Boulevard VIP Launch-9

Last week, VIP, media, and guests were invited to sample some of Chef Alex Chen’s West coast dishes and seafood at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.

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The elegantly-designed, 290-seat restaurant is home to a variety of beautifully prepared seafood, meats, and seasonal risottos and pasta dishes presented with West coast flair.

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Boulevard aims for a cross between a traditional European bistro feel with shades of black and cream, Parisian-inspired domed awnings, and pergolas, mixing old and new styles and detailing. Sleek lighting fixtures mingle with dainty ceiling moldings to create a rich, yet casual atmosphere.

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[Bottom photo courtesy of Boulevard Vancouver]

A private dining room, lounge, 12-seat oyster bar and wrap-around patio complete the picture. Located right on Burrard in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Boulevard welcomes diners for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night menu service.

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[Professor Suzuki: Thyme-infused vodka, sea buckthorn, cranberry liqueur, cranberry juice, BC honey, lime]

Signature cocktails, international and BC wines, and beer complete the seafood-focused menu. Bar Manager Justin Taylor and his team shake up bellinis, caesars, wild mules, Van Dusen sours, and others using high-quality local craft spirits, house-made syrups, and infusions.

Christophe Bonzon of Chez Christophe with Alex Chen
[Christophe Bonzon of Chez Christophe with Alex Chen]

Malaysian-born Executive Chef Alex Chen’s previously worked at Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge, as well as Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and Toronto. He apprenticed under Chef Robert Sulatycky at Vancouver’s Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. Spending time along the West coast has brought forth his love for seafood, and judging by the dishes that were passed around that evening, he’s passionate about presentation, locally-sourced ingredients, and taste.

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Together with Chef de Cuisine Roger Ma, Justin Taylor, Maître d’ Brian Hopkins, Robert “Oyster Bob” Skinner, Wine Director Lisa Haley, and Director of Operations Steve Edwards, Boulevard will likely become one of the city’s most talked-about dining experiences for years to come.

I’m anxious to return here to try the seafood tower, containing wild sidestripe shrimp ceviche, Albacore tuna poke, Read Island mussel escabèche, Dungeness Crab Louie, snow crab legs, wild shrimp, and local oysters.

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[L to R: Gorgeous upcycled chandelier in private room; house-made desserts and chocolates]

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is located at 845 Burrard Street in Vancouver. More of my Boulevard VIP opening photos can be found here.

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