Chef Jason Liezert fills Jeremie Bastien's shoes at Boneta restaurant

Since opening its doors in 2007, Boneta has made 1 West Cordova a dining destination for tourists and locals alike. Nearly three and a half years later, owners Mark Brand and Neil Ingram have decided to pack up and move their restaurant into a new development called The Garage (12 Water Street). This new space features an 800-sq. ft. solarium, a U-shaped bar, and a heated and covered year-round patio. While the move was planned for this month, it looks like Boneta will stay put at its original address until at least April.

"We had hoped we would be able to do Valentine's Day as our last service and be up and running in the new space by the beginning of March, but permit-wise it wouldn't happen," Ingram told the Straight by phone yesterday (February 16). "Best case scenario we go into our new space April 1, but [it's] probably a little more likely around May 1."

This isn't the only change taking place for Boneta. Executive chef Jeremie Bastien is going on a hiatus, and stepping into his shoes is former Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe (850 Thurlow Street) executive chef Jason Liezert.

"Jeremie is a young guy and he's got itchy feet. He's been working non-stop for four years now at Boneta and really just wants to go and explore the world," Ingram said.

The young chef who got his start at Boneta when he was 25 has plans to explore Australia and Southeast Asia for the next year.

"I'm sure Jason is going to bring some of his own stuff—it would be unusual not to—and he's got some pretty amazing stuff up his sleeve," said Ingram. "I'm really excited about working with him and so is the kitchen."

However, those who are worried that their favourite dishes won't be there the next time they dine at Boneta need not worry.

"The Jeremie classics are staying," said Ingram. "There's no way that we're going to lose the carpaccio, the short ribs, things like that. They define us as a restaurant and they define Jeremie. Although Jeremie's not going to be there, at least his food will be."

Liezert will start at Boneta when they reopen their doors at 1 West Cordova at the end of the month.

You can follow Michelle da Silva on Twitter at twitter.com/michdas.