Spring is in the air, and Anh and Chi is ready to shake things up for the warm weather season with a trio of exciting new features launching Wednesday, May 1. A vibrant hub of bold Vietnamese cuisine and innovative cocktails in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant, the award-winning restaurant is unveiling their lively new Spring/Summer cocktail menu, opening their streetside patio for the season, and introducing Ham Chơi, their exciting new spin on Happy Hour.
On the heels of having just won the 2024 Science of Cocktails Flor de Cana Sustainability Cocktail Competition, Anh and Chi’s accomplished Bar Manager Chelsea McNabb, in collaboration with the restaurant’s dynamic bar team, has introduced a new cocktail program inspired by the four sacred beasts of Vietnam — the mythical creatures from Vietnamese folklore that represent different aspects of nature and power: Azure Dragon, Golden Phoenix, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise.
“We create drinks we love to experience ourselves and play around with the latest cocktail trends – even setting some of our own,” says Chelsea. “With options ranging from fruity to bold, there’s a drink for everyone to enjoy.” From the tropical Opal Eye Daiquiri to the invigorating Phoenix Feather or Flower Power Sour, these inventive creations also offer a glimpse of the innovative cocktail program to be crafted at Good Thief, Anh and Chi’s brand-new sibling concept set to open soon.
Adding to the excitement of seasonal starts is the introduction of Ham Chơi, Anh and Chi’s unique take on Happy Hour, offering guests exclusive drinks and food specials on weekdays from 3-4 p.m. Ham Chơi embodies the spirit of playfulness and togetherness, with offerings like Lac Long Lager pours for $7 and savoury skewers starting at $6, Ham Chơi promises to be a delightful afternoon escape.
In tandem with the cocktail launch, Anh and Chi’s streetside patio offers guests a sun-soaked retreat to savour delicious fare and handcrafted drinks in a lively atmosphere. This pet-friendly streetside patio complements their popular year-round heated and covered patio, providing another perfect setting for al fresco dining and socializing, and will be open on sunny weekends (Fridays to Sundays) through June and every sunny summer day from July to September.
Committed to an inclusive dining experience, Anh and Chi welcomes both walk-in guests and guests booking reservations through their Reservation by Donation program. By donating $10 per person to a charity of their choice, guests can reserve a table and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience while supporting a worthy cause. The team takes pride in its ongoing commitment to community support, and have raised and donated over $250,000 through this program to various local charities. Some of the charitable organizations supported include Pacific Immigrant Resources Society, A.WARE Foundation, Aunt Leah’s Place, Baby Go Round, and Food Stash Foundation.
For the restaurant’s co-founders, siblings Amélie Nguyễn and Vincent Nguyễn, giving back to their community is not just a gesture, but a heartfelt commitment deeply ingrained in the fabric of Anh and Chi as every dollar donated goes directly to charity of choice. “We’re thrilled to invite our guests to come by and enjoy our take on the flavours of the season, bask in the warmth of our patio, and join us in offering ongoing support to the community through our Reservation by Donation program,” says Amélie. “Anh and Chi continues to be more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s about coming together to create lasting memories and make a positive impact.”
