A lot of West Enders may not realize it yet, but Chef Nevada Cope’s Ritual (744 Denman Street) is one of the neighbourhood’s best kept secrets. Since it’s opening in mid-March, this beautiful new space on Denman Street has been quietly winning over fans with their locally-inspired menu, cocktail infusions, and bright, airy space.

Trained as both a baker and a chef, Chef Nevada Cope’s menu showcases the freshness of the Fraser Valley. Her farm-to-table menu utilizes fresh ingredients from local suppliers such as North Arm Farm, Sole Food Street Farms, Birchwood Dairy, Two Rivers Specialty Meats, and the Glorious Organics Cooperative. All baking is made daily and from scratch.

The dinner menu changes regularly, based on what is available and fresh. The menu is kept intentionally small with 6 to 8 veggie-forward appetizers and 4 mains. Dessert options rotate daily.

Ritual is a cocktail-focused restaurant. Local distilleries like Sons of Vancouver and Long Table Distillery are featured on the cocktail menu. Keep your eyes open for a new autumn booze menu to debut soon. (We hear there’s going to be a Bourbon Apple Peel Sour on the menu which we’re just dying to try.) For the craft beer enthusiasts, Ritual is one of the few West End restaurants to offer Brassneck Brewery on tap.

Weekend brunch is a big hit at Ritual. Their brunch menu changes monthly, with the Huevos Rancheros being a crowd favourite. Coffee is provided East Vancouver’s Pallet Coffee Roasters. It’s also the perfect morning spot to bring your laptop and get a little work done.

“With Ritual, we’re trying to bring the West End something we feel it needs more of,” Nevada Cope added. “An approachable eatery with a locally-inspired menu supported by a strong cocktail and craft beer program. We want Ritual to be a local’s local.”

On Sunday evenings, check out their regular $25 prix fixe menu, and later this month they’ll be throwing their first party… A Halloween Party, no less! For $45, enjoy an evening of cocktails, canapés, costumes and live music in Ritual’s beautiful space. Tickets goes on sale on Tuesday, October 11 and can be purchased at the restaurant.

So… Have we convinced you yet? Be sure to make your way to Ritual very soon.