Va!, Olia and Mimi at Citizen on Jasper
As the saying goes, good things come in threes. Vancouver-based design studio Ste Marie took this thinking seriously when it created a trifecta of interconnected yet uniquely expressive hospitality spaces for chef Daniel Costa of the Corso 32 Group on the lower level of Citizen on Jasper – a residential tower in Alberta’s capital, Edmonton.
Christened Va!, Olia and Mimi each venue tells its own story, inviting guests into moments that range from lively and casual to refined and theatrical while collectively forming a cohesive cultural destination in Canada’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Va!, which translates to ‘go’ in Italian, hums with the easy rhythm of daytime – bright, approachable and full of movement. Inspired by the traditional bakeries of Rome, it is the kind of place where the morning light bounces off glossy tiles, the scent of espresso hangs in the air and conversations rise and fall like background music. Walnut tabletops, deep green banquettes and geometric lighting create a palette that feels both fresh and familiar, a bridge between now and then. Along the walls, collages made from Costa’s travel photographs unfold like a film reel of memories, lending the space a personal warmth.
Meanwhile, Olia unfolds as a serene Italian dining retreat, where every detail feels thoughtful yet effortless. Camel-hued forms, pearlescent marble surfaces and ecru leather seating create a tactile elegance. Daylight drifts softly through sheer curtains, casting a gentle haze across the room, while the backlit fluted-glass bar begins to glow as evening falls. Oversized pendant lights hover like quiet sentinels, accompanied by curated artworks and sculptural pieces handpicked by Costa and Ste Marie founder Craig Stanghetta – a subtle choreography of art, texture and subtle drama that makes Olia feel both alive and dreamlike.
Adjacent, Mimi serves as a cocktail lounge with a theatrical edge. Guests are invited to gather at the expansive bar or relax on custom burnt-orange velvet sofas reminiscent of vintage conversation pits. Materials such as Rosso Rubino marble, burled walnut and chrome create warmth and conviviality. Pendant lights echo the design of Olia, while custom heritage-inspired fixtures enhance the space’s nostalgic character. Cinematic references – from film stills to projected classics – combine with live jazz or DJ sets for an immersive experience.
Together, Va!, Olia and Mimi form more than just three parts of a whole – they create a harmonious journey through light, texture and taste, where each space flows effortlessly into the next. “We set out to design a rhythm of experiences that moves with the day,” says Stanghetta. “It is hospitality woven into everyday life – fluid, cinematic and quietly integrated into the fabric of the city.”
