UYPDATE: The coming of Covid-19 nixed this project, which has since become Bar Gobo

Union Street’s little Harvest is growing. Chef Andrea Carlson’s market will soon expand its hot noodle soup operations by moving it a couple doors down to the old Tuck Shoppe address.
I recently met up with Andrea, her partner Kevin Bismanis, and longtime collaborator Gabriella Meyer in the new space at 237 Union Street. They took possession on February 1st and are currently in the midst of transforming it into Harvest Noodles, a 25-seat day-and-night restaurant with sit-down service, a liquor license and a tiny sidewalk patio.

I’m hoping this new and very approachable concept will bring some stability to the address, which has been home to a few short-lived restaurants in its first eight years of existence (The Parker, Big Trouble, Tuck Shoppe).

They aim to feature all of Harvest’s existing noodle soups – which amounts to about a dozen (including my favourite #39 ramen with candied bacon) – plus snacks, every day of the week. It sounds pretty simple and straightforward, and they’ll be drawing from an existing customer base who will appreciate the extra space, not to mention the liquor license is a big noodle town.

I’m told they’re keeping the interior pretty raw, incorporating Parker’s plywood banquette, revealing original concrete and letting the dishes be the colour.

As for the original Harvest space, it will gain the square footage it needs to double down on its community supported agriculture and grocery concept. That means more fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients to play with, plus a new name: Harvest Plant + Provisions.

Opening day for Harvest Noodles is being set for the middle of March. I’ll report back on how the room is coming together before then, but the photos below show what I saw on my recent walk-through.

Why it matters: Andrea Carlson is one of Vancouver’s best chefs, noodles are awesome (especially when paired with super high quality ingredients), and this 500 sqft address could use the stability of success.

Bar Gobo

Neighbourhood: Strathcona

237 Union St.

604-423-5400

WEBSITE