The ever-evolving Restaurant Graveyard series looks back at the countless, long-shuttered establishments that helped to propel Vancouver’s food and drink forward. Full A-Z with maps and photos here. May they never be forgotten!
Blacktail Florist was an interesting (if short-lived) 80-seat restaurant concept located in Gastown’s storied 1912 Le Magasin building (200-332 Water Street). Opened by chef/co-owner Jimmy Stewart in the Spring of 2014, it took a Scandinavian approach to West Coast micro-seasonal ingredients. From the publicity materials of the time: “Wild edibles are the inspiration behind daily dishes, while a range of thoughtfully selected wines by the glass and bottle showcase the best varietals from our region. Outdoor meets indoor in the welcoming, clean and bright woodland-inspired interior.” Despite some positive reviews, an awesome look by Craig Stanghetta and the crew from St. Marie Designs, and the inevitable dropping of “Florist” from the name, the restaurant didn’t last long, closing less than two years later in March, 2016.
Is Nordic food like the one trend that has never managed to take off in Vancouver? It is totally absent from Vancouver, which is curious, considering the parallels between the PNW and Scandinavia. I guess our own local farm to table scene is pretty similar but still.
I remember this place. They kept the red wine on the bar and brought it to your table warm as piss .
It was a beautiful place and the food was good. I don’t think it helped that access was not very obvious, and the arrangement of the building is not very inviting from the street.