There’s a new 36 seat Spanish tapas restaurant landing on The Drive next month. The location is the sadly short-lived Wishes + Luck address: 2270 Commercial Drive, so it comes complete with a liquor license, a killer garage door patio and a kitchen somewhat limited by the absence of a exhaust/hood vent.

It’s to be called Cabrito (“Baby Goat” in Spanish), and it’s coming to us from young restaurateur/chef Alexandre Carriere. A former Parisian who spent many years toiling in Michelin-starred restaurants (eg. Apicius, l’Arpége, l’Albert 1er), Carriere has worked working at places like DB Bistro, Nuba, Le Parisien, and Les Faux Bourgeois.

The food concept sounds great. Think Spanish-inspired small plates expressed in a French accent using fresh, local ingredients. The menu will change all the time, so it will be written up on a chalkboard. The focus in the day will be on lighter fare with lots of fresh smoothies and juices. Nights will be grounded in tapas, wine, sangria, et cetera — the real deal.

The interior is getting a redux, complete with a new mural by award-winning artist Yared Nigussu, who I was glad to meet on a recent walk-through (awesome guy). I have yet to see the ceramics, which are being done by Portland’s Martina Thornhill, but I’ve seen her work before and I love it. There’s also a lot of cool-looking tile work going in, which should give it a nice Catalonian feel.

In all, it looks like it’ll be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood. Opening day is set for the first week of December. Take a look…

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