Best Casual Chain 2012

GOLD: CACTUS CLUB CAFE

Silver: Hapa Izakaya  |  Bronze: Guu  |  Honourable Mentions: Joey
 & Earls

Cactus has separated itself from the casual-fine-dining pack, and the clever move Richard Jaffray made hiring Rob Feenie to refine and oversee the menu is paying off handsomely. Our judges lauded “the quality and consistency” as well as a “much-improved sommelier service now that Sebastien Le Goff has come onboard.” With more splashy locations in the works, one judge joked, “the city’s best chain is making a full-court press toward world domination.” Hapa Izakaya took Silver for its “sleek creative Japanese food with a strong side of personality” while Guu won Bronze for having “largely educated the Vancouver palate for the izakaya experience.” Joey earned kudos for “a much-improved food program under the talented Chris Mills” and Earls for dependable, casual comfort.

RETURN TO ALL RESTAURANT AWARDS 2012 RESULTS