Publisher’s solution Award: The Acorn is a Vegetable-Forward Restaurant Where Vancouver Couples Savor the Finer Situations

The Quick Version: The Acorn has actually assisted transform the Vancouver bistro scene by making fresh veggies the key appeal in just about every meal. Its seasonal selection features healthy and flavorful make sourced from local farms. Bistro owners Scott and Shira Blustein, exactly who in addition very own The Arbor, challenge diners experiencing familiar meals with an innovative vegetable-forward twist, and the bistro’s passionate atmosphere sets the feeling for a one-of-a-kind night out on Main Street.

Vancouver pair Scott and Shira Blustein got married and exposed their very first cafe, called The Acorn, in identical month in 2012. The newlyweds had a whole lot on the dishes, as you would expect.

“it absolutely was slightly crazy, and that I would not advise carrying it out that way,” Scott mentioned with a laugh. “however it resolved really.”

The Acorn’s basic customers were Scott and Shira’s relatives and buddies, who have been in town your wedding. These out-of-towners tried the diet plan and offered the newlyweds useful feedback about as a whole culinary knowledge.

From the beginning, Scott and Shira have endeavored to create something entirely original by cultivating fresh tastes and a stylish environment. The Acorn boasts a vegetable-forward diet plan, which means greens are the star in the tv series. The dishes tend to be known as things like “Radish” and “Carrot” to focus on the necessity of those quick materials.

Through the years, the Acorn has built an excellent reputation due to their distinctive and elegant using normal fruits & vegetables. Partners usually come right here to deal with on their own to something extraordinary, therefore the sultry songs, enchanting illumination, and delicious meals do not let you down.

The restaurant’s atmosphere plays a role in the silent appeal. This design is actually normal and eternal — similar to the menu. The thing is some dark colored tarnished lumber and stay environmentally friendly flowers. The room has actually a modern, minimalistic think tends to make a stark impact.

“its dark colored, moody, and intimate,” Scott mentioned. “the structure was once a classic Italian spot that were around for 25 years — it had been a real establishment during the neighbor hood — therefore desired to take care of the personality and heart of the spot while rejuvenating it.”

Scott and Shira also take time to build an authentic playlist of underground songs done by little-known artists. Scott mentioned he frequently view it nows folks taking right out their own cell phones to look in the tune that is playing, as well as the songs will help break the ice giving patrons something you should go over or ponder.

“we would like people to feel safe whilst having this original experience,” Scott mentioned. “our very own vegetable-forward goal differentiates united states from other individuals in the area. We’re a plant-based bistro, so we supply all our produce from farms throughout British Columbia.”

A new deal with Locally Sourced Ingredients

The Acorn typically just allows reservations because of its household dining table, which seats 6 to 8 people. Other dining tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s wise to demonstrate upwards early to conquer the crowds of people since the Acorn have very a wait. Clients may make bookings for size dining table on romantic days celebration, New Year’s Eve, or other major trips. Definitely book a few weeks beforehand to make certain you receive enough time position you want.

The Acorn changes the eating plan every month or two to accentuate the styles for the season. Simply selecting a glass or two during the club is actually a tall order because every thing seems delicious. The signature cocktails infuse premium liquors with organic vegetables and fruits, additionally the bar also acts non-alcoholic fruit drinks, such as house-made lemonade.

Then you certainly get right to the brunch or supper eating plan in which you’ll discover inventive veggie dishes plated with accuracy and treatment.

Cook Brian Luptak is consistently discovering innovative ways to provide colorful and healthy vegetarian dishes to make sure that clients disappear experiencing entirely satiated. As well as their task experience at large lodge stores and family-owned restaurants, Brian has actually an educational back ground in artwork and layout, so he’s got a close look for charm, that helps him developed an altogether spectacular plate.

The Acorn cultivates really love and understanding for food among the team, and every dish is carefully ready and shared to patrons. “We grab plenty of pride in how meals is released and countries on the table,” Scott said. “Presentation is vital.”

The Acorn’s eating plan is filled with surprising yet common dishes — instance deep-fried artichokes and waffles — that fulfill vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, and everyone in-between. The Halloumi is some ideal, and Scott stated it is ideal for diners who happen to be just a little cautious with the meatless menu. This beer-battered deep-fried parmesan cheese creates an indulgent and completing entrée sustained by a zucchini and potato pancake along with smashed peas and perfect natural yogurt.

The Acorn offers a meatless diet plan in which greens are not concealed as meat substitutes or apologetically plated in part dishes. Greens will be the centerpiece to each and every appetizer and main recipe. Whether you are looking into a crispy cauliflower and mushroom risotto or splitting a chocolate almond fudge brownie, you are able to go through the satisfaction of a simple, wholesome, and filling up meal made new just for you.

“everything I really appreciate towards Acorn is the focus on information,” mentioned Vanessa N. in a Yelp overview. “Each dish had been composed of more subsequently a few materials, and this can be tough to make work harmoniously. But every little thing was incredibly balanced, visually stunning, and craveable.”

Fostering Romance & producing Memories Since 2012

The Acorn commemorates fresh food and delivers folks as well as its regular tastes. Stirred by their success, the daring culinary team hold driving themselves to innovate, collaborate, and expand. Obtained traveled to facilities inside the U.S. and Canada and managed unique dinners where they’re able to check their abilities.

A few times a year, The Acorn arranges a special dinner in collaboration with an area winery or brewery. This ticketed occasion features fresh food paired with superior wines or drinks. The Acorn cooking area produces a five-course meal, whilst winery or brewery handpicks the perfect refreshment to come with each dish.

The most important Vintage + Veg occasion in Summer 2015 ended up being a large success, specially among couples. These annual meals feature up to 36 friends, rendering it an intimate yet personal environment for a remarkable go out.



Numerous residents being going to The Acorn for many years and now have viewed their particular relationships blossom one food each time. The bistro’s regulars savor one-of-a-kind meals while lingering when you look at the comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

“The Acorn happens to be my ‘Special event’ go-to,” said Rhiannon W. in a Facebook analysis. “they’ve the most beautiful vegan meals, great staff, lovely cocktails, and a really passionate environment.”

The Acorn invites diners to deal with on their own to a memorable knowledge, and several partners choose this bistro once the environment due to their the majority of enchanting moments collectively. Scott mentioned he remembers one couple who found for a primary big date in the Acorn nowadays come back to the cafe as a family with young ones in pull. They look at the Acorn whenever they’re honoring wedding anniversaries, birthdays, also special events.

“its incredible to see,” he stated. “that produces everything worthwhile, merely knowing we have touched everyday lives and will perform such a confident character in Vancouver.”

Now Introducing The Arbor Restaurant Around the Corner

Scott and Shira unwrapped The Arbor a few years ago so diners will have a regional spot to get take in some wine while waiting around for their dining table during a supper hurry during the Acorn. “we have now need a third spot for that,” Scott joked. “The Arbor’s range is always outside.”

The Arbor has brought The Acorn’s farm-fresh menu and manage with it, providing creative, filling, and eye-catching meals with daring tastes. The Arbor supplies plant-based comfort meals, and home doesn’t reduce any edges. They also make ketchup and mustard in-house.

The Arbor diet plan is targeted on veggies, but it is never assume all salads and bunny food here. Your kitchen makes hearty veggie hamburgers, flatbreads, tacos, and steamed buns. Its appetizers include classics like crunchy onion rings along with experimental dishes like salty broccoli popcorn. The Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich has transformed into the prominent dishes throughout the eating plan. One go through the components is sufficient to explain precisely why. Eggplant bacon. Acocado mousse. Spicy mayo. All on a ciabatta bun? Yes, please.

The Arbor is found on a goal to produce vegetables besides palatable but pleasurable. During the words of this site, “We’re not enthusiastic about likely to great lengths to trick some body into thinking they can be munching on meat. The meals is produced from veggies, and then we’re very happy to showcase the assortment and incredible prospective they could provide.”

Numerous lovers group to The Arbor while in the spring season and summertime since the bistro has an attractive backyard patio lit with glowing lighting and enclosed by greenery. “We desired to result in the patio into something really special,” Scott told you. “It is a very passionate location for a casual date night.”

The Acorn helps make vegetables Horny & Elegant

It may be unusual to get a night out together place that offers an innovative diet plan, magnetic service, and a cushty atmosphere, although Acorn monitors those bins following some. This trendy cafe has actually generated a track record in Vancouver for serving fresh and original meals which are as fun to look at as they are to consume.

Scott and Shira started their own wedding in addition to their cafe in 2012, and additionally they’ve gained some great benefits of their unique aspiration and vision from inside the many years since. Now the couple has two vegetable-forward restaurants in Vancouver, as well as continuously upgrade original menus built to satisfy diners of every age group and diet routines.

“We undoubtedly want to keep circumstances fresh,” Scott stated. “The selection changes seasonally to highlight the styles in vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, alongside fresh materials.”