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Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com
Seafood is the focus of a new restaurant in downtown Kelowna as the owners work to introduce a new flavor to local foodies.
The old Keg location at 1580 Water Street has been transformed into the Black Bear Bar and Grill and offers a wide range of choices for the most discerning tastes. As soon as you walk into the new space you immediately notice a unique mural adorning the wall in the lounge. That is accompanied by an almost rustic feel as the old brick walls are a stand out feature throughout the place. Inviting booths in the lounge tempt you to sit and enjoy one of the unique, hand crafted cocktails, which are appropriately priced. Thus far you have only entered the lounge, but by the atmosphere here you know it will be the perfect place to have a drink after work, meet a client for lunch, or unwind after a busy week.
The Dawgie Sliders feature kimchi, charred onion, farmer style weiner and sriracha (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Manager and co-owner Tanner Dillion is no stranger to the restaurant scene in Kelowna as he is a managing partner of the Mission Tap House. And he doesn’t disappoint with this new space, taking advantage of something that was missing from the Keg, comfy, inviting seating. The seating at the Black Bear encourages you to stay and enjoy the Dawgie Sliders or Jumbo Coconut Shrimp.
“People have been coming to this building and this corner for a great dining experience for over 25 years and we want to continue that tradition,” explains Dillion. “We think that we have some fresh items, that are chef inspired and the seafood direction is something that we are really excited about.”
Tempura Veggies served with a sweet and sour thai soya dip (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Dillion, along with his business partner Steve Stinson, really wanted to focus on quality, delicious seafood, something they think is missing from the food scene in Kelowna. And they don’t disappoint. With fresh ingredients sourced from Cod Fathers in Kelowna they strive to provide customers with a unique experience while delivering an outstanding meal.
“We have a lot of stuff you really don’t see on a lot of menus,” explains Dillion. “We have an amazing mahi mahi, our sablefish is second to none and we have our menu favourite, the arctic char.”
The room highlights the original brick building (Photo Credit: Black Bear Bar and Grill)
Dillion says they are part of the farm to table movement when it is available and try their best to source ingredients that are local and fresh when in season so you can expect to see an ever changing menu to suit the season. The Black Bear is currently working to become Oceanwise certified to offer an even higher level of food that is not only local, but sustainably sourced as well.
Craft beer is a highlight of the drink menu available (Photo Credit: Black Bear Bar and Grill)
If you aren’t a seafood fan, don’t worry, there are lots of vegetarian and other choices to choose from at the Black Bear. With simple ingredients that you can not only pronounce, but have also heard of, the Black Bear doesn’t try to be stuffy and elite, just simple, good and leaving you wanting more.
If you get the chance to try out Kelowna’s newest restaurant be sure to ask for Jayne to be your sever. Her knowledge, energy and service will make your experience a memorable one, because really, the food can be outstanding, but it’s the service that really sets a place apart from others.
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