The opening of the long-awaited Gastown property “The Diamond” is officially imminent. The room looked clean and shiny for the final test drive yesterday but natural enough to appear as if it had been there and well looked after for decades. Lots of dark wood and natural light, chandeliers at the ready should the sun ever fall. Music extra super. Food tested and solid. This place is ready to go.

Final Test Drive

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I munched on togarashi spiced nuts and sipped some Kentuckiness before making buddies with the gyozas. These were well-wrapped gifts of intense flavour made in miniature with Sloping Hills pork. A little salty, but that’s how I like ’em. Two orders later and I think they’re much better than the inconsistently cooked, greasy, wondrously addictive love dumplings that get over-peddled along Robson’s west end (how I adore them so), and a little cheaper at $5 per half dozen. Smart.

I thought they’d be doing miso or shiso ramen with tonkatsu (a la Kintaro), but found soba, somen, and glass noodles instead. Oh well. I opted for the latter in lemongrass broth and had my small disappointment washed away (you must smell this bowl).

Cocktails are excellent. Had a sour made with a wee Talisker. Still happy about it…

Scroll below and clickety to see how a diamond gets made.

Friends & Family Party

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Under Construction

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Introduction

All Anticipated Openings

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