Did you know that you can get the second-best paella in the world here in Vancouver? It's true, thanks to the award-winning Paella Guys.
Even better, the globally-acclaimed culinary crew is now prepping to open a permanent restaurant location in the city. Called Casa Molina, the forthcoming restaurant venture is taking over the Mount Pleasant heritage home that was previously Mangia Cucina at 2211 Manitoba St. The under-the-radar Italian fan favourite shuttered in June on the heels of its sibling pasta shop and boutique grocery packing it in over in Yaletown.
Casa Molina will focus on the flavours of Spain, which happens to be the home country of Paella Guys' chef/owner Javier Blanc.
The menu will not be exclusively paella, however, despite the flourishing local and global success of Blanc's dish. Blanc says diners can expect "a menu deeply rooted in Spanish tradition, capturing aromas and flavours that will transport diners to familial gatherings in Spain," according to a media release about the forthcoming venture.
In addition to their signature paella, expect to find "dishes that highlight the brilliance of simple, quality ingredients" offered through a regular menu accentuated with daily specials. Alongside the Spanish food, Casa Molina will have "a robust cocktail program" which will feature Spanish classics and creative new drinks designed to be enjoyed with the food.
The design goal for the space is to evoke "the warmth and comfort of a family home," (or, in Spanish, casa).
Paella Guys takes second place in paella competition held in the birthplace of the dish
The news of the new restaurant comes hot on the heels of the Paella Guys nabbing a massive honour on the global stage, as Blanc and chef Elea Blasco represented Canada at the 62nd edition of the Concurs Internacional de Paella Valenciana de Sueca. The duo wound up earning second place, behind - unsurprisingly - the team from a restaurant in Valencia, Spain, the birthplace of paella.
While Casa Molina is indeed a thrilling new dining option headed to the Vancouver restaurant scene, the Paella Guys will remain in full force, popping up at private events and for patio-style gatherings as well as during their tremendously enjoyable (and delicious) hands-on paella cooking classes, which take place at their Burnaby facility.
Casa Molina is aiming to open later this winter. We'll update as more details become available.
Watch: We checked out a Paella Guys hands-on cooking class last year
@forkingawesomevia Party in the kitchen, party in your mouth: hold the chorizo. #forkingawesome #vancouverbc #paella 🎙️: @LindsayWR ♬ Passionate Spanish guitar melodious(880907) - Hanadayama Music Lab
Find more delicious Vancouver food and drink video stories by following VIA's Forking Awesome Tik Tok account, @forkingawesomevancouver Instagram, and signing up for our twice-monthly Forking Awesome newsletter.
