Opening soon: Chinatown chic at Sai Woo

Dec 19 2017, 10:03 pm

Sai Woo is a chic, modern restaurant poised to make its debut in an historic spot in Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Dramatic changes seem to be taking place at every turn in Chinatown these days, and, in particular, its food and drink scene is blossoming, making the neighbourhood more robust for higher-end dining than ever before. Sai Woo will soon be joining the ranks for an anticipated March opening.

Restaurateur Salli Pateman, formerly of Yaletown’s Section (3), is behind Sai Woo. The fully renovated space occupies the onetime location of the 1930s Said Woo Chop Suey, with two floors for dining and drinking in a 6,000-square-foot space; there are 113 seats on the upper level, 75 seats on the lower level (with its own bar and smaller menu).

At the bar will be Justin Anello, overseeing a menu of classics cocktails and signature Sai Woo drinks using housemade syrups and top-shelf spirits. Look for lots of Asian touches (spiked Vietnamese coffee, exotic fruit flavours) as well as a solid selection of non-alcholic bevs.

In the Sai Woo kitchen is Chef Douglas Chang (West, Bambudda) who will be executing a menu that demonstrates his passion for and skills with a meld of fare representing Vancouver’s eclectic tastes using ingredients from local producers as well as what’s available at their doorstep in Chinatown.

The interior, with design and construction overseen by Vancouver’s Falken Reynolds along with Anna Walentowicz of Domain Creative, includes touches like Bendtsen furniture, and glimpses of the old Sai Woo Chop Suey’s historic character, including filled brick walls and salvaged fir flooring.

Sai Woo has been sharing images from their renovation on their Instagram account:

Small wares have arrived!!! No room for us now 🙂

A post shared by Sai Woo (@doyousaiwoo) on

Floors look amazing! Thanks max ! @falkenreynolds @annalytical @hethpr

A post shared by Sai Woo (@doyousaiwoo) on

Also, keep an eye out on social media for their cheeky hashtag: #bestbunsintown

#bestbunsintown

A post shared by Sai Woo (@doyousaiwoo) on

Sai Woo

Address: 160 Pender Street, Chinatown
Website: www.saiwoo.ca

Featured image: Sai Woo concept sketch by Falken Reynolds (Courtesy Sai Woo)

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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