When Craft Beer Market opened in Vancouver's Olympic Village, there wasn't anything like it in the neighbourhood. Actually, there wasn't really anything in the neighbourhood in terms of gathering spots with food and drinks, but the Craft vision was to establish themselves as a core part of the growing community, which they did.
Now the owner of Craft is bringing something new to Vancouver: A retro-fuelled, music-inspired something-for-everyone hang out spot called Central, located in the heart of downtown in a coveted space at the Bentall Centre.
While PJ L'Heureux may want to do what he can to ensure locals consider the beer-forward Craft and the buzzy new Central be seen as entirely different entities, the fact is both exist to offer people an engaging and reliable hangout spot for having good times over good food and drinks.
Central is centrally-located by design
Poised to open its doors to the public on March 6, 2025, Central Bentall at 555 Burrard St has been in the works for quite a while. In fact, as L'Heureux shared with V.I.A. in an in-person chat at the new restaurant, the location was not only their "first choice," but also the one that nearly got away.
"We lost the site," he explained. "Then we kept looking at it, and, finally, got a handle on it - it was well sought after."
The location couldn't be any more ideal because it makes perfect sense, given the name Central. "We wanted to be in central Vancouver, first and foremost."
Central began in Calgary in the popular Beltline area, which nudges up against downtown and is home to numerous of the city's favourite places for drinks and eats.
New restaurant has retro design, focus on music
In downtown Vancouver, even with changes in office work in the wake of the pandemic, Central aims to offer those who head to nearby towers a fresh option for a meal or happy hour while doing the same for the city's many visitors to the nearby Convention Centre and cruise ship terminal.
The menu and the decor were built on the premise that everyone can appreciate Central from their own POV. "The design is pretty intentional to make you think about your experience, bringing you back a little bit in time," L'Heureux explained. To that end, the room is tricked out with a vintage soda pop machine, lots of greenery, modern and eclectic seating, and plenty of decor that shouts a music lover had a hand in designing the space.
"We really believe that music and food go hand in hand," said L'Heureux. It's hard to miss the big wall of speakers and boomboxes above the open kitchen or the music-themed wall art.
What's on the menu at Central Bentall?
From that kitchen, the Central culinary team are turning out dishes that are colourful, approachable, and many that are share-able. There's a noticeable Asian influence on the menu, with options like a lemongrass chicken and rice noodle salad, ramen in a house-made miso broth with pork belly and soft boiled egg, and even sushi rolls.
You'll also see things like pork tacos made with tender shreds of meat (slow-cooked in the Central kitchen) and an herbaceous dipping sauce along with an all-season warm and gooey red pepper and artichoke dip served with thick, salty tortilla chips for scooping.
For dessert, just a couple of options, including the epic ice cream pie, for which you'll want to bring backup. It should take two to three spoons to take that bad boy down.
Exclusive Vancouver dish inspired by legendary local chef
One dish that's exclusive to the Central Vancouver menu is a tuna tataki starter served atop a slaw dressed in a zingy nuoc cham dressing with a dash of chili oll and a togarashi-style seasoning. The appetizer was inspired by a dish on the menu at legendary local chef Rob Feenie's former restaurant, and it plays well in the mix on the menu, particularly with Central's fun drink selection.
House infusions bring something fresh from the bar, like in the spicy pineapple margarita or the gin cocktail with strawberry and basil (with a vegan foamer in place of egg whites). A bright bubbly yuzu soda has little popping "pearls," and Central's rose sangria slushie cocktail was made for patio sipping.
Fear not, Central has a year-round covered patio as well as an expansive outdoor patio that will operate when Vancouver's weather cooperates.
'Good food and good trouble' the motto
L'Heureux and the Central team are keen to show Vancouver what they're all about, and hope that locals and visitors come in with an open mind, ready to eat, drink, and have a good time with lots of friends.
"We're all about good food and good trouble," said L'Heureux.
Central Bentall will open March 6, 2025 and operate daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. Happy Hour is 2 to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close every afternoon and night.
Video: Your first look at Central, opening soon in Downtown Vancouver
@forkingawesomevia There is a buzzy new spot gearing up to open March 6 in downtown Vancouver at the Bentall Centre. This is the first Vancouver location of Calgary based Central. A sibling to the popular Craft Beer Market restaurants, Central aims to bring something different to the city by way of a lively, retro, fueled and music inspired hangout designed for getting together for food and drink and having fun. #f#forkingawesomev#vancouverbc ♬ The Groove Architect - SrChillEasier
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