The duo behind Land & Sea is debuting their casual Asian gastropub concept in historic Chinatown named The Darkside at The Union’s former space, 219 Union Street in Vancouver, BC (Canada).
Managing partner Steph Wan and Chef Kevin Lin lightheartedly identify themselves as “rebels with a cause” and envisions The Darkside to be a fun hangout spot with an approachable menu accompanied with cocktails, local wines and beers.
The pair also teases that there will be a mural introducing their beloved puppies as the Darkside ring leaders.
In anticipation of a grand opening in January 2023, The Darkside will host a short-term pop-up from their space known as ‘TOTT’.
The plan according to Wan, is to serve a condensed menu from inside the still in-progress restaurant.
The new energetic Asian gastropub and late night spot will be serving dishes inspired by Lin’s Taiwanese roots and travels in South East Asia, along with Wan’s Cantonese heritage.
The menu introduces West Coast and Asian spins on throwback dishes and offers plenty of large and small plates that hit all the familiar Asian notes: pungent, full of zing, and spicy.
Highlights include Little Island Fries with taiwanese cabbage, chai poh, pork floss; Fried Dace Taco with black beans, cabbage, and cilantro; Kimchi Calamari with bean sprouts, green onion and gochujang aioli; and Tom Yum brussel sprouts with preserved radish.
In addition, they are incorporating nostalgic street food flavours into locally sourced chicken wings like Spicy Dan Dan, an extra spicy option for the brave “General Steph”, Pad Thai, and Sweet and Sour to name a few.
The evening-only offerings include specialty cocktails like the Yin Yang Martini, a spin on a popular coffee + tea beverage in Hong Kong known as Yuenyeung, made with orange pekoe syrup and vanilla-bean infused evaporated milk and Ice Queen, their spin on a classic sour featuring Ribena.
The Darkside’s pop-up TOTT will open for dinner and late night snacks as of November 25 from 5PM to late.