“Roaming Dragon” Set To Turn Page On Vancouver Street Food
June 15, 2010
photos by Erin Simkin
A new company called Gourmet Syndicate is poised to make a move on Vancouver city streets if City Hall’s mobile food truck pilot program doesn’t ruffle any No Fun feathers next month. Their first mobile catering brand is a pimped out, 25 foot pan-Asian looker called Roaming Dragon.
It’s a fully equipped kitchen on wheels, starring the consultative talents of none other than Don Letendre, formerly the long-time executive chef at the Opus Hotel. His menu showcases panko crusted Chinese sausage and shrimp stuffed rice balls; chicken karaage with passionfruit and palm sugar; hoisin pork belly slider steam buns; duck confit salads with pickled pineapple and more. I just got off the phone with company principal Jason Apple, and he promises restaurant quality food on the streets very soon. Too good to be true? Nope. It just debuted at the Richmond Night Market this week, and folks from city council have already been given a full walk-through and taste. Read more
Executive Chef Don Letendre to Exit Elixir And The Opus Hotel…
April 6, 2010
Don Letendre, the executive chef at Opus, has given the boutique Yaletown hotel his notice after nine years of service. His last day is April 15th, but he will be participating in functions throughout the rest of the month and into May. He has no targeted destination at the time of writing – “I am not sure of my direction at the moment, if I go somewhere parallel, stay corporate, go into partnership, do something on my own?” he says – so it looks like we have yet another talented free agent on the market. Letendre’s a genuine gent, and we wish him the absolute best in whatever comes next for him.
Fundraising Brunch at Elixir For The Ride to Conquer Cancer
March 31, 2010
Elixir Bistro & Opus Bar are location in the heart of Yaletown at 350 Davie St | 604-642-0557 | www.elixirvancouver.ca
News from Scout supporter Elixir Bistro
Vancouver, BC | March 25, 2010 – Elixir Bistro Executive Chef Don Letendre has once again embarked on a history-making opportunity to make an epic crusade against cancer. On June 19 and 20, 2010, Letendre will cycle for two days from Vancouver to Seattle in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, which brings together athletes, cycling enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an extreme challenge and a great cause.
On Sunday May 2, Elixir Bistro at OPUS Hotel Vancouver hosts a fundraiser brunch and silent auction, benefitting Team Merckx. Letendre is honoured to once again join this team, which was started by former pro cyclist and Tour de France participant Axel Merckx and wife Jody Merckx of Kelowna. The goal of Team Merckx is to raise $100,000.00 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Proceeds from the brunch will go toward the team’s ambitious target. For more information, or to make a donation visit: www.conquercancer.ca. Read more
Elixir Bistro Geared Up For Earth Hour And Whisky Tastings
March 17, 2010
Elixir Bistro and Opus Bar are location in the heart of Yaletown at 350 Davie St | 604-642-0557 | www.elixirvancouver.ca
News from Scout supporter Elixir Bistro
Vancouver, BC | In support of Earth Hour 2010, Elixir Bistro will shut off the lights and offer guests a special candle lit dinner in support of this global climate change initiative. Elixir Bistro?s celebrated chefs have designed an inspired 3-course menu that features local and organic ingredients including Aldergrove beets, Permberton Valley potatoes, and sustainably harvested Halibut from the Queen Charlotte Islands. Elixir is proud to be a member of both Vancouver?s Ocean Wise Sustainability program and the Green Table Network. Read more
Dive Into Valentine’s Decadence At Elixir Bistro & Opus Bar
February 3, 2010
Elixir Bistro and Opus Bar are location in the heart of Yaletown at 350 Davie St | 604-642-0557 | www.elixirvancouver.ca
News from Scout supporter Elixir Bistro
Vancouver, BC | On February 14th, Elixir Bistro and OPUS Bar welcome guests with sweets, seduction—and that signature OPUS luxury. On Valentine’s Day, casual French bistro Elixir invites guests to savour a decadent four-course menu and amuse bouche. After sampling kushi oysters on the half shell with champagne jelly and caviar, guests will relish a sunchoke and truffle veloute, roasted candy cane beets or Qualicum Bay scallops. Perfect for a romantic evening a deux, the lobster paella, beef Wellington and rack of lamb mains are designed for sharing. And because February 14 is incomplete without something sweet, the meal is capped with a bittersweet chocolate mille-feuille with black cherry sorbet and Valentines petit fours. The four-course menu with amuse bouche is $85.00 per person. Read more
Rob Feenie’s Great Big Comeback At The 2009 Gold Medal Plates
October 25, 2009
L to R: Dale Mackay of Lumiere (silver); Rob Feenie of Cactus Club (gold): Pino Posteraro of Cioppino's (bronze)
“Comeback” might be a bit of a loaded word, but it fits to an arguable degree. After Rob Feenie left his eponymous Feenie’s restaurant and flagship Lumiere two years ago and landed as the Food Concept Architect for the Cactus Club chain, it could have easily been assumed that he had bought a one way ticket to the wilderness of the restaurant world. But last night, at the prestigious Vancouver Gold Medal Plates cooking competition, he bested nine of BC’s greatest chefs and reminded this town of his incredibly refined talent by taking gold. And he totally deserved it. Read more
WORLD’S MOST AWARDED SINGLE MALT SHOWCASED AT ELIXIR Bistro
October 15, 2009
Global Ambassador Ian Millar leads master class with exquisite food pairings by celebrated chef Don Letendre
News from Scout supporter Elixir Bistro
Vancouver, BC | Wine tastings are common. True to Elixir’s reputation for effortless class and distinctive flair, the chic French Bistro presents something different. On Monday October 26th, 2009 at 6pm – a stylish Glenfiddich tasting, showcasing 12, 15, 18 and 21 year old Glenfiddich’s will be held in Elixir’s plush Velvet Room. Novices and aficionados will explore the world’s most awarded whisky with nuanced tasting plates crafted by celebrated Chef Don Letendre to highlight the unique characteristics. Read more
Roll Into The Opus For Whisky Wednesdays at Elixir Bistro
August 6, 2009
Discover the world of whisky tasting at Yaletown's Elixir Bistro in the Opus Hotel
News from Scout support Elixir Bistro
Whisky Wednesdays at Elixir Bistro continues this Wednesday, August 12 at 6:00pm sharp at Elixir Bistro (350 Davie Street). For only $30, guests can sample three varieties of whisky poured by a top whisky educator and creatively paired with three tasting plates by executive chef Don Letendre. Limited seating is available, and an RSVP is required by August 11th. Read more
Elixir Bistro In Yaletown’s Opus Hotel Joins Scout…
July 29, 2009
Elixir Bistro in the Opus Hotel is now a proud member supporter of Scout. We will be publishing their news and releases on our front page, and hosting an individual page for them on our list of recommended restaurants. Scroll below for a taste or visit their Scout page here:
Details
350 Davie St, Vancouver, BC | MAP
Telephone: 604-642-0557
Email: info@elixir-opusbar.com
Web: www.elixirvancouver.ca
Gallery
[imgset:72157621572554730,square,true]
Hours
Breakfast | 630am-1130am
Lunch | 1130am-230pm
Late Lunch | 230pm-5pm
Dinner | 5pm-11pm
Late Night | 11pm-close
The Team
Don Letendre | Executive Chef
Kirsten Dagenhardt | Pastry Chef
Keiran Flaherty | Chef de Cuisine
Nicholas Gandossi | General Manager, Opus Hotel
Van Doren Chan | Sommelier
Dave Swan | Bar Manager
About Elixir
French Bistro meets affordable Yaletown glamour in Elixir. Recognized as the bronze recipient for casual French cuisine at the coveted Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards; Elixir is also a founding member of the Ocean Wise Program and Green Table Network. Chef Don Letendre specializes in classic French cuisine, crafting innovative dishes from the freshest regional and seasonal ingredients. Choose a room to suit your mood: bustling Bistro, airy Garden Room or plush Velvet Room. Elixir provides warm, attentive service in a vibrant atmosphere popular with style savvy travelers and discerning locals alike. Valet parking is available.
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Yaletown Goes Bollywood For Opus’ 7th Annual Street Party
July 28, 2009
Following the outdoor OPUS BAR 7th Annual Street Party in Yaletown (Friday, July 31st 6pm – 9pm), the night continues indoors with a special dinner menu in Elixir and DJs throughout the night in Opus Bar
News from Scout supporter Elixir Bistro
2009 marks the seventh year of the annual summer street party for world-renowned Opus Hotel, voted one of the world’s top 100 hotels by Conde Nast Traveler. This eagerly anticipated event [Friday, July 31st 6pm – 9pm] is one of Vancouver’s largest private outdoor parties, and draws over 500 invite-only VIPs into the streets. Invitees include media, local politicians, actors, key corporate clients, and VIP guests.
The OPUS Foundation is proud to announce its ongoing support of UNICEF’s Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign. As a gesture of its commitment, The OPUS Foundation will present UNICEF Canada with a $10,000 donation as part of a commitment of $50,000 over 5 years.
The theme of this year’s event is Bollywood Dreams, and will feature beautiful sights, sounds, and dynamic entertainment presented by the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society. Indian themed food and refreshments will be served in collaboration with celebrity Chef Vikram Vij. Following the outdoor celebration, guests will continue this exclusive evening indoors, with a special dinner menu in Elixir and renowned DJs throughout the night in Opus Bar. Read more
