Okanagan restaurants taking social distancing bubbles to next level
Okanagan restaurants are coming up with creative ways to extend patio season into the cooler months by using literal bubbles.
The Curious Artistry & Alchemy Café, located in Kelowna, decided to set up a heated bubble outside at its outdoor garden patio location to extend the season, said owner Luigi Coccaro.
The bubble can seat up to six people, has its own sound system, and meets with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry recommendations of keeping your social circle to six.
“I literally just posted it and this week we only have two slots available and next week we have only a few slots available so we’re booking into November right now,” Coccaro said.
Bookings cost $55 per person which includes a four-course chef's menu meal, which will generally feature a soup and protein, a dessert and “little surprises throughout the night,” Coccaro said. Reservations will need to be made in advance online, and the restaurant is only offering two spots a night for the seats inside the bubble.
Certain items will be unique to the bubble like a certain array of warm drinks, he said.
At first, the restaurant looked at a tent, but this option was readily available as Caccaro was able to pull it out of a friend’s storage unit.
“We always try to do something that’s a little unique and different,” he said. “I think pivoting and changing throughout these times will be key.”
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“It’s kind of funny that it fits with six people in your bubble.”
The Curious Cafe isn’t the only one to think outside the box to extend its patio season. Junction 3 Coffeehouse in Osoyoos is also offering a social distancing bubble format for the cooler seasons.
Barn Owl Brewing Company has also pitched a circus tent to extend its patio season in Kelowna.
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