The talented former chef of The Oakwood, Mike Robbins, will soon score the keys to what will eventually be his first restaurant. He’s reunited/joined forces with FOH veteran Jeff Parr (formerly of The Oakwood, currently on the floor at Chambar) to open a new eatery called AnnaLena in the old Kits Daily Kitchen spot at 1809 West First Avenue.

The food concept will follow what we’ve come to expect from Robbins, which is to say Modern Canadian comfort. He nailed the milieu at the Oakwood – and I mean he really nailed it. I’ve only ever walked away from the gem completely satisfied (true even after Robbins’ departure), and consider it to be hugely under-rated (not to mention one of the very best brunch joints in town). If AnnaLena is anywhere near as good as The Oakwood – and I trust it will be – it’ll prove a major win for this isolated slice of Kitsilano.

The pair take possession of the 65 seater on February 3rd (at the end of Dine Out), and their goal is to open at some point in early March. What’s in a name? AnnaLena is a portmanteau-honorific combining the two first names of Robbins’ two grandmothers. Aw…

ALL ANTICIPATED OPENINGS