Black Hat by Bistro 28 Sets the Stage for Delicious Fun in Downtown Victoria

Local chef and restaurateur Sam Chalmers is pleased to announce the opening of his second culinary endeavour, The Black Hat by Bistro 28.

As a way of marking the second anniversary of his successful Bistro 28 in Oak Bay, Chalmers wanted to bring the same "neighbourhood feel" to a new - and second - location in the heart of downtown Victoria.  "It was time to take it to a bigger market within Victoria," says Chalmers of his new 85-seat restaurant.  "It's a big restaurant, but still has a cozy feel."

That cozy feel is defined in a gorgeously restored Rattenbury building, with salvaged wood tables, vintage lighting, and ample bar seating, with jazz and blues setting the tone, and a price point and menu that appeals for either a casual outing or a special occasion. "Black hat doesn't mean black tie," notes Chalmers.

Fans of chef Chalmers’s unique cooking style can enjoy the same signature classics found at the intimate Bistro 28 such as the moreish "dry ribs" (crispy fried pork belly tossed in star anise salt and pepper), the maple-chipotle steamed mussels, and spaghetti with Kobe meatballs as well as an expanded and finely crafted menu of land and sea-based fare. Find inviting choices from heritage Angus steak frites or cast-iron fried Australian Wagyu striploin, to seasonal halibut served with a summer vegetable ratatouille, and a unique "raw" menu of carpaccios, tartares, ceviches, and a soon-to-garner-cult-status pink salt-cured tuna tataki.

Along with Black Hat's appealing menu, patrons can enjoy updated classic cocktails from the popular Moscow Mule to a more underground style of Manhattan, craft brews and a by-the-glass wine list of 10 whites and 16 reds served and preserved via a temperature-controlled Fine Wines By The Glass system, and a wisely chosen reserve bottle list featuring the best from BC and the world.

With extensive restaurant experience under their belts, the front-of-house staff is as creatively-driven as Chalmers. Managing the room will be overseen by Chalmers's longtime friend and musician Jay Sparrow, barkeep Marc Wilson will be shakin'-and-stirrin' the libations, and Chalmers's Sous Chef Brian Bekkema will be heading up the kitchen.

Chalmers, rarely seen without his signature black hat, will be dividing his time between both restaurants, fine-tuning the menus, working the line and stepping onto the floor as host, to get to know his clientele.

As a refreshing counterpoint to many of the tourist-driven restaurants in the downtown core, "the Black Hat is for you, Victoria."

Black Hat by Bistro 28 is located at 1005 Langley Street, Victoria.
Hours: Wedneday – Sunday 4:30pm – Late.