Cafe Il Nido

Making progress…

restaurantvancouver — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:58:29 +0000

We’ve got our bar back!

Close-up of the tiling (still needing it’s final ‘touch up’)

Looking down the hallway toward the newly renovated dining area. Custom mirrors throughout (we’ve got to peel the protective yellow mask off)

Here’s what it will look like underneath:

A bigger picture of the restaurant:

Closer look at the nearly-finished bar area…

And wines to be displayed throughout.

(de)constructing Cafe Il Nido

restaurantvancouver — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:28:03 +0000

And so it begins…
Here are a few pictures illustrating our renovation process so far at Cafe Il Nido.

The Master Plan:

Views of the lounge/bar area (without the bar!) We’re replacing it with a new, custom designed bar (complete with backlit, handmade tiling) and comfy leather stools.

Bar-less bar area.

Fireplace to be featured at main entrance. All tile will be replaced by hardwood flooring.

An excited Franco Felice (owner) observing the construction.

Out with the old, in with the new!

Just discovered: original tiling circa 1988!

More to come… delivery just came – now to see what’s in all these boxes!

Check back again soon to see what we’ve unpacked and how this reno-project continues to unfold.

Ciao!

Before Renovations

restaurantvancouver — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:47:26 +0000

Here are some pictures of Cafe Il Nido prior to construction commencing February 25th:

The bar: our existing bar is set to be replaced and shifted toward the front of our restaurant in order to create a distinct 'lounge' feel.

Front of house: We are creating a more casual seating area with stools, cocktail tables and bench-style seating in our lounge area for those who wish to stop by for a casual drink and bite to eat.

Coffee and bar area: Look for some major changes near the bar and service area that will completely reinvent dining room layout,

Existing lounge area will be completely transformed with new, updated furnishings, WiFi and a discreetly positioned LCD TV as well as a stunning custom cellar display.

Our current wine display is on it's way out and we'll be installing a custom glass 'cellar' case as part of our renovations at Cafe Il Nido.

Meet Franco

restaurantvancouver — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:19:01 +0000

Meet Franco Felice – Chef and proud owner of Cafe Il Nido since 1988.

Franco Felice - owner of Cafe Il Nido

Franco is a fixture within one of Vancouver’s oldest and most established Italian dining destinations and is a man who imbues a passion for life, people and Italian cuisine.

About Franco Felice

Formally trained as a Chef, Franco has worked with many of Europe’s finest in the kitchen and he holds true to the important teachings he embraced years ago: the creation of quality food is an art form. Just as an artist labours meticulously before their canvas – a Chef works just as carefully to create a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Franco’s passion for both his business and his cooking stem from a lifetime of travels and are influenced by his having grown up in Cosenza, Italy within a family and community centered around simple, healthy and delicious food.

Culinary Influences:

Though Franco strives to incorporate such culinary influences throughout his menu, Cafe Il Nido is not devoted to any particular region of Italy, rather it includes a healthful dose of fresh Pacific Northwest and Californian-style twists.

Franco believes strongly that quality cuisine does not need to be overrun by additional ingredients that only work to distract the senses. At Cafe Il Nido perfection lies in a dishes noble simplicity and the passion with which it is prepared.

Sparing no expense where top quality ingredients are concerned, Franco buys locally-produced, organic product as much as seasonably possible. He also sources top quality Italian olive oil, spices and specialty items in order to provide guests with a truly authentic dining experience. This is complimented by his well-priced, well-sourced eclectic wine list that changes to suit each menu throughout the year.

Contact Franco: info@ilnido.ca

Before & After…

restaurantvancouver — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:01:40 +0000

Since it’s establishment in 1988, Cafe Il Nido has been a cozy escape for countless patrons: nestled away at 780 Thurlow Street in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC.

Tucked away, just off Robson and Thurlow... since 1988!

Our restaurant has welcomed diners from all over the world – and hosted plenty of memorable events over the years.

Our unique courtyard setting allows for a total escape from the hustle and bustle (and some welcome respite from all that shopping!)

But… now it’s time for a change!

Look for some major renovations in Spring 2011 and look forward to seeing our dining area (below) completely redesigned. Our front lounge area will feature an extended, casual bar section and we will have a new, updated layout.

We’ll keep you posted!