FOOD Chewie’s to bet on biscuits

Tammy Kwan

Local restaurateur Richard Chew is bringing a little bit of southern charm to Kitsilano, and we’re not referring to the bestselling fried chicken and waffles at Chewie’s Steam and Oyster Bar.

Chew was responsible for introducing the mouthwatering combo to the popular brunch spot that bears his name, but he’s since sold off his stake in that venture to focus on something that hasn’t been fully explored in the city: biscuits. Chewie’s Biscuit Co. (2822 West 4th Avenue) is slated to make its debut this week, and it’s going to satisfy all the biscuit dreams you never knew you had. “There’s nothing really dedicated to buttermilk biscuits,” Chew explained

Straight to the by phone. “It’s really wildly popular in the south, and the more I started eating biscuits, the more I realized there’s nothing like this in the city or across the country.”

The 1,400-square-foot space with 32 seats will be simple and tidy, with unique interior touches like a chandelier feature made with whisks, alluding to the baking effort that goes into creating biscuits. The eatery’s mantra, Better in a Biscuit, is also on clear display in the form of a painted logo. Local design firm Glasfurd & Walker also worked its magic on Chewie’s branding.

As for the menu, guests can expect a combination of everything its owner likes to eat: gourmet bites with a bit of southern and West Coast flair. Biscuits are the star of the show, with options like a fish biscuit with panko-breaded cod, and a Frenchtoast-and-sausage biscuit.

If you’re more sweet than savoury, check out the cinnamon-bun creation. According to the Chewie’s Biscuit Co. mastermind, it’s going to be like an inside-out cinnamon bun because the best part is always the centre. Think soft and fluffy buns with lots of cream cheese and brown sugar.

Chew has also created the “bonut”: a hot-glazed biscuit doughnut, made with a biscuit batter instead of the traditional yeast dough.

But the most popular menu item will likely be the Moose, which is a biscuit sandwich made with fried chicken, house-made sausage gravy, doublesmoked bacon, eggs, and cheese. “It’s just a mess of awesome and the flavours are just really good,” Chew said.

What’s better than enjoying a biscuit? Enjoying a biscuit with a drink. Red and white wine will be available on tap, as well as local craft beers from Parkside Brewery and Whistler Brewing Company.

So why should Vancouverites be excited about the opening of this little spot?

“It’s something Vancouver hasn’t seen yet, so it’ll be a nice change,” Chew added.