CocoaNymph – a Sweet Find Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

By Joanna Lee, MMV Dining Writer

One of the summer’s highly anticipated restaurant and bar, The Diamond (6 Powell Street), quietly opened its doors last week in historic Gastown.  Overlooking Gassy Jack in  Maple Tree Square, the new establishment is a partnership between Mark Brand (Boneta), Josh Pape (ex-Chambar) & Sophie Taverner (ex-Boneta, Cascade Room), all major players in the bartending industry.  The place is authentically Gastown, situated inside one of the more historical buildings on the corner of Powell and Carrall.  Think corner space inside an exposed-brick room lit up by big white decorative chandeliers in one of the city’s hottest neighbourhoods.  With 60 seats and a killer view, The Diamond operates on a first-come first seated basis.

The menu’s theme is primarily Asian and includes 10 dim sum-like plates such as hand made gyoza stuffed with organic pork and shitake mushrooms, green tea noodles, and peking duck & chicken sub with japanese mayo all ranging from $3 to $12.  As expected, the cocktails list is innovative, classy and unpretentiously priced with drinks like Buck Buck Mule (London Dry Gin, Fino Sherry, Cucumber, Cilantro & Ginger Beer) and Tequila Martinez (Reposado Tequila, Bianco Vermouth, Lillet, Peach Bitters & Orange Oil).  The Diamond is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30pm onwards.