A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

DINER: Chef Dale Mackay’s “Ensemble” To Officially Open On Tuesday At 850 Thurlow

by Andrew Morrison | I took a look inside the soon-to-open Ensemble this afternoon. They were up to their eyeballs in menu fiddling and construction, but the highly anticipated restaurant from former Lumiere chef and current Top Chef Canada competitor Dale Mackay appears to be coming together nicely. They plan to softly open this weekend with the first ever reservations being accepted for Tuesday. Read more about the restaurant here and here. I’ve added a few new photos below, none of which give the whole place away. Break a leg, fellas!

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    There are 4 comments

    1. That place has “the curse”. I don’t doubt the execution of the restaurant itself, but I’m skeptical soley for the reason that it’s that spot.

    2. How you livin’, Koo? Long time!

      PS. They said that about Boneta’s location, too.

    3. I’m great. Definitely been long. Met up with the Stangers a few weeks ago. We ought to get together and talk shop over a pint.

      How are you doing?

      I remember when I was at Le Crocodile (3 years) I would walk by Saveur all the time and I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a soul in there. Then when Bistro De Luxe came along they didn’t fare much better. The best of luck to the new guard. I think they’re going to need it.

    4. How long was Piccolo Mondo there? A decade + I think. The only place I would say was truly cursed was the little building on 4th that housed Coco, the Ordinary, the Sierra Grilland a half dozen others. The wrecking ball performed an exorcisim a year or so ago.

    Villa Lobos: Skate Kids, Sharp Knives, Sold-Out Dinners

    A group of skate kids from King George started cooking for each other and ended up building something bigger than they expected. Now they’re running sold-out dinners, with strong community backing.

    Vancouver’s Best Japanese Curries, Our Favourites Mapped

    Japanese curry doesn’t chase the spotlight the way ramen or gyoza do, but it has always been one of Japan’s most reliable comfort meals: hot, filling, and easy on the wallet. With Vancouver’s cooler weather still lingering, it’s exactly the kind of satisfying bowl that hits the spot.

    AnnaLena’s Long Game

    Most restaurants leave well enough alone. AnnaLena doesn’t. Whether bold or subtle, the changes they make carry weight. Here’s what shifted during the annual closure and why it matters.

    Gujarati Jalso: The Burnaby Restaurant Giving Gujarati Food Top Billing

    Edmonds Street in Burnaby is home to Gujarati Jalso, where the focus is entirely on vegetarian food from India’s western coast.