"Is that French?" isn't just what you ask your sommelier about what's pouring. It's the name of a new wine bar that has just opened up in Vancouver.
Taking over the small Gastown space that had been home to Salt Tasting Room for 15 years, Is That French is a new wine and raw bar operation focused on the Pacific Northwest.
To that end, you'll find beautiful B.C. wines here, such as ones from Joue (Averill Creek in Duncan's edgier line) and Lightning Rock out of Summerland. Small plates on the seasonally-informed menu include offerings like a wild pacific snapper tiradito, a smoked heirloom tomato salad, or cognac pate with rhubarb.
The name is also a bit of a nod to the owners' family tree. A black-and-white image shared on Instagram shows a couple outside Café Francais in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, and the caption reads: "My grandparents in front of my grandfather['s] first restaurant circa 1946. He was 25 years old and borrowed 5k from his father. Taking risks runs in the family. I wish he could still be there to witness his legacy, try my food and have a glass of wine. Is That French?"
The wine bar's location fronts on Blood Alley Square. The space is just over 1,260 square feet and capacity is capped at 51 seats, according to a previous real estate listing for the "rare, one-of-a-kind, space on the cobblestone-lined streets of Gastown."
The venue also boasts a downstairs cellar which Is That French has made private, with the hint that some special events may involve that space in the future.
"It has sure been a wild ride setting up this venue but we are finally ready to share our passion for food, wine & people with you all," shared Is That French on Instagram.
Is That French officially opened its doors on June 9, and operates Thursday to Tuesday from 5 p.m. to late. Follow @isthatfrench_winebar on Instagram.
