One of this year's most highly-anticipated restaurant openings is on the immediate horizon after a lengthy delay. Straight & Marrow, an intimate chef-driven concept, will welcome guests to their first dinner service on Wednesday, July 29.
Straight & Marrow is located at 1869 Powell Street, having taken over the East Vancouver space that had previously been the beloved Bistro Wagon Rouge. The six-year old French-inspired restaurant shuttered in November 2019, and it wasn't long before the Straight & Marrow crew took over the venue.
On that crew: Chef Chris Lam (Provence Mediterranean Grill, Westin Bayshore, Nuba) and Bar Manager Chad Rivard (The Acorn, The Shameful Tiki Room, Odd Society Spirits), who are joined by General Manager Marc Dumouche (Provence, La Belle Auberge, Raincity Grill). The trio have each been fixtures on the Vancouver food and drink scene for the past decade and more.
“My vision for Straight & Marrow is to provide a casual, affordable experience that doesn’t sacrifice on quality,” says Lam. “When it comes to meat, many parts of the animal are often overlooked or seen as waste. I want to show Vancouver diners that these cuts – when treated with the proper care and respect – can be quite delicious."
Look for nose-to-tail dining that reflects Lam's Asian heritage, paired with a cocktail list of a dozen signature drinks showcasing house-made infusions and syrup. Among the drinks is the Straight & Marrow cocktail, which does, indeed, feature a marrow-infused spirit - in this case white rye - combined with Benedictine, lemon, orange and red wine. You can read an in-depth interview with barman Rivard in our sibling publication The Alchemist.
Photo: Straight & Marrow/FacebookThe restaurant has been fully kitted out, with the talents of interior designer Genevieve Legg of Formed 4 Design and Vancouver-based artist Leah Bradley. Among the features of the intimate and narrow room include "a 12-seat bar, striking light fixtures, and custom-built wall panels showcasing decorative copper and wood elements," according to the restaurant.
Due to COVID-19, Straight & Marrow's 25-seater will begin life with room for 18.
"We care about your health and safety and are still very excited to finally share all the food and cocktails Chef Chris Lam and Bar tender Chad Rivard have been concocting," adds the restaurant.
Opening hours will be Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.
