Meeting place for former customers of Chianti Cafe a pasta place that was in business for 19 years in Vancouver. Featuring recipes and a soon to be released cook book.
I can't believe you're gone forever. :( I've enjoyed so many great meals there over the last 18 years. You guys were truly the best homestyle pasta in town and I'll miss you and my Penne Gigi.
I've been your customer since mid-90s when I still lived in Vancouver. Everytime I come back to Vancouver my wife wants me to grab some of your pasta for her as take-out back to Toronto (we're living in Toronto now). And when we're both in Vancouver we visit Chianti at least twice per week. Your restaurant and staff will be sorely missed. :(
*request* Can you please include Linguini Vongole as one of the recipes that you post? That is my all-time favourite pasta and the only pasta that I order when I come for a meal.
I am so devistated to hear this news. I want to thank you for fabulous times in your restaurant for the past 13 years. Over the past year my 5 year old daughter and I enjoyed many Mummy Daughter "dates". You will be missed!!! I have appreciated the fine food and service offered for many years!! Best wishes to you and your family!! Sincerely, Christine Hay - Vancouver
I am so disappointed that you have had to close down. I am sorry for your struggles with bylaws and money hungry landlords. Seems to be happening all over town! Good luck in your new endeavors.
This is rough news. I have enjoyed many, many meals at Chianti Cafe. From when I was going to UBC to now.
It was a favourite spot for my wife and I to go and celebrate our anniversary. I think we came at least 4 times in 10 years for just that purpose. We also loved to come and eat there when we would be going to the theatre or other event in Vancouver as we live outside Vancouver City proper.
I brought business associates there for late evening dinners and they loved it. The staff were always great, fantastic or whatever positive adjective you want to use to describe them.
We are in shock...Our family has always had a great time at Chianti. Your restaurant is always on the top of my kids' list of places to go for dinner. We have been regulars, even after we moved from Vancouver to Burnaby. Chianti was worth the drive. The kids loved your kids meals. We looked forward to your letters and promotions. We hope you and your family success and perhaps we can be customers again in the future.
I am horrified and depressed... how could this happen?!?! I will sorely miss THE BEST alfredo sauce in the land... please include recipe so I can get my fix!! Thank you for many, many good meals and happy times... all the best to you and all staff! :(
Good heavens! I will add my 2c to the sad news. Countless family dinners were had and enjoyed. Even during colourfull family spats our entire family could agree the service, food , and ambiance was fan-tastic.
Cheap pasta, reasonably priced pints... it will take a while before this sinks in... damn.
where will http://www.cynicalsunshine.com go to plan world domination over a nice pasta dish now?
I am only too sad to hear that you have closed down - you were part of our family for some 16 odd years. You made the best food and I don't know how I will survive without the Piatto Combinato that I could special order once it came off the menu or the fresh hot rolls. My grandmother will do backflips when she realizes her half Lasagne al Forno is no longer, but I wish you the best of luck.
And if you are able to pass on any recipes (like the Kitsilano Linguine or the yummy Tortellini Alla Panna) I would be forever grateful. While I know I will never be able to make the standards of Chiantis, it would still be a treat.
Bets of luck with what the future brings to you and your family, thank you for all that you did for ours.
Chris and Pam. We are very sorry to hear you have closed your doors. We have been customers of the Chianti resturants in Calgary and Vancouver and really enjoyed a night out at your resturant and then on to the Movies. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the great food. We will miss you.
This sucks. Fred and his team have been a rare beacon of good folk, staff who are kind and who care, and a really pleasant dining experience.
If Fred ever pursues options where his loyal customers can follow him, I will be first in line.
I am not sure if many people knew of the other brave battles that Fred and his family have fought on issues of justice and human rights. Fred would never ring his own bell tho.
He has spoke so bravely to the courts on the impact of the tragic hate-inspired murder.
Fred, you are an inspiration to thousands in the gay and lesbian community. Bless you. And thank you.
We are so sad to hear you are closed. Chianti's was one of my favourites! My husband and I began going while we were dating, and have celebrated many birthdays there with my sister and her husband.
The "kitsilano" was my favourite!
Please let us know if you'll be opening up a new restaurant in the area!
This is indeed shocking and terrible news. I can't believe that Vancouver has lost another institution. (Duffins Donuts on Main will close also). But in that same spirit, I hope that Fred may find the energy one day to open another restaurant in the city - knowing that his following will be there with him! In the meantime, thanks for your wonderful hospitality and delicious offerings!
I am so sorry for the disruption and sadness. We really enjoyed the restaurant over the years. I hope the future, though, will bring new satisfactions and challenges!
Oh My Goodness! How sad... We have been going to your restaurant for many years already. Your canelloni was the best and my husband will be so upset when I tell him this news. You served by far the "best ever" tiramisu. We sure hope you will share some of your recipes since we can no longer enjoy it at your restaurant. Being a bookkeeper for small businesses in Vancouver for the past 13 years I can tell you that the past two years have been very difficult for many clients. Indeed there is much greed from landlords in this city. Best of luck to you... and if you ever open a restaurant again, do let us know where you are. Jocelyne A, North Delta
Fred, My friends and I use to go there a lot. We were an international crowd who felt at home there. Your service was excelent, your food, exquisite. I wanted to tell you how great Chianti was. You did a great job.
No! I honestly can't believe it! How can a place that is generally packed to the gills (at least it is whenever I'm there) not be able to make it? This city truly has gone mad. My boyfriend and I will truly miss Chianti's...we enjoyed many romantic dinners with you and just yesterday I was telling him that I was in need of my spinach fettucine fix. Not many places to have great service and a wonderful 3 course meal complete with wine without breaking the bank.
HI Fred and family: I'm just going to add to the comments so far by saying how sorry we are that you have closed. We have been eating at Chianti's Cafe for the past 16 years and we got to know many of the staff on a first name basis. You always served fresh, tasty food and offered great value. We wish you all the best in the future. Cheers. Paul and Al
Fred, I am very sad for you. You will be greatly missed. Chianti's has been my favourite restaurant for 10 years +. Best of luck to you and your family. Will you be posting your Penne Gigi recipe? Thanks, Mairghread & Darrell
Chianti Cafe was one of my favorite places to go out and have dinner...Me and some of my friends had great times there!...there was even a time in which we were at least once a week there!...
I really liked the Piamontese Tortellini and lately I enjoyed having the special meal with Salmon, which was never the same and there were always variations to this very tasty dish!...
I first came to Chianti's 15 years ago. I fell in love with the salad dressing... My favourite dish was fettuccini de chef. I am so sad to hear your news. I will miss your newsletters! I wish you great success in your new adventures, come what may. Eternal happiness to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear this. My girlfriend and I have been your customers for nearly 5 years. We will truly miss the great food (the best bread, Caesar salads, and cheesecake in the city!), and the wonderful ambiance.
Please post your Lasagne di Mare recipe - it was our favourite!
Since moving to Winnipeg, my only chance to go to Chiantis was with my little sister before our Bard on the Beach nights in the summer. It was at Chiantis that I enjoyed several heart-felt reunions with friends and family in Vancouver for the past six years. I am sad to hear Chiantis is closing.
Gnocchi Della Nonna was my favourite. My sister loved good old spaghetti and meatballs. And for four years I remember heaping trays of lasagna for the Arts County Fair staff at the University of British Columbia.
What a sad, sad day... My partner Eileen and I had our first dinner out together at Chianti three years ago and it's been our special neighbourhood restaurant ever since. The linguine vongole was so good that night that I've never moved on to anything else. The last time we were there I had the best vodka martini I've ever had in Vancouver. Ciao, Fred, and all the best to you and your family.
I just read your email and I am shocked and saddened by the news. Chianti's was such a wonderful restaurant with such a great atmosphere. You will truly be missed. Thanks for all the fabulous meals and good memories.
This is so sad, Chianti was my favourite restaurant by far and I am so sorry that it had to close. I wish I had gone there every night! I am thankful that I got to experience this wonderful place while I could, and I will miss the Linguini Kitsilano terribly. Stupid landlords are awful and no other pasta place will ever hold a flame to the greatness of the Chianti Cafe!
Dear Fred and Family: I feel like someone just punched me in the stomach! WHAT? Say it ain't so! I'm so choked up, I don't even know what to say. My family and friends have enjoyed so many wonderful evenings in your lovely restaurant! We had planned on coming by this Saturday, and we were all sooo looking forward it! I'd be having my 'usual' (Penne Pacifico, but changed to the cream sauce instead of the garlic & olive oil - YUM!). And I'm with the other patron - don't get me started on the tasty hot buns and butter! I truly wish you all the best. PLEASE PLEASE let us all know when you launch your next restaurant! *tears* Take good, care...Allyson xox
How sad were we to visit Vancouver this week and find that our favourite restaurant was closed forever! I had business in Vancouver this week and my husband came along mostly because he wanted to have dinner at Chianti's. We discovered the Chiant Cafe 8 years ago when in Vancouver for laser eye surgery and staying at a B&B in your neighbourhood where they highly recommended Chianti's for dinner. We loved it! and have made a point of dining there every time we've been to Vancouver since. All the best to you, Fred! If you and the family are up for a dramatic (but wonderful) change, please consider moving to the Kootenays to set up your next restaurant business. -Debbie and Grant -Castlegar, BC
the pleasure has been all ours over the last several years to enjoy your fabulous food, friendly service and cozy atmosphere. Chianti's Cafe will be missed, but always remembered as the the place my husband proposed to me. thanks for all the full tummies and the wonderful memories. all the best to everyone that made Chianti's a great place to be. ~paula & dave.
I already wrote to you, but I just want to reiterate that I am so sorry that you;ve closed down. I literally grew up in that restaurant with many years as staff as a teen, and then many years of my 20s with my family, long chats with mum over one too many glasses of wine, the best bread around, and fettuccini chianti, as always. Now in my 30s I bring my husband, and I am sad that its the end of an era.
But speaking of eras, I hope that this is the beginning of a wonderful new one for you. A friend once told me that sometimes not getting what you want is a blessing in disguise. It opens new doors that you would never have seen otherwise and new possibilities abound. I hope this is the case for you. Enjoy being a dad for awhile, and please let us know is you move on to manage some other restaurant so that we can visit.
On behalf of myself, Justin, and mum Madeleine, thank you for wonderful years; Chianti will live on in our memories and stories, and the food and your presence will be missed.
You are the best boss I ever had, for what its worth.
Dear Fred, OH NO!!!!! I'm SO VERY SAD to hear the news. Even though we live in East Van now, we regularly made the trek over to enjoy the great food at a reasonable cost, the wonderful, cheerful service, and the toddler-friendly atmosphere. It is hard to understand how this could have happened when the restaurant was always so full! It seems like the whole character of Kits is changing for the worse, and the closure of Chianti's adds to my sadness over that. PLEASE let us all know if you ever decide to open another restaurant elsewhere! You will be sorely missed! Tanya Hansen
I am totally shocked at the news. My husband and I would go there at least once a week if not more. I still can't beleive it. We live in North Vancouver now, but we would make special trips to eat your pasta. You will be sorely missed!! All the best to you, your family and your friendly staff! I would love the receipe to your Kitsilano, we always ordered it. It was our comfort food!
I am so shocked! I loved coming to your restaurt I am truly sorry this has happened to you. Maybe you can open a new Chiante Cafe?? Bright ideas are just around the corner.....
Yikes! Chianti is (was) my favourite restaurant, bar none. Always lemon sole + marinara.
Fred, we really appreciate you.
I wish maybe you'd raised your prices e.g. $2 on average a dish. While we loved the low prices, other places charged more and it was a bargain. Maybe too much of a bargain if it forced you out of business.
If you have any thoughts of opening in a better situation (Main Street!!!!), I know thousands of people would come. And you'd be wise to raise your prices e.g. $2.
Hope you think about it / thanks for everything / Joh
Last night our friends Dena and Sid arranged to meet at Chianti at 5:00 PM for a pre Beckham Dinner and, much to our surprise, and disappointment you were closed.We have been dining at Chianti for the past 10+ years and have enjoyed every occasion. We have brought our friend from far and wide, [USA, Australia and UK to name a few countries], and every single one of them has enjoyed the dining experience and their selections from your menu. Our friends and our family have enjoyed hundreds of meals at Chianti over the years and I can't remember anyone being dissappointed with their overall dining experience. I will miss the "Full Monte" and my wife always loved the Seafood Lasagna. Please post those recipes. Chinti will certainly be a miss to our family and we can only hope that, one day, you will open at another location and look forward to good news in this regard. In the mean time from our family and friends we wish you and your family all the best in your future endeavos, Steve & Lorraine
I'm sure it is all my fault for my being in London for the past two months. Tell me it ain't so.
I know Catherine, Rob, Sherry, Adrian and Lot are equally destroyed.
Who is the dirty bastard that did this to you?
Where are we suppose to eat now?
So many memories: Van Gogh coffee vodka (and the massive hangover), spinach salads, tons of great pasta. So many names: Paul, Dan (I'll never forget the night Dan showed us his tattoo. Hilarious.), young John and so many more of your staff whom we all loved. Arrgh! No more Fettuccine Fulminante!
Marina and I went Tuesday and wept when we saw the dark windows and newspapers piled by the front door. Our life in Kits will never be quite the same. We wish you the best Fred.
I can imagine it will be hard to start all over again. Please let us know when you do. I hope it is somewhere where we can enjoy your good food again.
We are so sad that you have had such a difficult time of late. We have enjoyed so many wonderful meals and occasions at Chianti's over the years.
The food has always been excellent, the atmosphere pleasant and the service exemplary. We especially appreciated your emails, newsletter, and the birthday club.
When you have had time to regroup and some special time with family, hopefully you will be opening another venture somewhere. Do let us all know so we can again enjoy the many fine aspects of fun, fine dining that you offered before.
I am extremely dissappointed. I received a gift certificate that was bought in October for $50. How can you sell the gift certificate to someone when you a fully aware you are closing. You have to give a months notice on your lease so you would have been aware at that time. Kristina
a small town girl from the Kootenays, I moved to Vancouver in 1986. I know live in the Kootenays again and although Vancouver is a MUCH different city now, I return to haunt my fav places a few times a year Sadly a couple of those reasons are gone, perhaps forever chaning my favorite city in the world! First the devastation of Stanley Park (an icon in my life), and now the loss of Chianti's!? I once lived in a horrible old walk up on 4th with giant coachroaches, but bore it for the pleasure of being across the road from my favorite restaurant.
Thank you Fred for trying to continue the things that did make Vancouver special! I will look forward to visiting whatever new establishment you stamp!
oh my god i am so sad that you guys are closed i remember going to your resteraunt when i was very small and you guys were so nice to me and treated my with much love... it just really sucks that you guys ahve to shut down... if i was old enough i would give that jerk who contributed a large piece to your reateraunt shutting down a piece of my mind...if only i was old enough...
wishing you and you family much love and happiness and success,
Dear Fred, We are so upset to hear that our favourite restaurant has closed it's doors. We have been faithful clients for 19 years meeting most of your wonderful servers and managers. Kudos to you and all. We are also upset because our friends bought three 25 dollar gift certificates Oct. 18 2007 for our 40th wedding anniversary Oct.21. Could you please contact us regarding this matter. We will certainly miss a great restaurant. Thanks Lola and John jlomitchell@shaw.ca
My sincerest regrets to Fred and the Chianti team. We enjoyed a fine business relationship for over 10 years providing delivery service. I enjoyed every pasta that I ever tried from your menu (which was all of them).
I am certain that the creative spirit behind Chianti will bounce back in a new form. Please call us if that form is a grand reopening in a new location.
I first experienced your restaurant in Edmonton when I was 18 years old - many years ago...Since then you have been a staple for me and have enjoyed many a family meal and romantic dinners with your fine establishment. 5 years ago I moved to Van and was comforted that "my" favorite place was here for me too. I was very saddened when I learned of your closing here. My absolute favorite meals were the Fettuccini du Chef and Fettuccini Supremo!!! YUM! Please post so I can re-create these wonderful meals. Good luck to you - I will be visiting Edmonton in the near future.
:-( I am not over the shock yet... Chianti's has been the only restraunt that I have eaten at in Vancouver for the past 10 years. Your quality and value, and your customer service could not be beat! I have probably had more than 500 meals at Chianti's - 499 Kits 'sport size', and one other which I never knew what it was (it is a long story)(please include the Kitsilano recipe). You even brought me my Kits linguini in the hospital! That's it! No more dining out in Vancouver! Is there any chance that Chianti's will reopen in another location??? Thank you for all the years of excellent food, excellent people, and excellent memories! Sincerely, Devin van Tongeren
Fred!! There are so many memories that fill-up-this-Wonderful-Life....and only a very few that give such-a-life it's special glow....Your restaurant has been one of those very few, rare experiences. It's difficult to find the words that will best express our thanks... Excellent food (Penne Pacifico! Tortellini Marchese!)...delicious house-wines...delightful staff...Like so many others writing their thoughts onto your Blog, we have had our favorite memories over the years...the most cherished being the discovery that we both have loved your restaurant for so long, and had our "first-date" together there!!! We have every confidence that you will do wonderfully in your next endeavour, as the "cream always rises to-the-top!" Sam and Lisa!
Like everyone else we've eaten there so many times over the years - you've been a part of our lives and get togethers with friends for so long that its hard to imagine life without you. Great pasta and wonderful people - you'll be sadly missed. Please tell us where you go so we can all come & eat there Sue & Dick Waterman
My aunt brought me to Chianti's when I was 14. When my boyfriend lived in Kits it was one of our favorite joints. After marriage (to the boyfriend in Kits) and with 2 little girls, your restaurant is still a favorite of ours. Where is my little one going to get her favorite spaghetti and meatballs with spumoni ice cream for dessert? You'll be so missed!
I'm certainly in disbelief, I've lived in the Chianti neighborhood since the beginning ... it's been a long time with many great great memories. Fred ... at Chianti's you've always proven yourself as an innovative, entrepreneurial, restauranteur ... I'm sure you'll do well wherever this opportunity takes you. I wish you and your family all the best! Mark
I'm certainly in disbelief, I've lived in the Chianti neighborhood since the beginning ... it's been a long time with many great great memories. Fred ... at Chianti's you've always proven yourself as an innovative, entrepreneurial, restauranteur ... I'm sure you'll do well wherever this opportunity takes you. I wish you and your family all the best! Mark
I can't believe the bad news. It would seem as though this act is an unfortunate sign of the times. Big business continues to push the little guy out. And lets not forget about greed and the all mighty dollar.....vegan75 I've been your customer since I arrived in Vancouver 6 years ago. Its always been a pleasure going to your restaurant. It will be missed by many.
I do have one quick question. I have a gift certificate for $50. Is there anyways to refund that?
Chianti's was comfort food for me. When I met somebody special, I'd take them to Chianti's. When it was my birthday, the celebration meal was at Chianti's. When life changing moments occured, I went to Chianti's. I ate there because the food was consistently fantastic (thanks Min) and I worked there because the staff was bright and fun and family. I do hope you'll open another restaurant again SOON and that you'll continue to serve the brilliant dishes we all loved so much. Thanks for all the memories and great meals. Chianti's will be missed. ~Caryl
I am really sad for it. We had our wedding dinner dinner in August. We were always there since we started dating, 4 years ago (celebrating our anniversaries there too), bringing in new friends and family. The service were always great and staff always helpfull. About the food? What can I say? The best pasta in town for sure. Pollo Alfredo Gnocchi was my favourite. I even tried to remake them at home. Of course it was only a trial because you can't make the same!! Too bad such a great place to go like Chianti has to close in order to other bad business be there. If you guys decide to reopen another good business somewhere else, let me know. We will be there.
I was stunned when I finally opened Fred's email announcing the closure of Chianti Cafe. The subject line said "Chianti Cafe is no longer ..." and I fully expected a different end to that sentence, like, "offering such and such a dish."
I've been a grateful customer of Chianti Cafe since it first opened, a million years ago. I usually went for lunch during the week, and nearly always ordered the same dishes (despite perusing the menu at length, each time).
Fred, if you could post the recipes for your Caesar Salad, Gamberi Al Aglio, and Tiramisu, you'd make me a slightly happier woman. The only thing that would make me COMPLETELY happy would be to wake up and find that Chianti closing was only a bad dream.
You and your staff have been absolutely wonderful over the years. The food, the ambiance, and your warm and attentive management have been a joy to experience.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever you undertake, going forward. Please let us know where you go and what you decide to do. You can be sure of a loyal following if you stay in the restaurant business - you can take that to the bank!
Fred - it was such a sad day to hear your news. I've been a regular at Chianti's from when I first arrived in Vancouver 11 years ago. There's no comparable place that I know of. You'll be sorely missed by all of us who value good service, great food, and friendly atmosphere (an increasinly rare combo...) Creatures of habit, we always enjoyed the bococcini salad, half a caraf of wine, whole wheat linguini and of course the rolls... Please, please let us know if you open elsewhere, as Chianti's has such a following, you're sure to have a crowd at your door. Shame on your landlord for his part in this (all too typical of the greedy element that is stripping the area of its character like a plague of locusts...)
Fred, I just heard the sad news and wanted to say hello and thank you again for the amazing summer I had working with you and the rest of your great staff. I had such a fun time working behind the bar getting slammed on fireworks nights and having you help me out when it got a little hectic. I'll never forget it.
I wish you all the best and hope to see you in person soon. Take care.
It's tony from glace - you used to buy your ice cream cakes from me. I thought you ran a great restaurant and more importantly, were a great person to deal with. I don't like the way the world is going. Great family restaurants like yours should not have to close down. Best luck in the future.
Hello Fred, Where will The Flag Shop treat our clients to delicious Italian cuisine! Rents are skyrocketing in Kits. We will soon look like Robson Street. You will be missed.
Doreen Braverman
P.S. The Flag Shop is moving soon too. I'll tell you where so you can open up next door!
Shocking. Horrible. Awful. The loss of Chianti - my wife and I have been coming since we started dating over 15 years ago. Now with a three year old we get out so infrequently but when we did - it was to our favourite haunt, until last night when I found the doors closed.
The main character in my novel Deadly Lessons even cites your establishment as his favourite eatery. Wish my novel had sold more and brought in more customers! You'll be missed (a eulogy to your fine eatery will no doubt appear in the sequel!).
p.s. memories of the spinach salad will always make me smile
I am shocked to hear that Chianti's is closed! I thought that you would be there forever!!! I had the pleasure of working at Chianti's for (almost) 10 years, and I tell you, those nights were some of the most stressful, hectic and yet fun-filled nights of my life!!! I would not trade the experience for anything. I was 'slammed' so many times and yet the great thing was that there was always someone there to 'pull me of the weeds' when I needed help. I will always cherish Chianti, because everyone worked together as a family, waiters, bussers, bartenders, hostesses, management...and how about those amazing kitchen people? They were always so gracious and unbelievable! Never getting angry if I screwed up an order and asked them to remake it...just saying ok and putting it up as fast as they could... Despite the fact that Chianti's doesn't exist on 4th Ave any more, the truth is that it will always live in my heart as one of the best places ever!!!......Fred, I know that whatever you do next, you will be successful, and I wish you nothing but the best.
We are so sad to hear about Chiati's closure and the difficult circumstances surrounding your decision. It's a tribute to you and your staff that you didn't allow your troubles to affect the quality of service during the last few weeks. We had dinner with you in mid-October, and it was such a treat!
If you decide to publish some recipes, you must include your fabulous Bolognesa (sp?) sauce. It's so rich and flavourful, it can't be lost to all your fans!
I am adding emails that people have sent me,I thank you all for taking the time and sharing it brings tears to me eyes, happy thoughts and memories.
Chianti Forever!
More recipes are soon to be posted!
P.S. Coming soon a free cookbook? Best Wishes Fred
HI Fred,
Sorry to hear about Chianti. Will you be posting news about a new restaurant location or some of your fabulous recipes? I'll forever miss Fet Du Chef... ~ Caryl
We are very sad to hear that you are closing. It has been a big favourite of my entire family. We were there recently and when I received your email I was very surprised. Wishing you and your family (I also have 3 boys.. Yay) all the best in your future endeavours
Hi Fred,
So sorry to hear that Chianti is no longer with us ...hopefully only temporarily. There are many of us who used to live in Kitsilano before we started families, who are now living in Port Moody, Coquitlam, or Port Coquitlam. On behalf of all of us who loved Chianti, and are now happily ensconced in the burbs, I'm putting a bug in your ear to start again in the lower-rent and much-appreciative Eastern burbs. There are only a couple of restaurants in the Port Moody Coquitlam area that have reasonably good Italian food -- Rosa's (which is quite over-hyped and doesn't live up to it's reputation, other than for its mussels) and Pasta Pollo (which leaves a fair bit to be desired in many areas). I think you'd develop quite a good niche here. Anyways, hope to see you in our area soon!
Carol & Dave
Hello Fred,
I just want to let you know how sorry our family is that Chianti is closing. It has been an institution for us for so many years. When our youngest daughter was born 14 years ago it was the special place that we went on the eve of her scheduled birth. We have been there year after year on December 23rd or 24th, on special birthdays, on celebratory days, and Mother's Days. Last year our family of 18 was there to celebrate the visit of my 89 year old You created such a wonderful, welcoming and hospitable environment that was kid-friendly and yet had cozy corners for couples. I can't imagine what it feels like to end a life project such as Chianti. I hope you know that it will live on in our memories and that we share the sadness of its ending.
We know a little about your family through your newsletters and we wish the best for you all. We will keep our eyes out in the hopes that there will be a new project coming to Vancouver from you.
Take care, Cathie and Kim and family mother. She loved it too.
Dear Fred,
We enjoyed many many dinners at your restaurant and regret seeing it gone.
We wish you much success in your future endeavours.
Sincerely, Leo & Regina
Hi Mr. Norman,
Being a fan of your restaurant, I am sad to see the demise of Chianti's...As I am sure that you have many patrons with some great stories, your restaurant was the meeting spot for me and my best friend every couple of weeks for the past 17yrs.
We are sad for you and wish you all the best!
Kind Regards,
Nazira
Hi, so sorry to hear you are closed. Had many a good pasta dinner and fun times and memories at your place. Yes, I have had my own bouts of bad landlords, but I guess its all meant to be so you can have a new beginning. Glad that your family can have you home for a while. That is so important.. life is too short not to have quality time with family. I wish you well. Jude
that really sucks.. you guys were one of my favorite vancouver "must go to" places.. and the best TIRAMISU ! and servers that were always lovely and remembered me and my boyfriend... Big thumbs down to your evil landlord. I'm a firm believer in karma.. if you re open elsewhere, I'll be there!! Dominika
Fred,I'm sorry to see you close,we have enjoyed coming to Chianti's for many years and particurily believe that you have the "Best" mixed house salad in the city,no make that the world !!!
All the best to you and your family, Cheers, Larry and Lyliane
What a shame. Good luck. I know you will find a good job. You have good ethics. Penny
I’m so sad to received this news. Thank you very much for the great food and terrific services over the years. Good luck with all your future ventures Fred. Lodi
Who was your landlord? I am sick of hearing abot this kind of thing and we loved coming to Chiantes - good luck going forward Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. 'Goethe'
Linda
Fred This is a very sad news for as, as your restaurant was like home to as. Please keep as informed with a new location, how about Richmond we need some good restaurant there? As I travel all over Canada I promise to visit the one in Edmonton Take care Sincerely yours
Lily
We are truly sorry as our association goes back to the beginning. Where will I find Penne Pacifico and the best meatballs in town. Would love to have these recipes. Not familiar with BLOGS Wish you new experiences and a brighter future. Theresa
Dear Fred:
I am so sorry to hear that Chianti is no longer, my friends and I always enjoyed your restaurant, staff and food ... it will be missed!
Maurice
Thanks, Fred. I am sorry to see your restaurant go, it's been one of the highlights of being a student in Vancouver the past few years. I appreciate you and your staff's work and love for the business, and I wish you the best luck in the coming while.
Best regards, Damir
Fred, I am absolutely astounded and dismayed to find the restaurant closed after all these years. I am the lemon sole Brit who came in weekly for years as well as many small group get-togethers. You will be sorely missed. My only hope is that you will re-surface somewhere else soon. Where did your chef go? The thought of getting by without my weekly lemon sole fix is a distressing to say the least. Best wishes to you in what must be a very sad time.
We are so sad to hear this news. We've been eating at your restaurant since 1990 and even celebrated our daughter's first birthday there early this year. My favourite dish is your spaghetti polpette (is that right? the one with the meatballs) and your calamari... oh and recently tried the eggplant parmigiana, yum... I could go on and on. Everything we've tried is so delicious. You will be greatly missed!
We are so sorry to hear we will lose a favorite restaurant. We have enjoyed so many meals over the years,together and with friends. And so many choices we enjoy that it was tough to make a decision most times. I am pleased to have the clam sauce recipe and will try it on my own, but would still like to have it at Chianti. Best wishes to all of you!
Ciao Fred, Il tuo ristorante e' sempre stato un bel posto per io ed i miei amici... Ed il cibo e sempre stato deliziosiozissimo, sopra tutto il Cheesecake.
Mi dispice tanto, infatti tantissimo, perche non ci sarei piu'. Pero, le cose cambiano, we have to move with change as well. Auguri per il tuo prossimo progetto, qualunque cosa che sia...In Bocca al Lupo e grazie tanto per quasi 3 anni di buon servizio ed il menu che porta l'italia a vancouver!!
No other place matched up to Chianti's. Sorry to sound sentimental but its TRUE! lol:(
I am very shocked as I am sure others are of your closing. Your restaurant was the one place I could sit with my family and enjoy a nice quiet evening together. (We were too busy eating to be arguing :) Your great food will be sadly missed.
Just out of curiosity, what was in that dressing of yours in the spinach salad that made it soo irresistable?
Fred, My fiance and I were devastated when we walked up to Chianti a few weeks ago and found it closed for good. Chianti was the first restaurant that we went to when we moved to Kits 3 years ago, and it certainly left a lasting impression. We were astounded by your dedication to the place, and even more so by the food! (I also loved how I received a coupon for a free meal via email every year for my birthday). It had such a great community feel, and I'm afraid that your loss illustrates what has been a growing (and saddening) trend along 4th Ave. - high-quality, inviting and affordable community restaurants are being replaced by uber-trendy and over-priced "bistros" like Gastropod, and by ultra-chic maternity and clothing stores. RIP Chianti, and RIP 4th Ave.
As saddened as we are, we will always appreciate what you and Chianti provided for us...most especially your curry cream sauces!!
Take care, Fred, and good luck to you. If you ever open a restaurant up again, please post about it because I'll bet you'll have 100s of people who will jump at the opportunity to come.
Fred, My fiance and I were devastated when we walked up to Chianti a few weeks ago and found it closed for good. Chianti was the first restaurant that we went to when we moved to Kits 3 years ago, and it certainly left a lasting impression. We were astounded by your dedication to the place, and even more so by the food! (I also loved how I received a coupon for a free meal via email every year for my birthday). It had such a great community feel, and I'm afraid that your loss illustrates what has been a growing (and saddening) trend along 4th Ave. - high-quality, inviting and affordable community restaurants are being replaced by uber-trendy and over-priced "bistros" like Gastropod, and by ultra-chic maternity and clothing stores. RIP Chianti, and RIP 4th Ave.
As saddened as we are, we will always appreciate what you and Chianti provided for us...most especially your curry cream sauces!!
Take care, Fred, and good luck to you. If you ever open a restaurant up again, please post about it because I'll bet you'll have 100s of people who will jump at the opportunity to come.
i remember the first time my boyfriend Calvin brought me here was my birthday last year. I ordered the Lasagna and it was the BEST i ever had in my life. Its soaked with cheese after cheese, it was just delicous :P Since then, Calvin and I have been going there once every few weeks just to enjoy the gourmet pasta. But i must say, the Seafood Linguini was :P:P:P:P:P
Since other Chianti' fans have posted requests, may as well i request for one: Can u please include the Lasgna that i described earlier as one of the recipe on your blog?? It just soo delicious and i wish i have a chance to taste it again. Thank you :)
Another of our favourite restaurants is gone, this one from the top of the list. Where now do we turn for our runner's pre-race pasta carb-load? You, your staff & your food will missed.
We were quite the mismatched pair, my wife & I, her half-order of cannelloni versus my sport-size spaghetti & meatballs. Home cooking seems to be the next choice; recipes for either or both would be appreciated
We are so disappointed. We would come to the restaurant with or without the kids. Please open another restaurant. It doesn't matter where, we would go anywhere for your hospitality. Please include the recipe for your delicious house dressing. I love it so much. I used to buy it from the take out store.
Thanks for the great 19 years! We have been regulars since you first opened. My wife is already going through withdrawal from a lack of her favorite meal - your spaghetti and meatballs followed by a Tiramisu. So many great dishes we'll miss! Best of luck on your next adventure. Dave and Linda
I am so sorry to find you missing in KIts. We have had many enjoyable evenings in two of your locations and your fine food will be sorely missed. iF I grovel sufficiently would you publish your Seafood Lasagne recipe (my favorite on the menu).
Chianti is / was my all time favourite Italian restaurant because of your consistently great food and value. I've enjoyed your restaurant since the beginning and have continued to be a loyal patron ever since. You showed real innovation by teaming up with local businesses to increase both of your revenues. Also your loyalty card made it hard to go anywhere else. It is with a heavy heart we say good bye to such a long standing great restaurant such as Chianti.
We're in shock!!!! Yesterday night, my boyfriend and I decided to come down to Chiantis for our anniversary dinner and to our dismay we saw a cleared out restaurant. I have to say you truly will be missed and I don't think I'll ever find another Fettucine Supremo the same as yours. My boyfriend claims that you have the best Spaghetti in town and he has refused to eat elsewhere since he found Chiantis. You also had the best Calamari and Marinara sauce, EVER.
I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
P.S. If you could add the recipes to the Spaghetti Bolognese or Fettucine Supremo to your site that would be awesome. Those are our favourites and we'll never forget the taste.
I am shock to hear you have closed your fabulous restaurant. Today is my birthday and I my fiance wanted to take me to have the best pasta in the world! We've been going to your restaurant for many years, in which i was introduced to it by my fiance, and I fell in love with your Alfredo sauce with prawns. I am so sad that I will not be able to enjoy them anymore.
Fred, I wish you the best of luck and if you do open a new restaurant please keep it the same and tell everyone where you are so we can come and enjoy a nice romantic evening again.
No! My husband and I walked down to the restaurant last night looking so forward to our favourite dishes, only to find that you were closed. We were hoping that it was just for renovations, but this is devastating. If we'd known you were in trouble, we would have been there once a week.
This is especially sad, because we held our wedding rehearsal dinner with you in August, and it was the perfect start to our celebration. Our friends and family were thrilled with the food and the atmosphere and the staff, and we were so proud to show off one of our favourite restaurants. We talked about all the anniversaries and celebrations we would toast in your restaurant for years to come. Please do keep up the newsletters to let us know where you go next! You have a lot to be proud of. All the best.
Very sad to see you go. I have enjoyed many great meals at Chianti since the early 90's when I went to UBC. It was there that I had my first tiramisu and have measured every one I have tasted since by yours. Do keep us posted of your next move! We will be there!
Fred: I am extremely upset to see that you boldly posted your notice of closure on Nov 5, 2007. On October 18, 2007 I purchased $75.00 gift certificates and gave them to freinds. How could you sell these to me when you must have known by then you were going to close? I look forward to learning about how I might be reimbursed for these gift certificates.
I deeply regret that several gift certificates were sold in the last month of operating.I also want everyone to understand that I did not personaly sell you or anyone else a gift certificate in the last few months. I only realized in the last few days we sold several gift certificates.My foot was in my mouth, I was pissed off that several customers were sold gc's.This is my fault and mine alone.I will try to make it right plus wanted you to know that I had no intention of screwing customers out their money.You mention that I "bodly" post my closure on the old website... well what I am supposed to do bury my head in the sand? Instead, I "bodly" set up a blog so customers can leave comments, what needs to be understood here and in your case an honest mistake but will appear to make me look dishonest and wanted to make sure you understand this.You have every right to be upset with me.I will try to get a refund for you because Chianti Vancouver is affiliated with the Alberta locations.You can still use them there but I know this might not be the best solution.
My bankruptcy agreement that I signed does not allow me to settle any debts or dealings with regards to Chianti Cafe.However because Chianti Cafe is also located in Alberta and based in Calgary it would be prudent of my former partners and in their best interest to offer a refund to you. I will see if they can take care of this for you.I will keep you posted, Best Wishes....Fred
I am saddened greatly at the closing of Chianti's. For over ten years, it was the restaurant that my family always went to for family occasions and the single restaurant that my parents went on their dates. It feels like a little piece of family history has come to an end. We came from Lions Bay just for Chianti's. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and wish you much success.
I'm sad to hear that Chianti's is closing! I'm glad you posted some of the recipes, your restaurant has hooked me on pasta for life! I was wondering if I could list you as a reference for a video contract I've just taken with BC Blind Sports... The experience of making that Chianti's ad for Fifth Avenue Cinemas and Alliance Atlantis is right in line with the kind of work I will be doing for them. It's a bigger project, about a 25-30 minute long educational video for parents... it should be very exciting! We'll be using broadcast standard cameras and the whole thing. My company ZenHouse Media is moving along well, we are still getting our own website together, but we're getting pretty steady web design work now and have a decent portfolio under our belts. I'll send you a link when the site is up.
I heard you may be coming out with a cookbook, that sounds great! Keep me posted on your future endeavors, and best of luck!
so sorry to hear you're closed now. we enjoyed your honest to goodness food. i really loved the warm and delicious bread you served at the start of the meal.
This was such an amazing Italian restaurant! I was boasting about it to a chef friend the other day and now... Now it's closed? I'm just devastated! It's so hard to find good Italian food with a fun atmosphere here in Vancouver, especially when on a University student's budget! I'm gonna miss this restaurant!
I realize I'm reading 7 year old posts, anyone know if a cookbook was ever released? I, too was a faithful customer. I worked right around the corner from Chianti's. Lunch, sometimes dinner, couldn't have enough!!!
I wish there was! I would love to make the recipe for fettucine du chef or any of Min's recipes. Great food like that can't be found now...not like that!
I'd do anything to have those dishes again!! I was considering flying to Calgary to see if its even remotely close to the same but my friend said it isn't!! :(
Fred/Minh/or Don: I hope u guys are reading this cause we want to taste the food again!!
Loved your restaurant. I discovered it in 1997 when I got into cycling. You were located next to a bicycle store. I think it was called Bike Cellar. I use to carbo load on your spaghetti and meat balls. The curry sauce was awesome too. I use to by fresh pasta, sauces and meatballs when the wait was too long in the restaurant.
I am not sure if anyone is monitoring this blog but my question would be the same as above - was a cookbook ever made? I have an intense craving for Fettucine Chianti and an Italian salad!
120 comments:
I can't believe you're gone forever. :( I've enjoyed so many great meals there over the last 18 years. You guys were truly the best homestyle pasta in town and I'll miss you and my Penne Gigi.
I've been your customer since mid-90s when I still lived in Vancouver. Everytime I come back to Vancouver my wife wants me to grab some of your pasta for her as take-out back to Toronto (we're living in Toronto now). And when we're both in Vancouver we visit Chianti at least twice per week. Your restaurant and staff will be sorely missed. :(
*request* Can you please include Linguini Vongole as one of the recipes that you post? That is my all-time favourite pasta and the only pasta that I order when I come for a meal.
I am so devistated to hear this news. I want to thank you for fabulous times in your restaurant for the past 13 years. Over the past year my 5 year old daughter and I enjoyed many Mummy Daughter "dates". You will be missed!!! I have appreciated the fine food and service offered for many years!! Best wishes to you and your family!! Sincerely, Christine Hay - Vancouver
I am so disappointed that you have had to close down. I am sorry for your struggles with bylaws and money hungry landlords. Seems to be happening all over town! Good luck in your new endeavors.
Fred,
This is rough news. I have enjoyed many, many meals at Chianti Cafe. From when I was going to UBC to now.
It was a favourite spot for my wife and I to go and celebrate our anniversary. I think we came at least 4 times in 10 years for just that purpose. We also loved to come and eat there when we would be going to the theatre or other event in Vancouver as we live outside Vancouver City proper.
I brought business associates there for late evening dinners and they loved it. The staff were always great, fantastic or whatever positive adjective you want to use to describe them.
I will truely miss the wonderful desserts.
All the best in the future.
We are in shock...Our family has always had a great time at Chianti. Your restaurant is always on the top of my kids' list of places to go for dinner. We have been regulars, even after we moved from Vancouver to Burnaby. Chianti was worth the drive. The kids loved your kids meals. We looked forward to your letters and promotions. We hope you and your family success and perhaps we can be customers again in the future.
I am horrified and depressed... how could this happen?!?! I will sorely miss THE BEST alfredo sauce in the land... please include recipe so I can get my fix!! Thank you for many, many good meals and happy times... all the best to you and all staff! :(
Chianti Cafe offered good dishes at good prices. My friends and I were frequent costumers (for a while you could find us there once a week).
Best of luck.
Good heavens! I will add my 2c to the sad news. Countless family dinners were had and enjoyed. Even during colourfull family spats our entire family could agree the service, food , and ambiance was fan-tastic.
Cheap pasta, reasonably priced pints... it will take a while before this sinks in...
damn.
where will http://www.cynicalsunshine.com go to plan world domination over a nice pasta dish now?
oh noo!!! that the saddest news. i will miss the solario.. i have been eating it for years! and don't even get me started on the bread..
i wish you all the best
I am only too sad to hear that you have closed down - you were part of our family for some 16 odd years. You made the best food and I don't know how I will survive without the Piatto Combinato that I could special order once it came off the menu or the fresh hot rolls. My grandmother will do backflips when she realizes her half Lasagne al Forno is no longer, but I wish you the best of luck.
And if you are able to pass on any recipes (like the Kitsilano Linguine or the yummy Tortellini Alla Panna) I would be forever grateful. While I know I will never be able to make the standards of Chiantis, it would still be a treat.
Bets of luck with what the future brings to you and your family, thank you for all that you did for ours.
Chianti Cafe will be missed. My partner and I have been ordering your food for years. Wish you well in the future whatever your endeavors will be.
cheers
Helen
Chris and Pam. We are very sorry to hear you have closed your doors. We have been customers of the Chianti resturants in Calgary and Vancouver and really enjoyed a night out at your resturant and then on to the Movies. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the great food. We will miss you.
This sucks. Fred and his team have been a rare beacon of good folk, staff who are kind and who care, and a really pleasant dining experience.
If Fred ever pursues options where his loyal customers can follow him, I will be first in line.
I am not sure if many people knew of the other brave battles that Fred and his family have fought on issues of justice and human rights. Fred would never ring his own bell tho.
He has spoke so bravely to the courts on the impact of the tragic hate-inspired murder.
Fred, you are an inspiration to thousands in the gay and lesbian community. Bless you. And thank you.
Murray
We are so sad to hear you are closed. Chianti's was one of my favourites! My husband and I began going while we were dating, and have celebrated many birthdays there with my sister and her husband.
The "kitsilano" was my favourite!
Please let us know if you'll be opening up a new restaurant in the area!
Chianti Cafe will be missed. My partner and I have ordered from you for years. Wish you well in any future endeavors.
Keep cookin.
cheers
Helen
Oh Fred, I'm so sorry to hear about Chianti closing!
It has truly been a pleasure working with you and I wish you the very best in the future.
Please keep in touch.
Take care.
This is indeed shocking and terrible news. I can't believe that Vancouver has lost another institution. (Duffins Donuts on Main will close also). But in that same spirit, I hope that Fred may find the energy one day to open another restaurant in the city - knowing that his following will be there with him! In the meantime, thanks for your wonderful hospitality and delicious offerings!
Gnocchi forever!
I am so sorry for the disruption and sadness. We really enjoyed the restaurant over the years. I hope the future, though, will bring new satisfactions and challenges!
Oh My Goodness!
How sad... We have been going to your restaurant for many years already. Your canelloni was the best and my husband will be so upset when I tell him this news. You served by far the "best ever" tiramisu. We sure hope you will share some of your recipes since we can no longer enjoy it at your restaurant.
Being a bookkeeper for small businesses in Vancouver for the past 13 years I can tell you that the past two years have been very difficult for many clients. Indeed there is much greed from landlords in this city.
Best of luck to you... and if you ever open a restaurant again, do let us know where you are.
Jocelyne A, North Delta
Fred,
My friends and I use to go there a lot. We were an international crowd who felt at home there.
Your service was excelent, your food, exquisite.
I wanted to tell you how great Chianti was. You did a great job.
Viva Linguini Kitsilano!!
No! I honestly can't believe it! How can a place that is generally packed to the gills (at least it is whenever I'm there) not be able to make it? This city truly has gone mad. My boyfriend and I will truly miss Chianti's...we enjoyed many romantic dinners with you and just yesterday I was telling him that I was in need of my spinach fettucine fix. Not many places to have great service and a wonderful 3 course meal complete with wine without breaking the bank.
You will be missed.
Since we moved to the area in '03 till we left in July, you and your staff (and kitchen with your Alfredo sauce) treated my wife and I well.
It is sad that you will not be around anymore, even though we aren't either. It is something we'd look forward to on our return visits.
Best of luck to you and your family.
HI Fred and family: I'm just going to add to the comments so far by saying how sorry we are that you have closed. We have been eating at Chianti's Cafe for the past 16 years and we got to know many of the staff on a first name basis. You always served fresh, tasty food and offered great value. We wish you all the best in the future.
Cheers. Paul and Al
Fred,
My husband & I met for the 1st time on a blind date at Chianti's.
We have enjoyed numerous meals since then and brought our family & friends with us to savor the wonderful meals.
Your caesar salad dressing is THE BEST in Vancouver by far. I always enjoyed the Gnnoci della nona and Curtis would order the Fetticine de Chef.
Glad that your family has more time to spend with you, so sad that the cafe is no longer.
All the best in your future endeavors!
Fred,
I am very sad for you. You will be greatly missed. Chianti's has been my favourite restaurant for 10 years +. Best of luck to you and your family.
Will you be posting your Penne Gigi recipe?
Thanks,
Mairghread & Darrell
Sorry to see you go after so many years.
Hope you find a great new enterprise
Good luck!
Jerry C.
Chianti Cafe was one of my favorite places to go out and have dinner...Me and some of my friends had great times there!...there was even a time in which we were at least once a week there!...
I really liked the Piamontese Tortellini and lately I enjoyed having the special meal with Salmon, which was never the same and there were always variations to this very tasty dish!...
I really going to miss this place!...
Goodluck in what is coming for you and the staff!
I first came to Chianti's 15 years ago. I fell in love with the salad dressing...
My favourite dish was fettuccini de chef.
I am so sad to hear your news. I will miss your newsletters!
I wish you great success in your new adventures, come what may.
Eternal happiness to you and your family.
Fred,
I am so sorry to hear this. My girlfriend and I have been your customers for nearly 5 years. We will truly miss the great food (the best bread, Caesar salads, and cheesecake in the city!), and the wonderful ambiance.
Please post your Lasagne di Mare recipe - it was our favourite!
Thank you for all the memories, and best of luck!
Dmitry
Since moving to Winnipeg, my only chance to go to Chiantis was with my little sister before our Bard on the Beach nights in the summer. It was at Chiantis that I enjoyed several heart-felt reunions with friends and family in Vancouver for the past six years. I am sad to hear Chiantis is closing.
Gnocchi Della Nonna was my favourite. My sister loved good old spaghetti and meatballs. And for four years I remember heaping trays of lasagna for the Arts County Fair staff at the University of British Columbia.
Thanks for the memories!
What a sad, sad day...
My partner Eileen and I had our first dinner out together at Chianti three years ago and it's been our special neighbourhood restaurant ever since. The linguine vongole was so good that night that I've never moved on to anything else. The last time we were there I had the best vodka martini I've ever had in Vancouver.
Ciao, Fred, and all the best to you and your family.
I just read your email and I am shocked and saddened by the news. Chianti's was such a wonderful restaurant with such a great atmosphere. You will truly be missed. Thanks for all the fabulous meals and good memories.
This is so sad, Chianti was my favourite restaurant by far and I am so sorry that it had to close. I wish I had gone there every night! I am thankful that I got to experience this wonderful place while I could, and I will miss the Linguini Kitsilano terribly. Stupid landlords are awful and no other pasta place will ever hold a flame to the greatness of the Chianti Cafe!
Dear Fred and Family:
I feel like someone just punched me in the stomach! WHAT? Say it ain't so! I'm so choked up, I don't even know what to say. My family and friends have enjoyed so many wonderful evenings in your lovely restaurant! We had planned on coming by this Saturday, and we were all sooo looking forward it! I'd be having my 'usual' (Penne Pacifico, but changed to the cream sauce instead of the garlic & olive oil - YUM!). And I'm with the other patron - don't get me started on the tasty hot buns and butter! I truly wish you all the best. PLEASE PLEASE let us all know when you launch your next restaurant! *tears* Take good, care...Allyson xox
How sad were we to visit Vancouver this week and find that our favourite restaurant was closed forever! I had business in Vancouver this week and my husband came along mostly because he wanted to have dinner at Chianti's. We discovered the Chiant Cafe 8 years ago when in Vancouver for laser eye surgery and staying at a B&B in your neighbourhood where they highly recommended Chianti's for dinner. We loved it! and have made a point of dining there every time we've been to Vancouver since. All the best to you, Fred! If you and the family are up for a dramatic (but wonderful) change, please consider moving to the Kootenays to set up your next restaurant business.
-Debbie and Grant -Castlegar, BC
the pleasure has been all ours over the last several years to enjoy your fabulous food, friendly service and cozy atmosphere. Chianti's Cafe will be missed, but always remembered as the the place my husband proposed to me. thanks for all the full tummies and the wonderful memories. all the best to everyone that made Chianti's a great place to be.
~paula & dave.
Hey Fred,
I already wrote to you, but I just want to reiterate that I am so sorry that you;ve closed down. I literally grew up in that restaurant with many years as staff as a teen, and then many years of my 20s with my family, long chats with mum over one too many glasses of wine, the best bread around, and fettuccini chianti, as always. Now in my 30s I bring my husband, and I am sad that its the end of an era.
But speaking of eras, I hope that this is the beginning of a wonderful new one for you. A friend once told me that sometimes not getting what you want is a blessing in disguise. It opens new doors that you would never have seen otherwise and new possibilities abound. I hope this is the case for you. Enjoy being a dad for awhile, and please let us know is you move on to manage some other restaurant so that we can visit.
On behalf of myself, Justin, and mum Madeleine, thank you for wonderful years; Chianti will live on in our memories and stories, and the food and your presence will be missed.
You are the best boss I ever had, for what its worth.
Sarah.
WTF,, how unexpected, what are we going to do for eggplant parmesan? You can't be replaced....
Dear Fred,
OH NO!!!!! I'm SO VERY SAD to hear the news. Even though we live in East Van now, we regularly made the trek over to enjoy the great food at a reasonable cost, the wonderful, cheerful service, and the toddler-friendly atmosphere. It is hard to understand how this could have happened when the restaurant was always so full! It seems like the whole character of Kits is changing for the worse, and the closure of Chianti's adds to my sadness over that.
PLEASE let us all know if you ever decide to open another restaurant elsewhere! You will be sorely missed! Tanya Hansen
I am totally shocked at the news. My husband and I would go there at least once a week if not more. I still can't beleive it. We live in North Vancouver now, but we would make special trips to eat your pasta. You will be sorely missed!! All the best to you, your family and your friendly staff! I would love the receipe to your Kitsilano, we always ordered it. It was our comfort food!
I am so shocked! I loved coming to your restaurt I am truly sorry this has happened to you. Maybe you can open a new Chiante Cafe?? Bright ideas are just around the corner.....
Yikes! Chianti is (was) my favourite restaurant, bar none. Always lemon sole + marinara.
Fred, we really appreciate you.
I wish maybe you'd raised your prices e.g. $2 on average a dish. While we loved the low prices, other places charged more and it was a bargain. Maybe too much of a bargain if it forced you out of business.
If you have any thoughts of opening in a better situation (Main Street!!!!), I know thousands of people would come. And you'd be wise to raise your prices e.g. $2.
Hope you think about it / thanks for everything / Joh
P.S. changed to allow reply / thanks Fred / Joh
Hi Fred,
Last night our friends Dena and Sid arranged to meet at Chianti at 5:00 PM for a pre Beckham Dinner and, much to our surprise, and disappointment you were closed.We have been dining at Chianti for the past 10+ years and have enjoyed every occasion. We have brought our friend from far and wide, [USA, Australia and UK to name a few countries], and every single one of them has enjoyed the dining experience and their selections from your menu. Our friends and our family have enjoyed hundreds of meals at Chianti over the years and I can't remember anyone being dissappointed with their overall dining experience. I will miss the "Full Monte" and my wife always loved the Seafood Lasagna. Please post those recipes. Chinti will certainly be a miss to our family and we can only hope that, one day, you will open at another location and look forward to good news in this regard. In the mean time from our family and friends we wish you and your family all the best in your future endeavos,
Steve & Lorraine
Good God, Fred, I am struck dumb, pole-axed!
I'm sure it is all my fault for my being in London for the past two months. Tell me it ain't so.
I know Catherine, Rob, Sherry, Adrian and Lot are equally destroyed.
Who is the dirty bastard that did this to you?
Where are we suppose to eat now?
So many memories: Van Gogh coffee vodka (and the massive hangover), spinach salads, tons of great pasta. So many names: Paul, Dan (I'll never forget the night Dan showed us his tattoo. Hilarious.), young John and so many more of your staff whom we all loved. Arrgh! No more Fettuccine Fulminante!
Do keep in touch. We all love you to bits.
Marina and I went Tuesday and wept when we saw the dark windows and newspapers piled by the front door. Our life in Kits will never be quite the same.
We wish you the best Fred.
I can imagine it will be hard to start all over again. Please let us know when you do. I hope it is somewhere where we can enjoy your good food again.
Kent
We are so sad that you have had such a difficult time of late. We have enjoyed so many wonderful meals and occasions at Chianti's over the years.
The food has always been excellent, the atmosphere pleasant and the service exemplary. We especially appreciated your emails, newsletter, and the birthday club.
When you have had time to regroup and some special time with family, hopefully you will be opening another venture somewhere. Do let us all know so we can again enjoy the many fine aspects of fun, fine dining that you offered before.
Barbara and Wes
We are so sorry to see Chianti's closing. We have enjoyed many great meals there, and the good, service and atmosphere were so great.
We hope you open another restaurant in the future, please keep in touch.
Wishing you and your family all the best, Margarita and Don
Gift Certificate
I am extremely dissappointed. I received a gift certificate that was bought in October for $50. How can you sell the gift certificate to someone when you a fully aware you are closing. You have to give a months notice on your lease so you would have been aware at that time.
Kristina
thats it I'm moving to Main St
Kits can have the Yaletown attitude
it longs for like TO for NY
If you ever re-locate I will def patronize
a small town girl from the Kootenays, I moved to Vancouver in 1986. I know live in the Kootenays again and although Vancouver is a MUCH different city now, I return to haunt my fav places a few times a year Sadly a couple of those reasons are gone, perhaps forever chaning my favorite city in the world!
First the devastation of Stanley Park (an icon in my life), and now the loss of Chianti's!? I once lived in a horrible old walk up on 4th with giant coachroaches, but bore it for the pleasure of being across the road from my favorite restaurant.
Thank you Fred for trying to continue the things that did make Vancouver special! I will look forward to visiting whatever new establishment you stamp!
CAB
oh my god i am so sad that you guys are closed i remember going to your resteraunt when i was very small and you guys were so nice to me and treated my with much love...
it just really sucks that you guys ahve to shut down...
if i was old enough i would give that jerk who contributed a large piece to your reateraunt shutting down a piece of my mind...if only i was old enough...
wishing you and you family much love and happiness and success,
OcEaN♥
Dear Fred,
We are so upset to hear that our favourite restaurant has closed it's doors. We have been faithful clients for 19 years meeting most of your wonderful servers and managers. Kudos to you and all. We are also upset because our friends bought three 25 dollar gift certificates Oct. 18 2007 for our 40th wedding anniversary Oct.21. Could you please contact us regarding this matter. We will certainly miss a great restaurant. Thanks Lola and John jlomitchell@shaw.ca
My sincerest regrets to Fred and the Chianti team. We enjoyed a fine business relationship for over 10 years providing delivery service. I enjoyed every pasta that I ever tried from your menu (which was all of them).
I am certain that the creative spirit behind Chianti will bounce back in a new form. Please call us if that form is a grand reopening in a new location.
All the best!
I first experienced your restaurant in Edmonton when I was 18 years old - many years ago...Since then you have been a staple for me and have enjoyed many a family meal and romantic dinners with your fine establishment. 5 years ago I moved to Van and was comforted that "my" favorite place was here for me too. I was very saddened when I learned of your closing here.
My absolute favorite meals were the Fettuccini du Chef and Fettuccini Supremo!!! YUM! Please post so I can re-create these wonderful meals.
Good luck to you - I will be visiting Edmonton in the near future.
:-(
I am not over the shock yet...
Chianti's has been the only restraunt that I have eaten at in Vancouver for the past 10 years. Your quality and value, and your customer service could not be beat!
I have probably had more than 500 meals at Chianti's - 499 Kits 'sport size', and one other which I never knew what it was (it is a long story)(please include the Kitsilano recipe). You even brought me my Kits linguini in the hospital!
That's it! No more dining out in Vancouver!
Is there any chance that Chianti's will reopen in another location???
Thank you for all the years of excellent food, excellent people, and excellent memories!
Sincerely,
Devin van Tongeren
Fred!! There are so many memories that fill-up-this-Wonderful-Life....and only a very few that give such-a-life it's special glow....Your restaurant has been one of those very few, rare experiences. It's difficult to find the words that will best express our thanks... Excellent food (Penne Pacifico! Tortellini Marchese!)...delicious house-wines...delightful staff...Like so many others writing their thoughts onto your Blog, we have had our favorite memories over the years...the most cherished being the discovery that we both have loved your restaurant for so long, and had our "first-date" together there!!! We have every confidence that you will do wonderfully in your next endeavour, as the "cream always rises to-the-top!" Sam and Lisa!
Fred, so sorry to hear this. As you can see, Chianti was part of people's lives and part of Vancouver.
It's probably hard not to be devastated by it's loss.
Take some time and remember, at the end of the day, Chianti was just 'a space'. The talent was yours, my friend, and you get to take that with you!
Please keep us posted. I'm sure we'd all love to eat with you again.
Like everyone else we've eaten there so many times over the years - you've been a part of our lives and get togethers with friends for so long that its hard to imagine life without you.
Great pasta and wonderful people - you'll be sadly missed.
Please tell us where you go so we can all come & eat there
Sue & Dick Waterman
My aunt brought me to Chianti's when I was 14. When my boyfriend lived in Kits it was one of our favorite joints. After marriage (to the boyfriend in Kits) and with 2 little girls, your restaurant is still a favorite of ours. Where is my little one going to get her favorite spaghetti and meatballs with spumoni ice cream for dessert?
You'll be so missed!
I'm certainly in disbelief, I've lived in the Chianti neighborhood since the beginning ... it's been a long time with many great great memories. Fred ... at Chianti's you've always proven yourself as an innovative, entrepreneurial, restauranteur ... I'm sure you'll do well wherever this opportunity takes you. I wish you and your family all the best!
Mark
I'm certainly in disbelief, I've lived in the Chianti neighborhood since the beginning ... it's been a long time with many great great memories. Fred ... at Chianti's you've always proven yourself as an innovative, entrepreneurial, restauranteur ... I'm sure you'll do well wherever this opportunity takes you. I wish you and your family all the best!
Mark
I can't believe the bad news. It would seem as though this act is an unfortunate sign of the times. Big business continues to push the little guy out. And lets not forget about greed and the all mighty dollar.....vegan75
I've been your customer since I arrived in Vancouver 6 years ago. Its always been a pleasure going to your restaurant.
It will be missed by many.
I do have one quick question. I have a gift certificate for $50. Is there anyways to refund that?
Thank you very much for all the wonderful memories and meals. Chianti Cafe will truly be missed.
Chianti's was comfort food for me. When I met somebody special, I'd take them to Chianti's. When it was my birthday, the celebration meal was at Chianti's. When life changing moments occured, I went to Chianti's. I ate there because the food was consistently fantastic (thanks Min) and I worked there because the staff was bright and fun and family. I do hope you'll open another restaurant again SOON and that you'll continue to serve the brilliant dishes we all loved so much. Thanks for all the memories and great meals. Chianti's will be missed. ~Caryl
I am really sad for it. We had our wedding dinner dinner in August. We were always there since we started dating, 4 years ago (celebrating our anniversaries there too), bringing in new friends and family.
The service were always great and staff always helpfull.
About the food? What can I say? The best pasta in town for sure. Pollo Alfredo Gnocchi was my favourite. I even tried to remake them at home. Of course it was only a trial because you can't make the same!!
Too bad such a great place to go like Chianti has to close in order to other bad business be there.
If you guys decide to reopen another good business somewhere else, let me know. We will be there.
I was stunned when I finally opened Fred's email announcing the closure of Chianti Cafe. The subject line said "Chianti Cafe is no longer ..." and I fully expected a different end to that sentence, like, "offering such and such a dish."
I've been a grateful customer of Chianti Cafe since it first opened, a million years ago. I usually went for lunch during the week, and nearly always ordered the same dishes (despite perusing the menu at length, each time).
Fred, if you could post the recipes for your Caesar Salad, Gamberi Al Aglio, and Tiramisu, you'd make me a slightly happier woman. The only thing that would make me COMPLETELY happy would be to wake up and find that Chianti closing was only a bad dream.
You and your staff have been absolutely wonderful over the years. The food, the ambiance, and your warm and attentive management have been a joy to experience.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever you undertake, going forward. Please let us know where you go and what you decide to do. You can be sure of a loyal following if you stay in the restaurant business - you can take that to the bank!
Hugs,
Denise.
I think there's been a mistake. This isn't the type of email I signed up to receive.
It seems we're losing all the restaurants with substance in favor of those with pretty staff and cruddy overpriced food.
I'll miss your seafood lasagna.
Best of luck for your future endeavors.
We just came back from Italy and while riding the taxi home from the airport were surprised to see no lights in Chianti.
Coincidentally, we saw a Chianti Cafe in Rome and commented that it was the same name as our favourite in Vancouver.
Fred, we hope you spring back to better success. We are cheering for you.
Fred - it was such a sad day to hear your news. I've been a regular at Chianti's from when I first arrived in Vancouver 11 years ago. There's no comparable place that I know of. You'll be sorely missed by all of us who value good service, great food, and friendly atmosphere (an increasinly rare combo...)
Creatures of habit, we always enjoyed the bococcini salad, half a caraf of wine, whole wheat linguini and of course the rolls...
Please, please let us know if you open elsewhere, as Chianti's has such a following, you're sure to have a crowd at your door.
Shame on your landlord for his part in this (all too typical of the greedy element that is stripping the area of its character like a plague of locusts...)
Fred, I just heard the sad news and wanted to say hello and thank you again for the amazing summer I had working with you and the rest of your great staff. I had such a fun time working behind the bar getting slammed on fireworks nights and having you help me out when it got a little hectic. I'll never forget it.
I wish you all the best and hope to see you in person soon. Take care.
fred,
It's tony from glace - you used to buy your ice cream cakes from me. I thought you ran a great restaurant and more importantly, were a great person to deal with. I don't like the way the world is going. Great family restaurants like yours should not have to close down. Best luck in the future.
Hello Fred, Where will The Flag Shop treat our clients to delicious Italian cuisine! Rents are skyrocketing in Kits. We will soon look like Robson Street. You will be missed.
Doreen Braverman
P.S. The Flag Shop is moving soon too. I'll tell you where so you can open up next door!
Shocking. Horrible. Awful. The loss of Chianti - my wife and I have been coming since we started dating over 15 years ago. Now with a three year old we get out so infrequently but when we did - it was to our favourite haunt, until last night when I found the doors closed.
The main character in my novel Deadly Lessons even cites your establishment as his favourite eatery. Wish my novel had sold more and brought in more customers! You'll be missed (a eulogy to your fine eatery will no doubt appear in the sequel!).
p.s. memories of the spinach salad will always make me smile
Hi Fred,
I am shocked to hear that Chianti's is closed! I thought that you would be there forever!!!
I had the pleasure of working at Chianti's for (almost) 10 years, and I tell you, those nights were some of the most stressful, hectic and yet fun-filled nights of my life!!! I would not trade the experience for anything. I was 'slammed' so many times and yet the great thing was that there was always someone there to 'pull me of the weeds' when I needed help. I will always cherish Chianti, because everyone worked together as a family, waiters, bussers, bartenders, hostesses, management...and how about those amazing kitchen people? They were always so gracious and unbelievable! Never getting angry if I screwed up an order and asked them to remake it...just saying ok and putting it up as fast as they could...
Despite the fact that Chianti's doesn't exist on 4th Ave any more, the truth is that it will always live in my heart as one of the best places ever!!!......Fred, I know that whatever you do next, you will be successful, and I wish you nothing but the best.
Lynne
We are so sad to hear about Chiati's closure and the difficult circumstances surrounding your decision. It's a tribute to you and your staff that you didn't allow your troubles to affect the quality of service during the last few weeks. We had dinner with you in mid-October, and it was such a treat!
If you decide to publish some recipes, you must include your fabulous Bolognesa (sp?) sauce. It's so rich and flavourful, it can't be lost to all your fans!
I am adding emails that people have sent me,I thank you all for taking the time and sharing it brings tears to me eyes, happy thoughts and memories.
Chianti Forever!
More recipes are soon to be posted!
P.S.
Coming soon a free cookbook?
Best Wishes
Fred
HI Fred,
Sorry to hear about Chianti. Will you be posting news about a new restaurant location or some of your fabulous recipes? I'll forever miss Fet Du Chef...
~ Caryl
We are very sad to hear that you are closing. It has been a big favourite of my entire family. We were there recently and when I received your email I was very surprised.
Wishing you and your family (I also have 3 boys.. Yay) all the best in your future endeavours
Hi Fred,
So sorry to hear that Chianti is no longer with us ...hopefully only temporarily. There are many of us who used to live in Kitsilano before we started families, who are now living in Port Moody, Coquitlam, or Port Coquitlam. On behalf of all of us who loved Chianti, and are now happily ensconced in the burbs, I'm putting a bug in your ear to start again in the lower-rent and much-appreciative Eastern burbs. There are only a couple of restaurants in the Port Moody Coquitlam area that have reasonably good Italian food -- Rosa's (which is quite over-hyped and doesn't live up to it's reputation, other than for its mussels) and Pasta Pollo (which leaves a fair bit to be desired in many areas). I think you'd develop quite a good niche here. Anyways, hope to see you in our area soon!
Carol & Dave
Hello Fred,
I just want to let you know how sorry our family is that Chianti is closing.
It has been an institution for us for so many years. When our youngest
daughter was born 14 years ago it was the special place that we went on the
eve of her scheduled birth. We have been there year after year on December
23rd or 24th, on special birthdays, on celebratory days, and Mother's Days.
Last year our family of 18 was there to celebrate the visit of my 89 year
old You created such a wonderful, welcoming and hospitable environment that was
kid-friendly and yet had cozy corners for couples. I can't imagine what it
feels like to end a life project such as Chianti. I hope you know that it
will live on in our memories and that we share the sadness of its ending.
We know a little about your family through your newsletters and we wish the
best for you all. We will keep our eyes out in the hopes that there will be
a new project coming to Vancouver from you.
Take care,
Cathie and Kim and family
mother. She loved it too.
Dear Fred,
We enjoyed many many dinners at your restaurant and regret seeing it gone.
We wish you much success in your future endeavours.
Sincerely,
Leo & Regina
Hi Mr. Norman,
Being a fan of your restaurant, I am sad to see the demise of Chianti's...As I am sure that you have many patrons with some great stories, your restaurant was the meeting spot for me and my best friend every couple of weeks for the past 17yrs.
We are sad for you and wish you all the best!
Kind Regards,
Nazira
Hi, so sorry to hear you are closed. Had many a good pasta dinner and
fun times and memories at your place. Yes, I have had my own bouts of bad landlords, but I guess its all meant to be so you can have a new
beginning. Glad that your family can have you home for a while. That is
so important.. life is too short not to have quality time with family. I wish you well. Jude
that really sucks.. you guys were one of my favorite vancouver "must go to" places.. and the best TIRAMISU ! and servers that were always lovely and remembered me and my boyfriend... Big thumbs down to your evil landlord. I'm a firm believer in karma.. if you re open elsewhere, I'll be there!!
Dominika
Fred,I'm sorry to see you close,we have enjoyed coming to Chianti's for many years and particurily believe that you have the "Best" mixed house salad in the city,no make that the world !!!
All the best to you and your family,
Cheers,
Larry and Lyliane
What a shame. Good luck. I know you will find a good job. You have good ethics.
Penny
I’m so sad to received this news. Thank you very much for the great food and terrific services over the years.
Good luck with all your future ventures Fred.
Lodi
Who was your landlord? I am sick of hearing abot this kind of thing and we loved coming to Chiantes - good luck going forward
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. 'Goethe'
Linda
Fred
This is a very sad news for as,
as your restaurant was like home to as.
Please keep as informed with a new location, how about Richmond
we need some good restaurant there?
As I travel all over Canada I promise to visit the one in Edmonton
Take care
Sincerely yours
Lily
We are truly sorry as our association goes back to the beginning. Where will I find Penne Pacifico and the best meatballs in town. Would love to have these recipes. Not familiar with BLOGS
Wish you new experiences and a brighter future. Theresa
Dear Fred:
I am so sorry to hear that Chianti is no longer, my friends and I always enjoyed your restaurant, staff and food ... it will be missed!
Maurice
Thanks, Fred. I am sorry to see your restaurant go, it's been one of the highlights of being a student in Vancouver the past few years. I appreciate you and your staff's work and love for the business, and I wish you the best luck in the coming while.
Best regards,
Damir
Fred, I am absolutely astounded and dismayed to find the restaurant closed after all these years. I am the lemon sole Brit who came in weekly for years as well as many small group get-togethers. You will be sorely missed. My only hope is that you will re-surface somewhere else soon. Where did your chef go? The thought of getting by without my weekly lemon sole fix is a distressing to say the least. Best wishes to you in what must be a very sad time.
Kind Regards, Alan
Fred, if you are still maintaining this email address, Keith and I would like to thank you for the many happy evenings we spent at Chianti Café and Restaurant. You have been a wonderful and rare host.
Needless to say, we were very sad to see the doors closed at your restaurant. We thought of you and your family and all the wonderful staff we enjoyed meeting there. We sincerely wish everyone the best.
If you ever open another restaurant let us know and we’ll be there. (Although, knowing what hard work it is to run a restaurant we wouldn’t blame you for trying something else.)
What ever you may be feeling right now, we hope you are giving yourself a big pat on the back for creating a special place, providing wonderful affordable meals, and being a part of so many of the special memories of the people you served in Kitsilano for so many years.
Our sincere best wishes for you and your family,
Colleen & Keith
We are so sad to hear this news. We've been eating at your restaurant since 1990 and even celebrated our daughter's first birthday there early this year. My favourite dish is your spaghetti polpette (is that right? the one with the meatballs) and your calamari... oh and recently tried the eggplant parmigiana, yum... I could go on and on. Everything we've tried is so delicious. You will be greatly missed!
We are so sorry to hear we will lose a favorite restaurant. We have enjoyed so many meals over the years,together and with friends. And so many choices we enjoy that it was tough to make a decision most times. I am pleased to have the clam sauce recipe and will try it on my own, but would still like to have it at Chianti. Best wishes to all of you!
Ciao Fred,
Il tuo ristorante e' sempre stato un bel posto per io ed i miei amici... Ed il cibo e sempre stato deliziosiozissimo, sopra tutto il Cheesecake.
Mi dispice tanto, infatti tantissimo, perche non ci sarei piu'. Pero, le cose cambiano, we have to move with change as well. Auguri per il tuo prossimo progetto, qualunque cosa che sia...In Bocca al Lupo e grazie tanto per quasi 3 anni di buon servizio ed il menu che porta l'italia a vancouver!!
No other place matched up to Chianti's. Sorry to sound sentimental but its TRUE! lol:(
Ciao di Nuovo,
Perhaps as a legacy to your customers you can have a recipie file as you are doing!
Grazie tanto.
Hi Fred,
I am very shocked as I am sure others are of your closing. Your restaurant was the one place I could sit with my family and enjoy a nice quiet evening together. (We were too busy eating to be arguing :) Your great food will be sadly missed.
Just out of curiosity, what was in that dressing of yours in the spinach salad that made it soo irresistable?
Fred,
My fiance and I were devastated when we walked up to Chianti a few weeks ago and found it closed for good. Chianti was the first restaurant that we went to when we moved to Kits 3 years ago, and it certainly left a lasting impression. We were astounded by your dedication to the place, and even more so by the food! (I also loved how I received a coupon for a free meal via email every year for my birthday). It had such a great community feel, and I'm afraid that your loss illustrates what has been a growing (and saddening) trend along 4th Ave. - high-quality, inviting and affordable community restaurants are being replaced by uber-trendy and over-priced "bistros" like Gastropod, and by ultra-chic maternity and clothing stores. RIP Chianti, and RIP 4th Ave.
As saddened as we are, we will always appreciate what you and Chianti provided for us...most especially your curry cream sauces!!
Take care, Fred, and good luck to you. If you ever open a restaurant up again, please post about it because I'll bet you'll have 100s of people who will jump at the opportunity to come.
Fred,
My fiance and I were devastated when we walked up to Chianti a few weeks ago and found it closed for good. Chianti was the first restaurant that we went to when we moved to Kits 3 years ago, and it certainly left a lasting impression. We were astounded by your dedication to the place, and even more so by the food! (I also loved how I received a coupon for a free meal via email every year for my birthday). It had such a great community feel, and I'm afraid that your loss illustrates what has been a growing (and saddening) trend along 4th Ave. - high-quality, inviting and affordable community restaurants are being replaced by uber-trendy and over-priced "bistros" like Gastropod, and by ultra-chic maternity and clothing stores. RIP Chianti, and RIP 4th Ave.
As saddened as we are, we will always appreciate what you and Chianti provided for us...most especially your curry cream sauces!!
Take care, Fred, and good luck to you. If you ever open a restaurant up again, please post about it because I'll bet you'll have 100s of people who will jump at the opportunity to come.
Hi Fred,
Just want to let u know how sad it is to hear you had to close down. Chianti's was like my second home for 6 years +!
and even after i left, for some reason i always had a craving for the food.
just want to say thank u again for taking care of me and the staff as i miss a lot of the staff there...
i wish you the best of luck in the future and i really look forward to what you have in store for everyone cause i know its going to be even better...
keep me informed...
thanks again Fred!
Brent
i remember the first time my boyfriend Calvin brought me here was my birthday last year. I ordered the Lasagna and it was the BEST i ever had in my life. Its soaked with cheese after cheese, it was just delicous :P Since then, Calvin and I have been going there once every few weeks just to enjoy the gourmet pasta. But i must say, the Seafood Linguini was :P:P:P:P:P
Since other Chianti' fans have posted requests, may as well i request for one: Can u please include the Lasgna that i described earlier as one of the recipe on your blog?? It just soo delicious and i wish i have a chance to taste it again. Thank you :)
Thank you for all the years of providing good food, good service, (catering too), and culinary contentment.
I truly will miss your NY cheesecake and hope it will appear in your recipe book. I anxiously wait for it to be published - it'll make a GREAT gift.
What do you think of the idea of you and Le Minh doing a cooking class at the Cookshop? I'd go with all your followers and half our staff!
Miss you and your staff!
Another of our favourite restaurants is gone, this one from the top of the list. Where now do we turn for our runner's pre-race pasta carb-load? You, your staff & your food will missed.
We were quite the mismatched pair, my wife & I, her half-order of cannelloni versus my sport-size spaghetti & meatballs. Home cooking seems to be the next choice; recipes for either or both would be appreciated
Rick & Deb
We are so disappointed. We would come to the restaurant with or without the kids. Please open another restaurant. It doesn't matter where, we would go anywhere for your hospitality.
Please include the recipe for your delicious house dressing. I love it so much. I used to buy it from the take out store.
Thanks for the great 19 years! We have been regulars since you first opened. My wife is already going through withdrawal from a lack of her favorite meal - your spaghetti and meatballs followed by a Tiramisu. So many great dishes we'll miss! Best of luck on your next adventure.
Dave and Linda
I am so sorry to find you missing in KIts. We
have had many enjoyable evenings in two of your locations and your fine food will be sorely missed. iF I grovel sufficiently would you publish your Seafood Lasagne recipe (my favorite on the menu).
i'd been to chianti twice when i decided it was my new favourite restaurant. and when i came for the third time, it was gone. ahh. :(
Chianti is / was my all time favourite Italian restaurant because of your consistently great food and value. I've enjoyed your restaurant since the beginning and have continued to be a loyal patron ever since. You showed real innovation by teaming up with local businesses to increase both of your revenues. Also your loyalty card made it hard to go anywhere else. It is with a heavy heart we say good bye to such a long standing great restaurant such as Chianti.
We're in shock!!!! Yesterday night, my boyfriend and I decided to come down to Chiantis for our anniversary dinner and to our dismay we saw a cleared out restaurant.
I have to say you truly will be missed and I don't think I'll ever find another Fettucine Supremo the same as yours.
My boyfriend claims that you have the best Spaghetti in town and he has refused to eat elsewhere since he found Chiantis.
You also had the best Calamari and Marinara sauce, EVER.
I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
P.S. If you could add the recipes to the Spaghetti Bolognese or Fettucine Supremo to your site that would be awesome. Those are our favourites and we'll never forget the taste.
We'll miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am shock to hear you have closed your fabulous restaurant. Today is my birthday and I my fiance wanted to take me to have the best pasta in the world! We've been going to your restaurant for many years, in which i was introduced to it by my fiance, and I fell in love with your Alfredo sauce with prawns. I am so sad that I will not be able to enjoy them anymore.
Fred, I wish you the best of luck and if you do open a new restaurant please keep it the same and tell everyone where you are so we can come and enjoy a nice romantic evening again.
Sophie and Hector of Richmond.
No! My husband and I walked down to the restaurant last night looking so forward to our favourite dishes, only to find that you were closed. We were hoping that it was just for renovations, but this is devastating. If we'd known you were in trouble, we would have been there once a week.
This is especially sad, because we held our wedding rehearsal dinner with you in August, and it was the perfect start to our celebration. Our friends and family were thrilled with the food and the atmosphere and the staff, and we were so proud to show off one of our favourite restaurants. We talked about all the anniversaries and celebrations we would toast in your restaurant for years to come. Please do keep up the newsletters to let us know where you go next! You have a lot to be proud of. All the best.
Kathryn Sykes and Ryan Clark
Very sad to see you go. I have enjoyed many great meals at Chianti since the early 90's when I went to UBC. It was there that I had my first tiramisu and have measured every one I have tasted since by yours. Do keep us posted of your next move! We will be there!
Hi Fred,
I hope you can post the Kitsilano recipe...
Best regards,
Devn van Tongeren
Fred: I am extremely upset to see that you boldly posted your notice of closure on Nov 5, 2007. On October 18, 2007 I purchased $75.00 gift certificates and gave them to freinds. How could you sell these to me when you must have known by then you were going to close? I look forward to learning about how I might be reimbursed for these gift certificates.
I deeply regret that several gift certificates were sold in the last month of operating.I also want everyone to understand that I did not personaly sell you or anyone else a gift certificate in the last few months.
I only realized in the last few days we sold several gift certificates.My foot was in my mouth, I was pissed off that several customers were sold gc's.This is my fault and mine alone.I will try to make it right
plus wanted you to know that I had no intention of screwing customers out their money.You mention that I "bodly" post my closure on the old website... well what I am supposed to do bury my head in the sand? Instead, I "bodly" set up a blog so customers can leave comments, what needs to be understood here and in your case an honest mistake but will appear to make me look dishonest and wanted to make sure you understand this.You have every right to be upset with me.I will try to get a refund for you because Chianti Vancouver is affiliated with the Alberta locations.You can still use them there but I know this might not be the best solution.
My bankruptcy agreement that I signed does not allow me to settle any debts or dealings with regards to Chianti Cafe.However because Chianti Cafe is also located in Alberta and based in Calgary it would be prudent of my former partners and in their best interest to offer a refund to you.
I will see if they can take care of this for you.I will keep you posted, Best Wishes....Fred
I am saddened greatly at the closing of Chianti's. For over ten years, it was the restaurant that my family always went to for family occasions and the single restaurant that my parents went on their dates. It feels like a little piece of family history has come to an end. We came from Lions Bay just for Chianti's. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and wish you much success.
Fred,
I'm sad to hear that Chianti's is closing! I'm glad you posted some of the recipes, your restaurant has hooked me on pasta for life! I was wondering if I could list you as a reference for a video contract I've just taken with BC Blind Sports... The experience of making that Chianti's ad for Fifth Avenue Cinemas and Alliance Atlantis is right in line with the kind of work I will be doing for them. It's a bigger project, about a 25-30 minute long educational video for parents... it should be very exciting! We'll be using broadcast standard cameras and the whole thing.
My company ZenHouse Media is moving along well, we are still getting our own website together, but we're getting pretty steady web design work now and have a decent portfolio under our belts. I'll send you a link when the site is up.
I heard you may be coming out with a cookbook, that sounds great! Keep me posted on your future endeavors, and best of luck!
Sincerely,
Alyssa Burtt
I will need your contact info Fred. You can email me at alyssa07@telus.net
Thanks again,
Look forward to hearing from you.
Alyssa
so sorry to hear you're closed now. we enjoyed your honest to goodness food. i really loved the warm and delicious bread you served at the start of the meal.
This was such an amazing Italian restaurant! I was boasting about it to a chef friend the other day and now... Now it's closed? I'm just devastated! It's so hard to find good Italian food with a fun atmosphere here in Vancouver, especially when on a University student's budget! I'm gonna miss this restaurant!
I realize I'm reading 7 year old posts, anyone know if a cookbook was ever released? I, too was a faithful customer. I worked right around the corner from Chianti's. Lunch, sometimes dinner, couldn't have enough!!!
I wish there was! I would love to make the recipe for fettucine du chef or any of Min's recipes. Great food like that can't be found now...not like that!
I'd do anything to have those dishes again!! I was considering flying to Calgary to see if its even remotely close to the same but my friend said it isn't!! :(
Fred/Minh/or Don: I hope u guys are reading this cause we want to taste the food again!!
Yes,Brent I miss those dishes too! I have family in Edmonton and was able to enjoy a couple of dishes while I was there!!!
Kim
Hi Fred! Not sure when/if u will receive this but is there a way for me to contact u? I have been looking for the past month!
Thanks!
Brent (your former busser)
Hey Lynne!
Long time! Hope all is well! Not sure when/if u will see this but is there a way to contact u? Email or something?
Thanks!
Brent (former busser)
Loved your restaurant. I discovered it in 1997 when I got into cycling. You were located next to a bicycle store. I think it was called Bike Cellar. I use to carbo load on your spaghetti and meat balls. The curry sauce was awesome too. I use to by fresh pasta, sauces and meatballs when the wait was too long in the restaurant.
Does anyone know if a cookbook was ever made?
I am not sure if anyone is monitoring this blog but my question would be the same as above - was a cookbook ever made? I have an intense craving for Fettucine Chianti and an Italian salad!
Does anyone have the creamy curry sauce recipe? It is my son's favorite and I would love to make it for his birthday
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