Stage.

Over the years of running the Stages, the one thing I could always count on was the joy it gave me to confuse the b’jesus outta people with our Menu’s…haha, still puts a smile on my face just thinking about it; The wine menu that NO ONE, including me, could read, haha that was a good one. My absolute favourite though, was the 1-word food menu that Ivan, Matthew & I ran for years, that one got some AMAZING reactions, I can still see the faces. MAN, those were good times.

Maybe Mom is right, maybe there really is “something wrong with (me)”

Anyways, she thinks🤫 I FINALLY saw a therapist, because WE HAVE NEW MENUS…and they are all readable, even the wine menu😢.

Don’t tell her but I actually kind’a like these menus, because I love the classics. Of course, the food is still ours— honest, simple plates built for sharing & yes, the burger is still available…but yes, you still have to ask for it.

Dylan has obviously been working hard since he’s been here to come up with a few new bangers to fill out the menu. So come have a sip on a dirty martini or be adventurous and try one of West’ls new additions to the Martini menu while you take a a peruse of the new readable food & wine menus that even Mom is proud of.

Hello, my name is David Listhaeghe.
In a few months I become the longest serving owner of Stage Small Plates Wine Bar, est. in
2007. There have been many variations on that name but that was it at conception.
I, too, have had many, many nicknames. Some Bad-ass - like Killer or The Machine. Others not
so much - like Lipstick or Pistachio. The common theme, results of a complicated last
name…proncounced Le Stage (this is called a Chekhov’s Gun, so pay attention).
In 2019, (going by Boom Boom at the time…no gun, just a random fact), I took possession of
Stage Wine Bar, a very good brand that had seen some rough years. My plan: run it as is, right
the ship, put a team in place & in approx. 1 year rebrand. But as my favorite philosopher once
said,
“everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”
I love this restaurant as if it were my own child.
My fingerprints are in every crooked cranny. I’ve made the décor mine & replaced/rebuilt
every piece of equipment. I do the wine program the only way I know…my way, & I drive every
bartender mad with the same. I’ve collab’d with multiple chefs to make a distinct and definable
kitchen program & fought preconceived notions to build my service team, the only way I want
it.
This restaurant has become mine in every way but one. I never named it.
Through all that change & flux the restaurant has taken on a personality of its own. No longer a
2010’s wine bar that’s not really a wine bar or serving mid-aughts small plates. I tried
desperately to hold on to & build a version of both those identities, but this restaurant has its
own identity that cannot be supressed.
Stage Small Plates Wine Bar has become a Bistrot in all ways but name.
“Mr Le Stage, What’s the difference?” you ask.
“F #$%’d if I know!”
It’s complicated, but for the purposes of this Novel we’ll just say it’s a more complete
restaurant, rounded out with more offerings & more consistency.
Over the next several months Stage will rebrand in an attempt to pay respect to its history, my
humble contributions & most important, its true identity.
Stage is to be Bistrot L’Stage.
I know you have questions, but I only have 2200 characters so…

Today it has been 6 years exactly, since that key went in the hole.  In my career I have never known a restaurant that won so few awards and yet won so many hearts and those that know me know that I would not have it any other way.  This little neighbourhood shop is all about the people.  All about the staff, the amazingly supportive family of clientele and the other local business people who continue to help us do what we do.  

This place really is ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE!  An ol’chestnut, but it COULD.NOT.BE.MORE.TRUE!  You are what makes this place special to me so thank-you & see ya soon!

David

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