Island diners have a new breakfast stop following the opening of Tippy’s Cookhouse last month.
Glenn and Meredith Cormier – well known as owners and operators of the Pub – are behind the new dining venture at the foot of Bowen Island Trunk Road in the Cove (next to the Christmas Tree Lawn). They’re joined in a partnership by Glenn’s sister, as well as a pair of his long-time friends from early days in the restaurant industry.
The restaurant officially opened on April 16 and features a breakfast and brunch focused menu. The majority of the seating both inside and on the patio is dedicated for sit-down dining, but there is also the option to grab your coffee or food to go, with seating also available outside for those just looking for a quick stop.
“The idea for Tippy’s came from what we saw as a need to salvage one of Bowens oldest restaurant spaces and provide that prime location with a complete upgrade. The property, along with the Union Steamship Marina, are the doorstep to the island and should be open and welcoming with daytime activity and public spaces,” says Glenn Cormier.
“We saw a need for a full service breakfast/brunch place that would make better use of the large outdoor area of that property,” he adds.
Prior to Tippy’s the space was home to Rustique Bistro before the owners moved off-island last year. There was much speculation about what would become of the place, particularly given its location as one of the first stops when coming off the ferry.
“Constraints on development in the Cove due to the sewer system capacity meant that that the building could not undergo any significant additions or upgrades… it needed to remain as a restaurant space and it needed owners who would be willing to invest in the property long-term under those development constraints,” explains Glenn. “We were likely the only ones crazy enough to take on that kind of challenge.”
While some elements of the restaurant space were maintained, walking into Tippy’s reveals an extensive and thorough makeover of the front of the house. Interior design was performed by former Islander Jamie Smith and his son Oliver. Glenn describes it as “meant to have a very subtle maritime feel without being typical. The plan was to utilize the location and abundance of natural light to create a welcoming and bright space using simple finishings and unique features.”
A signature fence by Bowen artist Stacey Beamer highlights the outdoor dining area, while a distinct piece from fellow artist Guthrie Gloag hangs prominently inside.
As for the name, there is a family history behind it. “Tippy was a nickname given to my grandfather when he was just a young child (one of his sisters couldn’t pronounce his name “Phillip” so they called him Tippy)” says Glenn. Phillip, who lived his life in the Gaspé region of Quebec, built a kitchen facility amidst family cabins which overlooked the Grand Cascapédia River. It became a gathering place for meals, and now many years later is once again being used as a welcoming space to gather and eat.
Though, Glenn does point out that in choosing the name – “The irony is that Tippy didn’t like to eat in restaurants.”
But for those who do, the restaurant is open seven days a week with a menu which should satisfy every taste. And as a bonus, Tippy’s was built using all Bowen Island trades, including Whitehart Homes, Bowenshire, Oakum Plumbing, Peter du Plesis, Quickway Paint and Drywall, Iishan Cruz, and Sea to Sky CNC.
