Alessandra and Jean-Francis Quaglia: smartly tapped into changing tastes with their sleek new TWB, Tim Pawsey photo
We’ve always felt Provence Marinaside is one of Vancouver’s more under-appreciated rooms—but that might just be about to change with the arrival of TWB, which stands for (drum roll) The Wine Bar—at Provence.
(We’re a tad over initial names but TWB is AOK for now.)
Glasses at the ready—They’ll need them (image supplied)
Owners Jean-Francis and Alessandra Quaglia have turned what used to be an awkward backwater space (and the original entrance, used mainly occasionally for private parties) into a compact, sexy bar, where you can sample a number of small bites and decent wines in a relaxing but sleekly appointed setting.
We’re not sure if the antipasti case is still there but if it is it’s well tucked away, under a dazzling new bar topped by a peekaboo glass strip—all part of the sleek new design by Bella Vivante.
With the restaurant scene rushing to more casual and wallet friendly styles, TWB fits the mold of not compromising on taste while offering affordable and flexible portions.
Cool light fixtures too
The idea behind TWB (which is completely separate from the main room) says owner Jean-Francis Quaglia, is “You can drop by for a glass of wine, have a light snack and meet up with friends.” Inside tip: You can also get small pours from the extensive list to make up a trial flight
He’s counting on plenty of interest from local, False Creek North and Yaletown residents looking for a convenient but decent bite—and he’s likely right. The compact space is already hopping with people around the friendly bar.
While many restos have upped the ante on wine service, few have jumped in “hardcore”, with properly preserved selections (TWB offers 50 wines by the glass, with some bottles preserved by the “ByTheGlass” system, as well as eight BC drops on tap (from the likes of Haywire, Stag’s Hollow, Meyer Family Vineyards and others), using the increasingly popular Fresh Tap system.)
Combined with TWB’s $5-6 small bites (also available as well-priced $18 mains, it should be a winner), especially given the number of apartment dwellers all around…)
A good global selection …
We were hosted last night for a few quick bites and sips and found plenty to cheer about. We’ll be back for another glass of Brott Les Brottiers Côtes du Rhone ($10 gl.) well paired with wine braised pork cheeks or baked sardines (with OK Crushpad Rosé), or maybe just sip on a $6 glass of Montelvini Prosecco—or Hiedler Grüner Veltliner ($10), which we haven’t for a while.
The wines (selected by Sommelier Rachelle Goudreau) are smartly chosen. In fact this is one of the better ranges of wines by the glass on offer anywhere in the city, spanning both old and new world, and affordably priced, although with a couple of splurges, should you be inclined.
Our hunch is that TWB will help a whole lot more folks discover Provence—which is not a bad thing at all.
See you there!
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