The all-day restaurant - one that kicks off with coffee and breakfast and segues into midday eats before shifting to something else for dinnertime - is a growing trend in Vancouver, and one of late 2022's most exciting debuts was Novella.
The Mount Pleasant cafe-restaurant at 2650 Main St opened in early December offering its daytime program and has just revealed plans for evenings, and it sounds incredible.
Novella happens to be the youngest sibling of a buzzy trio, including elder (but not by much) spots Published on Main and Bar Susu.
However, for its nighttime offerings, Novella is actually sliding into a distinct identity: Vignette.
Touted as more of "wine lounge," Vignette takes its name, per a media release, from its "literary definition," as in "an impression or glimpse into something special," says Novella/Vignette's co-founder, Cody Allmin, adding: "we hope guests will do just that.”
Behind the Vignette menu is Boxset Collective (the umbrella under which Novella et al is housed) chef de cuisine Ashley Kurtz, whose dishes have been well-received over at the award-winning Bar Susu. For Vignette, Kurtz will feature a multi-course tasting menu ($95 per person) billed as a "dining experience" that kicks off with snacks before the meal. An a la carte menu will also be avaialble.
Sample menu dishes include Kurtz's playful and seasonal fare inspired by his travels, like Ketchup Chips with Boursin cheese, Foie Gras Baklava with pistachio and cherries, and Sole Veronique with herbed tapioca, fennel choucroute, among others.
The beverage program has been developed by Michelin Guide Vancouver Sommelier of the year, Jayton Paul and Boxset Collective Bar Director, Joe Casson. Expect a curated list of expressions that range from celebrated small-batch wines, ciders, vermouths and fortifieds, all the way to a tailored list of cheeky and delicious cocktails.
Vignette's evening offerings will launch in mid-February, and the restaurant will be open Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 to 11 p.m. Reservations are available now for the tasting menu via Tock, while the rest of the room will be saved for walk-ins.
“The positive reception for Novella’s day program has been incredible so far, and we look forward to officially launching Vignette next month,” adds Allmin.
Watch: Getting a taste of Vancouver's buzziest new all-day café, Novella
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