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Buck the expensive plane ticket and catch a “flight” at one of these spots if you’re looking to imbibe in the finest whiskies from around the globe. From sophisticated lounges to laid-back bars, Metro Vancouver has something to offer anyone seeking a sip of whisky—whether that’s a rare find, a creative cocktail, or a familiar dram. Let’s explore. Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge Housed in the former Central City Taphouse spot, Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge draws inspiration from Scotland’s Isle of Skye—which is known for its rich whisky culture. Here, you can find elevated and contemporary Canadian cuisine (think high-end burgers, wagyu beef carpaccio, truffle fries, and more) along with a diverse selection of whiskies from around the globe. On “Whisky Wednesdays,” you can find a selection of whisky flights ranging from $25 to $200, and a few whisky-based cocktails for $10 each. We think the Penicillin is worth…

We’re rolling into April, and the scent of spring-time nectar is filling the air! Along with that seasonal sweetness comes plenty of added flavour complexity as local foodie events begin heading outdoors. This month, you can expect a little friendly competition between food trucks, a celebration of BC distilleries, and a hands-on workshop for making your own cheese. Roll up your sleeves, tuck in your napkin, and let’s dig in! Food Truck Festival, April 4 – April 5 An epic food-filled extravaganza that brings an impressive lineup of 20 food trucks including live music and a local artisan market!  Vancouver UBC Commons, in front of the AMS Nest BC Distilled 2024, April 13 Celebrating its ninth year, BC Distilled brings together dozens of distilleries from across the province for the largest spirits event in Canada, highlighting over 30 local distilleries. Beyond the main event, BC Distilled is also hosting two…

Burger-love. It’s a thing. We absolutely crave them, so when the mood hits, no other meal will do. Here’s 5 restaurants doing something special between two buns. By Catherine Dunwoody New Westminster  Burger Heaven has been dedicated to burgers since 1984 with a menu filled with both classic combos and unusual offerings. No matter what you choose, their potato wedges and salad are delicious sidekicks. Ernie’s Mile High is 8 patties thick and weighing in at 3 lbs of meat. Not for the faint of heart. Or try the Perogy Burger topped with our favourite Ukrainian doughy dumplings, sour cream, cheddar cheese and chives. Langley Built in 1946, Hilltop Diner is like something out of a time machine. Who doesn’t love the classic, diner-décor vibe while chowing down on a burger and shoestring fries? Check out the TV & Movies tab on their website, as many cool films have been…

International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating some of our region’s incredible chefs and restaurateurs with a guide to fabulous female-led businesses you’re going to want to check out! By Avneet Takhar Vancouver Pampanga Cuisine Edith Malang, who fed frontline nurses during the throes of COVID-19 with her comforting Filipino food, has seen her business grow to two Vancouver locations due to its popularity! From breakfast plates such as Longsilog (rice and Filipino style sausage) all the way through to Combo Meals (any dish, with rice and soup) and meat dishes consisting of favourites such as Crispy Sisig (chunks of pork, chillies and ginger), Malang makes sure you’re well taken care of. Instagram Get there by transit: The R4 or number 8 buses will take you to the Fraser location and Joyce station is a 1 minute walk from the other site.  Burdock & Co This…

The arrival of spring means more and more events will be budding around Metro Vancouver, and these are some of the tastiest ones on the calendar! A showcase of the types of different dumplings across various cultures? Book your spot now! How about a week-long celebration of the best mixologists in the city? Prime your palate, and keep reading! Taste of the Tri-Cities, February 16 – March 10 This annual food and drink festival is designed to highlight the amazing restaurants, eateries, pubs, breweries, distilleries and cafes in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Various Locations Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine Out Vancouver, or you just miss it in general, get yourself to Burnaby for the Bite of Burnaby Festival. This annual foodies dream takes place all month and features local restaurant favourites offering prix-fixe menus. Burnaby bills…

Located in the heart of Fort Langley, the newly opened Omni Kitchen + Bar is fast becoming a go-to for lunch and dinner for locals, not to mention a destination restaurant for folks from all over the lower mainland. If you’ve ever had to plan a group outing, then you know how challenging it can be to accommodate everyone’s tastes, especially when you throw different dietary preferences into the mix. Now imagine a menu where every item can be made traditionally, plant-based, or gluten-free. Omni Kitchen + Bar does just that. Celiac people can dive into crunchy, rice-battered chicken cooked in its own dedicated fryer, so there’s no risk of cross-contamination. Vegans can enjoy a plant-based burger that is genuinely satisfying and ‘meaty.’ Pizzas with all kinds of fresh toppings will please everyone, all easily modified to suit individual preferences. All are accompanied by an excellent list of local wines,…

A new haven for parents and kids alike has become an ideal spot for a perfect playdate. Bordering New Westminster and Burnaby is Rainbow Play Cafe—a new business that offers stress-free playtime for kids and a sense of community for their parents. In addition to—of course—a fantastic cup of coffee. “My son, he’s my inspiration,” says Xanat Guiot, owner of the nascent cafe, which opened in May 2023.The mom-preneur’s vision for Rainbow Play Cafe was born from a need she observed in her own life—a space where parents could connect with each other over a cup of coffee, while their children engaged in safe and purposeful play. Having immigrated from Mexico about a decade ago, Guiot said she struggled with postpartum depression, felt isolated, and would benefit from a place to go and meet other moms. “I didn’t have that support network. In the beginning, when you have a baby…

Are you in the mood for love? Whether it’s with a special someone, a lovable friend or a dashing flame you just met on Tinder, we’ve got Valentine’s dinner plans sorted for all of the above. Eat, drink, and stare contentedly into one another’s eyes at these romantic restaurants. By: Avneet Takhar Vancouver  Dear Gus There’s nothing that says “I ❤️ you” quite like a small, European snack and wine bar. Dear Gus opened its doors towards the end of last year and has since been a hit with Mount Pleasant locals. With a rotating menu of sustainable wines, aperitivo and larger plates consisting of mussels and oysters; elevated cuisine beckons your beating hearts!  Walk-ins, and no resos here. Instagram Get there by transit: A 15 minute walk from Olympic Village station, or buses 3, 8 and 19 stop close by. Langley  Avishan An authentic Iranian restaurant, known for its…

It’s that time of the year, folks: Hygge!  But instead of hibernating indoors (boring!), why not take it outside by a roaring heated winter patio in the company of friends and delicious eats?  Here are our top 5 cozy outdoor spots in Metro Vancouver. By Avneet Takhar Vancouver Paratha 2 Pasta The hottest new spot to drop in Vancouver, which opened at the end of 2023 after its success in Surrey, is a second location serving up parathas, a savoury Indian flatbread usually slathered with makhan (butter).   With a year-round front heated winter patio you can “people watch” Yaletown (all the more entertaining on a Friday night!), as you devour paranthas generously filled with classic stuffings. The MVPs are aloo (potato), gobi (cauliflower) or mooli (radish).  There’s also the chance to let loose with the adventurous fusions they feature, including the pastas and P2P favourite: Loaded Fries with butter chicken…

Robert Giardino sticks to one(ish) product and it works. His focaccia, made with a mix of “00” or “0” flour, Durum Wheat flour, and potatoes, likely rivals every at-home COVID-inspired recipe you’ve tried. You’ll just have to stop by his Fort Langley shop and see. There’s no fuss at La Focacceria. Giardino’s store is strictly retail, offering fresh focaccia options, Italian sweets (cannolis are the biggest hit) and a freezer full of frozen flatbreads with flavours of olive, garlic, roasted bell pepper, and onion. Often in the freezer rotation are pizza doughs, parbaked baguettes, and dinner rolls. And thanks to the exclusive use of Italian flour, Giardino’s products are safe for most gluten-intolerant people.  It’s a small but mighty operation. Nearly everything produced at the shop is made by hand, by Giardino. Somehow keeping up with a growing demand, Giardino puts the top quality of his products over social media…

 Why stay cooped up inside through winter? After all, Valentine’s is this month, and what better way to show your intentions than by taking your date OUT to a food event or two? Here are the Feb happenings you should know about so you can flex your foodie status with someone special. Just remember, nothing says “💘”, quite like… 🌮 🥗 🍕 🍜 Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 24 – March 3 The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the world’s biggest and oldest wine events, offering something for every level of wine enthusiast, collector and trade professional. In 2023 alone, the festival featured 147 wineries across 17 countries, pouring and discussing over eight nights. The heart of the event is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where each winery pours 4 to 5 wines for the public. Vancouver Various Locations Dark Fields of Winter, Feb…

Alejandro Diaz’s contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Santo, opened in 2015 and has remained a New Westminster favourite year after year. The El Santo team are good, honest, and charitable people. Diaz is passionate about giving back to organizations like Canucks Autism Network, and nearby shelters in New West. It’s the kind of place you can feel good about giving your business to, with the bonus of the food and drink being second to none. *All photos care of  Andrea Iñurria I had the pleasure of chatting with Diaz about the food he loves, the restaurant industry, and the importance of giving back to the community. Owning a restaurant is a huge job. What made you step into the industry?  Diaz: I opened El Santo a little over six years ago. I’ve been working in the hospitality business for 25 years. I come from Mexico City, and when I came to…

With over 300 restaurants participating this year, a wide net of delicious, affordable dining options has been cast over communities across the greater Vancouver area. The 2024 Dine Out Festival runs from January 17 to February 4, so here’s a list of top 5 restaurants to get you started on filling your Festival calendar. Make reservations soon to avoid disappointment. By Catherine Dunwoody Burnaby Pho Den We love ducking out of our workday for a great lunch deal anytime, and especially during Dine Out. Vietnamese restaurant Pho Den has 3-courses for $22 (dinner is $24) which cannot be beat. Start with crunchy, dippable spring rolls, then a steamy bowl of winter-comforting pho (beef, chicken or veg) and royal milk tea with topping for dessert.  Accepting reservations for lunch and dinner, $22 and $24 per person.  By transit: bus 191, or SkyTrain Millennium line or Expo line. Instagram Coquitlam The Wild…

As the culinary scene continues to evolve, food enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next delicious discovery. New Westminster has become a hub for gastronomic delights, and the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, running from Jan. 17 to Feb. 4, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to explore its vibrant food culture. In 2024, five exciting eateries have joined Dine Out, offering a diverse range of flavors that promise to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at these culinary gems that are sure to make your dining experience unforgettable! Photo credit: Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen in New Westminster marks the expansion of an iconic brewery with deep roots dating back over two decades in Squamish, BC. Renowned for its craft beer, Howe Sound Brewing has earned multiple awards, including the prestigious Brewery of the Year award…

Now that the hectic holiday season is over, it’s the perfect time to decompress with a few days of rest, relaxation and letting others do all the cooking and cleaning for you. With that in mind, we invite you to enter to win the Dine and Unwind in Burnaby contest where you’ll spend a weekend in one of Metro Vancouver’s most charming cities,  eating your way through some of the best eateries in the Lower Mainland! A Weekend in Burnaby Day 1 First off, check in to the elegant  Delta Hotel Burnaby for a romantic two night stay with your sweetheart, or a relaxed weekend getaway with your bestie.   Address: 4331 Dominion Street This weekend is all about taking it easy, and that’s the name of the game at the Art of Sauna and Spa. Featuring 8 different traditions of relaxation spanning cultures from the North and South of Europe…

The holiday season means big cozy dinners with family and friends, rich wintery foods and plenty of libations to celebrate the season—but sometimes our bodies need a little break from the festivities, especially the booze. Whether not imbibing is a personal preference or a much-needed break, mocktails are here to save the day! With bars across the Metro Vancouver offering beautifully crafted mocktails, taking a night (or forever) off the sauce doesn’t need to put a dent in your social plans (and your mouth will thank you!) Put down that water and join us as we sample tasty spirit-free concoctions across the region, all of which are served by eateries dishing up tasty cuisine to boot. Cheers! Piva Modern Italian Piva’s roots date back to 1917, when Giuseppe Piva emigrated from northern Italy to British Columbia and dove into a life of farming. The elegant eatery honours his passion for…

The holidays may be over, but the good times keep rolling with food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Festival of Lights at VanDusen, until January 7 Savour tasty treats from a variety of food vendors as you wander through VanDusen Botanical Garden’s 15 acres adorned with over a million twinkling lights. The first week of January is your last chance to catch this dazzling display. 5251 Oak Street Vancouver Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, January 13 – Feb 14 It’s still chilly out there, so why not treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa?  Last year, close to three dozen cafes, bakeries and chocolatiers throughout Metro Vancouver participated in the Hot Chocolate Festival, offering extra special gourmet cups of hot chocolate on their menus featuring ingredients like white chocolate, Belgian chocolate, and cookie crumbs. Watch out for the official list of participating businesses. Various locations …

Sipping on a hot cocoa as you wander through a magical winter landscape decorated with over a million twinkling lights is the ultimate holiday season experience, and luckily if you’re visiting the annual VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights there’s not only hot chocolate but lots of delicious snacks, drinks, and festive foodie treats to enjoy. Light up your taste buds this year with all the yummy food trucks at VanDusen this year! Take a peek at your options below. Cocoa Chateau Grab a gourmet hot chocolate or apple cider to keep you warm on your walk. Bags of popcorn are also available. Fireside Fondue Gather at the fireside to ward off the cold and enjoy a cheesy or chocolatey winter specialty! Serving gourmet fondue with a selection of sides, apple cider, and their signature Lotus Biscoff Hot Chocolate. Cin City Donuts Mini donuts are a festival-favourite (no matter what season!)…

By Catherine Dunwoody Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street is adding a series of ‘Go Shuck Yourself!’ oyster shucking classes in December, with plans to continue in January 2024. Think of this as signing up for ‘Oysters 101’, meaning you’ll learn from the Smitty’s pros all there is to know about cracking (and enjoying) those delicious pearl-makers of the sea. Two classes remain in December, the 21st and 28th at 6:30 p.m. The event sizes are small and intimate, with just 10 guests sipping on complimentary wine and tapas while they learn all about the varieties of East and West Coast oysters, and the secret tips on shucking their own. Tickets to each event are $100 per person plus tax and gratuity and include a $25 gift card that can be redeemed on future visits to Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street. Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street in Vancouver…

Magic is in the air at Glow Langley with the dazzling Christmas Carnival theme in full swing.  Glow is an annual family-friendly outdoor light festival with fun activities for visitors young and old.  Hop aboard the glow-comotive train or gather beneath the big top, at Glow the festive season is infused with the excitement of a visit to an enchanted carnival. This year’s newly designed light display is more captivating than ever before, and the spectacle is accompanied by a ton of things to see and do, like enjoying live performances, perusing over 20 vendors at the Maker’s Market, getting in  on the scavenger hunt or trying your luck at the carnival-themed mini games. Working up an appetite? We are too!  Try these 6 Food Trucks at Glow Langley!  As you roam through the wondrous light displays and festive activities, the magic is guaranteed to turn into munchies—luckily Glow Langley…

If you’re lacking Christmas spirit, Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood is the prescription. Over the last few years, the South Granville BIA has turned their strip into a picture-perfect snow globe with a public Christmas tree, Santa-themed pop-ups, live music, and pops of holiday-inspired street decor. Aside from the cheerful adornments, South Granville is truly the perfect spot for holiday shopping and entertainment. You can tackle your shopping list in one visit, enjoy a wonderful meal or two, and catch some live theatre by the Arts Club at the iconic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (Elf: The Musical is on until December 31, don’t miss it!). To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite South Granville spots and eats to help fuel your holiday cheer. For a pick-me-up, South Granville has no shortage of cafe options. Besides the bustling Starbucks in the Indigo building,…

Japan Market’s Christmas Market is at UBC Robson Square December 2- 3, 2023, so make your way downtown and  while browsing through beautiful ceramics, cute and enjoying cultural performances like the Kimono Show and the Okinawa Traditional Dance and Music Workshop, try all the yummy treats on offer from 20 vendors from across Metro Vancouver creating delicious local treats with global flair.  Take a peek at some of the vendors we’re excited about below! Patisserie La Porte de L’Espoire “Shining a door to all your hopes,” La Porte de L’Espoire brings a taste of classic-style French pastry to the market. These delightful treats can usually only be found at Bean Around the World on 10th and Main Street, or ordered online. Here’s a rare chance to catch these beautiful baked creations in person. @laportedelespoir Products also available at: Bean Around the World, 2528 Main Street  SenchaMatcha If green tea is…

Winter is upon us, and you know what that means? Comfort food. Hearty, solid meals for the belly and soul. Luckily for us, Nwadiani has opened up his store location of Van Suya just in time to bring some light in our lives during these dark and brooding days, with some much-needed nourishment.  We speak about his long overdue journey from DoorDash to doors wide open, and welcoming people to experience his food IRL in what is predicted to become Surrey’s West African hot spot. “Praise the lord 😫🤩.” –  IG follower’s comment on Van Suya’s Beef and Chicken Suya You heard it here first! Now let’s get into it with the man himself. By Avneet Takhar You’ve made a real name for yourself in the food scene out here, Ekaose. How’d it all start? Seven years ago I moved out to Vancouver for my Master’s in Business Administration! Entrepreneurship…

Neighbourhood corner store cafes are cropping up all over Metro Vancouver. The concept, according to Dished Vancouver, hails from Australia, where corner stores include not only everyday essentials and grocery items but also a full-service cafe with sandwiches, soups, coffee, and more. New York has a similar thing going on, if you’ve visited it’s likely you tried at least one bodega-made bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich after popping in to grab a pack of gum, a bottle of water, and a coffee to go. Metro Vancouver is now getting the one-stop-shop experience, too. Some convenience store cafes offer regional fare and imported goods, while others have adopted the Australian-inspired ambiance with locally roasted coffee, organic produce, and free zines to read and take home.  By Brittany Tiplady Find a convenience store cafe close to you below.  Vancouver Mah Milkbar 1502 Victoria Drive This brand new, queer-owned and operated convenience store…

Cold weather, bright lights, and merry-making all over town–the holiday season is here, along with festive food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Vancouver Christmas Market, December 1 – 24 The celebrated German Christmas market in Vancouver is back! Festive foodies can sample mulled wine, a selection of German and Austrian beers, and a variety of sweet and savoury epicurean delights like Swiss raclette and gulasch while browsing over 90 artisan stalls and enjoying live entertainment. Check event for ticket pricing. Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place Vancouver  A Christmas Cocktail Story, December 1st – 23rd The retro holiday celebration is back for a second year. Sip on stiff drinks, snap photos in the kitschy insta-worthy décor, and nibble on nostalgic food at A Christmas Cocktail Story. Each visit includes a welcome holiday drink, shareable fondue and holiday treats by  Chef Karl Gregg, and the guest’s…

Coquitlam is home to a host of culinary gems, as well as Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display. Starting November 24th, 2023 over 100,000 holiday lights and festive displays decorate Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake as part of Lights at Lafarge, dazzling and bright against the dark winter skies.  Running until February 2024, Lights at Lafarge is over a kilometre walk of bright lights, including illuminated archways and familiar Christmas characters. The walk is a perfect opportunity to work up an appetite and explore the area with family and friends as you get in the holiday spirit!  Check out these must-visit eats in and around Lights at Lafarge. Restaurants Fuel up before you start exploring the festival at one of these tasty Coquitlam eateries. Singapore Hawker  Singapore Hawker serves up flavour-packed hawker-style dishes like Mee Goreng (spicy Malaysian-style fried egg noodles with meat and vegetables), Pineapple Fried Rice and a…

You know the feeling when you’re racing to the SkyTrain station on a tight timeline, and your stomach starts to grumble. This summer TransLink partnered with local eateries to install one-of-a-kind vending machines at SkyTrain Stations at selected locations across Metro Vancouver. When you’re literally on-the-go, commuting to and from work, sightseeing, or using fast transit to make it on time to your social events, you need to pick up something to munch on quickly–now what if it could also be fresh, local and tasty as well as fast? Hop onboard with your snack in hand, Translink’s new vending machines are here to help. Look out for these vending machines when you’re en route! Wave Bento by Sushi Mori  Burquitlam, Moody Centre, Lafarge, and Coquitlam Centre Stations  Sushi Mori is a Coquitlam-based Japanese fusion eatery. Their vending machines feature 12 items, including sushi, salads, and Asian teas. (Crunch roll, Wave…

The holiday season has officially arrived with the start of the Vancouver Christmas Market, the traditional annual German market opening November 16th, 2023 and running until Christmas Eve. Families can get into the holiday spirit by enjoying live holiday entertainment on the Flying Stage, encouraging kids to roam the market on a Scavenger Hunt or hop aboard the holiday carousel, in between browsing through over 90 artisan huts with unique handcrafted wares. But you haven’t experienced the true joy of the Christmas Market without trying all the delicious baking and comfort foods you’ll only find during the holiday season–it’s a must-visit for festive foodies! Gourmetstrasse–Taste the Season  Sample a selection of traditional German and Austrian specialty beverages and a variety of sweet and savoury epicurean delights. Here are our top picks for food and drink vendors to get you started! Drink Glühwein at the Christmas Pyramid An all-time favourite Vancouver…

Holiday season is just around the corner, and your calendar is probably already filling up with get-togethers with friends, holiday activities for the family, holiday parties, and wrapping up work for the year, not to mention hitting shops in the busiest season to find gifts for all the special people in your life. It’s a hectic season, so don’t forget to schedule in some time to slow down and relax between all the festive fun. Unwind for the weekend and treat yourself to a restful staycation in beautiful Coquitlam this holiday season, one of the best kept secrets of the Lower Mainland!  The cooler weather provides the perfect opportunity to slip on your coat and scarf to explore the city, do a little bit of holiday gift shopping, and cozy up indoors enjoying the best of Coquitlam’s culinary scene at local restaurants and cafes. Coquitlam for a Weekend Day 1…

Celebrated worldwide, Diwali is the calendar event of the year! Observed by people of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, Diwali also known commonly known as the Festival of Lights, with lights symbolizing “the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Taking place on November 12, 2023 this year, Diwali is a time to clean your place, gather with family and friends, brighten your home with diyas (tiny, clay pot oil lamps that can be lit with a match or holders for tea lights) placed around the house, watch patake (firework displays) illuminate the sky, and share a delicious feast of traditional Indian dishes and sweets with people you care about. Not only does Diwali look and feel magical, but your dhid (stomach) will be celebrating too! Cooking for the big day can be a lot of (unnecessary) work, so here’s a list of where to get delicious Indian eats to honour the…

The Pie Hole, Jenell Parsons’ beloved Vancouver and Burnaby-based cafe, has expanded to Langley. Parsons founded the Pie Hole in 2011, starting with farmer’s markets and pop-ups before expanding to a brick and mortar location in 2017. In 2020, she published You Wanna Piece In Me?, a best-selling cookbook with over 100 recipes, tips and tricks. Setting up shop in what was previously The Pinkavo Cafe on the Fraser Highway one-way, The Pie Hole opened three days before Thanksgiving to enthusiastic, sweet-toothed customers. Serving up their famous classics like Raspberry Cream Crumble, seasonal favourites, half-pound cookies, and the Pie Hole’s own coffee, Parsons’ family business has already earned the trust of the Langley community, with regulars piling in on the daily. I sat down with Parsons to learn more about the Pie Hole’s brand new location. Tell me about what inspired you to start baking pies? JP: For me, pie…

Cheers to the return of the iconic Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week! From November 2nd – 14th, 2023, the festival is serving up daily showcase events at local craft breweries in the Shipyards District. This year’s Craft Beer Week features events from 10 North Shore Breweries, 1 Distillery and 1 Cidery, featuring music, limited edition beers and drinks, food pop-ups, games, and prizes.  Get your game on and munch on delicious dumplings alongside your ale with an all-day Dim Sum & Pac Man Competition at Streetcar Brewing, tap into your competitive spirit with a good old fashioned bar Trivia Night at Windfall Cider or release your inner warrior with axe-throwing and stein holding for Viking Day at Braggot Brewing.  That’s just a taste of what’s on the schedule for Craft Beer Week! Check out the full list of Signature Craft Beer Week Events here.  The Launch Party at The…

The cold weather is here and so are cozy indoor activities and hearty, warming delights at food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. North Shore Craft Beer Week, November 2 – 14 This week has the cure for what ales you (pun intended!) Sample suds from the finest craft breweries on Vancouver’s North Shore which kicks off with an amazing evening at their launch party on November 2nd in the Historic Shipyards District with food trucks, live entertainment, prizes and games! DJs and all day happy hours to dim sum and Pacman, North Shore breweries (and a local  cidery and distillery) are offering their best and most inventive drinks, food, and live entertainment in their taprooms from November 3rd to 14th. Check festival for brewery event schedule, how to collect points for prizes with the BC Ale Trail, and for event and ticket information for the…

It’s getting close to Halloween, and for trick or treaters (and adults), Eagle Acres is a spectacular treat for spooky season. Make the trip out to the farm and you’ll find an inviting family pumpkin patch, and cute farm animals like sheep and goats who just love getting a little attention and are looking to be pet. Eagle Acres’ Erin Anderson, the main family farmhand, talked to us about sustainable farming and adding fall fun to the fields with a pumpkin patch. By Avneet Takhar It’s a family affair at Eagle Acres. Could you tell us more about the farm and its history? Brian (my partner) and I started our farm nearly 25 years ago. We were a small dairy farm with the goal to educate children about where their milk comes from. We quickly learned that we needed to educate people of all ages—not just the youth. The internet…

Chocolatier, pâtissier, Food Network Canada host and owner of West Vancouver’s Temper Chocolate & Pastry dishes about the newest addition to his impressive list of titles—Cookbook Author. by Catherine Dunwoody Congrats on your new cookbook! What can you tell us about it? Chocolate All Day launches on October 17th, and it’s the bake book you’ve been waiting for, with over 100 rich, delicious, recipes for baking with chocolate all day long. How long have you been a judge on Food Network Canada’s Great Chocolate Showdown? We will be airing season 4 soon, and it’s also on the CW in the USA. What was your goal in writing your first cookbook? I wanted to take the intimidation out of working with chocolate, and I’ve meticulously tested these recipes so people can make these amazing creations on their own at home. Do you have a favourite recipe?  I like a lot of them, but…

Discover cozy cafes and restaurants and taste the highlights of a West Coast harvest season amidst a glorious landscape of changing colours in one of Metro Vancouver’s best-loved local getaways this autumn–Langley City!  ‘Fall’ for the season with a weekend staycation in Langley City, with a prize package including a one night stay at Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre and gift cards totalling $250 to spend at 5 local restaurants–check out the weekend itinerary below! A Weekend in Langley City  Day 1 Make Egg Bomb your first stop for a day of dining and exploring. Their extensive list of specialty coffees is the perfect compliment to their famous breakfast to lunch fare–this place is the bomb in more ways than one!  Address: 301-20300 Fraser Highway Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, lace up your walking shoes and wander through one the idyllic trails at Sendall Gardens, one…

Not only is this one of the easiest cakes to make, it’s also gluten-free, which means just about everyone can enjoy it. By Steven Hodge I was first introduced to this cake by chef Gianni Picchi while working in an Italian restaurant early in my career. Gianni is retired now, but we still meet weekly for coffee at my pastry shop. This cake is full of chocolate flavour and is super moist. It’s best served warm (not hot) with a dusting of icing sugar, but you can’t go wrong if you add vanilla ice cream, crème anglaise or whipped cream instead. STEVE HODGE’S FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE Makes one 9-inch cake Prep Time: 14 minutes Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes INGREDIENTS 10 oz (280 g) dark chocolate, chopped ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature 2 tablespoons + ¼ cup (75 g) granulated sugar, divided 5 large eggs, room temperature METHOD Preheat the oven…

When it comes to outdoor activities to get you into the spirit of the changing seasons, it doesn’t get much more autumnal than than pumpkin patches and corn mazes. by Catherine Dunwoody Fall is most definitely here, and getting lost in a zigzagging corn maze or choosing which big orange beauty to take with you from a pumpkin patch is part of the fun when it comes to living in or visiting Metro Vancouver, especially in Surrey. The city boasts 3 different mazes and patches, each unique and fun for the entire family. The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch (aka Gabriel Farms)  is open throughout October and offers all the autumn fun you can handle. Open on weekends starting September 23, 10 am to 5 pm, you can partake in a petting zoo, wagon rides, a mini corn maze, face painting, and a concession. U-pick pumpkins in many…

By Flourist Bakery This soup features purple barley from Shelley and Tony at Against The Grain Farm in Ontario. The barley is pre-cooked in this recipe and adds just the right amount of chew. INGREDIENTS  Dry organic purple barley (1/2 cup) Butter (2 tbsp) Olive oil (2 tbsp) Salt (1 tsp) White onion, chopped (1 large) Celery, sliced into half-moons (2 stalks) Carrots, peeled, halved, and sliced (2 medium) Garlic cloves, minced (1-2) Whole peeled tomatoes (1 large can (2oz. or 798g) Had green cabbage, thinly sliced (4 cups chopped/1/4 large) Kale, stemmed and chopped (1 bunch) Vegetable Broth (4 cups -1 litre) Dry or fresh parsley (1 tbsp) Honey (1 tbsp) Dark miso (1/3 cup) More salt to taste Black pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS First, cook the dry barley in plenty of water (about 8 cups) according to the directions for Farro here. The barley should be ready in about…

Fall has arrived, and with it harvest season brings a cornucopia of new food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Flavours of Fall, October 1 Sample autumn-inspired treats from local and international vendors while perusing local artisan crafts at Flavours of Fall–an international art, craft and food fair presented by BC Culture Days. Pacific Arts Market, 1450 West Broadway Vancouver Cooking with Fred Soofi, October 1 Join Chef Fred Soofi from Pasta Polo on a walking tour of the Coquitlam Farmers Market, shopping for fresh local ingredients to prepare into a delicious three course meal right at the market. Check event for details.  1655 Winslow Avenue Coquitlam Langley Cranberry Festival, October 7  The annual Langley Cranberry Festival is back–and it’s going to be a “berry” good time! A grassroots event that’s been growing since ‘95, the festival celebrates local goods and the history of the cranberry…

Around this time every year, Richmond grocery stores and bakeries are filled with towers of small, round cakes in fancy boxes and festive packaging. This is because we’re approaching the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important annual festivals in Chinese culture, right after Chinese New Year. Celebrated among people from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan, the Mid-Autumn Festival is typically celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month every year. This year, it lands on September 29th. By VisitRichmondBC.com What is the Mid-Autumn Festival? The Mid-Autumn Festival is always celebrated on a day that coincides with a full moon. Ancient Chinese emperors worshipped the sun in the spring and moon in autumn, as they believed that the practice would bring them a plentiful harvest the next year. The practice entailed placing a large table in the middle of the yard…

Paris-trained pastry Chef Elena Krasnova’s French pastry shop in Burnaby has been our go-to for delectable treats for years now. As with any true artist, inspiration comes from many sources, and the recent new offerings at Mon Paris Pâtisserie are inspired by Chef Krasnova’s recent travels. By Catherine Dunwoody Impressed by the abundant, fragrant, fresh lemons on Elena’s annual trip to Menton in the South of France, Elena could not resist creating a Lemon Meringue Croissant that is available only on weekends. Lemon trees dot the landscape in the South of France and are sold in markets and stands on every street corner. Celebrating the citrus fruit that Elena, and her eager customers love seemed like an obvious choice. “The aroma of sun-drenched fruit filled the air in this charming seaside town. As I wandered through the narrow stone streets, I encountered citron de Menton in various forms, from whole…

Located in the heart of Shipyard’s Brewing District on Esplanade, Copperpenny Distilling stands out not only for its tantalizing and zesty gins, but also for the master medals they’ve received!  By Avneet Takhar  Having started up in 2021, Copperpenny Distilling has had a steady upward trajectory of success. In midst of the pandemic, they got creative and started their own line of craft hand sanitizers, and had a vendor stand at Lonsdale Artisan Farmers Market.  But it was a year later that owners, Jennifer Kom-Tong and Jan Stenc began to really reap the rewards of their hard work. They officially opened the distillery just after Christmas. This came complete with a tasting room and bar seats to sip cocktails and enjoy gin oysters with, in partnership with Fanny Bay Oyster Company.  And they also happened to be awarded with: Global Gin Masters 2022 by the Spirits Business (presented in London,…

As the sun starts to set a little earlier and nights become cooler, it’s time to make the most of those last patio days. The end of the season calls for delicate floral notes and a splash of citrus. Send off the summer with The Provence, a beautiful gin-based cocktail courtesy of the award-winning Copperpenny Distilling in North Vancouver. RECIPE Ingredients 1.5 oz Copperpenny Gin No. 005 1oz  Copperpenny Provence syrup 120 ml Fever-Tree premium Indian tonic Pink peppercorns Spring of lavender Grapefruit Edible flower (for garnish) Instructions Add the gin and syrup to a balloon glass Stir well, fill with ice and top with Fever Tree tonic Garnish and enjoy  The Provence Syrup is made in-house by Copperpenny with fresh grapefruit, French lavender and sweetened with pure cane sugar. It can be purchased at the location (and online very soon!). If you get the chance, we recommend you try…

There are lots of food and drink events to *fall* for this month in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Shipyards Food Tour, September 1 Starting with a scenic SeaBus ride from Vancouver’s Waterfront Station to Vancouver’s North Shore, experience the vibrant foodie scene in North Vancouver’s award-winning Shipyard’s District in a guided tour featuring local delicacies, BC craft beer and cider, Okanagan wine, and the history of the area. Runs from 2 PM – 4:30 PM, book in advance. 125 Victory Ship Way (tour starts at Waterfront Station in Vancouver) North Vancouver Charcuterie on the Pier, September 2  Showcasing the seaside community around White Rock Pier, Charcuterie on the Pier attempts to break the Guinness World Record with a 500 foot long charcuterie board, with net proceeds benefiting the food bank and local charities. Running from 2 PM – 8 PM. Three tiers of ticket available, check site for…

A cocktail designed for savouring the last days of summer, Bar Corso on the Drive’s La Radice Dell’Estate Cocktail is sunshine in a glass, with a touch of nut hinting at the change in season to come.  The La Radice Dell’Estate is a pisco, brandy and rum-based cocktail with vibrant notes of lime, pineapple and sassafras to enhance the tropical taste – and help you soak in the sun at the end of a warm day (or season.) Recipe by Bar Corso bartender Taylor Gardiner INGREDIENTS: 0.75 oz pisco 0.75 oz plantation pineapple rum 0.5  oz vecchia romagna 0.75 oz lime 0.75 oz pineapple sassafras syrup Dash black walnut bitters INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all ingredients Shake and double strain into a coupe glass Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel About Bar Corso Serving up Italian-inspired dishes from local ingredients, Bar Corso is a cozy and casual local gem in the heart of Vancouver’s Little Italy. The menu…

The end of summer is in sight, but there’s still time to fit in an extra staycation (or two!) before it’s officially fall. The great thing about a staycation? You don’t need to worry about planning a road trip or finding a flight deal. Instead, kick back and make the most of the last days of summer by exploring the tourist highlights and exciting dining options in your own backyard in Richmond—one of the Lower Mainland’s most exciting and diverse culinary neighbourhoods. Staycation sounds good right? This month you have the chance to win a Foodie Staycation in Richmond from West Coast Food, including an overnight stay at River Rock Casino Resort, $100 gift card to Bruno restaurant, and a Richmond Night Market zoom pass (includes 5 entries and fast lane entrance.) River Rock Casino Resort Situated alongside the scenic Fraser River and conveniently next to the Bridgeport Canada Line Skytrain station…

What’s your go-to brewery when you want to gather with your besties, or even just grab a beer on your own? Whether it’s a killer trivia night, incredible staff, or even just a seat on the patio that seems to have your name on it, our favourite spots to enjoy a cold one have as much to do with the atmosphere as what’s on tap. It’s time to show your appreciation for your favourite spot by nominating your favourite brewery for the 6th Annual Award for Best Brewery Experience on the BC Ale Trail! The Best Brewery Experience Award The Best Brewery Experience Award is about more than just the beer, it’s about all the reasons you love it there, from ambience to local flavour. That’s the BC craft brewery experience! Past winners include: Camp Beer Co. in Langley (2022) R&B Brewing in Vancouver (2021) Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni…

We look forward to Friday nights even more than ever, with Fort Langley’s popular Night Market in full swing this month.  By Catherine Dunwoody Every Friday evening from 5 – 10 PM in August, 40 local vendors gather to sell their wares at the Fort Langley Night Market, promising an evening of summer fun. Shop for wearables and cute stuff for your home from local designers, grab a bite from one of the food trucks, including local craft beer, wine, cider, and cocktails. Live music? Yes please! This market is a shopping, eating, and drinking party and the vibe only gets better with live tunes from local BC artists. Must-Visit Vendors Vendors worth checking out are plentiful, including Dirty Bird Jewellery design with their affordable pieces in silver and gold. Darn Right Foods bakes up gluten free, sugar free and vegan goodies, while Lumière Leslie Candles (a husband and wife owned…

The El Valle Salado Salted Lime Lager from North Vancouver brewery La Cervecería Astilleros tastes like gold (a gold winner to be exact!) The El Valle Salado Salted Lime Lager, which translates to “Shipyards Brewery” in Spanish, was announced as the gold winner in the herb and spice beer category at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards, announced at the end of June. By Marisa Chandler La Cervecería Astilleros Nestled among the local breweries in the North Shore’s brewery row (officially known as the Shipyards Brewery District) La Cervecería Astilleros opened for business at the end of 2020 and quickly earned a reputation as a local hot spot dishing up classic Mexican fare like tacos and burritos (or just nachos for table if you need a light snack) alongside their creative craft beers. This isn’t Cervecería Astilleros’ first time in the running for an award, last year they nabbed second place…

By Sonu Purhar Nothing beats a creamy cold treat on a hot summer day – but unfortunately for us vegan and non-dairy folks, options are often limited. Sure, we can wander into an ice cream parlour with a hypnotizing array of flavours, but something in us dies a little when we spot the sad collection of ice crystal-studded sorbets in the corner. So, we’ve uncovered seven spots all around Metro Vancouver that churn genuinely delicious, adventurously flavoured vegan ice cream – nary a sad sorbet in sight. Enjoy! Earnest Ice Cream 127 West 1st Street, North Vancouver and other locations Earnest’s popular small-batch ice cream holds distinction for selling out at farmers’ markets even in the dead of winter. The shops feature a dazzling array of vegan flavours that will fool even the stoutest dairy fan. Try the Strawberry Toasted Coconut, a tropical delight incorporating organic strawberry puree and crunchy…

If you have not checked out German/Bavarian restaurant Tannenbaum in New Westminster since it opened in spring of 2023, it’s time. The busy, bustling vibe and full tables are every indication that this new hotspot is a breath of fresh air, and very welcome in the Greater Vancouver area. An unexpected plus? Vegetarian and gluten-free options are on the menu. I sat down with owner Mira Mendes to chat about schnitzel, German beer, and her favourite dessert. By Catherine Dunwoody Hi Mira, thanks for chatting with us. Your food is delicious, your room is cozy, and we would love to know more about your background. What can you tell us? I was trained in the service and hospitality industry in Germany. I went to Hospitality School and lived there for 13 years where I learned all my recipes and cooking skills. Moving to Canada, my first job was at the Alpen Haus…

Get outside and enjoy the last days of summer by diving into food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Powell Street Festival, August 5 – 6 A long-running celebration of Japanese Canadian culture taking place on the BC Day long weekend Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian area, Paueru Gai (known as the Downtown Eastside today.) Enjoy live music, cultural activities and performances, and delicious Japanese festival food.  Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street Vancouver Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days, August 5 – 6 Sea Fest, as its known by locals, takes place on the BC Day long weekend. Attracting tons of visitors, you won’t want to miss the artisan market and delicious salmon barbecue, alongside live local performers on the main stage, Pirates in the Park and young local talent competing in White Rock’s Got Talent. Memorial Park (White Rock Pier, by the beach), 25CV+FH White Rock  Harmony Arts…

The Edible Garden Project, an urban farming initiative in North Vancouver, believes in cultivating both crops and community. Firmly sowing the seeds of an impact-driven existence, as the project flourishes (along with the produce!), we got into the roots of what The Edible Garden Project is all about in an in-depth chat with Becka Nathan, their Program Coordinator.  By Avneet Takhar  If you had to describe what The Edible Garden Project is in 5 words, what would they be? Community, connection, empowerment, fresh, dynamic.  The EGP is based on urban farming – what’s the difference between urban and traditional farming? Urban farming uses many similar methods as what we’d think of as traditional farming; however, as it is usually on a much smaller physical scale we are more likely to grow a mixture of crops that complement each other and can change quickly throughout the season as we rotate through our…

The Michelin Guide is getting ready to reveal its full list of starred and recommended dining spots around Vancouver this fall, but in a sneak peek of what’s to come they just dropped a 10 new additions to the Vancouver listings on Thursday July 13th, 2023. Check out the must-try restaurants that made the list! Who’s New on the Vancouver Michelin Guide Archer In the heart of downtown among a row of designer stores, contemporary Canadian cuisine shines at Archer with a menu celebrating West Coast ingredients like fresh sablefish and crab. 1152 Alberni Street Bao Bei At the edge of Chinatown, this one-of-a kind Chinese brasserie serves up inventive and whimsical twists on Chinese classics with a lot of fun and flavour. 163 Keefer Street Farmer’s Apprentice Inventive flavours and conscious sourcing of every element of the meal guide the menu of this small rustic space at the edge…

The smell of sustainable baked delicacies and goods float through the air, and you’re surrounded by the incredible abundance of vegetables and farm fresh ingredients from local producers in the summer. If this sounds like your ideal day, you’re in for a treat visiting the wonderful farmers markets taking place throughout Metro Vancouver in summer. From food trucks and coffee to music and locally-made jams and dips among the vegetables and fruits, there are wonderful farmers markets on weekly in summer in Burnaby, New Westminster and Coquitlam. Grab your basket and let’s go! Burnaby Burnaby Farmers Market Breath in the fresh forest air and enjoy your natural surroundings as you explore the Burnaby Farmers Market, just steps away from Deer Lake. Located just outside City Hall, enjoy the entertainers and meet up with friends to check out locally grown, baked and created goodies. Find them on Instagram @burnabyfarmersmarket to see what’s…

The Township of Langley has a line-up of summer food and beverage events and festivals that are not to be missed. By Catherine Dunwoody Sun and Soil Concert Series On July 8th the Sun and Soil Concert Series, held at Fraser Valley Cider Company promises to be a dreamy, immersive summer evening sure to tickle the senses with food, drink, and music. Tickets are sold in advance, and the experience includes a 90-minute set from local musician Antonio Larosa, a shareable Tiffin Tin for Two, local bevvies, and all aimed at a 19+ crowd. The Fraser Valley, so rich with farm fresh produce, local food growers and producers, means the tiffin tin will feature local meats and cheeses, or vegan options. Cider crafted onsite right at Fraser Valley Cider Company is the perfect pairing. If cider is not your thing, not to fret, local Langley wines and beer will be…

A Brand New California-inspired Restaurant in Burnaby Grab your shades, and kick back with a cocktail and some beachy bites at Birdies Eats & Drinks, a new California-inspired restaurant in Burnaby with a sunny attitude and a laid back atmosphere. Hello Birdies Birdies is a brand new concept restaurant collaboration from the Earls Restaurant Group, Taking over the former Earls Bridge Park location at 3850 Lougheed, the space features a casual, trendy dining room, lounge, 20-seat terrazzo countertop bar and a 75 seat sun-filled patio (just in time for summer!) They’re set to start serving up lunch, dinner, drinks and weekend brunch starting July 7th, 2023. The Eats & Drinks Developed by Chef David Wong, the Birdies menu promises lots of shareable bites and healthy conscious options (without skimping on flavour.) The Oh So Sticky Korean Ribs, Thai Noodle Salad and Rigatoni Arrabiata are a few of their tastiest looking featured menu…

Wine bars in Metro Vancouver are rapidly expanding their wine lists to include natural wines, due to popular demand. You may be wondering: what classifies a wine as ‘natural’? A number of factors are included in the definition, such as wines made with organically or biodynamically grown grapes, low intervention processes, and having little or no preservatives added. By Catherine Dunwoody Here are some hot spots to hit—and what to sip: VV Tapas Lounge VV Tapas Lounge offers flights of all their natural wines that are sold by the glass, plus happy hour deals at 50% off where the guest receives the wine ‘blind’ (no peeking at the label) and is asked to try to guess the grape or region for a VV gift certificate. Be sure to try BC natural wines like the Free Form Riesling from Summerland, and Artakama’s Syrah, from Oliver. 957 E Hastings Street Vancouver Pacific…

It’s finally summer–which means festivals with live music, local breweries and international flavours are happening across Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Steveston Salmon Festival, July 1 The annual Steveston Salmon Festival is Richmond’s largest event! Enjoy the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous salmon BBQ and festival chow mein.  Parade starts at 10AM and festival grounds are open 11AM – 5PM  Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street  Langley Bubble Tea Festival, July 7 – 9 After a successful inaugural event last summer, the Bubble Tea Festival returns! This year’s Bubble Tea Festival theme is Taste of Taiwan, featuring Bubble tea vendors,  Food trucks with Asian street foods, outdoor movies, concerts, performances and even bumper cars for toddlers. Children 12-year old enter free (with an accompanying adult.) Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial Street Burnaby BC Halal Food Fest, July…

The sun is shining (or at least the rain is warm) and everything is fresh and in season. If you love local, sustainable baked delicacies and goods and the incredible abundance of vegetables and farm fresh ingredients in summer, then Metro Vancouver’s farmers markets are a special treat that are definitely worth making time for. From food trucks and coffee to music and locally-made jams and dips among the vegetables and fruits, there are wonderful farmers markets on weekly in summer in Surrey and Langley. Grab your basket and let’s go! Surrey Surrey Urban Farmers Market Taking place on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the parking lot, the vibrant, multi-cultural non-profit Surrey Urban Farmers Market is located next to a huge park, so you can bring the family to hang out, play and picnic while you peruse stalls with local farmers big and small, food producers, artisans,…

Support Food Sovereignty for National Indigenous History Month By Avneet Takhar Reconciliation for Indigenous peoples is something of a fairly new concept in Canada, for the suffering the communities have endured and racism that still affects those who rightfully own the lands we live on. There’s a long way to go until trust and unity can go hand in hand after the arduous history, but honouring the food they make is one of the ways we can support their heritage and cultural traditions. Here’s a list of places we recommend: Salmon n’ Bannock A firm favourite with the locals, this cozy South Granville spot is First Nations-owned and operated. Co-founder, Inez Cook of the Nuxalk Nation (who also happens to be a children’s author!) provides a family-style gathering nook that welcomes all. And there’s no question about who’s got game with the meaty menu she offers! I tried the Game…

Summertime is synonymous with weekend visits to the local farmer’s market. Picture this: it’s a weekend morning, the sun is shining, and the farmer’s market is abuzz with shoppers and vendors selling artisanal honey, boisterous gleaming vegetables, and crusty loaves of pungent sourdough. You’ve got a wagon full of goodies in one hand, and an iced lavender latte in the other. Maybe your dog is leashed around your wrist, wiggling their nose as they pass by the cheese table. Not to get too Nancy Meyers about it since farmer’s market weekends don’t have to be a fairy tale – but there are many scattered across Metro Vancouver just waiting for you to visit and have your best weekend ever. By: Brittany Tiplady North Shore Markets Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market “In addition to the talented bakers, jam makers, and honey gatherers, the Lonsdale Farmers’ Market welcomes some of the province’s most…

June 4 celebrates #NationalCheeseDay: so go get your fill! From European classics to artisan goat cheeses, a dairy good time is to be had visiting these five cheese-tastic business in Metro Vancouver. No need to *curd* your enthusiasm here, just get your appetite ready! By Avneet Takhar Mercato Di Luigi  Mercato di Luigi is Kitchen Table’s (Ask For Luigi, Di Beppe) newest location. It’s a quaint Italian grocer and cafe that carries a range of Italian products, pantry staples, dried and fresh pasta, and homemade sauces.  If you are a fan of Ask For Luigi, then you’ll love their daily pasta lunches served from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, and their selection of house-made grocery items to take home. There’s sliced caprino (perfect for muffulettas!), as well as mozzarella balls, grated parmigiano and pecorino that would make for a great pasta night in. Eat in or take out, this is…

We spot a chance for you to seafood, and eat it (as the old joke goes!) The second annual Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celecbration festival kicked off in mid-May with fishing boats offering spot prawns for sale directly from the Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf. Along with the boats, the festival is also bringing back the popular the Dine About Passport, running from June 1 – 18th, 2023. So if you love spot prawns (and fresh seafood), and want to taste what the best local chefs can create with them, you’re in luck. The digital Dine About Passport invites you to celebrate spot prawn season by digging in to fresh locally-caught and prepared seafood dishes from talented chefs from restaurants in Richmond. See and Eat more with your Ocean to Plate Passport Use this passport to find out where you can try the specially curated Dine About dishes and receive $2 off your Dine About…

When it comes to refreshing and timeless warm weather cocktails, maragaritas and mojitos are obvious crowd-favourites—but what if you’d like to *shake it up*? The Cilantro & Hoja cocktail from Noah’s Cafe Owner and Chef Cliff Chi is an inventive and refreshing spin on a classic summer cocktail. The Cilantro & Hoja is margarita and mojito-inspired cocktail, featuring the flavours of mint, shiso, and cilantro (of course.) If you are a cilantro lover, this drink will satisfy you all summer long! Recipe by Cliff Chi INGREDIENTS  LOS SIETE MISTERIOS Mezcal ( .5 oz) Cazadorez Tequila (1 oz) Cointreau ( .5 oz) Mint (8-10 pieces, +1 sprig for garnish) Cilantro (2-3 sprigs, + 1 sprig for garnish) Shiso (1-2 pieces) Simple syrup ( .5 oz) Ms. Better’s black pepper cardamom bitters (1 dash) Walter’s Caesar spice (for rim) INSTRUCTIONS Rim the glass with Walter’s Caesar spice.  Combine the rest of the ingredients…

A non-profit based in Richmond, The Sharing Farm mean what they say in their name—it’s all about sharing, especially with those who face food shortages. The Sharing Farm’s mission is to reduce food insecurity. With the added strain of the cost of living crisis, the farm has become a haven for those in need. They have initiatives spanning from food banks to community meal programs, raking up an impressive 19,339 pounds of produce so far. And they also offer harvest baskets and your “five-a-day” at their farm location, and farmers markets across Metro Vancouver. We sat down with Executive Director; Leslie Williams and chair member Doris Bruce to learn more!  By Avneet Takhar Tell us how Sharing Farms all started, Leslie! The Sharing Farm Society (TSF) started when a group of Richmond folks realized that food banks rarely had fresh produce available. In order to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to…

The sun is out and summer food and drink events are happening all across Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Halal Ribfest, June 2-4 Holland Park  Get ready to indulge in the best Halal food Vancouver has to offer, from traditional southern barbecue to innovative street food. The first Halal Ribfest in Metro Vancouver promises to be a weekend of family-friendly entertainment, shopping, and a celebration of the  the vibrant culture and traditions that make halal food so special. Featuring  food vendors, local market vendors, and live performers. Bring the whole family to enjoy bouncy castles, buskers, a Nasheed concert, and even a fire show! 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey BC Cider Festival, June 3 The Pipe Shop  Sip on ciders at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver at the 4th annual BC Cider Festival is. This fun and refreshing tasting event will feature over 30 cideries from across BC, the…

Being conscious about food systems and sustainability is about more than just shopping with reusable bags, and eating what’s in your fridge (although, those things are important!) Leaders in the movement have dedicated their lives to ethical practices, waste reduction, disrupting poverty cycles, education, reducing greenhouse gas emission, and community care. And, with climate change and inflation rearing their ugly heads, joining these champions in adopting sustainable practices has never been more important.  We’re proud to live in a region that is home to many food sustainability organizations that are paving the way for positive change in our food systems. From reducing fruit tree waste, to feeding the community with dignity, we’ve compiled a list of leaders in the industry that you can follow and support.  By Brittany Tiplady Online  Luv The Grub  Luv the Grub’s founder Alia Sunderji was teaching a sustainable innovation class at Simon Fraser when she…

Rebekah Crowley, owner/distiller, walks us through the steps to create their signature spirits. By Catherine Dunwoody As one of the numerous Metro-Vancouver-based craft distilleries participating in the BC Distilled Festival, Roots and Wings Distillery is the first of its kind in the Fraser Valley. I chatted with Rebekah Crowley about the process of making their small batch artisan spirits. Proud of their farm-to-table approach and ingredients grown right on their farm, Crowley and partner Head Distiller Rob Rindt have created over forty unique and flavorful spirits in their six years in business. “Every Saturday we start a new batch, be it vodka or whiskey base, they all begin the same way,” says Crowley. “We take the potatoes (for vodka) and corn or rye and corn (for whiskey) and add it into our 500-gallon mash still. Then we heat it with a mix of water and enzymes until it reaches 90…

Come in from the rain and sit down to a steaming pot of tea and an afternoon of bite-sized delights with friends or loved ones. Originally a British tradition, afternoon tea (and high tea) has crossed oceans and now spans cultures, bringing more variety to the tea pot and your platter. While there’s a range of delectable variations on afternoon tea, a traditional ‘high tea’ usually features a towered platter with both savoury and sweet nibbles–so you can spend an afternoon sipping and snacking. From cute and quaint to delicious and decadent, here are six afternoon and high tea spots in Metro Vancouver that will have you thinking: this is just my cup of tea.  By Marisa Chandler H Tasting Lounge  Inspired by the Victorian and Belle Époque eras of England and France, H Tasting Lounge’s Afternoon Tea is playfully named “Let Them Eat Cake!” Available only on weekends from…

Spring is in the air, and the warmer weather, blossoms and new greenery call for a cocktail that’s light and refreshing. Easy-to-make and perfectly balanced, the light floral and citrus notes of Long Table Distillery’s Hotel Georgia gin-based cocktail will make your springtime cinq à sept a smash. Cheers! Recipe by Tarquin Melynk, bartender at Vancouver’s Long Table Distillery   INGREDIENTS  Long Table London Dry Gin (1.75 oz) Fresh lemon (1 oz) Yuzu Orgeat (.75 oz) Ms. Better’s Mt. Fuji Bitters  (1 dash) Ms. Better’s Miraculous Foamer (1 dash)   INSTRUCTIONS Combine ingredients in shaker. Dry shake. Hard shake with ice. Fine strain into coupe. Grate a little bit of nutmeg on top.  Long Table Distillery You can sample Long Table Distillery award-winning local gins at their Downtown Vancouver Retail and Cocktail Lounge location at 1451 Hornby Street, where they also host cocktail making classes.  Patio open June -…

Major international airports aren’t usually well known for their healthy grab-and-go snacks or eco-friendly dining, but Burnaby-based company Trendi, who specialize in upcycling fruit for smoothies, are changing that. Trendi recently partnered with Vancouver International Airport to install five of their smoothie vending machines at YVR, making sustainable smoothies accessible to hungry eco-conscious travellers 24/7. By Marisa Chandler Reducing food waste The Smoothie Machine by Trendi serves 100% plant-based smoothies made from rescued fruit, furthering YVR’s commitment to promote sustainability at the airport and for travellers. Upcycled ingredients for Trendi’s Smoothie Machine converts upcycled shelf-stable fruits rescued from the farm to delicious smoothies with minimal waste GHG emissions using agricultural automation and collection systems called BioTrim units that take the unused fruit from the farm and process them for the next stage. The majority of Trendi’s ingredients are currently sourced via farm partners in Ecuador, and they estimate they’ve rescued…

‘May’ new exciting flavours find their way to your plate this season! It’s spring, and with the warmer weather comes longer days and more food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Lonsdale Farmers Market, May 6 Stroll the boardwalk on North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay while you check out fresh locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and nifty crafts created by local growers, bakers and crafters every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, running from May 6th until October. North Vancouver: Lonsdale Quay Market, 123 Carrie Cates Court  Tian Jin Taiwanese Street Food Festival, May 6-7 Taste Taiwanese treats at the Taiwanese Food Fair at Tian Jin Festival, a free community cultural event showcasing the multiculturalism and diverse backgrounds of Metro Vancouver through food, outdoor performances and free carnival style games for family and children to enjoy. Burnaby: Tian Jin Temple, 3426 Smith Avenue New West Farmers Market,…

By Brittany Tiplady  In Cooked, journalist and author Michael Pollan explores the continual and timeless necessity of fire, water, air, and earth, as critical creators and sustainers of food, and how we make it.  In his book and documentary of the same name, Pollan profoundly shares that “all cooking is alchemy– it’s transformation. But bread is the greatest alchemy of all. Take a small amount of food and turn it into a large amount of food that can feed a lot of people, literally out of thin air.”  Throughout history, flour, water, salt, yeast has been kneaded into many iterations – feeding religions, cultures, and diasporas across the globe, weaving together our singular need for nourishment.  Bread is the great connector.  And to celebrate that, The Coquitlam Heritage Society invites you to break bread with them. On until June 30, 2023, the Breaking Bread exhibit at the Mackin House is…

The Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) is back again this year with wines from all over the world. This year’s festival has 17 participating countries taking part in entertaining and educational events all over the city. Running from April 22-30th, the 44th VIWF is celebrating its legacy as one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world. While the festival will have a wide range of participating local wineries, South America is the featured wine region for 2023, with wines from Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay to sample in the Tasting Room. Taste and Discover The heart of the festival is the Tasting Room, where the public can choose from 800 wines at four International Festival Tastings, and industry professionals can sample those at two Trade Tastings. Past festival attendees may remember that the featured region has its own section in the Tasting Room and offers thematic seminars…

The second annual National Filipino Restaurant Month takes place during the month of April, and we want to celebrate. Our favourite way? With food of course! By Catherine Dunwoody First launched in April of 2022, the intention of this culinary spotlight is to promote Filipino cuisine in Canada, especially the restaurants, the chefs, and highlighting traditional dishes using ingredients from the Philippines. One restaurant, Grandt Kitchen located in Surrey, offers a wide range of food that tastes like home to Filipinos in Canada, and an introduction to an ethnic cuisine many have never tried.  In 2015 the small restaurant first opened in an industrial area in Surrey, followed by a move in 2018 to open Grandt Kitchen Filipino Cuisine with a capacity of 100 people. In 2019, a second location opened on Joyce Street, and the owners proudly serve the community with the cuisine they love to share. Dive into traditional…

Appreciating the natural abundance of the region through healthy lifestyle choices and  ecologically sustainable day-to-day practices are a part of West Coast culture, resulting in an impressive range of restaurants that offer mindful meals and tasty treats that celebrate a plant-based diet, from grab-and-go cafes to upscale dining. In Metro Vancouver, eating your greens isn’t a punishment, it’s a delicious (and nutritious) reward. Serving up more than just salad, Dine the Line’s Plant-Based Path Itinerary features Vegetarian, Vegan and health-conscious plant-forward menus across North Vancouver and Vancouver, all located within a 15 minute walk from a SkyTrain, SeaBus Station, or RapidBus stop. By Marisa Chandler  North Vancouver The Workshop Vegetarian Café Hop on the 2 RapidBus and make the Workshop Vegetarian Café your first stop, just a six minute dash from Pemberton Ave and Marine Drive in North Vancouver. This Japanese-inspired vegetarian café and store is also a plant-based workshop,…

Passover starts this week (April 5-13, 2023), so we’re sharing a few of our favourite Jewish delis, and kosher-friendly kitchens in Metro Vancouver to get your celebrations started. Fire up Shiva Baby (a dramedy about a young Jewish woman attending a family’s funeral service-which aptly features a buffet of kosher comfort food) on Netflix and chill, enjoying great food with fam and friends! By Avneet Takhar Garden City Bakery This kosher-certified bakery has been around for 20 years! And its popularity continues, with rave reviews claiming it’s got “the best challah in town.” It’s a great spot to pick up both the savoury and sweet stuff – like the challah or chocolate and cinnamon raisin babkas. 9100 Blundell Rd #360, Richmond. Get off at Richmond-Brighouse and either walk 30 minutes or hop on the 408 bus. Boemma Euro Foods & Deli This Euro deli is great find for stocking up on all…

Spring has sprung! And with all the new shoots and blossoms comes a fresh crop of exciting food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Soup & Bread: Tour, Passover Cooking Demo & Lunch, April 8  Enjoy a tour of Coquitlam Heritage’s current Breaking Bread exhibit (running until June 30) focusing on the historical and cultural importance of bread followed by learning about the process of making Matzo ball soup and Matzo Kugel during the Jewish festival of Passover in this mini-workshop and lunch with Chef Victoria Paikin. Details and tickets on the event page. Coquitlam: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House, 1116 Brunette Avenue Easter Egg Hunt at Township 7, April 9  Sip on award-winning local wines while the kids enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt, scavenging the vineyard, and enjoy activities such as Glitter Tattoos, a petting zoo by the 4H club, and more. Adults can join…

Burnaby’s one-of-a-kind urban gathering place, The Amazing Brentwood, is not only a destination for fabulous shopping and entertainment but for a wide range of dining options too. In the last few months, five new restaurants have opened, and you’ll want to check them all out. Here’s what’s what. By Catherine Dunwoody Earls Kitchen + Bar Just opened on Brentwood Plaza, the newest Earls location has a beautifully designed space including a lounge, dining room, and an island bar featuring artwork from local BC talent. Expect Earls classic, signature dishes like the Santa Fe chicken salad, famous clam chowder and Bigger Better burgers, plus weekend brunch dishes, and happy hour deals. Exclusive to this Brentwood location is a take-out window, the very first of its kind from Earls, and ideal for grab and go – literally. 1308 – 4525 Lougheed Hwy Neptune Seafood Palace Restaurant This Michelin-recommended restaurant offers sophisticated gourmet…

In a little pocket of Burnaby, at the bottom of the mountain, in the corner of a white-washed industrial park, a fast-travel portal exists ready to whisk you away to the beer halls of Belgium. Named after a city square in Antwerp popular with locals as a non-pretentious, laid-back place to gather with friends, Dageraad Brewing brings the same ideals to their cozy and welcoming indoor/outdoor tasting room. The beers are Belgian-inspired (very broadly defined by complex flavours: fruity, spicy, herbal, floral), brewed in Burnaby with local ingredients. “Burnabarian” as they’ve been dubbed. Here are a choice few to sample on your next visit, which really should be soon. New Slang 4 The latest in a series of biotransformed IPAs that are experimenting with new yeast combinations and unconventional ingredients to create some verifiable “fruit bombs,” this iteration is a double IPA that marries Amarillo and Sultan hops for a…

For people nostalgic for the arcade, those who love busting out board games at the cabin, or even if you simply don’t know how to sit still when there’s a lull in the conversation, barcades and board game bars are here to make sure you and your whole table are entertained. If you and your friends are tired of playing against each other online, make your next game night a social one. Whether you like to roll dice, or you’d rather show off how you earned your pinball champion crown, there’s a bar for you and your game-loving friends. Come for the drinks and snacks, and stay to play! Here are a few of our favourite game bars that are great for your whole crew (or even just a match of one on one) across Metro Vancouver. By Marisa Chandler Burnaby The Rec Room  Serving up burgers and fries with…

Local history meets luscious farmland in picturesque Langley! Visitors can easily while away the hours exploring the culinary gems of Langley Township and Fort Langley, taking their palates for some site seeing. Start with a leisurely brunch and wander, sampling beer flights at the local pubs, or catch up with friends at one of Langley’s many cozy cafes and restaurants- just a few ways to spend a sunny day! From omelets to ales, you’ll have a day full of adventure and new experiences when you explore with Dine the Line’s Brunch to Brews in Langley itinerary. Hop on the #562 Langley Centre Bus and learn about why so many people love Langley! By Marisa Chandler Langley Egg Bomb  Egg Bomb is a beloved all-day breakfast and lunch spot serving up fresh twists on traditional brunch classics. Indulge in a plate of fruity croffles (croissant-waffles covered in fresh berries and whip)…

At just 16 years old, Aevin Kumar knew he wanted to work in some capacity with coffee using ethical practices. Amidst the pandemic he put his dreams into reality and did just that. Sharing his unique story, the young and dynamic entrepreneur spills the beans on how it all started! By Avneet Takhar First off, tell us how at age 16 you got started in the coffee biz, Aevin?! Yes, I began Coffee Craze Company officially in March 2021- when I was 16 years old. My interest in coffee really started when my brother began introducing me to different types of coffee. I also studied various business courses back then, and I quickly became obsessed when I came across a local roaster in Maple Ridge, B.C, and tried some (coffee) selections. I started spending time planning, researching and deciding if this was something that I could do. With the support…

Creating social change via her community and culinary enterprise Flavours of Hope, Trixie Ling is removing barriers for newcomer immigrant and refugee women in fulfilling their dreams – to own food businesses that represent their cultures, with a feeling of belonging. Based in Vancouver, Flavours of Hope currently has women food business owners from Burnaby, Vancouver and New Westminster enlisted in the Dream Cuisine program, and partners with Coho in their commissaries in East Vancouver to make their products availble across Metro Vancouver and beyond. We sat down with Founder Trixie Ling to find out more. By Avneet Takhar Flavours of Hope focuses on helping women refugees and training them to succeed. Can you tell us more about how it began and what your set-up involves? Flavours of Hope is a non-profit that envisions a society where newcomer refugee and immigrant women thrive through cooking, community-building, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to…

Bartenders across Vancouver are shaking, stirring and mixing it up all week for Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW). Presented by The Alchemist, VCW is back for its second year, the festival is shining a spotlight on multi-award-winning bartenders ambassadors that contribute to Vancouver’s globally- celebrated culinary community. Running from March 6 – 11th, 2023 Vancouver Cocktail Week celebrates the vibrant, creative culture of craft cocktails and food pairings at bars and restaurants across the city. While there are plenty of fantastic ticketed events (many of which have sold out already), one of the easiest ways to join in is to stop in for a VCW Cinq á Sept Happy Hour after work at one of the many participating bars and restaurants this week. Cinq á Sept in the city Based on the French concept of the “cinq à sept”—5 to 7 pm, the hours between work and home life. Swing by…

You made it! March is here and spring is just around the corner. And so is a whole slate of exciting food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine out Vancouver, or you just miss it, get yourself to Burnaby for the Bite of Burnaby Festival. This annual foodies dream takes place all month and features local restaurant favourites offering prix-fixe menus from $10 to $60. Burnaby bills itself as BC’s most diverse dining city so there’s sure to be something for every taste. Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival, March 4 Fans of this semi-annual event have waited patiently for its return to the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club. After three (especially long) years, the wait is over! You’re invited to visit old friends and meet new favourites as craft breweries from around the lower mainland…

If you’re within earshot of someone in the local foodie scene, you’ve likely heard about how diverse (and delicious) Burnaby is. Knowing where to start can always be daunting, so thankfully, there’s a fantastic excuse to hop in and start trying the countless culinary gems! Running from March 1 – 31, Bite of Burnaby is a food festival that showcases the depth and breadth of the restaurants in the area. Grab a box of Portuguese egg tarts to bring to the office, get take out Korean BBQ for a movie night at home, or enjoy in a wood-fired pizza and romantic stroll around Burnaby Heights, it all fits under the umbrella of the festival. Restaurants will be offering pre-set tasting menus from $10 – $60 so you can get the best value no matter how hungry you are. As if that wasn’t incentive enough to partake in one of BC’s hottest…

The one thing that’s guaranteed to make your meal taste better (other than salt), is sharing it with the people you enjoy spending time with. Whether you’re hitting the bar for appies and drinks after a long day with your work crew or you’re rounding up your buds for a banquet-style dinner and catch-up session, it’s always better with friends. The only catch? You’ll need to find a location everyone likes that’s not only easy to get to, but  has a table big enough for 6 people (or more). Make sure no one gets left behind, and plan your next group dining event using the Dine the Line It’s Better With Friends Itinerary. Ride through Surrey, Burnaby and New Westminster and find your new favourite meet-up spot. Each location is easily accessible on foot from a SkyTrain station or Bus stop and welcomes large parties for all kinds of occasions.…

If you’re looking to plan out a route of Metro Vancouver’s best restaurants/breweries, you can expect to encounter mental gridlock pretty quickly! There are just too many options to pick from. However, there is hope for fledgling foodies looking to cross names off their local “to-try” list. Curated eating/drinking paths are available through handy programs like Dine the Line and The BC Ale Trail. Each one provides notable restaurant and brewery stops easily accessible along local transit routes. It’s definitely a delicious way to get from A to B. From New West to White Rock via a pulled pork sandwich and an IPA. From Coquitlam through Burnaby by way of a cobb salad with dressing on the side. Not sure where to start? Try these maps on, and see what your appetite is. Tasting Passport – Try a Local Brewery, Collect Stamps and Win this February Once you’ve had dinner,…

If there is one thing I am good at, it is picking the perfect restaurant. Skip the planning anxiety this year and let us plan your Valentine’s Day date night for you. Pro tip: Valentine’s is a busy time, so be sure to book a reservation where possible to guarantee your table. By Brittany Tiplady Pepino’s Spaghetti and meatballs, mozzarella sticks, lasagna, cheesecake…. oh my. Pepino’s—a Commercial Drive Italian joint that is part of the Osteria Savio Volpe family—pays homage to the legacy of Nick’s Spaghetti House. Here you’ll find a selection of generous plates, lovely wines and classic cocktails. Be warned however, you may leave with your waistband feeling a little…tight. Pro tip: Come to your reservation a little early, and grab a glass of beautiful Italian wine next door at Pepino’s spot, La Tana. 635 Commercial Dr, Vancouver Sopra Sotto Sopra Sotto’s Burnaby Heights location (the flagship Sopra Sotto is…

Black History Month isn’t the only time to support Black businesses, but we’re spotlighting a bunch so you can keep going back again, and again for some real soul food! Oh, and if you also want to shake down to dancehall beats after some bites, check out AfroQueer’s rave on February 17!  By Avneet Takhar  Without further ado, here are some places we recommend. Arike Restaurant  ‘Nigeria Meets the Pacific Northwest’ is their tagline and it’s certainly fitting! Arike has a tasting menu until Feb 5 that you can enjoy consisting of pineapple jerk, boar with plantains and a chili chocolate sponge. Sounds divine to us. Reserve your spot via Tock. 1725 Davie St, Vancouver  Ember Indian Kitchen  An African Indian Fusion restaurant located on waterfront in Steveston, offers many flavours here at Ember. This chic space has a bit of everything! From Zanzibar style lentil fritters, to Congolese salad…

Whether milk tea is your must-have or you’re an oolong and fresh fruit slush fan, no matter what type of bubble tea flavours and add-ons are your favourites, there’s no end to the number of ways you can customize this delicious dessert drink. Originating in Taiwan, with countless tasty variations, bubble tea is a global to-go sensation. And thankfully, there are tons of businesses specializing in bubble tea all across Metro Vancouver. If you’re on the hunt for the best and newest bubble tea hot spots in the city, slurp your way across Metro Vancouver using Dine the Line’s Bubble Line itinerary. Try your favourite flavours and (hopefully) a few new ones in neighbourhoods across the city while riding the Expo Line Skytrain or RapidBus. From Surrey to Burnaby to New Westminster, here are our go to spots for boba. Burnaby Money Tea For the fresh fruit tea fans, you…

Ah February, the month of love. And there’s nothing we love around here more than food. So may we present February, the month of food-love, and all the ways to celebrate it around Metro Vancouver. Hot Chocolate Festival, now to February 14th Greater Vancouver’s “sweetest” celebration returns for its 13th year, larger and more creative than ever, in support of small businesses, local charity organizations and of course, all things hot and chocolate. The region’s best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream makers are joining forces to elevate the humble hot chocolate into something like drinkable art. Check out the interactive map and see how many you can sip before they’re gone! BC Ale Trail x Dine the Line Tasting Passports, February 1st-28th Grab a Tasting Passport and collect stamps at breweries across Metro Vancouver for your chance to win one of five getaway packages from the BC…

Wondering where to eat with the family in Metro Vancouver?  These transit-friendly options will keep you dining car-free. Enjoying a meal together as a family is an indispensable bonding experience—add exploring Metro Vancouver and you’re bound to keep your family engaged and entertained as well as create lasting memories. Family Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to gather your crew and hop on the transit for a fun-filled family excursion chowing down across Metro Vancouver. For parents or activity organizers in the family, finding just the right crowd-pleasers for a mixed group of adventurous diners and picky eaters across ages can seem like a tricky challenge, but luckily there are lots of transit-accessible options serving up delicious family-friendly fare, from exciting international flavours to traditional comfort food favourites. Check out Dine the Line’s Bring the Family Itinerary to explore family dining using the Canada Line…

Jackie Kai Ellis is the former owner of Vancouver’s beloved Beaucoup Bakery, which she in recent years decided to move on from in order to focus on her other projects. She’s since been featured on House & Home magazine, has her own self-titled website, and recently released the show House Special on Telus, a series that follows Chinese-Canadian food history across BC and Alberta. We got the chance to sit and chat about her exciting food journey! By Avneet Takhar So Jackie, you got into the food scene and learned how to be a pastry chef whilst studying in Paris! Was that the catalyst for opening Beaucoup?  I don’t think I necessarily had a plan when I went to pastry school in France. But it was always in the back of my head (opening a bakery), and there were ideas percolating for many years. When I got back I had the choice to either continue with my design…

In the deep, dark days of March 2020, I had a candid conversation with Ken Nishidate of The Raving Gamer. Like all small businesses during this time, the Raving Gamer was experiencing the strain of uncertain times ahead. Nearly three years ago they were making the necessary switch to takeout, curbside pickup, and retail – crossing their fingers in hopes that this too shall pass. By Brittany Tiplady While the pandemic raged on longer than we all expected, The Raving Gamer forged on and continues to serve the Langley community locally sourced food, with a side of games galore. Back in 2020, Nishidate stressed that the Raving Gamer is a community hub with a goal of supporting as many local businesses as possible. “I’m trying to distill [our mandate] down to a few words. On our windows we have ‘great food, fun games, good times,’ and that’s really what we…

Swap your New Year’s resolution for a reservation– the 21st Annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival is set to brighten your day (and your diet) this month. Starting January 20th and running until February 5th, 2023, Dine Out encourages you to support local restaurants across the city. After the high of the holiday parties and retail splurges in December, January is normally slow for restaurants as people kick off their new health regimens and buckle down on sticking to their budgets. This makes it the perfect time to support your favourite local restaurants, or visit one that’s been on your must-try list for the first time. With more than 350 restaurants participating, you’re guaranteed to find something to your taste. Brought to you by Destination Vancouver, Dine Out 2023 presents flavours from across the globe and invites diners to experience cuisine from the best chefs and restauranteurs in the city–whether you’re…

Anyone with Celiac Disease would love the ease of shopping for groceries online but the hassle involved makes it nearly impossible. This new Richmond, BC-based food e-store is the answer. And they deliver. By Catherine Dunwoody Eating and drinking gluten-free is absolutely essential and non-negotiable for Celiacs like myself and a dietary choice for folks with gluten sensitivities. Either way, GF foods on the market are improving every year, thankfully, but finding delicious products of high quality is still a challenge and takes research plus time. It’s a lot of hit and miss, often with more misses than hits when it comes to grocery shopping online. It’s usually impossible to read labels on a website unless the company posts photos of them, and crucial to be able to see all listed ingredients plus read disclaimers of ‘may contain barley, rye, oats or wheat (B.R.O.W. ingredients that contain gluten) that brands…