his Gastown restaurant was meant as a neighbourhood gathering place, but turned out a little too elegant for that. Chef John Jetsen, his boy Elroy, Jordan Stewart, and Sonny Bozzi wanted to bring a different type of venue to the area (sorry, the part about Elroy is a fallacy). The three wanted to create a place that culled well-dressed diners and casual party-goers; not simply a restaurant, lounge, or bar, but an amalgam of all three.

Quickly, Chill Winston has became a hipster magnet. The décor, fun waitstaff and well-balanced drinks beckon and encourage splurges and spur-of-the-moment gatherings.

The ambitious renovation tactfully left the building's original brick walls, dark wooden bar and sliding windows intact. The expansive bar area has you feeling right at home in an Elle Décor way. Black leather couches are pushed against exposed brick walls; the room is lit by sparse and scattered points of warm light; and even the unisex washrooms are angling to grab a bit of attention.

The food isn't much different from what you’d find at a neighbourhood restaurant. However, the interior and the wine list elevate the experience, making it a great hideout for romance. Another plus is Chef John Jesten, who is constantly on display in his island kitchen where he brings his personal touch to the food creation.

The menu itself is curiously out of balance. Among the first courses, you'll search in vain for something light and refreshing; which is exactly what's needed if you're going to be indulging in the limp and fishy miniature crab cakes that accompany your drinks (if the waiter remembers to bring them). Those crab cakes, served with a lemon dill rémoulade, are the kind you might find at an office party, just a bit fresher.