Alchemist Restaurant

What is it that makes a fine dining experience truly fine?  Most would agree that the factors which elevate ones experience to a fine one are spectacular food, beautiful presentation, exquisitely relaxing surroundings and courteous, attentive service.  Erin Hotson and Francois Lessard have passionately combined these ingredients and cooked up the Alchemist Restaurant, a true fine dining establishment.

The atmosphere is a warm Tuscan style with fresco walls, illuminated by candlelight which is complemented by soothing Spanish guitar music.  Guests arriving for a special occasion, a romantic evening or just a night out will, no doubt, have their expectations exceeded from the moment they enter the room.

Food is French, with a Mediterranean flair. Everything is made from scratch using French techniques and the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. The wine list features top quality BC wines, paired to dinner selections for clients' convenience. The commitment to excellence assures patrons of the ultimate gastronomical experience.

Promoting local agriculture is also very important to Erin and Francois.  Using as much local produce as possible they hope to promote local farmers and encourage diners to support those local producers by using their seasonal produce.  The local produce is higher in nutrients, and generally less expensive than imported produce.

Alchemist Restaurant is a genuine labour of love for Francois and Erin, each of whom is a chef.  The couple met about eight years ago while working at the Banff Springs Hotel and have been together ever since, spending much of their spare time visualizing their own gourmet restaurant and planning how they might make it happen.  Erin is originally from Powell River, so locating here was a natural for her.  Francois originates from Sherbrooke, Quebec and, as with many others who visit, fell in love with our pearl of a city.  This all made the decision on where to locate an easy one.

So, their next step was to prepare a detailed Business Plan, which they did with the help of Community Futures – Powell River and the Self Employment Program.  Then it was a month or so of coveralls, paintbrushes, hammers and the like as they renovated and decorated their premises on Marine Avenue.  The result is quite stunning, from the dazzling sign hanging at the street, to the locally crafted and very unique bar.

Since opening the doors in July of 2008, Alchemist quickly gained a reputation as the quality gourmet restaurant that it is.  In only a few months Francois and Erin became recognized as a very professional pair of chefs (they have a combined thirty years experience in the industry) who will stop at nothing to ensure their clients’ quality of food, drink and experience are second to none.

The name “Alchemist”, and the tag line “A journey Home” have very special meanings to this talented and motivated couple.  As I would not want to leave an erroneous impression, it is probably best that they explain those meanings themselves.