2 Chefs and a Table

Given the odd location, this little restaurant is certainly thriving! Locals, or people who work in the area know where to go for a nice lunch. The opening hours are limited to lunch time.
On my last day working in the area, some colleagues ventured out here with me to give this place a try. We were quite impressed at the overall appearance of the place from the inside and out. They get very busy at lunch time, so find yourself a table — share, if you must! We had to share a table with a nice couple that afternoon. They have some long tables, so it doesn’t make things awkward for anybody.
The lunch menu consisted of a few wrap options, some sandwiches and pasta plates. My vegetarian colleague noticed the lack of vegetarian options right away, so if you are vegetarian, lunch may not be ideal. There’s soup and salad on the menu, so depending on the daily soup, vegetarians may or may not get to eat here.
I had the Chicken Wrap with salad. Have to say it wasn’t bad. They also gave me fries by mistake, which I’m glad they did. The fries are SO GOOD! Even my colleagues couldn’t resist a nibble or two on my fries.
I will likely never find myself in that area again. But, IF I do, I’ll know where to go for lunch.

«The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be,
Ain’t what she used to be, ain’t what she used to be,
The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be,
Many long years ago.»
I have been to Two Chefs and a Table on three occasions. First time was for my birthday dinner at their old Alexander Street location in 2012 and second time was for lunch at their Richmond location, also in 2012. Both the first and second visits would have garnered at least a three star review. The third, and what will be the last, visit was last week. The food definitely wasn’t what it used to be and the service was so-​so. While my own experience was not as bad as described in the reviews of Hannah S., Ashley S., and Cameron S., it very easily could have been if there were more people in the restaurant at the time I was there.
We were the first patrons to arrive for lunch. The dining area was empty. Our server seemed bored and unhappy to be there and was not particularly friendly. She seemed to struggle to make small talk with another customer who came to pick up lasagna for takeout while we were there.
I had previously had the chicken and waffle and ordered it again on my most recent visit. The chicken and waffle that I had on my previous visit was so good that it became the benchmark for all chicken and waffle that I have had since. The chicken and waffle I had this time was awful. The waffle tasted like it had been reheated and the chicken did not taste fresh. It came with a very large pat of vanilla butter (which was tasty although the amount I was given was obnoxiously large) and did not have any pecans (which I did not remember were supposed to be there until I looked at other pictures before writing my review). Pic:
Neither of my dining companions were particularly impressed either. One of them had ordered the burger and said that the patty tasted like it was from Costco.
Overall, the food nowhere as good as it used to be and was not worth the visit. The unenthusiastic service didn’t help either.
One last note: Their website is not up to date. It still has holiday menus from November/​December 2013 and states that they are open for brunch on weekends (which they haven’t been since at least February 2014).

I arrived at 12:15 and it took just a couple of moments to get my seats, despite walking by a massive stack of menus she told me it would be a few minutes for menus. I believe her name was Amy. I waited 10 minutes for a friend to arrive and still no menus in site. This should have been a clue.
We asked for and got menus, and ordered at 12:30. By 1 pm, still no food, we asked for an update on our food to which she said that they were busy and it would be out shortly. Finally at 1:15, we received our food. Amy spent a ton of time talking to a table of regulars but never did come quality check our food. At which point I would have been able to tell her that my quesadilla was cold. Unfortunately, she avoided our table like the plague. We were done eating by 1:25 and after waiting for 10 minutes, still no Amy. Not to quality check, not to clear plates, not to offer more water. My friend had to leave, so I sat alone, for 12 more minutes until I finally had enough and went inside where Amy seemed shocked that I was done. I’d been done for about 25 minutes at this point. She was obviously too busy making a caesar.
The service that I received was absolutely pathetic. Amy was unapologetic, blamed being too busy, was unaccountable and didn’t bother to ask any of her coworkers for help.
I will not be back, and I will be making sure everyone knows about their terrible service.

Nice secret lunch spot tucked away in Richmond. Anyone who works in the area knows there isn’t much in the way of eateries outside of fast food and various sushi/​phở joints. Nice simple menu, well priced and service is ok. Only had a couple of dishes and servings seem to vary depending on the dish, apparently tater tots are the side of choice here, random but true.

This place is tucked away next to warehouse units in an industrial park. Walk inside and be prepared to feel like you’re in a downtown café.
There’s not many places in Richmond where you can find chicken and waffles. A few times I’ve been here they’ve sold out of either the chicken or the waffles which leads me to think that neither are made from scratch. Nonetheless, food here is decent. I’ve tried the Mac and cheese, poutine, wrap and a few salads. Id have to say the chicken and waffles is one of the best items on the menu.
Fridays at lunch seems to the busiest time. Weekdays can be quieter. I’ve never had a problem with the service like other Unilocalers have.
One con to note — they don’t have an espresso machine so don’t expect to order an after-​lunch cappuccino.

I’ve been sick for the last few days so I’ve been home catching up on the tv watching. On a sunny Friday afternoon I couldn’t resist the temptation to go out! My friend texted me to head down to ikea, so off we went.
After the ikea run we met another friend in a commercial area in Richmond. 2 Chefs and a Table is located around Viking Way and Bridgeport.
The décor is unexpectedly upscale given the location of this restaurant. We shared the buttermilk chicken fingers and fries. I ordered the Turkey burger.
Buttermilk chicken fingers: excellent! Hot and very flavorful. I’m not a fan of white meat chicken because it is often overcooked and dry. This dish was not. The white meat in this dish was juicy and delish! Definitely I would order this dish again.
I ordered the turkey burger based on the recommendations of other Unilocalers. I was going to order the penne, but after reading all the positive reviews on this burger I ordered it. Hmmm… I was a bit disappointed. The presentation was lovely pesto and feta cheese but the flavor was a bit overwhelming! To me there were too many flavors competing to get my attention. In the end I have to say I would not order that again.
Service was painfully slow. The restaurant seats maybe 50 people, and there were probably about 40 customers. There was 1 waiter and 1 waiter. We had to wait at least 30 mins for our lunch. We were not in a rush so it didn’t matter to us but this place caters to lots of customers that work in the area. 30 min wait would be unacceptable for most people. 2 chefs is understaffed.

Food was good the service was fine… atmosphere was also good. Will go back. The prices were very reasonable.

OMG, this place is decadent and wonderful. It is my favorite new lunch spot when in Vancouver-​Richmond. Had the lamb burger and the duck fat tater tots. I want to sleep now.

I went here in 2012 when they were still located in Strathcona. We went for my birthday lunch with my parents and I remember the service was decent (not fabulous), the décor was quaint, and brightly lit. But it was the food that stood out – tasty, filling, and homey. The meals hit just the right spot.

Great place with great food. I really noticed the place filled up quickly around 12:15pm for lunch. The best idea is to get there just before noon. They have small tables and nice bar seating if you’re going stag. I especially enjoyed a lamb burger and fries while listening to Pink Floyd. Great way to spend a Friday lunch hour.
If I could provide one suggestion it would be for fresh brewed iced tea. Great place I will be going back soon.

From 5 stars to 2… my fav is not my fav anymore. The Lamb Burger used to be consistently good, was my fav. But this last visit left me quite disappointed. The burger was smaller, dry, and not as tasty as how it used to be. And I was never really a big a fan of the fries, but this time it was just soggy and tasteless.
30 Day Unilocal Challenge (¹⁄₃₀)

So i suddenly craved some Poutine for lunch. Didn’t want to go all the way to downtown, so did a lil search online and found this place.
It’s in a kinda rural industrial warehouse area, took me 2~3 extra minutes to find it. since there seemed to be only warehouse and small companies around there.
Got their pulled pork Poutine. First bite of the Pulled pork and crispy tatter tots topped with grated mozza? cheese and green onions, it was DELISH! The seasoning on the pulled pork was just right. Only thing i thought was that it could have used a lil more cheese and some gravy! Felt like it was a tad dry and not moist enough lol. It didn’t feel too salty or too strong either, unlike some other Poutines that gets you tired of it after like a few bites.
Great place to grab some lunch if u’re around east Richmond. Quick, simple, decent taste, acceptable prices!
(Ratings based on only getting the Pulled Pork Poutine)

I am very confused as to why this place has such high ratings. The food is Mediocre at best. The service is the worst service I have EVER had… period!
I had a Chicken wrap that just completely fell apart whilst eating. My friend had a dish of pasta that was only warm, and plated so badly sauce was just all around the dish.
Then came the service. Never once did the server return to ask how the food was, even when the restaurant was empty. When we asked her for water, she filled my glass, and left the other 4 glasses in my party empty and walked away.
After packing stuff to go, our waitress just disappeared and never brought us the bill, we had to ask the bartender for the bill after waiting for 10 minutes.
Definitely would not return.

Such a random location for this delicious food — I’ve been wanting to try their downtown location but when I needed to meet my grandma for her birthday lunch she always suggests something in richmond or marpole area. To avoid another moxies style lunch — I suggested 2 Chefs and Table.
it’s definitely never going to have any sort of view and the interior feels a little funny with all those tv’s…but the service was attentive and the food was tasty — that was some damn fine pulled pork.
A solid 3.5 stars — if I’m ever in the way again I would definitely stop by

Located in an industrial area in east Richmond lies a little restaurant serving all sorts of great dishes to satisfy anyone’s appetite. From an Asian Bahn Mi Sandwich (pickled veggies, pork pâté, spicy mayo and cilantro) and Szechuan style calamari (w/​chillies szechuan salt and lime dip) to Southern style Pulled pork poutine (w/​applewood chedder and cracked pepper gravy) and Chicken N Waffles Yes that’s right!!! Finally there’s Chicken N Waffles (Polderside chicken, house made waffles maple syrup, pecans and vanilla butter!) WHAT!!! and just 5 mins away from my place of residence? damn i gotta move closer!!!
We arrived right when it opened (yes i know… «keener»!.. SHADDUP!!) anyhoo… we ordered the pulled pork poutine, chicken wings and the Chicken n Waffles.
The Pulled pork poutine was amazing! the chedder cheese and the pepper gravy almost floored me! it was really good!
The Chicken n Waffles were pretty sexy. Large fresh waffle bed with maple syrup, candied pecans and vanilla butter with 3 pieces of chicken on top. sounds good right? BUT here’s what you do to take it over the top:…you ready…
Cut a piece of chicken (with skin) add a piece of waffle, syrup, and butter. GET all that shit on your fork. then after that… YOU DRENCH THAT MUTHAF*KA WITH FRANKS RED HOT SAUCE! and BOOM *result* FLAVOR EXPLOSION IN YO MOUTH!!! right off the bat you get sweet, salty and spicy at the same time! who needs a woman when u got that! (JK) *makes sure wife is not behind me*
After i made love to my food, i went to the back to wash my hands, discovering that there’s A LOT more to this restaurant then i expected. there’s a couple private rooms for parties AND a deli at the back!.. damn! Oh and not to mention their washrooms are clean as F#$k! very nice. I’ll definitely be back for that bahn mi sandwich, son!!!
Oh and P. S.- they only open for lunch Monday to Friday … LAME… ;)
k im done! ;)

I’ve been here a few times when I am in the area, I just got around to doing the review now…2 months later. Better late than never.
OMG they have the best French fries ever. I don’t know what they season the fries with, however, they had me at hello at first bite.
I’ve been here more than 5 times since they opened. Their menu has improved as the months passed. At first they were getting their feet wet with a lot of the menu items and were trying to calculate spices accordingly.
Now that they have refined some recipes, this is my go to place for a quick lunch in the industrial area of Richmond. Whenever I am in the area, I may it part of my agenda to leave extra time to eat here. I’ve never eaten in the restaurant are before, just in the express lunch area.
I’ve come to accept their high lunch prices in comparison to the quality of food. I can see how this lunch bill would add up daily for someone who works in the area going on a semi daily basis. There doesn’t seem to be any other reasonable eateries in the area unless you drive further within a few blocks here or there in Richmond with sub par options.
The place is always busy when I am there and the counter staff are awesome and friendly. By now they know how I like my fries without me having to mentioned anything.
The chilli is made gluten free. If you have any other gluten allergies or concerns, the chefs are very creative and accommodating. They will create a platter of equal or more value of what the original menu item is to please the customer. I never have to worry about my gluten allergy here as I know that I will be well taken care of. They do, however, make it in the same area as other gluten products so there may be unintentional cross contamination.
The lamb Burger is nicely spiced. It has to be one of the best lamb burgers that I have had in the lower mainland in a long time. It’s often difficult to spice lamb, however, they seem to have the spice formula down to a science.
The ambience is clean, modern and welcoming without being too over barring on the décor which is perfect for a quick bite.
For the price of fries, they give a generous portion. I am all about fair prices with fair portions.
I agree with Angela, another Unilocaler, who says that there aren’t a lot of vegetarian options. I can understand this since the demographic in the area are trade workers whom love their meat. I haven’t had a problem with the kitchen making a veggie alternative for me. Communicate your needs to them, they’re awesome.

Calamari was missing the little jalepenos on the bottom. But the calamari was nicely seasoned. I still think that their name for this dish is slightly missleading. Nowhere do I taste anything reminiscent about Szechuan. Regardless of the name, this dish is good. The best I’ve had here today. 3 stars for missing stuff and missleading description.
Chicken and waffles. Nothing like a good olé home cooked Chicken and waffles, southern fry style, but this wasn’t it. I specifically asked for the waffle to be «neat» no toppings on it so I could get a good taste of the waffle batter and I like my waffles with a crisp toasted texture on the outside and soft in the middle. I was excited about the chicken too. Since all I’ve heard was raves about the dish. Deduction? Waffle was doughy so I spread the butter on it which helped to make up for the doughiness. The chicken seemed like it was double fried and probably on the second fry it was cooked too much. It skin although crisp was very dark on the drumstick portion and the white meat was very dry. I didn’t finish my meal. Maybe I was expecting too much with all those 5 star reviews. The place was busy when we came in. Maybe I ordered the wrong dish.
I do know that in some cases, when a place opens up. you’ve got to try their first week, then try it again a month later and see if there is any differences, good or bad.
If it was good in the beginning, you hope that it will be consistent.
Our server was very nice, the service was good.
Place looks great and I like the separate room in the middle of the restaurant.
Soda water 5 stars but delivery took some time. Ooops.
I will be back for their Mac n Cheese and the Lamb burger! Looking forward to those next!

600 reviews! Another milestone calls for another significant review.
Over the years, I have grown to love Two Chefs and a Table. Their brunch never fails me. So, when I found out that they were opening up in Richmond, I was elated.
Needless to say, I’ve been here twice in two weeks. Yes, I like them that much. Located in a more office/​industrial location, this was perfect: a transformed warehouse space into a restaurant. Up front, a self serve lunch counter, and in the back, a large dining room. The décor is fancier than I would have expected; they even have TV screens, a bar, and a private dining room.
Onto the food. So far I’ve had the duck fat tater tots. You really can’t go wrong with duck fat. Perfectly crisp, and it also comes with a spicy ketchup, malted mayo, and a cheese sauce. Gosh that cheese sauce was addicting.
Then the lamb burger, it’s the best lamb burger I’ve ever had. A juicy patty, with pesto sauce, feta cheese, garlic mayo. This is so good. The bun to patty ratio is perfect. It’s just awesome.
The salmon burger is a grilled wild salmon filet with basil mayo. Flavourful, simple, delicious. I had it with a red curry chicken and rice soup-​lots of ingredients!
On the Vancouver Magazine’s 101 Things to Taste list, Chicken and Waffles. This Southern staple goes gourmet with two fluffy housemade waffles, pecan-​vanilla butter, and three pieces of tender B.C. Polderside Farms chicken that’s fried to crunchy perfection.
Returning here very soon…

These guys are on to something.
Thanks to Vincci L for suggesting this place.
For anyone who’s worked in a commercial/​industrial area, lunch options usually suck. Being forced to choose Subway as the only ‘healthy’, non-​freaky-​processed choice gets old fast.
And then there’s 2 Chefs. Situated in a warehouse complex, I wasn’t expecting much. But when I pulled into the parking lot and saw a patio, I was pleasantly surprised.
We sat in the dining room, though there’s also a lunch counter on the other side. With a spacious, cozy and slick interior, it’s a beaut. With a little marketing and word of mouth, I am certain these guys will be rocking it every day for lunch. Very smart positioning.
I ordered the lamb burger with fries. I’m weird and eat meat last. Fries were seasoned well. One bite into the lamb burger and I’m coming back. Super juicy, perfectly cooked medium rare, with homemade pesto, feta cheese, lettuce and garlic mayo, it all just works. I can still taste it in the mouth. And for $ 10, it’s priced well.
I eyed my dining partner’s chicken and waffles as I never had them before. Damn what a masterpiece. 3 pieces of chicken on a waffle with giant pecans and syrup. What a marriage.
Smart.

So happy that another viable lunch option opened in the area! The slew of industrial and office complexes with no delicious food options in sight is fairly depressing, and more so in the dreary, cold, rainy, latter part of the year.
A coworker and I dropped in for a late lunch, for a brief reprieve from the office. There is both a dining room and a lunch counter. Being the socially awkward penguins that we (okay, mostly me on this one) are, we ended up in the dining room when we had intended to go to the lunch counter. No matter. The dining room is rather pleasantly decorated, but the addition of TVs (and TVs not tuned into the Food Network, no less) made me sad, although I suppose it provides an easy way to avoid coworker small talk.
Service was friendly albeit leaning towards slow. I ordered the salmon burger with fries (versus salad) because… winter is coming (bonus points for getting the reference). My coworker had had her mind set on one of the sandwiches offered at the lunch counter only, and the server was kind enough to accommodate. The salmon burger isn’t some weird mashed up patty but rather, a nice-​size piece of grilled wild salmon fillet. I found the other «fillings» in the burger a little bit strange though. I wouldn’t normally think to throw a big chunk of cucumber in a burger, but hey. The fries were quite good and seasoned with some kind of blend of cracked salt, pepper, and herbs.
There aren’t a whole lot of exciting pescetarian/​vegetarian/​vegan options, especially considering that I’ve lentil’d myself out with my own brown bag lunches and feel cranky at the thought of paying $ 9 for a bowl of them with some rice. Libations are offered, for those extra rough days when only a glass of malbec at lunch will make you feel better. I will return for this reason.