Location number two for Prestons

VANCOUVER—Prestons has opened up its newest location in the Coast Coal Harbour on West Hastings.

The high-end restaurant, specializing in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, has brought in Renee Muller as manager and Alessandro Vianello as chef.

Muller has 10 years experience in both food and wine, having worked as general manager and sommelier at Plan B Lounge in Vancouver.

She’s also worked as director of food and beverage at Dockside Restaurant and Brewing Co. in the Granville Island Hotel. 

Vianello has plied his trade in Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy. His most recent gig was as sous chef at the Fairmont Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland.

He has his culinary Red Seal certification, has completed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust fundamentals wine course and was a semi-finalist in the Gordon Ramsay BBC competition in November, 2008.

The 2,200 square foot Prestons has seating for 105 people. Its street level has 10 private booths and an 18-foot long communal table carved from a slab of solid cypress weighing in at one tonne.

A stone counter and bar has seating for 12 guests and the restaurant’s upper dining level has six private booths and open seating for 16 diners.

Its interior finish is described as a “distinctive modern atmosphere with rich chocolate brown, grey, silver, black and red interior finishes and a combination of mixed media all complemented by subtle mood lighting.”

Prestons’ entrée menu items include Pad Thai with Chicken, Prawns and Tofu, Grilled Chicken and Triple Cream Brie Sandwich on Cranberry Bread with Sweet Onion Confit, Rustic Prosciutto Filon, and Szechuan Peppercorn Crusted Ahi, among others. Prices for entrées range from $13 to $26.

The wine list consists of bottles from British Columbia, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Argentina and California.

Final courses include Chocolate Lychee Sundae, Rustic Peach Pie, and Vanilla Cheesecake with Honey Balsamic Strawberries for dessert.

Prestons’ first location is in Chilliwack, also in a Coast Hotel.