Novella’s anticipated evening program is ready to launch in mid-February. Named Vignette (2650 Main Street), the Mount Pleasant destination is part restaurant, part wine lounge, where guests can create their own brief, yet memorable, moments of enjoyment by ordering a la carte, snacking on a heady array of dishes, or indulging in chef de cuisine Ashley Kurtz’s multi-course tasting menu.
Kurtz brings his familiar cooking-style, developed at sister restaurant Bar Susu, to Vignette, utilizing local ingredients, French-influences, and global flavours in his seasonal dishes.
“The positive reception for Novella’s day program has been incredible so far, and we look forward to officially launching Vignette next month,” says Cody Allmin, co-founder of Boxset Collective, the team behind Published on Main, Bar Susu, Novella, Twin Sails Brewing, and Thorn & Burrow Wines. “The name Vignette takes inspiration from its literary definition which refers to an impression or glimpse into something special and we hope guests will do just that.”
“Our space was specifically designed to be versatile in nature so we could offer guests a place to enjoy great food, drinks, and cocktails in a seated dinner environment and/or casual lounge vibes. Expect fun pop-ups and collaborations to come!”
Vignette’s tasting menu ($95 per person) is a multi-course dining experience beginning with snacks, followed by dishes such as: Broken Sour Cream, celery root, and scallops; Black Sesame, beets, beef; Sole Veronique with herbed tapioca, fennel choucroute; Picanha with boulangère potato, and French onion jus; Endive Tarte Tatin with caramelized buttermilk ice cream; and for dessert Rosehip, beets, and cottage cheese, with mignardises to finish.
Guests can adventure into Kurtz’s ever-changing a la carte menu, highlighting a variety of playful takes on classic dishes. Expect plates such as: Foie Gras Baklava with pistachio and cherries; Ketchup Chips with Boursin cheese; Döner Kebab with labneh, hummus and marinated onions; Anchovy Beef with marinated wood ear mushrooms; Tajarin Cacio e Pepe with crispy yeast and Mimolette cheese; and Rum Baba with spumoni ice cream, and sourdough miso crème caramel.
The beverage program is developed by Michelin Guide Vancouver Sommelier of the Year, Jayton Paul and Boxset Collective bar director, Joe Casson. Expect a curated list of expressions that range from celebrated small-batch wines, ciders, vermouths and fortifieds, all the way to a tailored list of cheeky and delicious cocktails.
“This menu draws on my culinary experiences from my travels over the past decade. I consider my food to be familiar and approachable, yet innovative at the same time,” adds Kurtz, previously chef de cuisine at award-winning restaurants Bar Susu and St. Lawrence Restaurant.
At launch, Vignette will be open Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are available now for the tasting menu via Tock, while the rest of the room will be saved for walk-ins.
For more information, please visit www.restaurantvignette.com.
