Now that the more “predictable” weather is back in Vancouver, there’s nothing quite like digging into a generously cheese-drizzled poutine with savoury Guinness jus. Add to that a pint of chocolatey Elysian Dragonstooth Stout and a snug wooden bench seat and I’d say you’ve arrived at comfort food Valhalla.
Where do you find such an agreeable place? East Vancouver? Perhaps Gastown? Surely it must be on Main Street? Well lucky for us folks on the westside, Corduroy, as this elusive little restaurant is called, is actually located within walking distance from many of our own dwellings – on Cornwall Avenue between Maple Street and Cypress Street, just a few currently-in-full-bloom blocks from Kits Beach.
With an interior reminiscent of an old-fashioned ski chalet complete with real trophy antlers and antique winter sports gear, and a rather subdued exterior, Corduroy has been a family-run spot favoured by locals who have quietly known of its existence since it opened in 2008. Chef Figg has been preparing sophisticated pub fare from the beginning. Award winning poutine, spicy lamb sausage pizza, and addictive Bourbon bbq wings just a few of the creative menu items on offer.
Using locally sourced ingredients, much of it organic, Corduroy has recently opened for lunch, adding a couple of tables outside – perfect for those coveted, sunny, people-watching summer days. And while the sun makes that rare appearance, take full advantage and try the Dungeness crab salad with caramelized pecans, Granny Smith apple, and pickled fennel. Pair this dish with a fine glass of the Emiliana Organic Chardonnay and you’re likely to be feeling quite cultured and convivial. You may even flash a smile to your neighbour sauntering by.
During the day (parents, take note) there’s a wonderful new kids’ play area with enough toys to engage them just long enough to allow the adults to enjoy a proper sit-down lunch, undisturbed conversations and all (you’ll have to thank owners and sisters Rebecca and Allisha for this, both moms of several young tots themselves). As a bonus, Corduroy also has an honestly healthy kids menu available that includes organic chicken breast, brown rice pasta (for that tried-and-true mac & cheese dish), and veggie plate options.
In the evenings, serious rock-paper-scissors competitions and comedic open mic events keep the young and pretty patrons well entertained.
Corduroy, 1943 Cornwall Avenue, (604) 733-0162, Corduroyrestaurant.com
Service: Genuinely friendly and attentive.
Price: Appetizers, $6 to $12; main courses, $12 to $16.
Hours: Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11am-3pm, dinner daily 5pm till late.
Reservations: Accepted.
Photo caption: The name Corduroy pays homage to the owners’ love of snowboarding (as the word corduroy is a slang term, among other definitions, for a well groomed trail), thus the ski chalet décor effect.
Photo credit: Lisa Voormeij
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Lisa is a Kitsilano-based travel writer/photographer and mum to a teeny tot. She launched her travel writing career while working in West Africa. In 2010, she came back to Vancouver where she’s still enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery, the plentiful diverse foods, and the fresh, clean air. Read more about her travel adventures on her website Viascribe.com.
Last modified: May 27, 2013
I’m always happy to hear about a new kids play area in the hood! Come to think of it, I can’t bring many to mind. I’m thinking of Kokopelli in Dunbar.