Sometimes it just takes a really (really) long time to get a restaurant open in Vancouver. That's definitely been the case with The Farmhouse, which made its presence known back in mid-2021, with signage and a renovation in progress at 352 E 10th Ave.
At long last, the Viaggio Hospitality group has announced The Farmhouse will be open to diners starting Nov. 23 for a taste of the Italian countryside right here in Mount Pleasant.
Heading up operations at the new restaurant is Curtis Luk in the role of Executive Chef & General Manager. Luk, who appeared on the second season of TV's Top Chef Canada several years ago, has been forging his way on the Vancouver dining scene and has earned a well-deserved rep as one of the city's most talented behind the stoves.
While Luk has previously been on board at places like Fable, and the long-defunct vegetarian spot The Parker, the chef ended up behind his own restaurant endeavour, Mission in Kitsilano, which closed in early 2018. He landed next at Viaggio's UVA and Cibo Trattoria. Backing up Luk at The Farmhouse will be Head Chef Laura Messinger and Sommelier & Assistant General Manager Holly King.
"The Farmhouse exists for one reason: To bring people together. And we believe the best way to do that is over good wine and shared food. The Farmhouse is an intimate, rustic Vancouver restaurant featuring Northern Italian fare in a homey, comfortable space," describes a media release for the new restaurant.
The ultimate vision for The Farmhouse is to "bring British Columbia the cuisine and comfort we love from Italy" as "an homage to our roots and a celebration of the place we now call home."
The opening menu for The Farmhouse features starters like a selection of Italian cheese served with seasonal preserves and house breads, meatballs, and roasted bone marrow with steak tartare. There's a selection of pasta dishes, and larger plates like a roasted half-chicken or sea urchin risotto. The "Be Our Guest" option allows the kitchen to cook for your table, family-style with a per-person price tag ($67).
Seating is available in the main dining room, at the bar, or in front of the open kitchen. Reservations can be made online. The Farmhouse will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Follow @farmhouseon10th for more information.
