fter some serious delays, Gastown’s newest drinking and dining spot is finally open. The doors at 238 Abbott Street have been unlocked and Revel is ready for inspection. The project is a partnership between Dennis Brock (ex-owner of Steamrollers), Michael Murray (ex-Mark James Group), Sean Hamilton (Cardero’s, Umberto’s) Walter Sawadsky and Peter Smith. And although it took the team a while to get started, they’ve hit the ground running; already the place has developed good "hot spot" status.

The room is dark and funky, with exposed brick as the dominant design feature. Eclectic light fixtures, such as the huge 10,000 watt light bulbs, were taken from a film set and suspended from the ceiling, while art deco vitro lights - which the team recovered during the destruction of a nearby building - line the side walls. Two levels include the main dining area upstairs and a more lounge-y atmosphere below. Black and white films will soon be projected onto the walls and DJ’s will frequent the room. It’s a place you might want to lounge around for a while.

Chef Michael Pacey has been recruited to head up the kitchen. You may have seen him previously at The Rex or in one of Sean Heather’s kitchens. Pacey has gone with all small plates and his menu items trollop around the globe. Start with some grilled naan bread with tomato relish, roast garlic and olives, be sure to try the flash-fried potato chips with chipotle ketchup and garlic aioli. And don’t miss the shrimp and jalapeno fritters with green curry crème fraiche dip. Try the crispy buttermilk wings that drip with a cinnamon honey glaze, ordering up some grilled asparagus, Chinatown fried rice, and Moroccan lamb meatballs. You can have yourself a fairly balanced meal. Just make sure you’re fine with many global flavours sharing space on your table.

Revel is starting slowly with their wine menu. There’s a little BC and some of our international friends. Currently bar manager Sean Hamilton has five red and five white by the glass. Signature cocktails are inventive and include classics and some newbies such as the English Ed with cucumber infused gin, red apple and lemon and Jack’s Canada with Crown Royal, fresh lime and maple syrup. Draft and bottled beer are available for hops lovers.