Chef Trevor Bird’s New, 86 Seat ‘Fable Diner’ Launches Quietly At Main & Broadway

Chef Trevor Bird has softly opened his long anticipated, 86 seat Fable Diner at the foot of the 104 year old Lee Building at Main and Broadway in Mount Pleasant. We first reported (excitedly) on its coming back in September of 2015, well before he and Fable partners Ron MacGillivray and Kathy Schleyer had taken possession of the space.

I was in for an early supper a few days ago and found the very capable Chris Oliveira cooking. I was taken aback by the changes. As anyone familiar with the previous space will quickly attest, it’s pretty much night and day from when it used to be Reno Diner! It’s too soon to talk about the food except to say that it’s simple and as good as you would expect it to be coming from a guy like Bird, who is adamant about local and sustainable sourcing, and also known to throw down for effect on the flavour front. And those banana milkshakes…wow!

It’s also a lot less expensive than I originally thought it would be. For example, an honorific 3oz “Reno Burger” with hot, crispy fries is just $7, while the full breakfast spread (eggs, bacon, toast, potato) is listed at $8.

Here’s the PR that’s making the rounds…

On Thursday July 21st, the Grand Opening of Fable Diner takes place at 151 East Broadway in the base of Vancouver’s first skyscraper – the Lee Building at the corner of Main & Broadway.

Chef Trevor Bird, opens his 2^nd restaurant: Fable Diner. The same core farm to table values that underlie busy FableRestaurant in Kitsilano that opened four years ago are extended to a casual diner concept. Using local suppliers and making food from scratch, Fable offers a modern take on the ‘diner’. Enjoy classic diner items with interesting and creative twists and food that always makes best use of the season’s local product availability.

Trevor takes on this venture with original partner Ron MacGillivray to oversee the front of house operation. The space has held a diner for 67 years (since one in the chain of Aristocratic Diners opened in 1949). It has been rebuilt from scratch to be able to function as a chef based kitchen with a comfortable and welcoming space for guests to meet and dine. The redesign plays homage to the classic diner, with comfortable booths and a service counter.

As with Fable, the menu will change frequently with what is locally available, but diner staples like the homemade burger will be consistent, best paired with an old fashioned milkshake.

The hours are currently limited from 4pm to 10pm every day, with the July 21st grand opening expanding them to 11am to 10pm (breakfast/brunch) with late night service to follow. Take a look: