Monthly Super Customer Service Shout Out! Vis-à-Vis-Bouchon Bar

This story is part of a monthly series recognizing local businesses with exceptional customer service. Read the first article in the series here.

Vis-à-Vis, meaning “face to face” in French, offers a personalized and engaging experience. The stylish and quaint Vis-à-Vis Bouchon Bar is located in the heart of Oak Bay Village. Bouchon equates to a type of restaurant typically found in Lyon, France that serves traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. The emphasis in a bouchon is not necessarily on haute cuisine but rather a cordial and warm atmosphere. There are small tables and front-row seats at the bar, where visitors are able to interact with the bartender while sipping on a glass of wine, locally crafted beer, or signature cocktail. COVID-19 policies and procedures have been strictly adhered to without affecting the atmosphere. There is extended outside patio seating that Vis-à-Vis shares with the Penny Farthing Pub located next door, and heaters and blankets are available for added comfort.

Chef Alain Leger recently joined Vis-à-Vis. He believes that a truly great chef is one who can be a minimalist in transformation, a master perfectionist in technique, and the ultimate traditionalist in the choice of his products. He describes his cooking style as simple and pure.

Vis-à-Vis prides itself on appetizing cuisine, as well as individualized top notch customer service achieved through key service elements—all of which were experienced on a recent outing to the restaurant.

The restaurant manager touched the table to extend a warm welcome after we were seated, and the server introduced himself and showed his experience and professionalism with continual attention to detail throughout the dining experience. The menu was explained in full with descriptions of the specials available that evening.

The wine list is ample, and although our choice of bottle was not in stock, the server advised us of an alternative that would be comparable in taste from the same wine region. The dinner menu is varied with choices that suit all tastes. Three of us ordered the daily market steak and the server politely pointed out that we may like to order the large 20 oz beef tenderloin as it would be sufficient for three to share, and more cost effective. When our food arrived, the entrées were delicious, the steak was cooked to perfection, presentation was appealing, and the portion sizes were generous. The chef also came out to tell us about our entrées which was a nice added touch.

The attentive server topped up our wine and water glasses as needed—always close by without hovering. Every interaction with the manager, server, and chef were genuine with eye contact and authentic conversation. The warm smiles of the staff underneath the masks were felt throughout the entire experience.

Delectable food, pleasant conversation, and an invitation to return made for a truly gratifying experience and demonstrated great customer service.

Open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm, Vis-à-Vis has a complete menu serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This month’s super customer service shout-out goes to Vis-à-Vis Bouchon Bar!

Vis-à-Vis Bouchon Bar

Address: 2232 Oak Bay Ave, VictoriaInstagram: @visavisoakbay