Changes afoot at Feenie's
The world turns again on West Broadway. Feenie's chef de cuisine Jasmin Porcic resigned this week, adding yet another twist to the ownership dispute between David Sidoo and Rob Feenie at sister restaurant Lumière. John Corsi, formerly of Le Sélect Bistro in Toronto and most recently sous chef at Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill, has been hired as Mr. Porcic's replacement.
Medal-winning plates
The silver medal at last week's Gold Medal Plates went to Melissa Craig from the Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler, B.C., for her molecular creations on a seafood plate that included soy-flavoured "pop rocks" and squid-ink "caviar." Scott Jaegar of The Pear Tree in Burnaby, B.C., took the bronze medal for Berkshire pork belly paired with celeriac purée and a pastry cone of pear butter. Rob Feenie, who competed as an independent, received a standing ovation from the crowd.
More awards
In other contest news, Coast Restaurant swept Where Vancouver magazine's 12th annual Most Memorable Meal awards, with nods for best seafood, popular vote and the Birks Silver Service Award. West Restaurant bar manager David Wolowidnyk was the winner of the Grey Goose Arbiter of Cool national taste-off competition in Toronto last week.
Transcontinental makeover
The Transcontinental Heritage Restaurant and Railway Lounge has changed tracks. The formal restaurant, an elegant renovation in the old Canadian Pacific Railway terminus at Waterfront Station, proved too intimidating for tourists and expensive for local customers, says owner Eli Gershkovitch. Now named Steamworks Transcontinental, the restaurant features lower prices and a more casual menu, similar to the Steamworks Brewing Company next door.
Alexandra Gill