Pressroom
February 04, 2010
High Praise from ZAGAT for db Bistro Moderne and Lumière
February 4, 2010 - Vancouver, BC – Proprietors David and Manjy Sidoo and Daniel Boulud are extraordinarily pleased to announce that, db Bistro Moderne, Vancouver, and Lumière received outstanding ratings from ZAGAT, the world’s leading provider of consumer survey-based information on where to eat, drink, stay and play, worldwide. “It’s wonderful to receive excellent critical review, but it is truly gratifying to learn that our restaurant guests and peers share those sentiments as well,” says David Sidoo.
“We introduced db Bistro Moderne and re-introduced Lumière to Vancouver just over one year ago, during industry-challenged times and to the most discerning group of diners the city has seen in over a decade. The 2010 ZAGAT survey results certainly direct all credit where it is due – to our world-class Chefs Daniel Boulud, Dale MacKay and Stephane Istel, and to our incredible restaurant team.”
ZAGAT restaurant ratings are consumer survey-based, and focus on three easily digestible categories, namely food, décor and service. Each category is assigned a numeric rating from one to 30, with 30 representing perfection. An average cost per cover is assigned, and a short encapsulating paragraph delivers the overall experience to the uninitiated in 100 words or less.
The Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux class Lumière restaurant captured a heady 26, 23 and 25 rating points respectively, with an average cost per person, including wine, of $108. The cumulative commentary began, “Those seeking a sublime, divinely decadent experience make the pilgrimage to owner Daniel Boulud’s warm inviting, modern West Side destination French, where the epitome of Vancouver fine dining is exquisite, yet as understated as the name and enhanced by attentive, not intrusive service…”
The new db Bistro Moderne received 23, 22 and 22 points respectively, with an average cost per person, including wine, of $61 CAD. More meaningful however than the numbers is the introduction: ”Owner Daniel Boulud knows his stuff say fans, calling the vaunted db Burger a must try at this glamorous, well-cloned outpost of the Manhattan original that brings a definite New York vibe to the West Side with its bistro twists on French classics…”
Less than one week ago, db Bistro Moderne Vancouver announced receipt of AAA/CAA’s (Triple A’s) Three Diamond rating for outstanding cuisine, service and restaurant concept – a noteworthy achievement for a brand new restaurant.
“We will continue to work hard to earn the continued trust and loyalty of our clients and our critics, most particularly as we welcome the world this month during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games,” adds Sidoo.
db Bistro Moderne, Vancouver, is a new, west coast interpretation of Daniel Boulud’s famous db Bistro Moderne in New York, but promises the same urban vibe, dynamic atmosphere, and modern French bistro cuisine as her east coast namesake. db Bistro Moderne is a contemporary Canadian bistro where traditional French cuisine meets the fresh-picked, just-caught flavours of British Columbia. Chefs Daniel Boulud and Stephane Istel offer a seasonal menu highlighting the quality of fine ingredients served in a convivial and casual setting.
Chef de Cuisine Stephane Istel, a Daniel Boulud protégé from New York, reigns supreme in his Vancouver kitchen. Stephane’s Alsatian-inspired menus showcase Pacific Northwest ingredients, classic French techniques, and New York haute cuisine. The result is a truly contemporary French Bistro experience, unrivaled in the city. Classic French Bistro affairs like Jazz Nights and Wine Dinners transport guests to another place and time and overwhelm the senses with all that is fun and delicious.
Classical French dishes like Alsatian Pate en Croute, Coq au Vin, Charcuterie, Cassoulet de Toulouse, and Tarte Fine Provencal, are offered alongside an ever-changing menu of contemporary local dishes like Quadra Island Mussels served Espagnole, Seared Arctic Char, and Dungeness Crab Cakes. And of course, the famous ‘New York db Burger’ is a perennial favourite at db Bistro Moderne Vancouver.
Lumière is a one of just three Grand Relais & Chateaux class restaurants in Canada, one of 160 in the world. Lumière is Daniel Boulud’s second gastronomique restaurant – one he describes as “a dream come true for every chef ... a 45-seat jewel box.”
With its provocative blend of European sophistication, modern French sensibilities and Westcoast innovation, Lumière cuisine speaks a language all its own. Chefs Daniel Boulud and Dale MacKay have captured the imaginations and palates of fine food lovers from all over the world. The beautiful, newly renovated room with its intimate scale and plush, voluptuous proportions, reintroduces Vancouver to one of its best-loved culinary destinations.
Executive Chef Dale MacKay is one of Canada's best new Chefs, who came to Lumière from the kitchens of the famed Gordon Ramsay restaurants in London, Tokyo and New York. Lumière enters its second decade in Vancouver with a remarkable new partnership with Daniel Boulud and his Dinex Group. Based in New York City, Daniel is committed to a continued presence in the Lumière and db Bistro Moderne Vancouver kitchen, both in person and in daily consultation with his chefs.
For more information regarding db Bistro Moderne Vancouver or Lumière visit the websites at www.dbbistro.ca and www.lumiere.ca, or call General Manager Chris González at 604.739.7115.
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Please direct media requests and inquiries to pressroom@lumiere.ca
High-resolution images of Chef Daniel Boulud, Chef de Cuisine Stephane Istel, Executive Chef Dale MacKay, and cuisine and restaurant interiors can be downloaded from the db Bistro Pressroom and Image Bank and the Lumière Pressroom and Image Bank
Vancouver's most exciting new urban restaurant is now open. Using the freshest products, the menu at db Bistro Moderne blends the best of French classical tradition with a more contemporary West Coast approach to flavours, textures and ingredients. The ever changing menu reflects the best that the seasons have to offer. The cuisine and stylishly comfortable atmosphere draws discerning diners in every day of the week. At db Bistro Moderne Vancouver, we are proud to offer a new take on modern French Bistro cuisine served in a comfortable, unpretentious setting in the trendy Vancouver neighborhood of Kitsilano.