This story is part of the Comox Valley Record’s spring edition of Trio Magazine, published quarterly and available throughout the Comox Valley and at the Record office at 407D Fifth Street, Courtenay.
• • •
Throughout the past year, while strolling up and down Cumberland’s Dunsmuir Avenue during the village’s various street events, some might have encountered a long queue of people waiting to get their order from a small pop-up restaurant.
Since January 2023, Niji, the brainchild of Matt Orme and Heidi Digout has charmed the bellies and taste buds of many with their Asian-inspired cuisine and cocktails.
Originally hailing from Victoria, and culminating nearly 50 years of experience in the restaurant industry, the couple relocated to Cumberland a little less than four years ago, with the goal of opening their first eatery.
“We were originally attracted to Cumberland because of our love of mountain biking and a small community. The food we create is an example of what we love to eat after our adventures,” said Heidi. “I love a big, flavourful noodle bowl after a good ride or a hot noodle soup after a day on the mountain. Hours on my paddle board and I’ll eat my body weight in Korean lettuce wraps or a cold noodle salad.”
“We don’t boast to be incredibly authentic, but all of our food is authentically made with love and attention. These are (dishes) that we enjoy eating… and that seem to have caught on with our clientele, which we’re lucky with.”
From flavour-packed dumplings to rich bowls of ramen, Niji offers a wide variety of homemade dishes, alternating regularly.
In addition to vegan-friendly and gluten-free options, the small pop-up eatery also provides a range of Asian-inspired cocktails, creating a one-stop shop for customers seeking a complete experience, as Heidi explained.
Having served the Valley more than 15 times in the past year and receiving positive feedback from their patrons, the couple wishes to move their operation to a permanent brick-and-mortar location shortly.
“Matt and I have a lot of experience in fine and casual dining, but we just really love the idea of a smaller establishment where we have a personal connection with (our clients),” said Heidi.
Among the numerous challenges of opening a restaurant, the two entrepreneurs noted that finding the right location to settle down their business is perhaps the most crucial factor.
“In the meantime (we’re) sticking to a pop-up business style,” added Matt. “I think there are a lot of hurdles to that (and) timing that way is the biggest challenge right now.”
While both still maintain their full-time jobs, they dedicate their spare moments to refining their skills, learning more about business management, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen of Cumberland’s Riders Pizza - without whose invaluable support, Matt noted, this project wouldn’t have come to life.
For more information about their menu and their upcoming apparition, visit Niji’s Instagram page at we.r.niji.