Jennifer Feinberg, The Chilliwack Progress—2004
The owners of the newly opened Bravo Restaurant and Lounge on Yale Road say their vision from the start was to create a fun and relaxed room that would stand up in any big city.
A June 30 soft opening at the restaurant was packed, and the response has been better than expected already. “We think downtown Chilliwack is becoming an exciting place to be and we’re thrilled to be a part of it,” says Bravo co-owner Damian du Plessis.
He and partner Louie De Jaeger have been cooking up a master plan to open up a stylish and inviting spot in Chilliwack for about six years.
They’re veterans of the restaurant and hospitality industry and the fact that they spent years running the celebrity-studded Delilah’s is reflected in the casual yet vibrant tone they’re setting.
“Overall I do think the key is attention to detail,” says Mr. du Plessis.
The food focus here is high-quality dishes at reasonable prices.
“The menu is West Coast Continental but our spin is highly evolved comfort food,” says Mr. du Plessis.
“We’ve connected with a local organic farmer and we’re searching out the best local produce.”
The menu runs the gamut from thin-crust pizzas, and salmon in nori, to Szechuan rack of lamb. The most popular dish so far is the Bravo Taster plate with a selection of their cuisine.
“We chose a powerful but condensed selection of choice wines to go with the menu,” says Mr. De Jaeger. “We’re very interested in fine wines.”
Unique cocktails are his specialty and he makes his own flavourful vodka infusions for knockout martinis.
The casual atmosphere of the room encourages lots of interaction between customers, say the restaurateurs.
“The bar is becoming a focal point, too,” says Mr. De Jaeger.
Well-known restaurant designer Wade King designed Bravo’s cool and tasteful interior. His talents are also on display in elite rooms like Delilah’s and Umberto Menghi’s Circolo.
The designer went with textured ceilings and walls, and chose an appealing colour palette of rich, earthy and neutral tones.
The hand-painted mosaic on the floors is becoming a real conversation-starter.
“Everyone who comes in touches the design on the floor,” says Mr. De Jaeger. “They can’t believe it’s not made of stone.”
The antique black bar, ultra-suede booths, pineapple fountain and crystal chandeliers create a classy air of sophistication.
“We wanted it to look stylish and modern, but timeless,” Mr. du Plessis says. “Wade King has been a friend of ours for decades and he’s done an absolutely outstanding job.”
Chocolate-coloured chairs and leather barstools, richly textured privacy curtains and hand-made lampshades also add to the newly-renovated flair of the former Mexican restaurant.
Decorative tiles by Sid Dickens make a strong statement on one wall and some original artwork by Mr. King is also featured.
A repeat clientele is already starting to emerge and the owners say the average length of stay is more than two hours.
The dimly-lit room and comfortable seating is conducive to relaxed dining.
“We also have a more private lounge area in the back which is perfect for holding private events,” says Mr. De Jaeger. “We’re finding that some our younger customers already enjoying sitting there.
Bravo Restaurant & Lounge, 46224 Yale Road, Wednesday to Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Reservations, 604.792.7721.