“I was in and out of restaurants in high school and university just to pay my bills,” says James MacFarlane, co-founder of Tuc Craft Kitchen. “I stuck with it for a year while I took some time out of university to figure out what I wanted to do ‘professionally’ and realized not only did I enjoy the business, but I actually had an aptitude for it.”
James worked his way up the management ranks in the corporate environment to franchise ownership with Colin Ross – a fellow restaurateur with a similar background – before the two decided it was time to take on the small-scale independent venture they’d been talking about for years and approached talented chef Roy Flemming.
“Roy worked his way up a multitude of different high-end kitchens in Montreal and got his Red Seal before moving out to BC in the late 1990s. We all met working in Milestones, became acquaintances, some would argue friends. Roy was the only guy I felt I wanted to partner with from a chef standpoint,” says James.
If you’re looking for ribs with a twist, head to Tuc Craft Kitchen. The contemporary fusion restaurant brings unique flavours to familiar favourites, ranging from bison made with fennel to pork belly in a star anise red wine reduction. Their signature ribs dish doesn’t use beef or pork, but lamb, along with a delicious orange glaze. The Middle Eastern inspired flavours will change your perspective on the typical rib dinner.
The kitchen at Tuc delivers comfort not in spades, but by the shovelful. You can’t go wrong with the long list of meat heavy dishes here: think tender ribs, pork belly crackling, crispy eggs and bacon wrapped and fried in a tempura batter. Pair with a whiskey drink and the rainy weather outside will seem like a distant memory.
This modern tavern on West Cordova is a dependable choice for a night out. The multileveled space has high ceilings and all the standard industrial-chic decor elements: reclaimed barn boards, salvaged tin, and an oversized vintage sign suspended from the ceiling. Old Fashioneds are made in a traditional style with your choice of whiskey and are priced accordingly: try eight-year Basil Hayden ($13), Eagle Rare ($15) or Bookers ($16). Chef Roy Flemming’s seasonal menu features elevated comfort foods and farm-to-table favourites. The Cabernet-braised beef cheeks, served with creamy gratin potatoes, are a decadent indulgence on a cold night.