After a period of inactivity, we’ve watched as work crews all but took over the space (next to the Vancouver Convention Centre) in the last six or so months to construct what is now Cactus Club‘s largest restaurant to date (we’re talking 500 seats!). With an interior design that will afford guests a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience replete with floor to ceiling panoramic views, we bet it’ll take people a bit longer to finish their meal.
Speaking of design style, art aficionados and gawkers alike will love the stunning, geometrically-laid, hand-cut Brazilian slate anchors that support massive fir fin ceilings throughout the room. Couple this with Carrara marble counter space, oak panelling and plenty of original art strategically placed throughout the room.
In between bites, check out the custom-designed light installation “Bocci 28 Pendants” courtesy of Omer Arbel and the commissioned work of Graham Gillmore, “Willing to Bend” (2013). Given the restaurant’s proximity to a piece of Vancouver’s Olympic history, the collection also includes Andy Warhol’s “Wayne Gretzky #99” (II.306, 1984), as well as a display of original Olympic torches from Canada’s Olympic Games in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.
Is your palate piqued yet? We thought so, and we haven’t even mentioned the menu offerings (designed by Executive Chef Rob Feenie), featuring the perfect mix of signature favourites fused with plenty of new, globally-inspired plates. Nor have we touched on the fact that this new location also features a wraparound patio with seating for up to 200, and a retractable glass wall for open-air dining throughout the year.
If you’re like us, you’ll aim to make your way down to this new (soon-to-be) hot spot, located at 1085 Canada Place later this evening (it officially opens at 5pm). Don’t worry, your path will be well lit; the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Cauldron will be fired up to commemorate tonight’s launch as well as Cactus Club’s 25th Anniversary – definitely worth noting.
