Tannis Ling Leaving Chambar To Open Her “Bao Bei” in Chinatown
May 16, 2009
Bartender Tannis Ling, a fixture on the wood and well at Chambar since 2005, has just signed a lease that has given her possession of 163 Keefer Street, a space just around the corner from Main St. in Chinatown proper (MAP).
Her plan? A modern Shanghainese/Taiwanese joint called “Bao Bei”. The small, 2200 sq ft, 50 seat room will feature an 8 seat bar (naturally) and a kitchen window not unlike the slit pass at Chambar. For the etymologists among you, the name is a Chinese term of endearment that translates along the same lines as precious, darling, honey, et cetera (a wonderful name).
Her mother’s cooking is the main inspiration behind the food concept. Nothing is set in stone just yet but she says that we can expect “lots of noodles, dumplings, drunken chicken – stuff like that”. Though the menu will see some experimentation, she carefully points out that there’ll be “nothing crazy”, hastily adding that it won’t be fusion. “I’m going to try to keep it as authentic as possible”.
Quality Chinese food + Tannis’ cocktails = lots of people, there. I assume (quite safely, I should think) that she won’t have to wait long for her first packed service with this, her first restaurant. I’m really looking forward to it, and I know I’m not alone.
If you’ve ever taken a stool at Chambar, it’s very likely that she’s served you and served you well. Tannis is highly respected in local barkeep circles. She is, without a doubt, considered one of the top bartenders in this increasingly tough bartender town. When she competes on any given Sunday, she can blow the boys away. She often does.
Tannis will stay on at Chambar until the end of June. She hopes to open Bao Bei by the early Fall.
PS. Doesn’t it seem as if everyone you’ve ever wanted to see open a restaurant on their own is doing just that, right now?
PPS. And there are more to come…
All Anticipated Openings
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Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
October 5, 2008
Details
163 Keefer St., Vancouver, BC V5T 1Z4
Telephone: 604 688 0876
Website: www.bao-bei.ca | Twitter: @BaoBei1
Hours
Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm – Midnight.
Open Mondays from Nov. 29 – Dec. 31.
Gallery
The People
Owner: Tannis Ling
General Manager: Chen-Wei Lee
Head Chef: Joël Watanabe
Bar Manager: Derek Granton
About Bao Bei
Meaning “precious” in Mandarin, Bao Bei opened in January of 2010 in the heart of Chinatown with the hope of recreating that special charm that the area used to have. We specialize in rustic Chinese small plates meant for a more intimate dining experience. Chef Joël Watanabe, utilizes French techniques and the Japanese eye for plating and presentation to refine traditional flavours, creating unique dishes that maintain authenticity yet display a modern approach. All our ingredients are locally sourced, organic, hormone free and sustainable and not to worry, we do not use MSG in anything. Derek Granton oversees the bar with a diverse beer list, a succinct but smart wine list and an imaginative cocktail program using ingredients found in neighbouring Chinatown herbal shops that owner, Tannis Ling, grew up with. The room is a labour of love with elements of a traditional French brasserie intertwined with vintage Chinese motifs, clean modern lighting and playful details that nod to the owner’s family. Our aim is to stuff you with yummy food and drink and serve it to you in the most genuine, sincere manner.
Accolades
EnRoute Magazine: 2nd Best New Restaurant in Canada
Georgia Straight: Best New Restaurant
Chinese Restaurant Awards: Diner’s Choice Best New Modern Chinese Restaurant
