Top-Chef for a Work-a-day Budget
A world-class chef opens an affordable steakhouse in the West End. What’s not to love here? Handson Steak and Frites Restaurant is cutting new ground on Denman Street and serving it up with a sizzle. Welcome to the concept spot that’s keeping it fresh, cozy, and down to earth in the ‘hood.
Instagram Favourite that’s Sizzling
Chef-owner, Kabebe Lee, started learning the ropes early. “I graduated from Le Cordon Blue Institute when I was nineteen and focused my career on learning as much as I could. My dream has been to take the Michelin-level knowledge I’ve gathered to create my own menu. Vancouver’s West End has the exact vibe I wanted — great dining and no pretense. When I saw our spot at Denman and Haro, I was ready. Handson is a place you can hit more than once a week and have a top-quality meal every time. We’re steak for the people!” Kabebe said.
“Vancouver has great restaurants, but I wanted a place where you could take your date for Italian or Siberian caviar without breaking the bank,” Kabebe explained. “Our footprint at Handson is intimate, our kitchen concept is open and we give diners a unique, participatory experience over a world-class meal. We use table-perfecting cast-iron grilling to ensure every cut reaches the sweet-spot the diner craves — and the experience becomes immersive.”
Wine, Beef, French Frites & Dessert
Handson’s on-site sommelier crafts an ever-changing, carefully-curated selection of wines, spanning the range of grapes. Pommes frites are a nourishing, delicious way to round-out a steak dinner and paired glass. “We have strong supply chain connections with small beef farms and we do our own butchering. Our farm-to-table approach keeps costs low, so we can pass the benefit through to our menu prices. I’m really pleased we can do this,” Kabebe said.
“This was the original concept I wanted for my own restaurant. My goal was something fun, fresh, but with the flair of excellence. I’ve gathered ideas from everywhere I’ve travelled and cooked — whether it was with Daniel Boulud in New York or the side-street hidden gems of Korea and Spain. I’ve always hunted for big experiences that can be shared by the average person. We all deserve a great meal, and when someone comes in hungry, we want them to leave happy, full, and already thinking about when they’re coming back next.”
Quality & Relationship — One Plate at a Time
Handson Steak and Frites Restaurant isn’t about splashy fluff — it’s all about quality and a comfortable dining experience. Plan to stop in for dinner this week or reach out and book a reservation. You can check out their special lunch menu and take part in regular pop-ups and events. Get ready for a wow-factor — the local spot where crème bruleé carmelizes with delicious smoky magic in front of your eyes. Handson is cooking it up, right here in the West End. A hot-spot whose time has arrived — for steak in the ‘hood tonight