Vancouver destination for the past four years, Ecco Il Pane Bakery and Bistro ("Here's the Bread") offers patrons much more. The nine-month-old bistro provides affordable luxury, a community establishment reminiscent of a charming Old World villa complete with the comforting aroma of warm bread, and, says co-owner Pamela Gaudreault, a place where "people can feel embraced when they come in." Gaudreault acted as designer for the restaurant, with input from contractor Glen Meikle and architect Keith Jakobsen. Inspired by pictures of Tuscan/Italian architecture, the interior is an inviting environment of historical elements and modern interpretations, including classical plaster wall reliefs, a warm golden colour palette and rustic hardwood countertops. Back...

Review of Ecco Il Pane Bread and circuses may have satisfied the ancient Romans, but at Ecco Il Pane's elegant new Kitsilano home the entertainment is unmistakably centre of the plate. And while the restaurant is dedicated to showcasing the Italian hand-shaped artisan loaves that have made the original retail bakery in False Creek a