These sneak peek snaps of the first bottled Chambar Ale come direct from the bottling line. I’ve been told the branding and lettering is done in 14ct gold, with the axiom “In heaven there is no beer, that’s why we drink it here” spelled out in four languages on the back.  The award-winning restaurant celebrates its 5th birthday this Saturday with a block party in the day and a raucous shindig at night (I hope to see you at both). Full press release after the leap…

News from Scout Supporter Chambar

Vancouver, BC – A whopping 80% of restaurants don’t survive the first five years of business. The restaurants that do deserve to celebrate. On Saturday, September 12th, Chambar restaurant will toast, eat and dance in honour of bringing Belgian influenced fare and more than a little debauchery to 562 Beatty since September of 2004. The celebration will close off Beatty Street for an all-afternoon block party beginning at 12:00PM.

It is hard to believe that it’s been five years since the doors to Chambar swung open on a street that few knew the name of – so much so that Chambar’s co-owner Karri Schuermans coined the term “Crosstown” to draw people to the neighbourhood. Those who saw the Food Network’s “Opening Soon” Chambar episode will recall the flood in the women’s restroom two-hours prior to opening, and most have heard the story about how Karri and her chef/husband Nico lived on canned beans for a week, scrimping together just enough to buy food for the dog and racking up their credit card limit to start the restaurant. From the moment they opened those doors, Nico and Karri have had a hit on their hands. Each evening for the past five years, Chambar has welcomed guests with open arms to a seat at the bar, a table in the lounge, or a more intimate experience in one of two dining rooms.

Chambar has generated other success, too. At Café Medina (owned by Nico and Karri along with former Chambar staffer Robbie Kane) downtown urbanites enjoy breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Down the street, the culinary curious can get their hands dirty at the all-new Dirty Apron Cooking School (owned by Nico, Karri and former Chambar Chef-de-Cuisine David Robertson and his wife Sara). This fall, diners at Chambar will sip on Chambar Ale, the new in-house brew crafted by Brewmaster Mark Simpson. In five short years the Schuermans haven’t just maintained a successful restaurant; they’ve started an empire.

To celebrate, Nico and Karri Schuermans will play host to a free public block party on the street they love. Starting at 12:00PM on Saturday September 12th, the 500 block of Beatty Street will be closed off to traffic to make way for a kids’ disco, face painting, complimentary waffles for kids, a spit pig roast complete with pulled pork sandwiches, and a live show from musician Rich Hope and His Evil Doers. The party will be open to all, and will run until 5:00PM. The afternoon will also include the very first tasting of Chambar Ale, the new in-house brew that will be available on tap at the restaurant this fall and in bottles in select stores. Café Medina will be open as usual for brunch and down the street The Dirty Apron Cooking School and Shop will be open for people to take a peek at this brand new space.

At 8:30 in the evening Chambar will open its doors for more celebration complete with award-winning cocktails from Wendy McGuinness, canapés from the Chambar kitchen, and music from DJ Hebejebe. Tickets to the evening portion of the 5 Year Anniversary Party will go on sale to the public on September 7th. To purchase tickets please phone the restaurant at 604-879-7119.  For more information, please visit www.chambar.com.

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