The Quick Version: The Acorn features aided change the Vancouver bistro world by creating fresh vegetables the primary destination in every dinner. Its regular selection shows healthy and tasty produce sourced from neighborhood farms. Restaurant owners Scott and Shira Blustein, just who also very own The Arbor, obstacle diners to have common meals with an innovative vegetable-forward pose, and also the cafe’s enchanting atmosphere sets the feeling for a one night stands sites-of-a-kind date night on Main Street.
Vancouver couple Scott and Shira Blustein got hitched and exposed their unique first cafe, known as Acorn, in identical month in 2012. The newlyweds had loads to their dishes, as you would expect.
“it absolutely was slightly insane, and I won’t advise doing it like that,” Scott stated with a laugh. “nevertheless resolved well.”
The Acorn’s first customers happened to be Scott and Shira’s relatives and pals, who were in town when it comes down to wedding. These out-of-towners experimented with the menu and offered the newlyweds beneficial comments about as a whole culinary experience.
From the beginning, Scott and Shira have actually endeavored to create one thing completely initial by cultivating fresh tastes and a stylish environment. The Acorn boasts a vegetable-forward menu, meaning greens are star on the program. The bathroom tend to be named such things as “Radish” and “Carrot” to focus on the significance of those straightforward ingredients.
Throughout the years, the Acorn has built a stellar reputation thanks to the special and stylish utilization of normal vegetables & fruits. Partners typically come here to take care of themselves to anything extraordinary, and the sultry music, enchanting lighting, and delectable meals cannot disappoint.
The restaurant’s environment contributes to their quiet charm. This design is actually normal and amazing â similar to the menu. The thing is that a lot of dark colored tarnished wood and stay eco-friendly plants. The room has a modern, minimalistic feel that helps make a stark effect.
“It’s dark, moody, and enchanting,” Scott mentioned. “The building had previously been a classic Italian destination that had been around for 25 years â it absolutely was an actual institution within the area â and in addition we desired to retain the fictional character and heart of these spot while rejuvenating it.”
Scott and Shira actually spend some time to assembled an original playlist of belowground songs done by little-known artists. Scott said the guy often views people taking out fully their particular phones to appear in the track that’s playing, while the music can help break the ice by providing patrons something to talk about or ponder.
“we would like individuals feel safe whilst having this amazing experience,” Scott stated. “Our vegetable-forward goal distinguishes us from other individuals in your community. We are a plant-based bistro, therefore we supply all our develop from farms throughout British Columbia.”
A Fresh deal with in your area Sourced Ingredients
The Acorn usually just allows bookings for its family table, which seats six to eight men and women. All other tables are available on a first-come, first-served foundation. It is best to show up early to conquer the crowds since the Acorn might have very a wait. Consumers also can generate reservations for dimensions dining table on romantic days celebration, New Year’s Eve, or any other significant breaks. Be sure to reserve 2-3 weeks beforehand to be certain you will get the time position need.
The Acorn changes its menu every several months to accentuate the styles associated with the period. Simply selecting a glass or two on club is a tall purchase because every little thing looks yummy. The trademark cocktails infuse premium liquors with organic fruits and vegetables, together with bar additionally serves non-alcoholic fruit drinks, including house-made lemonade.
Then chances are you get to the brunch or supper eating plan for which you’ll find creative veggie dishes plated with accuracy and attention.
Cook Brian Luptak is continually picking out imaginative ways to provide colorful and healthy veggie dishes in order that customers disappear completely experiencing entirely satiated. In addition to his task experience at large hotel stores and family-owned restaurants, Brian has actually an educational history in art and concept, so he’s an eye for beauty, that will help him build an altogether stunning plate.
The Acorn cultivates really love and admiration for meals among their staff members, and each plate is lovingly ready and carried to clients. “We just take plenty of satisfaction in exactly how food happens and lands on the table,” Scott mentioned. “Presentation is vital.”
The Acorn’s selection is full of shocking yet common meals â like deep-fried artichokes and waffles â that satisfy vegans, non-meat eaters, carnivores, and everybody between. The Halloumi is some specialty, and Scott mentioned it really is perfect for diners who are only a little wary of the meatless selection. This beer-battered fried cheddar makes for an indulgent and completing entrée sustained by a zucchini and potato pancake and smashed peas and mint natural yogurt.
The Acorn provides a meatless eating plan in which vegetables are not disguised as meat substitutes or apologetically plated in side dishes. Veggies will be the centerpiece to every appetizer and major dish. Whether you are searching into a crispy cauliflower and mushroom risotto or splitting a chocolate almond fudge brownie, you can go through the delight of a straightforward, nutritious, and filling food made new for you personally.
“The thing I truly value towards Acorn is the attention to detail,” said Vanessa N. in a Yelp review. “Each meal was actually made up of more after that a small number of elements, that may be hard to make work harmoniously. But every thing ended up being extremely balanced, aesthetically spectacular, and craveable.”
Fostering Romance & creating Memories Since 2012
The Acorn honors fresh food and gives folks combined with its seasonal flavors. Stimulated by its success, the daring cooking group hold pressing themselves to innovate, cooperate, and grow. Obtained traveled to farms within the U.S. and Canada and hosted unique dinners in which they are able to test their particular skills.
Once or twice annually, The Acorn arranges a special dinner in cooperation with a nearby winery or brewery. This ticketed event features fresh meals combined with premium wines or drinks. The Acorn cooking area creates a five-course dinner, whilst the winery or brewery handpicks the right drink to accompany each dish.
Initial antique + Veg event in Summer 2015 was a large success, especially among lovers. These yearly meals include to 36 visitors, which makes it an intimate yet personal environment for an unforgettable go out.

Many locals were going to The Acorn for years and now have seen their own connections blossom one meal at any given time. The bistro’s regulars savor unique dinners while ongoing in comfortable and friendly environment.
“The Acorn has been my âSpecial event’ go-to,” mentioned Rhiannon W. in a fb overview. “They have the most amazing vegan meals, fantastic staff members, lovely cocktails, and a really romantic environment.”
The Acorn invites diners to cure on their own to a memorable experience, and many partners choose this cafe once the setting with regards to their the majority of enchanting minutes collectively. Scott mentioned he recalls one couple which met for an initial go out during the Acorn and from now on go back to the cafe as a family group with young children in tow. They check out the Acorn once they’re honoring anniversaries, birthdays, also special occasions.
“its remarkable to see,” the guy said. “That makes every thing rewarding, simply once you understand we have now touched everyday lives might play such an optimistic part in Vancouver.”
Now Introducing The Arbor eatery across the Corner
Scott and Shira started The Arbor a few years ago so diners will have a regional place to get drink some wine while waiting around for their particular table during a supper rush within Acorn. “We currently need a third spot for that,” Scott joked. “The Arbor’s range is definitely out the door.”
The Arbor has had The Acorn’s farm-fresh selection and work with-it, supplying innovative, filling, and attractive dishes with daring tastes. The Arbor supplies plant-based comfort meals, as well as the cooking area does not cut any edges. They also make ketchup and mustard in-house.
The Arbor menu is focused on greens, but it’s never assume all salads and rabbit meals right here. The kitchen makes hearty vegetarian hamburgers, flatbreads, tacos, and steamed buns. The appetizers consist of classics like crunchy onion rings as well as experimental dishes like salty broccoli popcorn. The Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich is among the most well-known dishes in the diet plan. One consider the ingredients is enough to describe the reason why. Eggplant bacon. Acocado mousse. Spicy mayo. All on a ciabatta bun? Yes, please.
The Arbor is on an objective to create greens not merely palatable but enjoyable. In terms regarding the internet site, “We’re not enthusiastic about browsing great lengths to trick some one into thinking they truly are munching on meat. Our food is made of vegetables, therefore we’re pleased to show off the wide variety and amazing potential they could supply.”
Lots of partners head toward Arbor throughout the spring and summertime considering that the bistro has actually a gorgeous garden patio lit with sparkling lighting and in the middle of greenery. “We wished to make patio into some thing actually special,” Scott told us. “It’s a remarkably enchanting place for an informal night out.”
The Acorn Makes Veggies gorgeous & Elegant
It may be rare to track down a night out together place that provides an innovative eating plan, charismatic solution, and a cushty environment, although Acorn monitors dozens of cartons immediately after which some. This trendy restaurant features earned a credibility in Vancouver for providing new and original dishes which happen to be as enjoyable to consider because they’re to eat.
Scott and Shira began their relationship in addition to their cafe in 2012, and so they’ve reaped the key benefits of their ambition and eyesight in the many years since. Today the couple owns two vegetable-forward restaurants in Vancouver, and they continually upgrade original menus designed to please diners of all ages and dietary routines.
“We surely want to hold situations new,” Scott stated. “The eating plan alters seasonally to highlight the styles in veggies, fruits, nuts, and other fresh components.”