New Year, New Team
Fresh for the new year, Cibo Trattoria and Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar are introducing a brand new team – though many diners will recognize familiar faces. Comprised of a general manager and wine director who has spent years building a name for himself as a premier restaurateur and sommelier; a chef newly arrived from New York City with a passion for local and sustainable cooking; and an award-winning bar team renowned for their creative cocktails, this powerhouse staff is unveiling exciting changes to give guests an even more memorable experience.
Mark Taylor, general manager and wine director, has played a key role in shaping Vancouver’s current culinary landscape, leading several iconic restaurants like Raincity Grill, Cru and Siena. Under his direction, all three establishments won numerous accolades and awards, and Taylor himself was recognized as B.C. Sommelier of the Year. Currently, he is a wine judge for Vancouver Magazine‘s International Wine Competition, on the Winery Selection Committee for the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and sits on the board of directors for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (B.C. chapter). Taylor is gearing up for the re-launch of Cibo and Uva’s wine-centric program, with a renewed focus on educating staff through their apprenticeship program and wine pairing dinner events scheduled for the spring
Executive Chef Ryan Byrd hails from New York City, where he cooked at double Michelin-starred Del Posto, and is excited to immerse himself in the distinctive Vancouver hospitality industry. Byrd has developed a passion and keen skill for Italian cooking, which he is now applying through his unique Dine Out Vancouver Festival menu. A lifelong proponent of sustainability, Byrd has connected with the identity of Cibo and Uva in the shift towards locally grown food by focusing on delicious dishes from the old country paired with quality ingredients from B.C. farms – all perfectly complemented by the restaurants’ extensive wine list.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Cibo and Uva family. This is a passionate, highly professional team, and it is an honour to work alongside them,” said Taylor. “We have one of the city’s most comprehensive wine lists, as well as an excellent cocktail program designed by our award-winning Bar Manager Sabrine Dhaliwal, so diners can feel free to settle in for a night of sampling, sipping and spending time together.”
Guests have a prime opportunity to visit the new team during the upcoming Dine Out Vancouver Festival (January 20 – February 5), for which Cibo is offering a special $30 prix fixe menu highlighting Chef’s newest creations. Uva is mixing things up with a $30 menu showcasing Dhaliwal’s handcrafted cocktails paired with a three-item Italian canapé menu.
“Cibo and Uva’s menus were designed with the Vancouver diner in mind,” said Chef Byrd. “We like the idea of opening our doors to everyone, including those looking for affordable dining options, which is why we opted for the $30 menus. The core purpose of Dine Out is to give locals and visitors the opportunity to explore Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene, and we look forward to welcoming new and loyal guests.”
To reserve at Cibo Trattoria, call 604.602.9570 or click here; for any Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar inquiries, call 604.632.9560 (please note that Uva does not take reservations).
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