DINER: “Chewie’s Steam & Oyster Bar” To Open Up From Kits Beach By Summer’s End

Restaurant trade watchers and bivalve addicts might remember that long-time Rodney’s Oyster House fixture Richard Chew (aka “Chewie”) left the Yaletown icon after five years of shucking toil this past January.

He did so – together with Shine vets Jamie and Mel Haddad – to pick up the original Adesso Bistro space at 2201 Yew Street just up from Kits Beach (vacated last Fall by “Karv”). Chewie gave me a shout over the weekend and spilled the beans:

“Finally, our permits in order for the new space […] We start our renovations shortly and look to be open by the end of the summer. We are opening a Cajun/Creole-inspired oyster and steam bar.”

If an ex-Rodney’s guy named “Chewie” opening a proper oyster joint next to the beach doesn’t sound quite cool enough, chef Owen Lightly (ex-Araxi) of Butter On The Endive is on board doing the food concept and menu design. Owen is a pretty awesome fellow and a great cook. This is his first big gig as an independent consultant, so I don’t expect he’ll deliver anything short of awesome.

The end result (this September, fingers crossed) will be a 2,300 square footer called Chewie’s Steam & Oyster Bar. Expect 60 seats inside and another 36 on the streetside patio. They’ve just received their development permit. Demolition permits are in the mail.

There are 5 comments

  1. Vancouver has seen its share of attempts at Cajun/ Creole/ NoLa fare, but unfortunately none seem to have ever thrived.
    Hopefully this one works out!

  2. Sounds so good and seems like finally the right fit for that space!! looking forward to it!

Dovetail Restaurant Brings California Vibes to Yaletown

The 3,800 sqft 110-seat concept marks the first collaboration between Colin Denton and Ejner Christiansen. We took a look inside the restaurant at 1079 Mainland Street location late last week…

‘Bar Haifa’ Slated to Open Doors in Downtown Vancouver This Month

Toronto’s beloved Middle Eastern eatery, The Haifa Room is finally branching out to the West Coast.

Andrea Gail Opens at 1867 Powell Street in East Van

Andrea Gail, or 'The Gail,' is a new laid-back, 'come-for-a-shot-of-infused vodka, a can of beer, and some tasty snacks' kind of place that requires no forethought and no fancy outfits. Just roll up and grab a seat.

Bar Tartare: Open and Pouring Wine Starting Now!

Lindsay Otto,  a long-time server at Juice Bar, keeps the natural wine flame 'glowing' by opening Bar Tartare at 54 Alexander Street.