Lower Lonsdale waterfront restaurant unveiled
By Maria Spitale-Leisk - North Shore Outlook
Published: February 02, 2012 11:00 PM
Updated: February 03, 2012 4:24 PM
Come April a new restaurant will anchor Shipbuilders' Square on the Lower Lonsdale waterfront.
Pier 7 is poised to set the tone for a vibrant, oceanside dining and shopping locale.
The 200-seat, two-storey restaurant — with patios on both levels — promises West Coast-inspired decor and an emphasis on small plates — perched at the water's edge.
Restoring the historical flavour of a once-bustling wartime shipyard has been Pinnacle International's intention since purchasing the land in 2001. The new, red-roofed building that houses Pier 7 on the former Versatile Shipyards site bears the likeness of the old machine shop.
At the helm of Pier 7 is celebrated North Shore chef Dino Renaerts. A year ago he was approached by Pinnacle after they learned of his impressive resume with tenures at the Hotel Vancouver and British Properties' fine-dining establishment, Fraiche.
Canada's first chef with sommelier certification, Renaerts is making his foray into restaurant design with Pier 7.
"It's been exciting, it really has," said Renaerts, during an exclusive tour of the unfinished space Wednesday. "I've never really been involved in a full-on [restaurant] opening before."
From our vantage point on the top deck, there are sweeping views of the adjacent working harbour, Vancouver skyline and Stanley Park. The plans call for a fireplace off to one side and an outdoor kitchen for Renaerts to showcase his culinary chops.
Moving inside, when you first walk through the doors of Pier 7 a lounge area with an illuminated bar carved out of alabaster, and "live edge tables" — tree trunks cut vertically — will be the main focal point.
The libations will be infused with pure fruit juices from the Fraser Valley. Renaerts mentioned experimenting with en vogue POM-Aloe juice. He also has a penchant for a “great whiskey sour”.
Food-wise you can expect West Coast-inspired surf-and-turf: albacore tuna, spot prawns in season - and the Tomahawk chop? Picture a long bone handle protruding from a mammoth ribeye steak that will satisfy a carnivorous craving.
Pier 7’s Lower Lonsdale setting is expected to attract a young clientele who will be able to enjoy a nightcap on the deck until 12 a.m.
A soft launch for Pier 7 is set for mid- April.
reporter@northshoreoutlook.com