Dear Valued Friends and Patrons of The French Table,
After 57 years in this beautiful, demanding, and deeply rewarding industry and 40 years of welcoming you through our doors in Vancouver, the time has truly come for me to say “au revoir”.
At 72, I am ready to close this cherished chapter. The French Table is now officially sold, and this time, unlike last year when the deal fell through, the sale is moving forward with the landlord’s full approval. In just a little more than 2 weeks I will hand over the keys and step into retirement.
This is not a decision made lightly. You, our loyal guests, our extended family have been the heartbeat of this little bistro on Main Street. From the very first fondue bourguignonne to the countless beef Wellington celebrations, the late-night raclette gatherings, and every moules frites shared with laughter and wine from my family’s vineyard in Chamilly you made The French Table more than a restaurant. You made it a home.
The restaurant business is beautiful, but it is also tough, especially on family. The long hours, the missed holidays, and the constant demands of service are not carried by the chef alone, but by those who love him. I have been very fortunate that my family understood the obligations of this path and their patience and support made the sacrifices lighter and this life possible.
I began my journey at 15, a wide-eyed apprentice in Burgundy, and somehow, through Troisgros, Switzerland, the Belgian royal family, Toronto, and finally here in Vancouver. First at The Hermitage for 25 years, and now at The French Table I’ve been privileged to cook for you, to serve you, and to share a little piece of France in every bite.
Along the way, I have also been exceptionally lucky to work with excellent staff for these 40 years. From the kitchen to the dining room, so many dedicated professionals have carried this restaurant with me. I am deeply grateful and appreciative to each and every one of them. Without their talent, loyalty, and hard work The Hermitage and The French Table could never have become what they are.
Now, I look forward to simpler joys: tending a vegetable garden, playing my accordion under the stars, and finally finishing the book I began years ago – the true story of a boy who started as “a new slave in the kitchen” and somehow found his way to your tables.
The French Table will remain open until the transition is complete, and we welcome you with open arms for one last duck confit cassoulet, one final cheese fondue with friends, or glasses of our house Château de Chamilly. Come say goodbye. Bring a story. Let’s share a toast.
Until then, from the bottom of my heart, merci. For your trust, your laughter, your loyalty, and for making a Frenchman far from home feel so very much chez lui.
Our last day of service will be Sunday Jan. 18th, 2026. We look forward to serving you till then.
For people who have asked for my personal email, I can be reached directly at hervemartin@live.ca.
Finally, our friend Ray has been handling the restaurant’s SEO & Facebook, achieving many top Google positions for our restaurant, if you’re looking for web promotion, I highly recommend reaching out to him at ray@localvancouverseo.com
With gratitude and love,
Hervé Martin
Chef & Owner, The French Table