There are two ways I look at a restaurant and how often I go back.
First, I want to make sure that it has all of my regular favourites when I am craving them. I still remember being really annoyed last year when Cactus Club got rid of one of its bowls that include falafel because I had fallen in love with (they’ve since replaced it with someone close to what was offered and it’s good).
Second, I like a restaurant that mixes up its menu by adding either daily specials or introducing new items on a regular basis to keep things fresh.
Sadly, few restaurants do that and I get it – developing and testing out new dishes can be costly and during the pandemic many restaurants wisely chose to slim down their menus to deal with staffing issues, plus the focus on takeout.
Now that many restrictions have been lifted and more people appear to be eating out, some restaurants have expanded their menus again.
And then there is a new restaurant that is opening this spring that promises to be the city’s next great eatery.
It’s called R+D Kitchen and what’s exciting me is the fast that it’s menu will be constantly changing while still keeping the favourites.
Opening in Burnaby’s Amazing Brentwood mall this spring, R+D Kitchen by White Spot is brand-new concept, with guests being the first to enjoy “new and innovative” menu items direct from White Spot’s Culinary Centre in a space connected to the Tables food court.
It will be the only full-service restaurant in Tables, and will include a bar and lounge with 134 seats and 3,800 square feet of space. R+D will also feature the Kitchen Window, to serve shoppers stopping by for a quick and casual take-out bite. R+D Kitchen will join Tap & Barrel, Cineplex's Rec Room and VIP theatre, and Earls in offering bar/lounge spaces.
At R+D Kitchen, guests can dig into their favourite White Spot classics as well as a rotating roster of exciting new dishes created by James Kennedy CCC, Executive Chef and the Culinary Team for possible inclusion on a White Spot core or promotional menu. While never being limited by what has already been done, the carefully curated “test” dishes will explore contemporary elements, components, and flavours, and always include vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, said a news release. Before making it onto the R+D menu, all new dishes will be fully vetted by White Spot’s internal tasting panels.
"At R+D Kitchen we'll be exploring even more flavours, curating unique recipes, and incorporating fresh, local ingredients into a widely-appealing menu," said Kennedy. "I'm super excited about this new adventure."
Designed by Joy Roque, Head of Design and Construction for White Spot, R+D Kitchen brings influences of B.C.’s backyard indoors with warm wood, stone, and millwork design elements, as well as through its expansive windows.
The beverage menu will feature a selection of local craft beer, local cider and B.C. wines carefully selected by the creative and inventive bar team, as well as a selection of handcrafted, seasonally-inspired cocktails and zero-proof libations using fresh ingredients. Rotating taps and Happy Hour specials will also be on offer.
So it sounds like a restaurant that will be full of surprises, as they say. My stomach is ready.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
