For some strange reason, I can’t stop thinking about olives.

Scratch that…I know damn well why – it’s because of my latest experience at Nook.

Before you go off thinking that Nook has got the olive market cornered and that’s what they should be known for – think again:

1) they don’t

2) they’ve got a lot more stuff in their Italian tickle trunk

At 781 Denman Street, kiddie corner (I always loved that expression, would love if one of you could tell me what the hell it means) to the ‘new Safeway‘ and in the same block as the Starbucks ‘on the corner of Robson and Denman’ and the Vancouver landmark (and related property), Tapastree, lies Nook! For those of you who were die hard Schnitzelz fans, you’ll know what I mean – it’s sitting in the same footprint!

Included in this cleverly packaged Italian hip-eatery, lies amazing dishes, up-close-and-personal kinda service (if I may say that), friendly people, prices that made me smile, and of course, olives.

What I liked best about what partners Mike Jeffs and Nicole Welsh (the brains behind Tapastree) is that they’ve taken a highly trafficed zone, a popular food ‘genre’ (if I can say that) and slammed it into a very small space.  But you know what’s even better?  I’ll tell you (and is the reason why I’m giving them big marks here):

1) they’ve made it simple

2) they’ve focused on you (and me), the customer – note: when you go, sit at the bar, and you’ll know what I mean

3) they’ve paid attention to detail (read: have turned the decor upside down and thrown a lot of reds and oranges into it…big points)

4) they’ve got the food (try the rigatoni, the pizza, and the veal when it’s on special!), wine and the reasonable pricing to back this’ guns-of-navarone like’ punch up

With room for about 30, it’s definitely got that warm and cozy feel to it.  And, our servers (Brad and ….Christine?, sorry, didn’t catch your name) were all about our table.  They each knew their stuff, recommend some fantastic wine pairings, and, my favourite part, made you feel like they were ‘one of you’ (just a little smarter version…when it comes to Italian food).

I got schooled sitting at the bar and listening to the chef tell me about Italian sushi…yes, it’s true…and it’s bigger than Britney was back in ‘99.

If you’re looking for attitude…you won’t find it here;

If you’re looking for exorbitant pricing…you won’t find it here;

If you’re looking for burgers…you won’t find them here; but

If you’re looking for something fast and classy…you’ve nailed it.

darren