From Schnitzels to Sustainability in Kitsilano

Kitsilano, a vibrant neighborhood in Vancouver, has long been a melting pot of culinary influences. Among the notable gastronomic trends that have flourished and faded are German eateries. The story begins with the Bavarian Room Restaurant, which opened its doors in the 1960s. Renowned for its traditional Bavarian fare, including schnitzels and bratwursts, the restaurant quickly became a beloved gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Its charm lay in its festive atmosphere, offering a delightful taste of Germany in a relaxed setting. They even had a "Kärtner Stube", which is a separate room to celebrate special occasions in.

However, as the culinary landscape evolved and tastes diversified in the late 20th century, the Bavarian Room closed in 1996, signaling the beginning of a shift. Today there is a "Banana Leaf Restaurant" in the space.

Next came the CAFE KATZENJAMMER on West 10th Avenue, which opened in the 2003, as the Scottish owner missed the Bavarian Room. This establishment evoked nostalgia with its classic German dishes, like Jager schnitzel, one of five offered on the menu, a massive affair with two pieces of meat, spaetzle and red cabbage. This heavy food went well with your choice of 14 different German beers like Stiegl Goldbrau Premium Lager or König Ludwig Weissbier. Katzenhammer means 'hangover' in German, which many people experienced after trying them all.

But Cafe Katzenjammer, like many restaurants in the city, struggled with a shortage of servers and ultimately closed, leaving patrons longing for hearty, authentic home-cooked German meals. The restaurant has remained in its original condition for over ten years, with some dishes from 2014 still visible on the tables to this day, like a "ghost" restaurant. You can still see it at 4441 10th Avenue W Vancouver, BC.

Lastly, the Blenheim Restaurant on West 4th operated under the same banner of traditional German cuisine, but like its predecessors, faced challenges amidst shifting culinary preferences. The Kitsilano sportsbar-restaurant Displace Hashery became The Blenheim under the new ownership of Bauhaus restaurateur Uwe Boll in 2017. But the current trend towards lighter, international fare edged out many heavy German dishes, contributing to its closure.

Not to mention the fact that ongoing disputes with the landlord forced the landlords original restaurant "Bauhaus" to close at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March. This closure led Boll to move back to Germany in October 2020. The former "Bauhaus" location has since re-opened and is now a Ukranian Restaurant. The Blenheim became Castaways and now is the Suren Persian Cuisine Grill + Bar. In the past there was even a Stein & Steer, Nevermind, as well as a Fogg N' Suds Restaurant Beer Bar in the West 4th location.

These closures reflect not just the changing tastes of Kitsilano’s residents but also highlight a broader trend in the culinary world. The rise and fall of German eateries in this neighborhood serve as a reminder that adaptability and innovation are crucial for restaurants to survive in an ever-evolving food scene. As the local culinary landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what flavors will emerge next.

WBN News - Kitsilano Edition

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.

Tags: #WBN News - Kitsilano #Elke Porter #Kitsilano Eats #German Cuisine #Culinary Trends #Bavarian Flavors #Schnitzel