From Film to Food: Uwe Boll Brought Culinary Flair to Kitsilano
Uwe Boll, once a Kitsilano resident, is known for his provocative films and entrepreneurial spirit, including ventures in the restaurant industry.
Uwe Boll
Uwe Boll, a polarizing figure in the film industry, once called Kitsilano, Vancouver home. Known for his controversial career as a film director and producer, Boll brought his flair for drama off the screen and into the local community through his involvement in Vancouver’s restaurant scene between 2015 and 2020.
Boll’s most notable culinary venture was Bauhaus, a high-end German restaurant located in Gastown. Opened in 2015, Bauhaus quickly gained attention for its elegant fare and Michelin-starred chef, establishing itself as a premier dining destination. The restaurant showcased Boll’s passion for his German heritage, offering meticulously crafted dishes in a sophisticated setting. Unfortunately, Bauhaus closed its doors in March 2020, following a dispute with the landlord. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the restaurant remains a memorable chapter in Vancouver’s culinary history.
According to the MyVanCity Editor Valerie van der Gracht in 2019, “Bauhaus is a Vancouver institution in its own right. Dare I say a “classy” restaurant serving a mix of both contemporary and traditional European dishes with a German flair.”
Closer to home in Kitsilano, Boll’s group took over "Displace Hashery" on West 4th & Blenheim in 2017 to create the The Blenheim Pub. He transforming the sports bar into a more family-friendly establishment. With a children's play area and a menu that featured classic pub food alongside stone oven pizzas, the revamped Blenheim Pub aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere for patrons of all ages. They even had a kid-chaos play-zone with a play kitchen and tons of toys. This project reflected Boll’s ability to pivot from high-end dining to more casual, community-oriented ventures.
Uwe Boll also has a personal connection to the Vancouver Westside German School, catering to Kitsilano students, where his children were enrolled. This school is known for its premier after-school German language programs and has a reputation for excellence in language education. The school was established in 1992 and has been instrumental in promoting German language education in the community. Notably, Uwe Boll’s children were part of a class taught by the author who also worked as one of the school's many dedicated instructors in 2013.
Before venturing into the restaurant business, Boll’s journey began in Germany. Born in North Rhine-Westphalia, he showed an early interest in film, producing short films on Super 8 and video as a youth. His academic pursuits were as eclectic as his career, with studies in literature and economics at the universities of Cologne and Siegen. Boll earned his doctorate in literature in 1995 before diving into filmmaking. From 1995 to 2000, he worked with Taunus Film-Produktions GmbH and later founded Bolu Filmproduction and Distribution GmbH.
Boll’s filmmaking career is marked by his infamous adaptations of video games like House of the Dead and BloodRayne, earning him the title of “The Angry German Director.” His unconventional methods, including challenging critics to boxing matches, have cemented his reputation as a maverick. After returning to Germany in 2020 to resume filming, Boll’s legacy in Kitsilano remains a unique blend of cinematic controversy and culinary ambition, reflecting the many layers of this enigmatic figure.
If you're eager to dive deeper into the fascinating inner workings of Uwe Boll's mind, you're in luck. He shares his insights, unfiltered opinions, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on his dedicated YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe to stay updated and explore his unique take on filmmaking and beyond. You can check.
You can also read about the latest film project “First Shift”, which follows a New York City police officer and his rookie partner, Angela, as they navigate a challenging day filled with the dangers and routines of being cops in the city here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26434746/
Elke Porter is the Editor of Westcoast German News Media, connecting you to the rich tapestry of German culture in the Pacific Northwest. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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