Lumiere’s reopening boosts image

kristen thompson/metro vancouver

At Lumiere’s kitchen, the executive chefs of DB Bistro Vancouver and Lumiere, Stephane Istel, left, and Dale MacKay, put finishing touches on their menus. Both restaurants reopen to the public tonight.

Published: December 10, 2008 5:30 a.m.

Last modified: December 10, 2008 2:34 a.m.

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A Vancouver culinary landmark reopens its doors today under a new, world-renowned head chef, a milestone that helps establish the city as an international culinary destination, the restaurant’s owner says.

Lumiere and the new DB Bistro Moderne, a New York-based franchise owned by chef Daniel Boulud — who will operate both kitchens — will start serving dinners tonight.

While Boulud will oversee the restaurants from New York where he runs Daniel, executive chefs Stephane Istel and Dale MacKay will run the kitchens in Vancouver.

David Sidoo, who co-owns the adjacent Kitsilano restaurants, said yesterday that adding Boulud to the team stepped Vancouver up another level in the culinary scene.

“It’s really exciting for the city to embrace a real top chef in Daniel, and it compliments the city really well,” he said, adding that reservations are streaming in.

He said Boulud has redesigned Lumiere’s menu with a three-course menu under $100, to make the restaurant more accessible. “It’s not just a one-time event you have to save up for.”

Lumiere, which has been closed for renovations since June, was started by Rob Feenie, whose other restaurant, Feenie’s, was in the space now occupied by DB Bistro.

Feenie left the restaurants last year in part amid rumours he felt he’d been pushed out.