The Heatley in Strathcona held a soft get together last night at 696 East Hastings St. and should be ready for prime time this weekend. The highly anticipated neighourhood joint has been a long time coming. Owner Michael Brennan, formerly the sous chef at the Alibi Room, has been neck deep in construction and permit fun for over a year.

It has all the makings of a “local”, which is something the neighbourhood (any neighbourhood) could really use. The interior is open and bright and everything but the table bases looks and feels custom-built (dig those wooden stools and booths). It’s definitely an original, like the huge mural by Ola Volo behind the bar and the pair of oblong fishbowl gangster tables in the front windows.

Though none of these items are set in stone, we’ve seen draft menus that include the likes of bratwurst with hickory sticks; honey jerk wings; kale and chickpea caesars; fresh ceviche; meatballs; and a farrow risotto with foraged mushrooms, spinach, snap pea, dandelion pesto and poached egg. Nothing too crazy. Nothing too boring. A real Goldilocks affair.

For drinks, expect a half dozen cocktails, including a house Caesar made with roasted garlic and basil-infused vodka, clamato juice, fresh horseradish, Sriracha, and Worcestershire, plus beers from Powell Street, Hoyne, Parallel 49, and Red Truck, among others.

Out of the gate, dinner will be served six nights a week (closed Sunday) from 5pm until late with the goal of working up to lunch service in the future. We wish them well, and look forward to properly bending elbows there this weekend.

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