Could Robson Street's loss be Main Street's gain? It sure looks that way. Hervé Martin is moving his long-running Hermitage to Main, just north of King Edward, to the former home of the Purple Crab. The one-time chef to the King of Belgium is philosophical about his move.

"Robson Street has changed a lot since we opened here in 1988,

"It was just about time for me to leave. I'm not disappointed-- I'm actually quite happy," says Martin, whose cozy Burgundian haunt has been a favourite tasty and tranquil escape for many over the last 23 years.

He says his landlord has been very helpful. But Martin makes no bones about the work ahead.

As for the new Hermitage, which should arrive by fall, it will be similar but different, says the restaurateur.

One piece of furniture that won't be making the trip across town is the giant, bevel mirrored sideboard, which occupies nearly the entire length of the west wall. It's too big to move--although Martin says he will offer it to anyone to take away for a dollar. Or perhaps auction it off for charity.

"On the other hand, I might just keep parts of it for the new place to recreate the feeling we have here," he says.

The move is a work in progress. But one thing's for sure: "Valentine's Day will be our last service," says Martin.

Hermitage on Robson (604-689-3237) will close at midnight Feb. 14.

---

Missing from our list of Dine Out recommendations was Gramercy Grill (604-730-5666), an oversight if ever there was one. Last week we turned a blind eye to their Health Smart lunch menu (two courses for $16) in favour of a plate of the plumpest Salt Spring Island mussels we've seen yet, swimming in a delicious white wine and tomato broth, with chunks of chorizo to spice things up. All that, and superb fries with aioli, too!

The Dine Out menu (three courses for $28) is as extensive as any around, with thoughtful and fairly priced wines by the glass, also offered by the bottle at 10 per cent off Sundays to Thursdays during Dine Out.

We recently visited Gramercy Grill to meet up with McLaren Vale winemaker John Davey, whose Shingleback D Block Shiraz '05 scooped a highly coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy. Among the wines poured was value priced Red Knot Shiraz '08 (BCLS $19.99), which comes with the unique Zork plastic top.

It will take some time for Zork, which hails also from Adelaide, to put a dent in Stelvin--the now common screw-cap cork alternative. But the nifty plastic twist-off top, which also sports a respectable cork-like "pop," is gaining ground. The latest variation is a special Zork for sparkling wines, which reseals to keep bubbles fresh.

We think we'll be seeing more Zorks around, particularly since UK giant Tesco has requested it on a couple of budget sparklers.

---

Still in the inventors' corner, the latest boon to the 100 Mile Diet is the Kitchen Cultivator, a sleek, Surrey-built appliance about the size of a typical under-the-counter dishwasher, which allows you to grow your own herbs and small vegetables, right in your own home or, with a larger version, commercial kitchen.

Not surprisingly, one of the earliest adopters is C Restaurant, who now uses the four tiered "grow-op" inspired system to work even more effectively at sourcing locally grown produce.

If the first tastes we sampled of chef Lee Humphries "Zero Mile" organic greens, herbs and edible flowers are anything to go by, C diners are in for a carbon-neutral treat.

More info at urbancultivator.net.

info@hiredbelly.com

BELLY'S BUDGET BEST

- Paul Mas Grenache Noir' 09

This southern France producer has a well-earned rep for affordable wines. Grab a bottle of this luscious little juicy black fruited number for your next hearty stew or pot roast. Not complex but great value at $11.99.