The Farmer’s Apprentice Wins Best New Restaurant 2014

GOLD: THE FARMER’S APPRENTICE

Silver: Burdock & Co. | Bronze: Pidgin | Honourable Mentions: Bestie, Homer St. Café & Bar

Apprentice no more. The Farmer’s Apprentice, that favoured hole-in-the- wall, “rustically chic, homey, welcoming-as unconventional as chef David Gunawan’s cooking,” took Gold in the newcomer category. Gunawan and partner Dara Young have opened a temple for discovery and curiosity-something South Granville has long lacked and will be happily patronizing. (See Restaurant of the Year and Best Casual) Across town, on a well-provisioned stretch of Main Street, Burdock & Co. (Silver) is Apprentice’s raw-wood, forage-aesthetic spiritual sibling from Andrea Carlson (Bishop’s), with a strong stake in the ground as a neighbourhood spot with an emphasis on (warts and all) natural wines. Smartly modern, elegant, unapologetically itself. For Bronze, controversial Pidgin earned points for an exceptional cocktail program and some perfect small plates balancing taut Asian flavours with French lushness (uni, dashi gelée, and cauliflower; pork belly rice bowl).

RETURN TO ALL RESTAURANT AWARDS 2014 RESULTS