Back in 2009 the award winning interior designers of Gastown’s ‘Pourhouse’ restaurant chose Antiques from our very own Antique Warehouse. It’s not the first time designers have chosen Antiques from our store. They’ve been doing it for over two decades now.
But it wasn’t until this week that Larry and I happened to be in Gastown and decided to stop into Pourhouse to have lunch (and to check out our Antiques.) (We also heard from several clients including our own Manager Gareth that the place was ‘cool’ and fun)
The two Ceiling fixtures flanking the bartender were from The Antique Warehouse. They are Brass 19th Century Chandeliers from France.
Pourhouse opened it’s doors in 2009 and quickly grew popular for its fun and unique atmosphere. Fashioned after the prohibition speakeasy’s of the early 1920’s the waiters run around attired in ‘theme’ appropriate wear…from the vests and suspenders to vintage style ‘newsboy’ caps.
The menu consists of mouth watering comfort foods like ‘Braised Beef over Egg Noodles and Sour Cream’, ‘Steak and Frites’, ‘Spaghetti and Meatballs’, ‘Steelhead Trout with Braised Red Cabbage, Fennel and Orange Salad’ and much more savoury selections.
Newsboy Cap C.1920
Our waiter ‘Mark’ was an affable chap and most helpful in suggesting some unusual drink combinations to start. Larry chose a Whiskey Sour with whipped egg white. I stuck to a ‘Stout’ beer which I have no idea what brand it was, but it was great nonetheless.
For starters, we ordered ‘Oysters on the half shell’ with an excellent ‘mignonette’ sauce ( just like in France ).
For the main course I selected a ‘Country Sausage on Sauerkraut’ (In France that dish is called Choucroute) and Larry had the ‘braised beef on Egg Noodles and Sour Cream.’ Both were decent sized portions without being ridiculous and both were excellent savoury choices. (Something extra was added to that Choucroute because it had an unusual lovely flavour unlike the usual run of the mill Sauerkraut dishes.)
We took a ‘creme brûlée’ for dessert trying to find some fault with this restaurant’s cuisine. Sorry, the creme brûlée was just as good ( if not a bit better ) than anything you could find in France.
We saw many of our Antiques placed throughout the restaurant. The most notable being that gorgeous French Hallstand C.1900 they purchased through us. We found that rare and beautiful piece in France and it looked beautiful displayed proudly in the special alcove the designers built for the piece.
Early 20th Century French Hallstand from Paris. C.1900.
We always like to support clients but this was well worth the visit to Gastown. Would we go there again? Most definitely!
If you’re looking for something with atmosphere and heritage charm ( you probably wouldn’t be reading my blogs if you weren’t ) I suggest trying Pourhouse for your next dining destination.
Check out Poorhouse at there one location on Water Street in Historic Gastown at 162 Water St.
They are open 7 days a week.
