Innovation and sustainability leads at Perch opening
Opening in September 2015, Perch Restaurant (The Nest, 4th Floor, 6133 University Boulevard) will elevate the level of dining available to students and visitors to the UBC Campus. Featuring an inspired yet affordable menu sourced from local and sustainable ingredients, and offering panoramic views of the campus and the lush west side of Vancouver, Perch Restaurant delivers the next level of sophistication and comfort to foodies of all stripes.
The Perch Restaurant team is comprised of both seasoned hospitality professionals and passionate UBC students. The kitchen is led by the talented Ryan Bissell, Vancouver-based executive chef of the AMS (Student Society of UBC), who has a documented affinity for locally-sourced west coast cuisine and a commitment to quality and sustainability within every mouthful. With training from Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany and having spent much of his time at local restaurant, Pear Tree, chef-de-cuisine of Perch, Gus Steiffenhofer-Brandson integrates world-class cuisine with local flavours and ingredients. Restaurant manager Terry Hayashi brings years of experience and peerless customer service (Raincity Grill, Coast, Bridges) and is excited to share his love of west coast cuisine with diners.
Perch Restaurant will offer a host of dining options, ranging from dinners for two and intimate group dinners to gala events and weddings for up to 290 people. Whether enjoying small plates in the lounge, power lunches and relaxing dinners in the spacious dining room, or a cool drink with friends on the patio, Perch is destined to become a favourite for both students and local residents alike. The regional menu features sustainably-sourced seasonal ingredients that are expertly paired with a smartly-chosen BC & international wine and craft beer list. The team at Perch work with an organic food broker to ensure the restaurant is paying, and the farmers are receiving, the best price possible for fruits and vegetables. The kitchen will also source seasonal selections from UBC’s organic farm as well as The Nest’s own rooftop garden.
The kitchen team upholds an exceptional commitment to sustainability including 100% Ocean Wise certification, the use of organic, shade grown and Fair Trade coffee, and a comprehensive recycling and composting program.
“We offer delicious, sustainable foods on every plate for every event. Sharing the very best from local producers with our guests is what we do.” – Ryan Bissell, AMS executive chef
The building itself is a modern marvel. The AMS Student Nest is a brand new, $107 million, five-story welcoming space for students and visitors to eat, shop, study and socialize. The 250,000-square-foot building has received LEED Platinum certification (the highest Green building rating in North America) and includes nine AMS-run food and drink outlets with Perch Restaurant as its crowning jewel. Of special notes is that all profits for AMS food outlets including Perch go to funding AMS programs and services.
Select LEED Platinum initiatives include displacement & passive ventilation, solar-powered heating & cooling, CO2 monitoring, storm water management & retention and much more. To watch a ‘birds eye’ view of The Nest, click HERE.
Both Perch Restaurant and the Nest building itself represent the innovation and leadership of the AMS and its student members. The ongoing quest to raise the bar for environmental, financial, culinary and social sustainability is part of their collective vision to inspire generations of students and visitors for years to come.
For those unable to dine at the restaurant, Perch also offers AMS Conference + Catering, a full-service catering option that will provide a taste of sustainability, affordability and elegance at your next event. Best of all, 100% of proceeds directly support the student services, resources and leadership opportunities offered through the AMS.
Stay connected with Perch and visit perchrestaurant.com or follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Featured pic: An artist’s rendering of the Perch dining area.
