Aurora Bistro Closes

We have just found out that Aurora Bistro has closed. Aurora was one of a few select restaurants in Vancouver that offered BC wines exclusively on its wine list. There is no explanation from the proprietors as to why they are closing, although it's clear the global economy is affecting all sorts of businesses.

We salute Aurora Bistro for setting a new standard among Vancouver's vibrant restaurant scene…serving ONLY wine produced in our home province.
Below is the release received today:

"After more than five years of operation in Vancouver's emergent Main Street neighbourhood, Aurora Bistro has closed its doors. Aurora Bistro opened in June 2003 to rave reviews and has remained a popular regional restaurant winning numerous awards.
Despite the restaurant's broad following and significant acclaim, it recently became evident that the business could no longer remain profitable and continue to operate.

To close the restaurant was a difficult decision to make, but after committing five years to Aurora as a hard-working chef and active restaurant owner, Jeff Van Geest is ready for a fresh start and welcomes more time to spend with his family.

'I want to thank my incredible staff for their hard work and dedication to Aurora. I also want to sincerely thank our suppliers, customers, our dear industry friends and the food and wine media for their amazing support over the years' says Van Geest."

I appreciate that times are tough, but this place was full every time I was there, so am puzzled as to how it could not remain profitable. Nevertheless, I wish chef Jeff Van Geest well for the future, and perhaps another "Aurora" will appear in the future.