As of September 13, 2024, seafood lovers in Metro Vancouver have something new to celebrate with the opening of Bow & Stern’s latest location at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby. This popular ocean-inspired restaurant is expanding from the Fraser Valley with this new location and judging by the media preview, it’s set to make a big splash.
A Taste of the Ocean in Burnaby
Stepping into Bow & Stern’s spacious 5,000-square-foot restaurant, you instantly feel the coastal ambiance. With a design that mirrors its ocean-centric menu, it features clean lines, nautical touches, and an open atmosphere that draws you in. Though its highly anticipated 60-seat patio is still under construction, it promises to be a vibrant addition once completed this fall, offering guests a great spot to enjoy seafood with views of the bustling Brentwood area.
Bow & Stern’s Burnaby menu stays true to its roots while offering exclusive dishes unique to this new location. Curated by executive chef Jonathan Leyland, the menu features crowd favourites like the East Coast Lobster Dip, Bow & Stern’s Signature Fish Burger, and their renowned Fish ‘n Chips, a nod to the restaurant’s origins.
During the media preview, I had the chance to sample some of Bow & Stern’s newest offerings, and the seafood platters and towers definitely stood out. The Hot Seafood Platter featured a mix of arctic char, tiger prawns, lobster tails, mussels, and clams, all served with jasmine rice and seasonal vegetables. Each element was cooked just right, with the char and prawns standing out as especially flavourful.
The Chilled Seafood Plate was a great contrast, featuring fresh oysters, a prawn cocktail, and tuna tataki. The oysters were fresh and briny, and the prawn cocktail was simple but done well.
The highlight of the media preview for me was undoubtedly the Signature Cold Seafood Tower. When it arrived at the table, it quickly commanded attention with its impressive show of raw oysters, lobster tails, and jumbo prawns that were almost shockingly large. I’ve seen plenty of seafood towers before, but I’d never encountered prawns that size—they were enormous, almost a meal on their own.
The oysters were fresh and briny, the lobster tails tender and sweet, but the prawns stole the show. Their size wasn’t just for spectacle either; they were poached just right, juicy, and flavourful. The tower felt like a true centrepiece, both in presentation and taste. It set a high bar for Bow & Stern’s focus on fresh ingredients.
A Family-Driven Success Story
Bow & Stern has been a family affair from the very beginning. The brand was first launched in 1988 when Jon and Jacki Smith opened a small fish ‘n chips shop. Today, the venture is a collaboration between Jon, Jacki, their children Jordan, Jake, Erin, and son-in-law Adam Crosariol. Jordan Smith, who I spoke with at the event, expressed his excitement about the Brentwood location.
“We’re an ocean-inspired dining experience, and we’re staying true to that,” Jordan said. “My dad ran a fish and chips shop for over 30 years, and we serve the same fish and chips today. It’s been part of our brand identity from the start.”
When asked about why they chose Burnaby’s Amazing Brentwood, Jordan explained it was serendipity. “My sister was driving by and saw the ‘for lease’ sign. Brentwood seemed like an up-and-coming area, so we called the Realtor and felt it was the right opportunity to get closer to the city.”
Signature Beverages to Complement the Meal
No seafood feast would be complete without a well-crafted beverage menu, and Bow & Stern doesn’t disappoint. From local craft beers and Bow & Stern’s own lager and pale ale to Okanagan wines, there’s something for everyone. The signature cocktails were also a hit at the media preview. The Maracuya Brulee with Casamigos Blanco and passionfruit stood out as a sweet, tropical option, while the Barrel & Wood mixed Glenmorangie Nectar with Grand Marnier for a rich, spirit-forward drink.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic choice, Bow & Stern has a range of zero-proof creations that are just as inventive, ensuring everyone can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted beverage with their meal.
Looking Ahead
With lunch, happy hour, and dinner services in full swing and brunch on the horizon, the Smith family’s commitment to their craft and their community remains at the heart of their success. When asked to describe the restaurant in one word, Jordan summed it up simply: “Family.” It’s this approach that makes Bow & Stern a standout—delivering great food with a personal touch in every dish.
Mary in Vancity 
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