McArthurGlen Outlets may be a new name to us here, but they have been a well-known brand in Europe for some time. With its accessible location in the Greater Vancouver, the Richmond shopping destination is expected to draw much attention from locals and visitors alike looking for a premium outlet shopping experience, and with that, great dining options to match.
Enter Bibo restaurant. Italian owner Andrea Bini and family jumped at the opportunity to both align themselves with a familiar global brand and expand their business beyond their current Kitsilano spot, and opened their McArthurGlen location at the end of February. We caught up with GM Matteo Ortu, to chat about their concept and of course, the food.
Tell us about Bibo.
We are all about old-world; dishes are traditional, simple, and authentic. Our restaurants focus on bringing traditional Italian flavours to the table and rediscovering ancient traditions and flavours native to Italy. A large majority of our ingredients are imported straight from Italy. Most of our cheeses are DOP, produced in Italy under strict regulations and imported fresh.
All our cold cuts and cured meats – prosciutto, coppa piacentina, salame, mortadella – are all imported from Italy. The Italian government doesn’t allow the production of GMO foods in its territory, and the use of preservatives is controlled and limited to maintain the highest quality possible. We import a well-known top quality Italian tuna for the salads. The artichokes and olives are from Salerno. We use natural, products like the Datterini Rossi, tomatoes that are hand-picked and canned in a same-day process from southern Italy.
What dish from your menu could you eat every day?
Pizza is our staple dish. The Neapolitan style dough is made in house and hand tossed, then topped with premium ingredients. Definitely a favourite of all our staff.
Say we’re coming in with a few friends. What are the must-try dishes?
A perfect table of food to share at Bibo would include the Crudo Pizza, Ravioli alla Piemontese, Tagliere di Salumi e Formaggi, Caprese Salad, and of course, Tiramisu for dessert.
And to drink with that?
Definitely our exclusive wine – Bibo Gavi di Gavi Cortese white wine, produced on the beautiful hills of Gavi (Piemonte) and imported from Italy. Or try a non-alcoholic soda, imported and produced by Lurisia, made from Italian spring water.
You guys are busy. Right on the heels of this location, we hear you’re already working on a third!
Yes, our third location in the Olympic Village neighbourhood is our next exciting project. It will feature Pizza al Taglio, which literally translates to “pizza by the cut” (sold by the piece.) We are very excited to expand into a new and buzzing Vancouver neighbourhood.
