By Sophie Mir
A trio of small chains, each purveying a cultural import, marks this edition of Concept Watch. Escondite Cerveceria de Barrio has brought casual Baja-region fare to the fore in Quebec, Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse has introduced churrasco BBQ to Alberta and Chau Veggie Express is capitalizing on consumers growing preference for plant-based cuisine in Vancouver. Below, a look at what makes each a stand out restaurant concept.
Escondite Cerveceria de Barrio
Facebook: 8,455 likes
Instagram: 7,610 followers
Locations: 3 (Montreal and Laval, Quebec)
Concept Characteristics
Inventive Mexican fare, creative cocktails and a long list of tequilas and mezcals help Escondite stand out from the rest. Inside, faded photos of masked luchadors, figurines and other Mexican pop-images adorn the wall, while religious symbols and ornate calavera skulls lend a Dia de Los Muertos vibe.
Menu Snapshot
- Tapas: Options include guacamole, jalapeno and cheese cornbread, mango salad, nachos, and chipotle and maple chicken wings.
- Tacos: Menu spotlights the Baja region, featuring cod, avocado crema, cabbage slaw, black pepper cream, and Camarones et Chicharon made with shrimp, chorizo, chicharon and charred pepper sauce.
- Mezcal and tequila: Everything from rare, difficult to source bottlings and quality everyday tequilas are both featured, as are fiery, temperamental mezcals.
- More alcoholic beverages: Signature cocktails, red and white wines and draft, canned and bottled beers.
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse
Facebook: 7,316 likes
Instagram: 1,366 followers
Twitter: 1,873 followers
Locations: 4 (Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta)
Concept Characteristics
The emerging steakhouse chain offers authentic Brazilian barbecue — churrasco — in a classy, yet comfortable environment, with brunch offered on Sundays and statutory holidays. Pampa takes reservations on OpenTable, but is also available for special occasions, including wedding receptions, corporate events, family gatherings and other celebrations.
Menu Snapshot
- Lunch and dinner skewers: Options include beef top sirloin, Parmigiano pork loin, chimichurri-basted beef striploin, bacon-wrapped chicken thighs and garlic sausage.
- Brunch: Crispy pork belly and caramelized grilled pineapple skewers are standouts, but breakfast-standard fare like scrambled eggs, Brazilian crepes and French toast are also available.
- Hot and cold salad bar: Features quinoa tabbouleh, roasted beets, beef lasagna and house-baked breads.
- Beverages: Large variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including coffee, juices, Brazilian soda, mocktails, digestivi, beer, spirits, cocktails and red, white and sparkling wines.
Chau Veggie Express
Facebook: 2,228 likes
Instagram: 6,875 followers
Twitter: 1,276 followers
Locations: 2 (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Concept Characteristics
Capitalizing on consumers’ drift away from meat, Chau offers plant-based fare with a modern Vietnamese twist at two locations in Vancouver, an in-line concept and a spot at the Granville Island Public Market. Chau also donates to local non-profits like the Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary, which shelters abused or at-risk farm animals.
Menu Snapshot
- Soups: Varieties include the Golden Temple, made with a light turmeric coconut curry broth, and Diving for Pearls, made with a lychee-date broth
- Bowls: Menu spotlights the Rickety Rickshaw, a dish of thin vermicelli rice noodles, spring rolls and mung beans, and Midnight Swim, featuring wild rice blend, roasted peanuts and kale.
- Desserts: Gluten-free ice cream, Spiced Pumpkin Tart, Caramelized Banana Cheesecake and Chocolate Hazel Praline Bar are on hand for an indulgent finish to an otherwise healthy meal.
- Non-alcoholic drinks: Playing to its plant-based strengths, Chau menus its Signature Coconut Shake, a Matcha Spirulina Latte and a variety of smoothies.
Sophie Mir is an Associate Editor for Technomic Inc., a Chicago-based foodservice research and consulting firm. Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. The company’s services include publications and digital products as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry. Visit technomic.com for more information.
