuku in here as opposed to the aborted Vancouver House location. The perfect clientele for it, which is why they're in Toronto's Shangri-la.

[hollywoodnorth]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Surprised they didn't lobby hard to get David Chang and Momofuku in here as opposed to the aborted Vancouver House location. The perfect clientele for it, which is why they're in Toronto's Shangri-la.

ouch ya looks like it is dead in the water >> https://foodgressing.com/momofuku-vancouver-is-momofuku-still-opening-in-vancouver/

[Conrad Yablonski]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Probably has more to do with scouting Mark Perrier and rebranding it for his concept (and to get away from the pan-Asian angle).

^ this

[officedweller]

Maybe the market is too competitive in Vancouver?

[hollywoodnorth]

Swiss Chalets withdrawal from BC seems nearly complete now >> https://www.castanet.net/news/West-Kelow...stside-eatery-will-close-its-doors-Nov-7


the Burnaby location is set to close if I remember correctly as they are not renewing the lease. I saw a for lease sign up in front of the unit so I am pretty sure that is/was the case.

[jollyburger]

Nothing amazing but pretty good for Willowbrook..

AO Ramen Upscale Japanese dining including the only teppanyaki bar south of the Fraser.
Chachi’s Gourmet sandwiches and comfort food.
Good Taco Fresh, homemade tortillas and authentic fillings are at the heart of every Good Taco.
Trattoria Italian Kitchen Classic Italian cuisine with the charm of a neighbourhood feel.
OEB Breakfast Co. An all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant that offers familiar classics.
Red Robin Insanely delicious burgers and brews with an assortment of flavoursome appetizers.

https://www.shopwillowbrook.com/redevelopment-news/

[SpongeG]

Red Robin is already in the parking lot in the shopping place next door, so it will be a good move for them. I might be the only one but I really like Red Robin.

[Klazu]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

I might be the only one but I really like Red Robin.

You are certainly not the only one and their burgers are good and selection is amazing. I don't like their fries quite as much but hope they would open another location in the heart of the Metro.

[NewfBC]

Originally Posted by Klazu

You are certainly not the only one and their burgers are good and selection is amazing. I don't like their fries quite as much but hope they would open another location in the heart of the Metro.

I like Red Robin a lot as well. I was worried they were fading from existence in Canada as they closed all Alberta locations over the past couple of years and now only remain in BC. Seeing them open a brand new location is encouraging.

The Birthday Burger promotion is awesome.. I've been getting it without fail for ~20 years.

Ron.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by NewfBC

I like Red Robin a lot as well. I was worried they were fading from existence in Canada as they closed all Alberta locations over the past couple of years and now only remain in BC. Seeing them open a brand new location is encouraging.

The Birthday Burger promotion is awesome.. I've been getting it without fail for ~20 years.

Ron.

It started in Washington State so it makes sense BC had a strong presence. But I doubt they'll be able to survive. It's franchised in BC and the Alberta locations might have been company owned since they lost $5.5 million getting out of their Canadian locations.

https://ir.redrobin.com/sec-filings/all-...71759-21-000020/0001171759-21-000020.pdf

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by Klazu

You are certainly not the only one and their burgers are good and selection is amazing. I don't like their fries quite as much but hope they would open another location in the heart of the Metro.

their fries are my favourite part. Speaking of fries, Wendy's has new fries and they are awful.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

their fries are my favourite part. Speaking of fries, Wendy's has new fries and they are awful.

Too thin or too soggy?

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Too thin or too soggy?

they use those fries that they put a coating on to make them crispier, they are like the A&W fries which I also don't like. Their last fries were good even if they cooled off they had good taste.

[zahav]

I really like Red Robin too, something somehow Unique about their offering, it's kind of whimsical or something, like totally different than Earls/Cactus/Joeys types.

PS I saw a notice for construction in the old Milestones at Crossroads. I should've taken a picture, but it wasn't a big announcement sign or window vinyl, it was the small letter size paper from the COV for the reno license. It said some seafood restaurant is moving in. I will try and walk by soon, but it actually had Seafood in the name, so not sure if it is like a Steveston-style seafood or like a seafood hotpot? But it definitely had "seafood" and "Restaurant" in the actual name

[s211]

Originally Posted by zahav

I really like Red Robin too, something somehow Unique about their offering

From memory, I think the uniqueness is the wildly high amounts of salt in their food!