VANCOUVER — This summer, Boxset Collective, the team behind Published on Main and Bar Susu, are opening El Gato Gab Gab — a modern Mexican cocktail bar and botanero.
A botanero is a beverage forward snack bar typically found in the southern region of Mexico. Located at 2650 Main Street, the 3,200-sq.-ft. space, re-imagined by the in-house design team at Boxset Collective, will have 78 seats, including 14 at the bar.
“We’re big agave fans and wanted to open a spot where guests can experience an agave-forward program in a fun, creative and exciting space,” says Cody Allmin, co-founder of Boxset Collective. “We’ll be celebrating agave and other spirits in all forms, through cocktails and tastings, with fun, imaginative food that’ll pair well with our drinks. We’ll also be offering a great selection of non-alcoholic options.”
El Gato Gab Gab’s team is headed by beverage director Joe Casson, who has created a menu featuring fresh flavours inspired by the culinary spectrum of Mexico, as well as a few other muses.
“At El Gato, we want our cocktail list to be a no-fuss, maximalist snapshot of rotating familiar pours along with some more extroverted refreshment, while being approachable and simply delicious at the same time,” says Casson. “We’re still [researching and developing] the menu, but it’s tasting great so far.”
The cocktail menu will include the likes of the Pinoy to Pińa, a tropical mezcal and rum highball with banana soda and ube ice cream; the ¿Que Pasa, Folks?, a reposado tequila fizz with pasilla chile, carrot and marigold; and the Gatorita, a refreshing ‘on the rocks’ take of a classic margarita.
In the kitchen, executive chef Christian Chaumont will bring the flavours of modern Mexican cuisine delivered through a Pacific Northwest lens. Menu development is still underway but expect to see dishes such as Dungeness Crab Flautas Ahogadas and Sweetbread Tostadas.
The room, anchored by aquamarine-teal and burnt orange, features painted walls curated by local artist Dominique St. Jean. At launch, El Gato Gab Gab is expected to be open daily for evening service, with extended hours on the weekends.
