From shaking cocktails to serving cold cuts, Mark Veriker
is a recognizable figure in Kelowna’s hospitality industry.
The Kelowna bartender started his tenor ship at what was once named one of Canada’s best restaurants, RauDZ Regional Table. From there he went on to curate drink menus, open new restaurants and win awards in nationally recognized cocktail competitions.
Now, the man known for his style and “garnished” techniques behind the bar has opened an “easy, breezy cafe,” right across the street from the former location of the restaurant that sparked his journey.
“It’s time for the next step, and this is Fancy’s Deli,” said Veriker. “I definitely think this is something Kelowna needed…. I have said it in the past, but I would walk around and end up in the same places, buying the same sandwiches. I thought, man there has to be a bit of fresh blood in here doing something in that genre.”
Located on 1517 Water Street, Veriker has created his “ode to what he loves about Europe”, across from the recently opened Derrick’s Steakhouse - situated in the same place where RauDZ used to operate before closing at the end of 2023.
Ross Derrick a locally known chef and restauranteur, who also owned Broken Anchor and the Globe at Big White, opened Derrick’s Steakhouse earlier this summer, which with Veriker’s new venture has changed the face of dining on Water Street in downtown Kelowna.
“If you want to grab a negroni or a coffee at 10 a.m., no one is going to judge you,” said Veriker, of Fancy’s. “Grab a sandwich or salad to go, or dine in, it’s also a great prize.”
Fancy’s uses local bakers as well as meat, produce and condiment suppliers as often as possible, while also highlighting a few of Veriker’s European favourites.
Fancy’s Cold Cuts & Cocktails is open Tuesday to Saturday, starting at noon and is also located in the former location of Ball Bros. butcher shop owned by the Casorso family back in 1904.
