“I do not think 1809 West 1st Ave is a cursed location.”
That’s according to Chef Brian Fowke, the previous chef of MonBella Bistoria, answering our question regarding the long history of failed restaurants on that address. Chef Fowke explains that “[Kitsilano] is a great neighbourhood with fun customers.” His confidence in the location will lead to the opening of the newest 1809 West 1st venture, Kitsilano Daily Kitchen, some time in May.
Based on Chef Fowke’s blog post last year, these are some improvements that he’s considering for the new spot:
- Street appeal – work on lighting and signage
- Move the bar to the front of the room – West 1st Ave is a great people watching neighbourhood
- Seven days a week plus lunch – lunch being coffee driven with ‘antipasto’, pastas and roasted fish/meats (Sunday with brunch)
- Simple, clean and clear food/wine program – I like shared platters/bottles over small plates/glasses
- Wine forward beverage program with the availability of beer on tap
- Kitchen is too large (the dining room was originally twice the size) – make it into private dining
- Tell everyone about the 200 parking spots in the rear
- Or a completely different angle and compliment the neighbourhood with a Ramsey’s styled Nonna’s Deli with Wine Bar.
When it comes to the menu, The Good Life reports that Chef Fowke looks to work with local suppliers that can bring him a product he can work head to tail with: take a whole duck, cook up breasts one night, a confit the next and perhaps a duck-based soup on the third. A bit like Refuel, I guess. Now we know why their Craigslist ad calls for “an understanding of sustainability and the local organic food movement.”
What do you think of this addition to the neighbourhood? I certainly hope that Kitsilano Daily Kitchen will be luckier than its predecessors.
