The Nest: Layers of flavour and ambience

The Nest is a cozy new spot in Marysville. — Photo courtesy Neill Anderson

The chef is the kingpin in a restaurant, and Darcy Makeiff is supreme. He previously worked at Montana’s on the ski hill but now likes the creative freedom that comes with co-owning his own  establishment—The Nest in Marysville. The day I visited he was making one of his homemade pastas, this time a beautiful black squid pasta.

The second owner, Neill Anderson, helped me select a signature cocktail. I had a Guava Sunrise cocktail that was perfect … not too sweet with layers of fruity flavours. For my entree, the duck breast with mushroom risotto was topped with layers of flavour including a cherry sauce. Can you say fabulous with your mouth full? It was and I did.

In coming together to create The Nest, the two owners are shaking up the restaurant scene in Kimberley.

I had a fabulous entree of duck breast with mushroom risotto, topped with layers of flavour including a cherry sauce. — Virginia Rasch photo

The flavours and ambience are in the details

With decades of experience between them, the duo are giving it their all to make this restaurant a success, from the ambience to the food. The decor is simple, rustic and comfortable: natural wood walls and floor, soft blue leather seating and an artistic use of lighting.

They’ve planted a garden for fresh ingredients, especially herbs. They’re using local products including distilled beverages from Bohemian Spirits in Marysville and Fernie Brewing.

The diverse day and evening menus will change periodically, a key for local patrons who make this restaurant a habit.

— Virginia Rasch photo

As for the food, Anderson simply says, “Darcy kills it.”

Popular dishes are the pad thai, the beef tenderloin and the homemade pastas, with gluten-free buckwheat pasta coming soon.

If you’re too full to eat Makeiff’s fantastic cheesecake, you’ll still savour a few frozen grapes with bites of decadent chocolate for dessert.

Dinners are served seven days a week from 5 to 10 p.m. The restaurant already has its regulars, so reservations are recommended for Thursday, Friday or Saturday night dinners. Lunch hours are Wednesday to Saturday noon to 3 p.m.

Located in downtown Marysville, The Nest includes a little patio with a tree for those lovely summer days or nights. Keep in touch with this restaurant on its Facebook page.

Darcy Makeiff (L) is the chef and a co-owner with Neill Anderson. — Photo courtesy Neill Anderson