Two nights, two bars. That’s what’s up at Elem next week when some of Mexico City’s most interesting talents slip in for back-to-back pop-ups. First up: Less is More on Thursday, September 4th, followed by Bijou Drinkery Room on Friday, September 5th (almost sold out, in case you needed proof that these nights don’t sit around waiting). The visiting teams will join Elem’s Beverage Director Winnie Sun behind the bar to present their signature cocktails, paired with à la carte dishes from Executive Chef Vish Mayekar.

What makes these collaborations worth caring about isn’t only the imported talent — though Daniel Ortega (Less is More) and Luca Frullini (Bijou Drinkery Room) are exactly the kind of bartenders who can turn a drink into a lasting memory. It’s also because nights like these push the local team into new territory. For two consecutive evenings, Sun and Mayekar will have to recalibrate their rhythms to be in sync with the visiting bar teams – and the results are always unexpected.

“I recently visited Mexico City and enjoyed drinks at both Less is More and Bijou Drinkery Room,” says Sun. “What they are doing in each of their respective cocktail bars really inspired me, and I knew I wanted to bring them to Vancouver for special guest shifts at Elem. They are some of the most talented people in the bar world right now.”

Although the September 5th event with Bijou is already close to full, there are still plenty of spots remaining to reserve at the September 4th one with Less is More. Known for their minimalist, quietly subversive approach, Less is More’s cocktails include the much-talked-about “Pea” (peanut mezcal, parts of a pea), which Sun describes as a masterpiece since her very first sip. Add Chef Mayekar’s cooking into the mix, and the night promises to feel both experimental and celebratory.

Reservations can be made via regular dinner booking at www.elemvancouver.com. Don’t sleep on this one!

Elem

Neighbourhood: Main Street

2110 Main St.

604-389-3536

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