ABOUT US

French Inspired West CoastFare

inspired by the

mères of lyon

Ophelia took her inspiration for the name of the restaurant from ‘Mère’, the French language word for ‘mother’ and an honorary title bestowed upon female cooks in France and particularly the city of Lyon that dates to the 18th Century. The moniker is a nod to multiple women who helped Lyon stake its claim as the gastronomic centre of France, chief among them Mère Brazier, who is regarded as “the mother of modern French cooking.”

The seeds for the restaurant were sown long ago during Ophelia’s many travels to France, when she developed an abiding love affair with the culture, cuisine and the simple joy found by bringing people together to the table to share a drink, a hearty meal, and make lasting memories.

Ophelia Arida

OWNER & HOST

“My many travels to France helped me develop my passion to host and showcase the sort of hospitality and home-spun cuisine for which French culture is so well known,” says Ophelia. “Here you’ll find a place that’s nostalgic, welcoming and evocative where guests can gather around the table and enjoy a little joie de vivre with friends, family and loved ones.”

Emmanuel Joinville

MENU DEVELOPMENT

Joinville began his career in 1981 in his hometown of Dijon, France as an apprentice at Chef Rene Villard’s Michelin 3-Starred restaurant Chateau Bourgogne and went on to become an acclaimed chef and restaurateur in his own right prior to emigrating to Vancouver with his family in 2000. Chef Joinville is known in Vancouver for the popular Jules Bistro that became a Gastown staple after 16 years of service.