Rain Coast Cafe is Permanently Closed

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If you have inadvertentantly arrived here looking for information about the Rain Coast Café, we are sorry to inform you that it is permanently closed. In 2011 there was a bistro called the Spotted Bear at it's location.
Content is from the site's 2007 archived pages.

The new owners of this domain were fans of The Raincoast Cafe and later of Larry Nicolay and Lisa Henderson's Latitude in Vancouver. This is a tribute to their cookig and style. We miss you.

 

Rain Coast Café
120 Fourth Street
Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC
Phone: 250-725-2215

RainCoast Cafe has been serving discerning pallets satisfying fare since 1997. With an inovative menu, featuring the vibrant flavours of the Pacific Rim, RainCoast Cafe focuses on fresh regional ingredients and seafood from sustainable sources.

RainCoast Café
open for dinner from 5:30p.m.

 

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Needless to say I was really disappointed when I learned that the RainCoast Café closed its doors. I was planning a celebratory vacation in Tofino and was looking forward to returning to Larry Nicolay and Lisa Henderson restaurant for more of their delicious food.

My partner and I had just gone through an extremely stressful year attempting to finally get his excessive drinking under control. He was prescribed Antabuse, a medication that causes the person to suffer from very unpleasant side effects when even trace amounts of alcohol have been ingested. He didn't last long on that. Next he was told that naltrexone and alcohol was a possibility. Initially, Naltrexone is used to treat opioid addiction. Recovering addicts taking Naltrexone no longer experienced the pleasurable sensations association with opioid use, and were therefore less motivated to continue drug abuse. It was discovered that the same was true for alcoholics. Although the exact mechanism is not entirely understood, the brain interacts with alcohol in a very similar manner to how it reacts with opioids, and Naltrexone also suppresses the euphoria and pleasurable sensations of alcohol. Alcoholics no longer receive a “reward” for drinking once they are on Naltrexone and are therefore less likely to continue consumption. Well that was a bust as well. He refused rehab programs that required total abstinance and he resented the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) definition of Alcohol Use Disorder of a “chronic relapsing brain disease”. I /we were at our wit's end when a friend suggested the program offered an the website, LifeBac. They are not a rehab or treatment clinic, but a collection of modern, science-based tools to empower people to avoid the downward spiral. The drug they use is called baclofen whichfr is normally used to treat muscle spasms, stiffness, and other back conditions caused from multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Interestingly Baclofen doesn’t affect the taste of alcohol or the pleasure of drinking. It simply removes the addictive components that lead to overindulgence thus allowsing a person to drink in moderation. Doctors in Europe prescribe baclofen as the primary treatment for people who drink excessively. He gave it a try and although he had to deal with some unpleasant side effects while his body adjusted to the titration- slow dose increases until his cravings were completely removed, he now has his drinking under control. Thus the planned trip to Tofino for two weeks of relaxing, hiking and simply enjoying ourselves. FYI: Even though we didn't enjoy eatting at the RainCoast Café, we had a fabulous trip.

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UPDATE on Larry Nicolay and Lisa Henderson

With memories of some extraordinary rice cakes served with a roasted cashew and ginger sauce, Iarrive back at the Raincoast Cafe to chat with owners Lisa Henderson and Larry Nicolay. It's mid-afternoon, one of the rare quiet times in their day.The restaurant is only open for dinner, so the prep work is mostly done and the flowers are arranged. Larry is taking time to check the evening's reservations, and Lisa draws me over co a comer table.
The couple first came to Tofino from Vancouver 13 years ago. They'd spent a summer looking around, and then found themselves managing the Alleyway Cafe, a charming little place tucked in behind shops in the centre of town. Their time at the Alleyway was enjoyable, but, as Lisa says, "It didn't
feel like ours.''

When the opportunity to be part of a brand-new building came up, they j umped at it. Larry's brother, who had previously designed restaurants in Vancouver like Global and Crush, was their designer, and other family members pitched in, too. The result is a small but functional prep room, and an open kitchen along one wall of the cleanly executed dining room. There are interesting flower arrangements, but generally the design is understated, a perfect foil for the food.  

Lisa was a secretary who moonlighted in the front of house of various Vancouver restaurants. She is a self-trained chef, with no preconceived notions about what she should or should  not  be cooking. She and Larry agree chat their goal is always ''to challenge ourselves and other people.

They are inclined towards Asian flavours, and allow me co-label their style as "moderm , with Asian influences,'' bur really, anything goes. Lisa's Thai fish bowl includes local and exotic fish and shellfish, rice noodles, passion fruit, cilantro and jalapenos with coconut cream. Fresh Sooke trout is stuffed with Dungeness crab and cilantro lime cream cheese and served with yam mash. Cowichan Bay Farms chicken is matched with shiitake mushrooms, balsamic shallot cream and herb-roasted new potatoes. Lisa was excited about a dish served the previous night where she had wrapped halibat in skunk-cabbage leaves.
She says she is inspired by what comes in the door from her local suppliers: Clayoquot Organics, Trilogy Fish Company and the neighbouring fishers, shellfish  growers  and  mushroom,  fiddlehead  and  edible-flower  pickers.

Wines are mostly from British Columbia, with several organic choices; the coffee is Nicaraguan organic, and the teas are Tazo.As members of the Endan­ gered Fish Alliance (a coalition of concerned chefs searching for sustainable options), Lisa says they ''are diligent about serving only non-endangered, local and sustainable fish and shellfish."

Dinner is served seven nights a week. Reservations are highly recommended, but people have been known to straggle in close to closing time, and Lisa makes sure they're fed. The restaurant seats 24, plus there are two high stools right in front of the kitchen (great for nosy foodies like me), and it regularly turns over three or four times a night. With recommendations from USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Frommer's and Best Places in the Northwest and, recently, a recipe in Bon Appeut, Raincoast Cafe is indelibly inked on the culinary map.

 

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More Background on RainCoastCafe.com

Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Tofino, British Columbia, the Rain Coast Cafe once stood as a beacon of culinary excellence and sustainable dining. Though no longer in operation, this beloved establishment left an indelible mark on the local food scene and continues to be remembered fondly by both residents and visitors alike.

A Brief History

The Rain Coast Cafe opened its doors in 1997, founded by the talented culinary duo of Lisa Henderson and Larry Nicolay. For over a decade, it served as a cornerstone of Tofino's dining landscape, offering innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and sustainable practices.

The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its creative menu, which showcased the bounty of Vancouver Island and the surrounding waters. Henderson and Nicolay were early adopters of the farm-to-table philosophy, forging strong relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and foragers to source the finest ingredients available.

Culinary Philosophy and Menu Highlights

At the heart of Rain Coast Cafe's success was its commitment to showcasing the flavors of the Pacific Rim. The menu drew inspiration from Asian cuisines while remaining firmly rooted in the local terroir. Diners could expect to find dishes that highlighted the region's exceptional seafood, such as:

• Cold Smoked Salmon on wonton crisps

• Wild Chinook Salmon with maple/miso/wasabi glaze

• Fresh Pacific Halibut with a sake, mango, and lime sauce

• Local Spot Prawns sautéed with plum wine and ginger

The restaurant's dedication to sustainability was evident in its careful sourcing of ingredients. As early proponents of the Endangered Fish Alliance and Ocean Wise program, Henderson and Nicolay ensured that only non-endangered, local, and sustainable fish and shellfish were served.

Ambiance and Dining Experience

Rain Coast Cafe offered an intimate dining experience, with seating for just 24 guests in its main dining room. The restaurant's design was understated yet elegant, allowing the food to take center stage. Two coveted high stools at the kitchen counter offered food enthusiasts a front-row seat to the culinary action.

The restaurant's popularity often necessitated reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, the owners were known for their hospitality, often accommodating late arrivals even as closing time approached.

Recognition and Accolades

Throughout its tenure, Rain Coast Cafe garnered significant praise from both critics and diners. The restaurant received positive reviews in notable publications such as the Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Magazine, and Best Places in the Northwest. Its reputation extended beyond Canada, with mentions in international publications like USA Today and Travel + Leisure.

The cafe's innovative approach to cuisine also caught the attention of food media, with one of its recipes featured in Bon Appétit magazine. This recognition helped cement Rain Coast Cafe's status as a must-visit destination for food lovers traveling to Vancouver Island.

Cultural and Social Significance

Rain Coast Cafe played a crucial role in elevating Tofino's culinary scene and establishing the town as a gastronomic destination. The restaurant's success paved the way for other innovative eateries to flourish in the area, contributing to Tofino's transformation from a quiet fishing village to a vibrant tourist destination known for its food, surfing, and natural beauty.

The cafe's emphasis on sustainable practices and local sourcing also had a lasting impact on the community. By championing these values, Henderson and Nicolay helped foster a greater appreciation for the region's natural resources and the importance of responsible consumption among both locals and visitors.

Closure and Legacy

After nearly 12 years of operation, Rain Coast Cafe closed its doors on New Year's Eve 2008. The decision to close was a personal one for Henderson and Nicolay, who cited a desire to pursue new opportunities and focus on family.

The announcement of the closure was met with sadness from the local community and regular patrons. Many expressed their appreciation for the years of exceptional dining experiences and the positive impact the restaurant had on Tofino's culinary landscape.

Impact on Tofino's Culinary Scene

The closure of Rain Coast Cafe marked the end of an era, but its influence continued to be felt in Tofino's evolving food scene. The restaurant's success had demonstrated that there was a market for high-quality, innovative cuisine in the small coastal town, inspiring other chefs and restaurateurs to push culinary boundaries.

In the years following Rain Coast Cafe's closure, Tofino has seen a proliferation of excellent dining establishments, many of which carry forward the torch of sustainable, locally-focused cuisine. Restaurants like Wolf in the Fog, 1909 Kitchen, and The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn have garnered national and international acclaim, cementing Tofino's reputation as a culinary destination.

The Next Chapter: Latitude

After closing Rain Coast Cafe, Henderson and Nicolay didn't stray far from the culinary world. In 2011, they opened Latitude, a new restaurant venture in Vancouver. Located on Main Street, Latitude brought a taste of their Tofino success to the city, offering a menu that reflected their love of South American flavors while maintaining their commitment to sustainable, organic ingredients.

At Latitude, Henderson took charge of the kitchen while Nicolay managed the front of house. The menu featured dishes that showcased their culinary evolution, such as soccas (chickpea crepes), ceviche, and slow-braised lamb shank in Malbec sauce. The restaurant's wine list highlighted Pacific Coast and South American wines, as well as hard-to-find British Columbia vintages, reflecting the couple's continued support of local producers.

Remembering Rain Coast Cafe

Although Rain Coast Cafe is no longer in operation, its memory lives on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of dining there. The restaurant's closure left a void in Tofino's culinary landscape, but also created space for new ventures to emerge and thrive.

Today, food enthusiasts visiting Tofino can still experience the legacy of Rain Coast Cafe through the town's vibrant and diverse dining scene. Many local restaurants continue to embrace the principles of sustainability, local sourcing, and culinary innovation that Henderson and Nicolay championed during their time at Rain Coast Cafe.

 

Rain Coast Cafe may have closed its doors over a decade ago, but its impact on Tofino's culinary scene and broader food culture continues to resonate. The restaurant's commitment to sustainable practices, innovative cuisine, and celebration of local ingredients helped put Tofino on the map as a destination for food lovers.

As Tofino's culinary scene continues to evolve and gain recognition, it's worth remembering the pioneering spirit of establishments like Rain Coast Cafe. Their dedication to quality, creativity, and environmental stewardship laid the foundation for the thriving food culture that visitors to Tofino enjoy today.

While new restaurants may now occupy the spotlight, the legacy of Rain Coast Cafe lives on in the continued emphasis on sustainable, locally-sourced cuisine that has become a hallmark of dining in Tofino. For those who had the pleasure of dining at Rain Coast Cafe during its 12-year run, the memories of innovative dishes and warm hospitality remain a cherished part of Tofino's culinary history.

 

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