Makoto Ono’s parents were trailblazers in their way, opening up the first sushi restaurant in the Canadian city of Winnipeg. The philosophy of that restaurant stayed with Makoto as he embarked on his own journey as a chef, and “elegance through simplicity” is the cornerstone on which he based his own restaurant PiDGiN, in Vancouver.
Makoto came home to Winnipeg to open Glutton’s Bistro after honing his skills at respected London restaurants Mirabelle and Vong. Awards followed, the brighter lights of Vancouver beckoned and here he is at PiDGiN. In keeping with the chef’s culinary vision, Craig Stanghetta of Ste Maria Art and Design kept things simple and elegant. Japanese furniture was a naturally understated fit in the crisp white dining area, in which an interesting miscellany of objects have found a new home. Much like a chef doesn’t crowd a plate, giving the food room to shine, Stanghetta allows the diners the same freedom. Just one thing though, unless I’ve investigated the cocktail list too thoroughly I’m pretty sure that wing isn’t from a pigeon…
@pidginvancouver
@cdstanghetta
Photography, Eydis Einarsdottir
