It takes a very special vibe to overcome the burden of a bad view. Luckily, Vignette has pulled it off, managing to achieve date-night-level hipness despite the industrial-size bingo hall looming across the street.
Is it really any surprise though? The restaurant-slash-wine-lounge is a new addition to Mount Pleasant, the after-sunset flip-side of Novella Coffee Bar, but both rooms are part of the run by the Boxset Collective—the team behind Michelin-starred Published On Main and critical darling Bar Susu. So while Vignette may be a rookie resto, this is far from amateur hour.
Though Novella has been up and running since December, Vignette quietly opened up for evening service February 15. The 10-course tasting menu ($95) is an ideal introduction to Vignette’s essence: Chef de cuisine Ashley Kurtz’s menu is a delightful mix of nostalgia-inspired snacks and quietly groundbreaking ingredient-forward share plates: think upscale but unfussy ruffled ketchup chips and house’made “boursin;” tender Hokkaido scallops and charred celery root nestled in whipped whey; hearty cacio e pepe topped with crispy yeast and mimolette; or a slab of rich, handmade, cherry-sorbet-topped Black Forest cake.
Like sister restaurants Susu and Published, the drinks program is a standout, thanks to Michelin Guide Vancouver Sommelier of the Year, Jayton Paul and Boxset Collective bar director, Joe Casson. The wine list is awesome, and each glass comes to the table with its own little story of provenance (appropriate enough for a literary-themed spot). The cocktails, meanwhile, have slightly-embarrassing-to-say-out-loud names, but are complex and captivating enough that you’ll find yourself asking for a second round of the gingery rye-and-brandy based “Cuddles in the Orchard.” Toast your dining companion, order up another plate of the light-as-air gourgettes and lean into that bingo-sign glow.
Vignette: Now open
2650 Main Street
Open Wednesday-Sunday, 5 p.m. til 11 p.m.
restaurantvignette.com
