Village Bistro: Lips Resto re-launches with a focus on value, locals

The team behind Davie Village’s Lips Resto have spent the few months since they have been open connecting with the community, and learning what kind of restaurant the neighbourhood needs. As it turns out, it’s not quite what Lips Resto was offering, so in a bold but thoughtful move, they’ve opted to rebrand, reboot, and relaunch as Village Bistro.

The same core team in the kitchen and in management is with the Village Bistro, including chef/owner Curtis Demyon, who says the new focus for the food is bigger portions, familiar Canadian flavours, and an emphasis on value. In fact, nothing on the menu is over $20.

While Lips Resto offered a casual lunch menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches, then shifted to a more ambitious share plates dinner menu, Village Bistro is streamlining the menu and opening for dinner only to start, with plans to add brunch service again soon.

Boneless Beef Short Rib: roasted cauliflower, broccolini, Alberta barley risotto, blue cheese, chive, natural jus – $19 (Photo courtesy Village Bistro)

What won’t be left behind in the change-over is Demyon and the restaurant’s commitment to serving dishes with fresh, local, and housemade ingredients. Village Bistro will make use of the on-site smoker, handmade sausages, and Demyon’s sophisticated techniques to create comfort classics with an elevated twist. Look for braised meats, hearty poutine, cassoulet, and colourful seafood dishes on the debut menu, which will also showcase Canadian foods like bison, Saskatchewan wild rice, and maple.

And, yes–they will still be making their incredible LFC (Lemongrass Fried Chicken Sandwich)–we made sure to ask about that signature dish. The burger from the Lips menu is reappearing, too.

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The bar menu will also open up similarly to include more B.C. wines and beers at approachable prices, along with some classic craft cocktails. Village Bistro will offer Happy Hour service and pricing from 4 to 6 p.m. and a “late night” Happy Hour from 10 p.m. to close, in order to give the many local night owls a terrific post-dinnertime option.

Since so much of what makes Davie Village a great place to live, work, and visit is its sense of community and a true neighbourhood vibe, the Village Bistro aims to reconnect with their customers and provide them with the food they want to eat in a welcoming space.

Inside the restaurant (Photo courtesy Village Bistro)

After closing following brunch service on September 20, Lips Resto has been in the process of making the change over, and will open for dinner starting Saturday, October 3. Check their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for the latest info.

Village Bistro

Address: 1143 Davie Street
Website: villagebistrobc.com