I am very excited to be writing an article on the Baru Latino restaurant because it is my favorite place to eat and hang out in the Kitsilano hood! It has a downtown atmosphere feel to it without having to cross over the bridge to get there.
What makes this place so special? Pretty much everything! One of the main reasons to visit this highly popular spot, besides the incredible food and the ambience; is the “hands on” owners!
Rene Lafleur is one of the owners (yes, he is related to hockey legend Guy Lafleur - his dad’s second cousin!) and despite his very French name, he does not speak the language. Rene spent 12 years as a drummer with the band “Star Collector” who proudly have 4 full length albums. He is the numbers geek, wine guy and host at Baru.
Co-owner Dave Newis has been a kitsilano fixture for many years working in numerous establishments & known as a bartender extraordinaire! Dave also traveled Canada playing beach volleyball. He is the “attention to detail” Milieu expert at Baru!
Dave’s wife Zeta Newis is the Head Chef at Baru and also co-owner of Baru Rubs & Sauces with Rene’s wife Nina Lafleur! This definitely adds validity to the cliché; “Those who play together stay together!”
Baru Rubs and Sauces may have only been around for 2 years, but these two entrepreneurial women already have their products in 5 whole Food stores and 8 other various stores throughout BC. Who needs the Dragons Den to promote your business when you have these two go-getters!
Baru Latino was an established name & venue when Dave & Rene decided to delve into this business. They loved the space on sight! Tired of working for someone else & spending so much time throwing their own dinner parties, they decided to look for a place to call their own!
Both owners are originally from Alberta, moved to Vancouver in 1991, met here & have been friends for 12 years. Business partners for 8 years, they are quite the characters & each offers something different and unique to the restaurant. Talk about meeting someone at “the right place at the right time” and what a great team they are!
They make it work so well and the "dinner party theme" is definitely the feel you get when you walk in the door! The atmosphere is fun and romantically contagious.
Chef Zita Newis, sous chef Mathew Wilson, cooks Tristen Jones and Kristy Averves are responsible for the amazing food reputation at Baru. The guava glazed 10 oz pork chop & ceviche are my favorites but everything on the menu is fantastic!
They encourage family style sharing and the restaurant is pleasantly affordable with the most expensive entree; Steak Chimmichurri 7oz Sirloin steak, with chimmichurri sauce, served with jalapeno potato pave and topped with a smoky corn salsa served with seasonal vegetables priced at $31.
The menu is 95% gluten free excluding the bread & chocolate lava cake! It is also nut free with the exception of a few behind the bar! (Dave’s words not mine!)
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| Steak Chimmichurri |
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| Baru's Famous Pork Chop |
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| Ceviche |
The dining area at Baru seats 44-48 people with an additional 15 bar seats. It is a popular location for many functions/private parties and has been voted as a great date night hangout! It’s not uncommon for online daters to meet up here for their first rendezvous. The beautiful actress Natalie Portman was seen dining in Baru along with many other visiting and local celebrities. They love the cozy non-pretentious atmosphere!
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| Seasonal White Fish |
The incredible lighting and uniquely flavored mojito drinks give it a romantic flare that makes couples feel amorous! There is a happy hour available every day of the week from 5-6:30 which includes $5 red/white sangria, double mojitos for $7, red or white wine $6 for a 6oz glass ($9 for a 9oz glass) and 1516 beers for $4. This is very affordable especially for those "first date" evenings!
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| Raspberry Mojito |
*Mention this article when making your “date night” reservation and Baru will offer you something special to help with those "first date" jitters!
Baru Latino Restaurant participates in Dine Out Vancouver every year and has many repeat customers due to how much they enjoy their first dining experience at Baru! They can’t wait to come back!
There is entertainment available on special evenings so please check out the Baru website for more information or call the restaurant anytime to find out what’s happening. (604) 222- 9171
Make your reservations soon and don’t miss out on this incredible Latino experience at 2535 Alma Street on the west side of Vancouver. There is free parking available underground behind the restaurant.
Tell them Dear Sybersue sent you!
Twitter @ BaruLatino
Facebook @ BaruLatino
Instagram @ barulatino
Written by Susan McCord @ The Dear Sybersue Talk Show
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