ruptured water tank and two-week closure can’t dampen Chef MacKay’s enthusiasm.
An untimely flood of water from a ruptured hot water tank submerged ensemble restaurant floors and stores for several hours early yesterday morning, but it hasn’t dampened Chef Dale MacKay’s enthusiasm. “The timing could have been better,” says Chef MacKay. “We’ve been open just six weeks and had just about hit our stride when this happened, but it could have been much worse. We were solidly booked for several days, including Father’s Day, but customers have been really understanding and most have re-booked for later dates.” The restaurant will be closed for approximately two weeks, while restoration crews replace the hardwood floors and repair other damage, but the doors should open again for dinner and brunch business as usual, early during the week of July 3rd.
The advertised Father’s Day brunch special which featured Dale’s favourite father-son breakfast of Bourbon-Glazed Ham, Three Farm Eggs any style, House Potatoes, Toast, and a Side Salad, to the Father’s Day brunch menu for just $14, will be offered during the July 9th and 10th weekend instead.
General Manager Kevin Van Hullebush has been in touch with all clients with confirmed reservation through July 3rd, to re-schedule. Kevin and Dale apologize for any inconvenience caused by the down time, and thank everyone for their understanding and kind words.
A video blog entitled ‘The Flood’ was posted today by Chef MacKay, and can be viewed on ensemble’s online video player or on YouTube. For updates related to re-opening, watch the ensemble website, sign up for the ensemble newsletter, or call the restaurant at 605.569.1770.
About ensemble Restaurant & Bar
Executive Chef/Proprietor Dale MacKay, General Manager Kevin Van Hullebush, Sous Chef Bradley Hendrickson, Bar Manager Chris Cho. At the corner of Smithe and Thurlow, a block south of bustling Robson Street, ensemble sits wrapped in floor to ceiling windows on culinary adventure. Chef/Owner Dale MacKay – a Top Chef Canada contender, presides over the city’s newest and coolest restaurant & bar – his very first, after opening restaurants around the world for chefs Gordon Ramsay and Daniel Boulud. ensemble is an entirely new and exciting dining concept for Vancouver: “We’re combining classic French techniques with modern influences and flavour profiles from around the world. Experience a variety of tastes and textures in generous tasting size dishes, affordably priced from $8-$24.”
ensemble’s interior design mirrors Chef MacKay’s fresh, clean and modern culinary vision. An open concept space features a cocktail bar/lounge with 30 comfortable seats and plenty of standing room for busy times like game nights and live music weekends. The 80 seat dining room, separate from but flowing seamlessly into the lounge area, is at once intimate and social – what Dale describes as a reflection of Vancouver’s contemporary dining scene. Combine Dale’s Five Diamond reputation with the cosmopolitan vibe of Vancouver, and ensemble promises an extraordinary culinary experience in a fun and approachable environment.
Weekend brunch from 11am-2pm Saturday and Sunday, including holidays
Dinner service from 5pm – 11pm Tuesday through Sunday
Reservations & Walk-in
Dress: Casual
About Chef Dale MacKay
Chef MacKay’s resume, like his culinary style, is condensed and flavourful. Highlights include time spent as a private chef in Italy; as Executive Chef at an exclusive BC resort; protégé to Chef Gordon Ramsay at his restaurants in Tokyo, New York, and London; then most recently, as Executive Chef of Lumière, Vancouver’s Five Diamond, Four Star, Relais Gourmand establishment managed by New York Chef Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group. Dale is a contender on Top Chef Canada, airing Monday nights at 6pm (Pacific) on Food Network Canada.
Follow ‘Chef Dale MacKay’ on Facebook. Visit the ensemble Twitter page
