Like a garnish on a fine cocktail, micro bar.bites gives downtown Kelowna an international twist. The latest gem of RauDZ Creative Concepts opened to rave reviews as if to serve as practical testimony to Maya Angelou’s quote, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Let’s say it up front: If Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Salvador Dali and Duke Ellington were still alive and in town, at 3 pm they’d be storming the door for a spirited gathering. While micro bar.bites offers a different slant and has its own quirky personality, like RauDZ Regional Table the attention to detail is impeccable. To maximize the functionality and ambiance of the 900 square foot street-level space, Audrey Surrao and Chef Rod Butters teamed up with acclaimed architect Timothy Bullinger, Arca3 Design Studio. This collaboration among friends resulted in an artistic masterpiece with old-fashioned charm imparting an aura that it’s always been there. For intimate meetings there’s two cozy window stations for four. The centrepiece though, is the 65-foot bar locally crafted by Will Brundula using hickory, fir, black walnut and cherry wood end cuts surrounded by 26 funky bar stools. Take in the theatre of bar offerings where the play list continuously rotates with 10 wines, 10 beers, 10 premium highballs and 10 small plates.
Even French champagne is available by the glass. It’s all part of RauDZ Creative Concepts focus on providing patrons with an exceptional experience while supporting local suppliers and community. With micro bar.bites the goal is to broaden locals’ perspective to include a global flair while keeping it simple and approachable. This unpretentious European style extends to the small bites menu and tumblers in which the beer, wine and cocktails are served. Join others to find your muse or just enjoy the menu.
~ Roslyne Buchanan