In these days of everyone from seniors to starlets signing up for botox treatments and tucks, you might be shocked to hear of a 13 year-old getting a full facelift. However, in the restaurant world, 13 is getting on in years. The original Provence restaurant, Provence Mediterranean Grill in Point Grey is beginning to show its age and a little cosmetic surgery seems in order. “A sconce fell off the wall the other day,” says Owner/Chef Alessandra Quaglia. “We have the original paint job from the day we opened and it’s chipped and faded. The upholstery looks dated and a patron recently told me that the washroom reminded her of the one at her doctor’s office.”
Anyone can tell you that Alessandra and her husband Jean-Francis have amazing staff. Many are ‘lifers’ who have been with the restaurant since day one. However, most people don’t realize that some of these talented people lead double lives. When not serving you your meal, they may be gifted professional photographers, creative writers, web site designers, actors, professional dancers or accredited interior designers. “We like to keep things as much as possible within the Provence family,” says Alessandra of her decision to turn the renovation design over to Genevieve Legg, a server at Provence Mediterranean Grill and the co-owner of Belle Vivante Interiors. “We’ve had a lot of fun choosing colours, fabrics and new light fixtures. We’re completely gutting the washrooms. About the only area that will remain untouched is the kitchen.”
Alessandra is planning a series of ‘in situ’ videos to keep patrons informed of the progress – a real time reality show – with all the trials and triumphs of the renovation as it unfolds. Links to the videos will be posted on Provence’s web site and face book page.
Unfortunately, unlike today’s laser surgery that takes an hour or so, Provence’s kind of major face lift requires that the restaurant close for 12 days from April 11th through 22nd. Regulars who cannot live without their ‘fix’ of Provence cuisine have the option of visiting the Quaglia’s second restaurant, Provence Marinaside in Yaletown.
On the 22nd when the doors are opened and the public invited back in, you’ll hear ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ – it will be the same Provence, just looking refreshed, younger and ready for its next 13 years of serving the public.
Provence Mediterranean Grill (Point Grey) 4473 West 10th Ave., 604.222.1980
Provence Marinaside (Yaletown) 1177 Marinaside Crescent at the foot of Davie St., 604.681.4144
Chef/Owner Alessandra Quaglia is creating a series of videos that will show the progress of the renovation. Here’s the first episode – with the history of the restaurant and the people involved going all the way back to 13 years ago. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-EdUs6f-yM
The video series will also be posted on Provence’s facebook page. If you’re on Fb, and not already a fan, please ‘like ‘ them at their official page:
