An acclaimed chef with an impressive global resume has her sights set on Vancouver with the impending debut of Jack's Spot, a charming café set to open this February in Renfrew-Collingwood.
Jack's Spot is the endeavour of Stephanie Wong, a former banker turned French-trained chef who comes to Vancouver after having run an award-winning French-Cantonese bistro, Roots, in Hong Kong.
The new bakery-café is located at 3615 Kingsway near Boundary and is in its final stages of preparation to open its doors, which should be soon.
"Jack’s Spot is all about bringing a playful yet cozy café experience to Vancouver," Wong tells V.I.A. in an email.
The café has a mascot that serves as its namesake, which Wong characterizes as "a mischievous, food-loving Jack Russell." The window of the new shop features a whimsical drawing of Jack making off with some bread, too.
The chef shares a few hints about what guests can expect on the Jack's Spot menu: "Our focus is on handcrafted croissants, artisanal pastries and sweets such as caneles and madeleines, and high-quality coffee. We’re all about balancing classic techniques with a bit of fun, so expect some creative takes alongside the traditional favourites. Think buttery, flaky layers, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and a menu that evolves with the seasons."
Those pastries and coffee beverages can be enjoyed in a space that draws inspiration from "neo-classical Parisian bistros and cafés, with a focus on timeless simplicity," explains Wong.
Specifically, Jack's Spot - with its adorable dog mascot - will have micro cement on the walls, custom-built oak banquettes, and an overall warm vibe "that encourages people to linger." Wong notes that the interior design for Jack's Spot was done by Vancouver-based Suki Creative Studio and construction by Dulex.
In addition to Wong, who leads the bakery and café operations, the Jack's Spot team will be comprised of "people who share a deep love for food—many of whom didn’t start their careers in this industry but found their way to it through passion and curiosity," Wong elaborates.
"We’re also proud to have a diverse team, including immigrants who bring their own unique perspectives and dedication to the craft. It’s all about fostering a space where talent, enthusiasm, and a love for good food come first," Wong adds.
Right now, Jack's Spot is looking to enter its "soft open" phase on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The hours will be Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For updates and more, follow @jacks__spot on Instagram.
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