Long waits are the norm when a restaurant launches, but the revamp of the restaurant inside the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Vancouver has had us waiting for over a year now to learn what's to come at the upscale property.
In October 2019 we learned that Market by Jean-Georges would end its run as the year came to a close, with plans to have the new concept in the space renovated, re-branded, and re-launched by spring. Of course, no one counted on a global pandemic to stall the works.
Finally, the new restaurant's debut is on the horizon, and while we don't know too many details about it, we do know an exciting local family of restaurants is behind the concept.
Vancouver's Kitchen Table Restaurants, the group behind award-winning favourite dining destinations in the city like Ask For Luigi, Pourhouse, Di Beppe and more, is at the reins of the new restaurant, led by Kitchen Table Culinary Director Alex Tung.
“We’re thrilled to bring a fresh new restaurant to the city and the luxury Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver,” says Tung. “We can’t wait to unveil a truly unique concept that we firmly believe will captivate our guests, capture their imagination and leave them looking forward to their next visit.”
Tung, who himself has worked with Jean-Georges Vongertichten of the Shangr-La's previous Market restaurant - as well as other culinary luminaries - has spent a great deal of time working as a hospitality and culinary consultant and brand ambassador.
This is the second hotel project for Kitchen Table, which last summer took charge of Giovane Café at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
We don't yet know the name of the new restaurant or any tantalizing tidbits about the menu or decor, however, we do know diners can expect Italian fare and a carefully-curated wine program.
The doors to the new restaurant at the Shangri-La will be open on May 7. That's also the day the five-star Shangri-La will re-open for hotel business, after closing due to the pandemic.
