VANCOUVER — Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, the Northland Properties-owned fine-dining restaurant in downtown Vancouver, is bringing back its exclusive Table One series. Led by chef Alex Chen (executive chef of BLVD and chef-partner at Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar in Whistler, B.C.) and held monthly between April and September, this intimate event features a multi-course set menu with a focus on locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.
Located at the Sutton Place Hotel, the series represents a creative study in precision and artistry. Throughout the evening, chef Chen takes the time to share his own journey, food philosophies and the inspirations behind his dishes while exhibiting the techniques has honed over the past 20 years.
With four of the six dates already fulfilled, this year has been busy for the establishment. In June, Boulevard was awarded Best Upscale Restaurant for 2023 by the 34th annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. The team also received a mention in the Best Contemporary category. Additionally, Canada’s 100 Best bestowed Boulevard with the No.43 spot in their annual list of the country’s best restaurants in mid-May.
“Our team members are asked not to focus on sales but rather create a wholly positive experience,” says JP Potters, executive general manager and wine director. “They’re invited to determine how they can have a positive impact on those seated around the table, whether it’s a first-time visit or a return to a favourite dining spot. In our day-to-day decisions, we continue to choose excellence and do things properly, despite it generally being the harder path.”
“It’s really all about trying to do all of the little things right and being consistent. With enough hard work, love and care, we try to create a thriving work environment that breeds success”, says executive chef Roger Ma. “Watching our team grow and develop into the next generation of talent is equally satisfying as being featured in awards”.
“[My partners and team members are] the ones that run the day-to-day operations, provide great service, delicious food and warm hospitality on a consistent basis,” says chef Chen. “None of this would ever be possible without my team and our ownership group, Northland Properties, providing me with the greatest strength, unwavering belief and support.”
