3 Stars Combine For 1 Joint, The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe
May 4, 2009
The cast and crew of The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe: Steve Da Cruz, Andre McGillivray, and chef Anthony Sedlak.
This one is being played pretty tight to the chest, but I’ve been on it for awhile and now have at least some of the details confirmed (and others denied).
Former Boneta co-owner and Le Crocodile/Lumiere/Chambar managerial alumnus Andre McGillivray has partnered up with barman Steve Da Cruz (Boneta and most recently on the wood at Gastropod). Together they’ve secured the old Piccolo Mondo location (most recently Saveur) at 850 Thurlow, just off the Robson drag. They’re releasing no details on the concept or the plan just yet, but with the players involved I think it’s safe to assume that we might be looking at a cocktail-forward and service driven joint with very good food. I’m imagining a downtown cousin of Chambar and Boneta.
The bigger news is that the executive chef is going to be none other than Anthony Sedlak, local boy and star of the Food Network show, The Main. This is Anthony’s first executive role, which means this is likely just as exciting for him as it is for his legions of fans.
Interview
Anthony L. Sedlak is a Canadian chef, and the host of Food Network Canada’s The Main. He was born in Prince George, British Columbia and grew up in North Vancouver.
At age 13, Sedlak began bussing at the Grouse Mountain cafeteria. He was soon promoted to the resort’s main kitchen at 14, where he worked as production cook for what was then Bar 98. By 16 he was working at the Grouse Nest restaurant (now The Observatory). During this time he completed the Culinary Art Program at Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver, followed by a four-year apprenticeship program at Vancouver Community College.
Following the advice of Sylvain Cuerrier, the executive chef for Grouse Mountain, 20-year-old Sedlak joined the team at La Trompette restaurant in West London where he worked under Chef Olivier Couillaud. With the experience and knowledge gained at La Trompette Sedlak returned to Grouse Mountain Resorts where he was offered the position of sous-chef at The Observatory.
At 22, with the help of Chef Harold Bonkowski, head of the culinary arts department at VCC, Sedlak was selected as Canada’s representative for the 2006 Hans Bueschken World Junior Chef Challenge in Auckland. He came away with a silver medal.
A few months later Sedlak won Food Network’s Superstar Chef Challenge II. After the win he left The Observatory to shoot The Main which premiered on 1 October 2007.
And the rest is history. With The Main just wrapped their fourth year of filming, Sedlak – a cookbook author to boot – has now become a national brand.
The trio have only just taken possession, and they’re looking at a significant reconstruction. Opening day is ambitiously scheduled for July 1st, with 130 seats in total.
The name of their restaurant project? “The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe”.
All Anticipated Openings
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The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe
October 5, 2008
Details
850 Thurlow Street, Vancouver BC
Telephone: 604-569-3415
Website: www.thecornersuite.com
Twitter | Facebook
Gallery
The People
Owner: Steve Da Cruz
Executive Chef: Jason Leizert
Read the Scout interviews here.
About The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe
The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe is a decadently fun, yet accessible restaurant and bar just off Robson at 850 Thurlow in Vancouver. Open 7 days and nights featuring the locally sourced and seasonal menus of Jason Leizert, the bistro also has as many as 60 cheeses available. Every day, Jason and his team put together the 24/7. Two courses, $24.07. The noon ti midnite menu has many options from Petit Bijoux ( $5 – 8), Petits Plats ($15), Grand Plats ($15 – 25) and Sucreries ($6-12) with all cold dishes and cheeses available until 1am everyday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The black leather and steel bar that hosts the Venus Century espresso machine seats 32 and is also home to Steve Da Cruz’s cocktail program The Genuine Article. The beautiful bar and tables make perfect landings for $5 Sleeves of R/B draughts and lovingly selected wines by sommelier Christopher McFadden. The dining room is adorned with hand-assembled chandeliers and custom made Louis chairs dipped in the corner suite blue rubber finish with hooks under every table for purses. With local artist’s works and music by DJ Sasha from Paris, the room is truly unique. We look forward to serving you.
From The Heart of Downtown,
The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe
Reviews & Accolades
“Best New Bar in Canada” – Kelly Snowden | Food & Wine Magazine
“It’s personal, and people can feel the passion.” – Mia Wedgebury | Report on Business
“Quality ingredients and technical know-how.” – Mia Stainsby | The Vancouver Sun
“Luxurious.” – Alexandra Gill | The Globe & Mail
“A lovely masterpiece.” – Bal Arneson | The National Post
“Value De Luxe” – Claudia Kwan | Global BC
