Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between a Chefs Menu and A La Carte reservations?
Limited reservations each night are exclusively available for our chefs multi-course family style menu. This menu is carefully crafted showcasing the best ingredients from our local foraging and farming community. If you’d prefer to choose your own adventure, you can book select tables to order from our A La Carte Menu. If all reservations are booked up, you can try to jump on the chefs menu or A La Carte as walk-in guests by arriving at 5:30pm or closer to 8pm for a seat at the bar or any open tables. *Please note chefs menus can sell out.
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Can I see a Chef's menu in advance?
Our Chefs Menu experience is a “blind” family style multi-course adventure that showcases hyper-local and seasonal ingredients. As such there is no menu posted ahead of time. It consists of 10-12 dishes, served in approximately 4-5 courses. If you have questions about dietary restrictions, etc. please contact us for details. Our A La Carte Menu is posted HERE.
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What can I expect at brunch?
Weekend brunch reservations for 1-6 guests are for A La Carte dining with the option to order our brunch chefs multi-course menu; A similar though more concise experience to dinner, with the inclusion of coffee or tea. Michelin has included our brunch as one of the best in the city. Check out what they have to say about it HERE
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How much time should I allocate for my reservation?
We offer 2 seatings per night. Early seatings have a 2-hour limit, whereas later seatings allow guests to savour their dining experience without any specified time constraints.
Brunch reservations are allotted 1.5 hours for parties of 2-3, 1.75 hours for parties of 4-5 and 2 hours for parties of 6 or more.
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Is everything vegetarian/vegan?
We are vegetarian! Because we build our menu around local and seasonal vegetables, most dishes are inherently plant-based and vegan. We do, however, offer some local dairy and egg options for our omnivore friends to enjoy.
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Can you accommodate allergies and other dietary restrictions?
Yes, we can accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions, including vegan and gluten-free / celiac . Please make a note of dietary restrictions and allergies when making your reservation, at least 48 hours ahead so we can confirm them with you. We never use peanuts, though we often have dishes with other nuts, specifically locally grown hazelnuts. We generally are not able to accommodate allium allergies, as our kitchen uses those ingredients extensively. Please note that we can not guarantee 100% against cross contamination.
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Do you offer a wine pairing with the chefs menu?
Yes! We offer a curated pairing featuring 5 small glasses of local BC wines for $55 per person. It includes bubbles, red wine, dessert wine, and everything in between! Wine pairings are available as an enhancement to your chefs menu experience and can be ordered at your table. Please allow a little extra time for your meal if you plan to enjoy the wine pairing.
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Tell me about your beverage program
Our cocktails are as cool as our food! Signature cocktails change with the seasons just like our menu. Take a dive into our wine list - with vegan, organic, bio-dynamic and low-intervention methods, we have a wine list to phone home about. Speaking of home, you can take a bottle home with you from our bottle shop at a $15 discount from the menu price! Don't drink? opt for one of our zero-proof beverages, ranging from wine to beer to carefully crafted cocktails.
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Can I request modifications and substitutions?
Modifications and substitutions are respectfully declined. Our kitchen is small, and we only keep the menu we've prepared for you on hand. Our talented kitchen team has already spent the day ensuring that every sauce, emulsion, and puree is perfectly made for your arrival. Our menu is deceptively complex and components are carefully designed together on your plate.
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What does it mean to be "Zero-Waste"?
Our zero-waste kitchen ensures that every ingredient is celebrated to its fullest potential - utilizing the stems, skins, pits and scraps from our fruits and vegetables, re-purposing them into the many components that make up our menu. We value the meaningful connections with local organic farmers, foragers and purveyors to the point where 99% of everything you find on your plate (and in some cases the plate itself) was grown, harvested or made in British Columbia and Western Canada.
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What happens to my reservation credit card hold?
At The Acorn, we're committed to providing an exceptional dining experience, and to ensure we can prepare your meal with the utmost care, we kindly request a $25 per person reservation hold, refundable upon arrival; however, in the spirit of thoughtful preparation, should you need to cancel or no-show within 24 hours, this fee allows us to minimize food waste and continue crafting memorable dining experiences for all our guests.
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What if I need to cancel my reservation?
In order for us to make the table available to someone else, please notify us as soon as you can if you need to cancel. There is a $25 charge per person for late cancellations (within 24 hours) or no shows.
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Is your restaurant accessible for someone with limited mobility?
Our restaurant can accommodate guests with limited mobility. As we have a small dining room, please let us know at the time of booking so we can assign tables accordingly.
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Where can I park?
Metered street parking is available along Main Street and there is a public paid parking lot conveniently located 1-block away in the alley behind the building with access off 23rd Avenue. There is a public bike lock rack outside the front door of the restaurant!
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Is Acorn suitable for families with children?
We welcome guests of all ages. Please note that due to space constraints, we do not provide highchairs, and there is no room for strollers inside. Kids under 12 have the option to participate in our chefs menu and can order from our a la carte menu at dinner.
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Is Acorn available for private events?
Yes, Private restaurant buy-outs are available. For inquiries please contact our team at eat [at] theacornrestaurant.ca
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Can I bring my own wine and/or dessert?
Yes!
Our corkage fee is $40 / 750mL
Our cake cutting / outside dessert fee is $3 / person
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What is the dress code?
We encourage smart-casual attire, but we welcome guests to dress comfortably.
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Do you sell gift cards?
Absolutely! You can purchase E-Gift Cards for The Acorn HERE. They are delivered instantaneously so you can gift on the go. Or you can purchase a gift card in any denomination directly from the restaurant.
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What is the Acorn Market?
Born out of the pandemic, we created a packaged food line of some of our favourite and more popular menu items. These items are available for purchase in the restaurant, at select retailers, and also online HERE