While few things rival the pleasure of al fresco-style dining in our relatively rain-encumbered city, an opportunity to dine at a top-notch outdoor rooftop patio makes for an inexplicably better experience. Come later this month, we’re betting Vancouver’s young professionals will be lining up to score a seat at this particular one.
The Roof can be found at the already popular and bustling Black+Blue, home to one of our favourite bars and loaded with ample people-watching opportunities. Access is via a private glass-walled elevator that whisks patrons up to a third floor oasis set amidst Vancouver’s downtown business core.
Designed by the team behind BOX Interiors, the 120-seat space features standout décor elements, which include a four-foot custom bullhead sculpture, curved banquettes, booths, bench seating and two different fireplace features that help add a sense of warmth and dramatic flair to the space. Not to worry, you’ll be able to leave your umbrella at home; The Roof features a fully retractable covering to shield style-savvy Vancouverites from the elements.
When we had a chance to chat with owners Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa, it was revealed that the Roof was something they’d envisioned at Black+Blue from the outset for those looking for a unique space to dine on the upper deck or sip cocktails in the lounge area with great city views. And dine they will,as the menu is loaded with a huge selection of generous cuts of prime meats, skewered fish, seafood and poultry cooked over wood coals in their one-of-a-kind Josper Grill.
Other notable menu offerings include a selection of freshly baked forno flatbreads in the Woodstone Oven, lighter sandwich fare, appetizers and shared plates. Complementing the fare, the bar menu will focus on seasonal sippers and cocktails, Mai Tais, Sangria, Pimms Cup, Mojitos, and a large selection of wines by the glass or bottle.
I’s appointed with its own open-concept kitchen that invites guests to truly take in the process, catching an insider glimpse within the kitchen. The Roof notably features a state-of-the-art Josper Charcoal Broiler Oven by Wood Stone, the first of its kind in Canada. Currently there are only 20 of the rare ovens being specially-made for select steakhouses in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The unit combines the features of an enclosed oven with the traditional characteristics of charbroiled cooking. The Jopser reaches an internal temperature of 1700 degrees, cooking steaks to perfection in minutes.
The Roof (set to open in the next week or so) will host guests seven days a week from 11:30am until 10pm, featuring a weekend brunch on weekends and signature apple pie (made with 23 different varietals of apples courtesy of their own pastry chef’s family recipe).
Rain or shine, be sure to put this up and coming hot-spot on your must-check list for the season! Need more convincing? Be sure to view our gallery of sneak peek pictures.