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Langley

For the Love of Focaccia, A Langley Chef Shares His Baking Journey

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…

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Latin American

Alejandro Diaz Shares El Santo’s Recipe for Building a Community

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…

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Cafés

Convenience Store Cafes in Metro Vancouver

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…

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Shops & Markets

Richmond, Vancouver and North Shore Farmers Markets

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…

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Communities

Metro Vancouver Continues to Lead the Food Sustainability Movement

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…

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Coquitlam

Break Bread with Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House

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…

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Where to Eat

A Valentine’s Night Out in Metro Vancouver

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…

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Langley City

Catching up with Ken Nishidate of Langley’s The Raving Gamer

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…

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Holiday

Where To Get A Rich Holiday Meal In Metro Vancouver

The holidays can be stressful, expensive, and challenging for a lot of folks. I’m here to make sure you’re well-nourished, without all the hooplah. By Brittany Tiplady Let’s face it: cooking a full, traditional, tried-and-true holiday meal is an exhausting feat. If you’re not up to the challenge this year – or if you’re keeping your holiday circle small and intimate – why not let the pros do the dirty work? If you’re hosting a large gathering we’ve listed a few catering companies to save the day with inventive holiday meals available for pre-order. If dining out is more your thing, I’ve found a selection of restaurants across Metro Vancouver serving up hot holiday meals at a variety of price points and ambiances. Catering The Lazy Gourmet Whether your kitchen chops need a little bit of work, or you’re simply just too busy to whip up a holiday feast, the…

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Producers

Where to Enjoy Cranberry Season in Langley

By Brittany Tiplady What comes to mind when you think about the fall season? Changing leaves, crisp air, shorter days, lots of rain, and of course…cranberries. Cranberry desserts, cranberry sauce, cranberry scented candles, oh my! We’re lucky in Metro Vancouver to have access to some of the best cranberry products, harvested right from the source. Here’s a list of where you can enjoy cranberry season in the Fraser Valley. Fort Wine Co. 26151 84 Ave, Langley, BC Run, don’t walk! Fort Wine Co.’s Cranberry Wine varietals are a fan favourite for cranberry lovers–their stock sells out quickly. Still available is their flagship Cranberry Wine: “With its beautiful blush colour and tart taste, Cranberry Wine is the perfect wine to accompany festive meals include  turkey, duck, pork or lamb.” Fort Langley Cranberry Festival Glover Road, Fort Langley Get your full seasonal cranberry fix, all in one place. The Fort Langley Cranberry…

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Crispy Prawn Causa at Suyo Peruvian in Vancouver
South American

Where to Eat South American Cuisine in and around Vancouver

Growing up with a Peruvian family I am definitely biased, but I stand firm in my beliefs that Peruvian cuisine is as delicious, robust, and complex as the critics acclaim. Of course, renowned cuisine can be found all over South America – it is a region that produces rich, hearty food meant to be shared and adored. By Brittany Tiplady Latin and South American food can be enjoyed at the  Michelin Star level, or just as well from a tiny takeout spot. In the Metro Vancouver area, the options for South American cuisine are limited but not impossible to find. To help you on your gastronomic journey, I’ve compiled a list of South American restaurants and bakeries for you to try. Vancouver Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio (Two locations: False Creek, Vancouver & Ambleside, Vancouver’s North Shore) Ancora is a high-end occasion spot, but if your wallet is up…

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Tours

Tour the Wine Region Right Next Door to Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady Wine touring in B.C. isn’t just reserved for the Okanagan. If you’re a wine lover, consider sipping your way through Langley! Located just one hour outside of Vancouver, Langley is booming with lush wineries and tours aplenty. Book a tour and tasting at one of the wineries listed below, or try a bunch of them one go with a tour. Wineries of Langley Backyard Wines 3033 232 St, Langley, BC Vancouver’s backyard has a blossoming wine industry and Backyard Wines offers tours of their full-production winery. Guests will learn about what goes on in their vineyard, visit the barrel room, and gain some valuable wine knowledge. Of course, the tour is followed by a wine tasting in the Backyard Wine Tasting Room. Reservations are required, so book your tour in advance! Chaberton Estate Winery 1064 216 St, Langley, BC The folks at Chaberton Estate Winery are veterans…

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Where to Eat

Dumplings Fit for a Picnic

What’s the ultimate share food? Dumplings! By Brittany Tiplady Dumplings — beloved across many cultures, existing in hundreds of iterations, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ideal for sharing, stacked with options for vegans and vegetarians, best enjoyed with a group of fellow food lovers. And yet, dumplings are perhaps underrated as superb picnic food. Here are some spots across Metro Vancouver serving up delicious dumplings, fit for a picnic. Heritage Asian Eatery Truly, one my favourite places in the city. Best known for their hearty bowls, sumptuous Baos  and generous feast combos, Heritage is also the perfect place to grab an order of their Crystal Prawn Dumpling, and Steamed Xiao Long Bao Dumpling. Pro tip: get your takeout from the Broadway location and pop over to Jonathan Rogers Park for a sweet lil’ picnic. 382 West Broadway 1108 West Pender Street, Vancouver Kozak Ukrainian Eatery Pierogies in the park,…

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Alebrijes Kitchen + Bar
Mexican

A Mexican Food Crawl in White Rock

What’s a beach day without great food? White Rock is a bustling little town, filled with wonderful small businesses, bars, breweries, cafes and authentic Mexican cuisine. On Marine Drive alone you’ll find three Mexican restaurants all serving up their own unique and delicious dishes. Picking a spot may be too difficult to choose–so may I suggest a little beach day food tour? Make it a Mexican restaurant crawl, and check out the listed options below. By Brittany Tiplady Alebrijes Kitchen + Bar 15077 Marine Dr, White Rock  Whether you’re dining in, or grabbing takeout for a beach picnic, Alebrijes is an excellent choice for authentic Mexican street cuisine. Alebrijes is owned by a Mexican family that came to Canada 6 years ago with a goal to bring the joys of Mexican food to their new home. On the dine-in and takeout menu you’ll find delicious classics like Tacos Al…

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Where to Eat

Après Ski, Snowboard or Snowshoe on Vancouver’s North Shore

By Brittany Tiplady Mount Seymour Scratch Kitchen Did you transit to Seymour Mountain, taking the shuttle from Parkgate Community Centre in North Vancouver? Scratch Kitchen is accessible from Parkgate Community Centre, with a trip on the 211 Seymour bus.  Fancy a post-mountain date night? Scratch Kitchen is your place. Quaint, cozy, and just a short 20 minute drive from Seymour Mountain, Scratch Kitchen is the loveliest candle lit après spot, ready to serve you artisan pizzas, craft beer, local wines (and so much more!). All of the share plates on Scratch Kitchen’s menu sound delicious (we were torn between the Cauliflower Wings and the Chill Beets), but the Chill Beets hit the spot – fresh, vibrant, and punctuated by the perfect amount of crunch, courtesy of the candied walnuts. The pizza menu is also a doozy, but if you’re a pineapple-on-pizza-person I cannot recommend The Perfect Storm enough. Red sauce,…

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Craft Beer

The Barley Merchant’s Tim LaHay Keeps His Guests Always Topped Up

By Brittany Tiplady If you love BC craft beer and culture, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard the name Tim LaHay once or twice. LaHay is the BC and beer enthusiast behind the moniker @crafttourist, a digital ode to all things BC craft beer, spirits, cider, and scenery. LaHay’s love of craft brews has amassed an engaged following of nearly 22,000, not including the readership on his blog. His account is dedicated to travel, hiking, and of course, BC craft beer. “I’ve been a craft beer enthusiast for over 10 years now. The BC craft beer scene has really evolved as many people are aware, and it all started [for me] with a visit to a Winter Cask Festival at the Central City Brewpub in 2012. It opened my eyes to the amazing flavours that exist in the craft beer world,” shares LaHay in a phone interview. “Working at…

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Korean

Where to Eat Korean Fried Chicken in Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady From Vancouver to Langley there’s one food trend that’s sweeping the Metro Vancouver area: Korean. Fried. Chicken. Of course, Korean fried chicken is nothing new. It just took a while to enter the mainstream on this side of the globe.  According to an article written in Smithsonian Magazine, “scholars claim that the U.S. military presence after the Korean War introduced deep-fried chicken to the Korean palate. In the 1960s and ’70s, Western-style rotisserie chicken restaurants became popular in urban areas. Starting in the 1980s, Korean-style fried chicken dipped in a sweet and spicy sauce made with gochujang (fermented chili paste) was delivered to virtually every household in modern apartment complexes.”  It has been reported that the first Korean fried chicken franchise, Lims Chicken, was established in 1977 by Yu Seok-ho in the basement of Shinsegae Department Store, Chungmu-ro, Seoul. Fast food restaurants like KFC and Popeyes setting…

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Causa Silvestre
South American

A Taste of Peru in Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady If you do a Google search for the best cuisine in Latin America, you’ll notice that Peru comes up on the top of almost every list. And that’s for good reason: Peruvian Gastronomy is second to none. Peru has swept the World Travel Awards as the leading culinary destination since 2012, and the accolades keep on coming. If you’re unfamiliar, let’s learn a little bit about what makes Peruvian food so fantastic.  Location, Location, Location. Peru shares borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. According to 1111 Peruvian Bistro based in Miami, “the country is divided into 3 topographical areas: coastal region, the Amazon rainforest to the east, and the Andean highlands. The different climates and local ingredients within them create unique flavors in the dishes that are created around them.” You’ll see this topography directly reflected in the classic Peruvian dishes: the pacific ocean provides…

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Cafés

Cafés Where Work Gets Done in Langley

By Brittany Tiplady It’s been a long year and a half staring at the same four walls. If you work from home like me, you might be missing the days of perching up at a cafe with your laptop and a good coffee. Well, I’m here to tell you it might be time to get back to it. Here are a few of our favourite Langley eateries and cafes to help you get a little work done. Blacksmith Bakery Fort Langley Location: 9190 Church Street Langley Regional Airport Location: #115 – 5385 216 Street (opened Summer 2020) We love both of the beautiful Blacksmith Bakery locations but we do recommend giving their new Langley airport location a try! Come for the Agro Coffee, stay for the wifi and the fresh baked goods. Blacksmith Bakery has a delicious bakery menu (we’re partial to the Kouign Amann, and the Fruit & Nut…

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Where to Eat

Get Your Food To-Go Outside in Richmond

By Brittany Tiplady Picnic and patio weather is almost behind us. Soak up the last few weeks of warm weather with some takeout and a picnic blanket. The Richmond area is a perfect place to explore on a nice day — we rounded up some great spots that pair well with the outdoors. LA Chicken 11780 Thorpe Rd Transit: 410 Bus 22nd St Stn. Get off at Cambie at No. 5 Road, walk three minutes A trip to LA Chicken has been on my list for some time so this article was the perfect excuse to finally try it out. For research, of course. We ordered the 2 piece chicken dinner meal — fries, coleslaw and gravy included for $13.50 — and headed across the street to King George Park for a fried chicken picnic. King George Park is great for kids and family gatherings — on this particular Saturday…

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Vegetarian & Vegan

Dairy-Free Cool-Down Treats for a Hot Summer

By Brittany Tiplady If you’re like me, living in an apartment sans air conditioning, cool-down treats are a must for summer sanity. And lucky for dairy-free and plant-based folks, there are plenty of options available that accommodate all kinds of dietary restrictions and preferences. Get outta the heat and check out this curated list of dairy-free treats available in Metro Vancouver from Fort Langley to the North Shore. New Westminster The Hive Cafe Transit: New Westminster SkyTrain station A quick six-minute walk from the New Westminster SkyTrain will take you to the Hive Cafe: a delightful spot for all things refreshment. Coffee, espresso, thirst-quenching iced teas are kinda their thing. Grab a Pear + Mango Shaken Tea, or a Lavender Lemonade and take a stroll down New West’s Pier Park, which happens to be right next door. Vancouver Innocent Ice Cream Transit: Take the the the Expo Line to Main…

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Canadian/American

Raving Gamer in Langley Now Offering Take-Out and Delivery

By Brittany Tiplady Now more than ever it’s important to support and showcase local business. Although we are in the midst of a trying and complicated time, food businesses are still trying to operate within the recommended guidelines the best they can, offering takeout and delivery to feed hungry customers weathering the outbreak. The Raving Gamer in Langley is one of them. The Raving Gamer is a retail space and board game restaurant, “serving up food and fun in a funky, family-friendly full-service environment.” They have an impressive selection of over 600 table-top games for guests to play, while offering a robust and locally-sourced lunch and dinner menu, including a full-service bar. The bistro is a family affair: Kenneth Nishidate is the co-founder, owner and chef and his daughter Miyoko also helms the kitchen. Kathy Nishidate is the Raving Gamer’s administrator and Ken’s longtime friend Daniel Szukalow is the game…

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Indian

6 Delicious Indian Restaurants in Vancouver with Warm Hearty Meals

By Brittany Tiplady Despite what the groundhog said, winter is still hangin’ around, with chilly nights for another couple months. Lucky for us, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are brimming with Indian restaurants serving up dishes that are perfect for cool weather. Not too sure where to go? We’ve compiled a list of popular Indian Restaurants in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, New Westminster, and North Vancouver. Warm up and fill your belly with a bowl of butter chicken, daal or paneer and soak up the sauce with hot, fresh naan. Bombay Kitchen + Bar 1018 Commercial Dr, Vancouver Vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores are all welcome here. We recommend making Bombay your next destination for a filling lunch: their $12.99 all you can eat lunch special is truly dynamite. Warm up with the palak paneer (gluten-free) made with home-made cheese cooked with spinach and garlic or the daal tarka (vegan and…

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Craft Beer

Head to Monkey 9 Brewing for ‘Dad Lager’, Family-Friendly Dinner and Bowling

By Brittany Tiplady “Born from opportunity, in the year of the monkey,” the folks at Monkey 9 Brewing are eager to show their community a good time, preferably with a beer in hand. Tucked away on Entertainment Boulevard, just a stones throw from the SilverCity Cinemas, Watermania and the Richmond Ice Centre, Monkey 9 Brewing offers their guests a robust menu, a generous happy hour, award winning beer, and on the premises, Lucky9 lanes bowling alley. If you’re wondering why the number nine, “nine represents positivity, gratification, togetherness, magic and wisdom.” “Everything is very superstitious. We opened up during the year of the Monkey [2016] and 9s are very, very lucky. With Lucky 9, Monkey 9 (monkeys are very lucky as well) it’s lucky right across the board. We work hand-in hand, which is really fun in my opinion,” says Monkey9 general manager, Martin O’Hara. The brewery is helmed by…

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Beer Image by Barbershop Films
Craft Beer

Winter Beers from Richmond You Need to Try

By Brittany Tiplady Richmond has a lot to offer. Most notably, the beautiful Steveston village and boardwalk and, recently, a burgeoning craft beer community. Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks recently took home some serious hardware at the BC Beer Awards, which means, you now have no excuse not to visit their tasting room, and tack on a few others too. Check out the seasonal goodies pouring this fall and winter in Richmond. Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks 11220 Horseshoe Way #103, Richmond Bean Me Up Espresso Milk Stout, 5.7% Coffee, meet beer. We think you’ll get along perfectly, and so do the follks at Fuggles & Warlock. This delightful, winter-friendly stout made in collaboration with Notch Coffee is extra creamy and sweet from the added lactose. Enjoy it on tap, or in cans. Britannia Brewing Brewery: #110-12500 Horseshoe Way, Richmond Brewpub: 12240 Second Ave, Richmond, Steveston  Sirens Chai Saison, 5.75 Basically just…

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Holiday

Where to get Holiday Baked Goods in Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady Not much of a baker? Neither am I, but that doesn’t mean you can pull up to the party empty-handed. We’ve rounded up six Metro Vancouver bakeries and pie shops that are serving up decadent and unique cakes, tarts, cookies, and more. Catering to an array of dietary restrictions? We’ve sourced some gluten-free and dairy-free options for you as well! Pop in to your next holiday gathering with a bounty of holiday treats courtesy of one of the locations listed below. Cakes n Sweets 2773 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam Near Coquitlam Centre SkyTrain station. This holiday season, Cakes n Sweets in Coquitlam will be offering gingerbread people cookies, gingerbread cupcakes, chocolate orange cupcakes, chocolate mint christmas tree cupcakes, christmas sugar cookies, red and green meringues, biscotti and ginger snap cookies. Find Cakes n Sweets just two  blocks west of Coquitlam Centre Mall, pop in for your holiday sweets…

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Where to Eat

Where to Eat Among Festive Holiday Lights In and Around Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the holidays, why not take a stroll through a gorgeous display of lights? Treat your family, your significant other, or maybe just yourself to some Yuletide cheer! Metro Vancouver sure knows how to get into the holiday spirit with a vast selection of holiday light festivals popping up from Vancouver’s North Shore all the way to Langley. The artistry and brilliance of these events are bound to dissolve any Grinch-like feelings. The holidays are for feasting and you know that here at WestCoastFood we’ve got you covered in the food department. Grab a bite before or after with one of our recommendations below. Happy Holidays to you and yours! Vancouver Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Garden 5251 Oak St, Vancouver The annual Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Garden is arguably one of the most beloved holiday events in Vancouver…

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Coquitlam

Warm-Up Foods Near Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake Holiday Lights

By Brittany Tiplady ‘Tis the season for ubiquitous social media photos, Instagram stories, and Snapchats of holiday parties, outings, and events. Amongst the many options to get into the festive spirit in Metro Vancouver is the Lights at Lafarge. Conveniently located only 140 metres from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas Evergreen line station, the Lights at Lafarge the largest free outdoor lights display in the lower mainland. Free, being the operative word. Enjoy the display after dusk while going for a light stroll around the LaFarge Lake – a suitable and lovely outing for families, couples, and dog owners. As we enter the winter months, and temperatures drop, warming up after your walk through the Lights at Lafarge is essential. Browse through this selection of restaurants, cafes, and watering holes nearby. Pappa Roti Unit 100 – 1196 Pinetree Way If you haven’t given these fluffy, decadent, Malaysian style buns a chance-now is…

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Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout at Dead Frog Brewery
Craft Beer

Get Seasonal with these Winter Beers from Langley

By Brittany Tiplady You don’t have to be a Yeast Van resident to enjoy great seasonal beer. Lauded as the next brewery boom town, Langley and Langley City are now home to some pretty sweet, ultra-cozy, breweries, with two more on the way. Check out the seasonal goodies pouring this fall and winter in Langley. Dead Frog Brewery #105 – 8860 201 Street, Langley City Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout, 7.1 % Brewed with eight choice malts, roasted cocoa beans, and of course, copious amounts of peanut butter. This creamy milk stout boasts smooth, peanut butte notes with an ever-so-sweet finish. Frostbite Winter IPA, 6.5% Don’t let the name fool you: this one will keep you nice and toasty. This hazy, “snow-white” IPA has delightfully hoppy and juicy flavours of orange, and spices. Winter Beeracle, 7% Winter Ale’s are one of the best parts of the season for obvious reasons.…

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Craft Beer

Autumn Beers in Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady You know the drill around here, Autumn in Vancouver (or anywhere really) means ditching your summer gear for all the cozy stuff: scarves, thick socks, peacoats, and delicious, rich beer. But because Vancouver is overflowing with beer and brewery options, we’ve rounded up a bevvy of seasonal suggestions whether it’s for your fridge, or your next brewery crawl. Parallel 49 Brewing Company 1950 Triumph Street Lost Souls Chocolate Pumpkin Porter 6.5% “All treat, no trick: this rich, robust chocolate pumpkin porter is so good, even the living dead will indulge.” We warned you: there’s not escaping pumpkin flavoured beer during the autumn season. But pumpkin and chocolate? That’s sure to please even the pumpkin skeptics. The base of the Lost Souls Chocolate Pumpkin Porter is a hearty porter, enhanced with a generous addition of chocolate malts. Stanley Park Brewing 8901 Stanley Park Drive Layer Up Winter Wheat…

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Adult Beverages

Metro Vancouver’s Most Summery Cocktails

By Brittany Tiplady Let’s be honest: cocktails are to be enjoyed all year-round. But there’s something special about sipping on a spritz, sour, or mojito during the sweet, sweet summer heat. Because we respect the beauty of a good, seasonal cocktail (especially when the spirits are made locally), we’ve rounded up seven spots across Metro Vancouver that are shaking up seasonal cocktails. Southern-Italy Spritz Lineup What: Aperol Spritz, House Lambrusco Spritz, Cocchi Americano Spritz, White Peach Moscato Spritz, Marrow Vermouth Spritz, Blood Orange Cynar Spritz. Where: Savio Volpe Savio has gotten extra creative with this ultra-refreshing, super unique, almost-feels-like-you’re-on-the-beach-in-Southern-Italy spritz lineup. But truly, there’s no one else we trust more to do it. There’s only a few weeks to celebrate and indulge in #summerofspritz at Savio Volpe, so run don’t walk. BC Bramble What: Wallflower Gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, crème de cassis. Where: Odd Society Spirits A thing…

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Craft Beer

Summer Beers to Soak Up in Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady Patio season is in full-swing and sadly, will be over before we know it. Soak up the sun with a beer in-hand (is there any other way?) and take advantage of the funky, juicy, sweet and sour beers that are pouring a plenty across Metro Vancouver. From New Westminster to North Vancouver, we’ve researched some of the best beers and breweries to quench your thirst for the rest of the summer. Framboise Noir at Strange Fellows 4.5%, located in East Vancouver, near VCC-Clark SkyTrain station Not to be confused with its equally delicious cousin, the Roxanne, Strange Fellows’ Framboise Noir is beloved for it’s bold raspberry flavour, deep crimson colour, and additional black raspberry and humble raspberry flavour boosters. Enjoy this fruity delight on tap at the Strange Fellows tasting room. Bonus: the lower alcohol percentage of the Framboise Noir is perfect for afternoon brewery hopping, naturally.…

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Craft Food Products

The Power of Matriarchal Family Knowledge in Each Raven Hummingbird Tea

By Brittany Tiplady “Who we are because of who we came from.” Steeped in the power of matriarchy, Indigenous plant knowledge, and the healing properties of the natural world, is local family business Raven Hummingbird Tea, helmed by mother-daughter team T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss and Senaqwila Wyss. Based in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Raven Hummingbird offers hand-made, small batch teas, alcohol-free tinctures and salves to Metro Vancouver’s residents and visitors. I spoke with Cease and Senaqwila over the phone on a Saturday afternoon and I am instantly warmed by their kindness, generosity and articulate knowledge, as we speak about the craftsmanship behind their Raven Hummingbird Tea products and the ways in which their business is woven into their unique family dynamic. Cease, Senaqwila’s mother, opens the conversation, diving into her 30 years of experience studying and working in ethnobotany, indigenous plant use and medicinal herbs. “I got started blending teas…

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Brunch

Chef Andrew Granger-Brown on His Brunch Destination Hole-in-the-Wall: Moral Gluttony

By Brittany Tiplady Moral Gluttony opened June 2016 and has been serving satisfied customers from near and far ever since. Chef and owner Andrew Granger-Brown has curated the perfect “hole in the wall” spot; the kind of place that serves up delicious, nostalgic, comfort food, with ingredients that are lovingly made in-house. Granger-Brown’s trajectory to entrepreneurship was paved by the unique path his parents forged; his family ran one of the first-ever stores in Langley to carry exotic spices and homemade products. Today, Moral Gluttony proudly operates in the same location. We sat down with Andrew Granger-Brown to learn more about his background as a chef, and the mouth-watering, soul-nourishing, Moral Gluttony grub that customers just can’t stop raving about. When did your love of cooking begin? Andrew: My parents were both immigrants, my dad is from East Africa and my mom is from England. In some ways, they were…

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Canadian/American

The Not-So-Secret Burger Menu at Uli’s Restaurant in White Rock

By Brittany Tiplady “We love making people happy through food,” says Uli’s Restaurant owner Tyson Blume. “So any way that we can do that, we certainly try to and that’s what our burger program is all about.” If you’ve had the privilege of biting into one of Uli’s famous burgers, there’s a high possibility that you’re now an Uli’s burger fanatic. At least I know I am. I waltzed into the Uli’s stunning patio overlooking the White Rock strip and ordered the 4.0 burger off of their secret-not-so-secret menu (we’ll get into that later). Spicy BBQ sauce, goat cheese, pickled jalapenos, crispy shallots, garlic aioli, arugula, ordered medium rare, with a necessary addition of thick bacon, perched on top of the most perfect, pillowy bun. I pride myself in being a burger connoisseur, so trust that when I say that burger was one of the best I’ve had in all…

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Chinese

Start Your Foray into Dim Sum with These Favourites at Chef Tony

By Brittany Tiplady Have you ever wondered just how many dim sum restaurants there are in the city of Richmond? The answer is over 40. If that incredible selection means you’re overwhelmed by the amount of options, you’re not alone! Richmond is renowned for its abundant and authentic selection of Asian cuisine. But lucky for you, we love giving a good dining and menu recommendation, and dim sum falls under that category. Next time you’re hungry for dim sum—week day or weekend— consider making a reservation at Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant. “Chef Tony is a dim sum restaurant during the day, and a dinner restaurant at night. Their dinners tend to me more homestyle Chinese food but with more elegance to it. They are considered a fine dining restaurant, and that’s definitely part of what makes them unique,” explains Lesley Chang, communications manager for Tourism Richmond. Chef Tony Restaurant arrived…

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Jan's on the Beach, White Rock Canada
Chef Stories

Family Inspiration Guided Chef Janet Wait of Jan’s on the Beach in White Rock

By Brittany Tiplady If there’s one thing you can expect from Jan’s on the Beach it truly is great food, made from scratch. Janet Wait, owner and operator of her namesake restaurant, may be a bustling chef and business woman but her story is as heartwarming as it gets and she’s never too busy to sit and have a chat. In 2006, Wait said goodbye to her 20-year career as a real estate agent in the Delta and went after her longtime dream of becoming a chef. “I was a realtor for 20 years. Our son was doing career planning in grade nine, and he asked me what I wanted to be growing up. I told him that I always wanted to be a chef but life happens. I got married and put my [husband] through university and then started as a realtor after we bought our first house. And…

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Barrique Restaurant White Rock Vancouver
Chef Stories

No Need for a Menu When You Trust the Chef at Barrique Kitchen in White Rock

By Brittany Tiplady Barrique Kitchen and Wine Bar is only one year old, and yet, it’s impression on Metro Vancouver is already long-lasting. Owner, operator, and chef, Josiah Tam, has created a generous, warm, and delicious environment at Barrique that lends to an unforgettable meal and a truly memorable experience. Tam, (previously the sous chef at UBC’s the Nest), trained Le Cordon Bleu and tucked nearly a decade of industry experience under his belt before taking the plunge and opening Barrique last winter. After dining out frequently in Vancouver while living in the suburbs, Tam realized it was time to open something more his style right at home in White Rock. Thus began the journey of Barrique, an upscale casual modern French bistro and Tam’s first foray as a chef/owner. The food menu pays homage to Tam’s training in classic French cuisine with a contemporary flare. The wine menu is…

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Paul Grunberg of Salvio Volpe in Vancouver, Canada
Chef Stories

Paul Grunberg’s Italian Restaurants offer Immersive Atmosphere and Culinary Tradition in Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady When I call Paul Grunberg for our interview it’s obvious that he’s in the throws of a lunch rush. “I’m so sorry, can I call you back in 45 minutes? 30 minutes?” he asks, raising his voice amongst the fray of voices, and dishes clanging. Less than half an hour later, we resume. I’ve been doing this job for a while, and I’ve gotten used to the usual shtick when interviewing a very busy person; it can be frustrating at worst, and tricky at best to capture the attention of your subject when their entrepreneur brain is focused elsewhere. I expected to have to fight for Grunberg’s attention over the phone, but to my surprise he was warm and pleasant and delightfully attentive. Much like his restaurants. If you’ve ever been to one of Grunberg’s establishments, you’ll agree that it’s fair to say the man is kind…

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Guided Tours

Tour the Asian Cuisine of Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady When visiting a new city, choosing where to eat can be a daunting task, especially when the options are abundant! Metro Vancouver has an incredible amount of culinary options to enjoy, so, why not book a food tour and let your guide make the restaurant selections for you? Don’t know where to start? If you’re in the mood for fantastic Asian cuisine (Metro Vancouver has no shortage of that!) check out this list of tours available in Metro Vancouver. A Wok Around Food Tours Robert Sung’s guided food tours are unparalleled. Mr Sung is a third-generation Chinese Canadian who was raised in BC’s food hospitality industry–his family has been involved the industry for over 70 years. As a member of the  Chinese-Canadian Historical Society of BC and a current member of the Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee, Sung has a wealth of local, culinary, and cultural knowledge. A…

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Best donuts in Vancouver
Sweets

Try These Decadently Innovative Doughnuts in Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady For West Coast Canadian 90s kids, donuts serve up some serious childhood nostalgia. Tim Hortons trips before hockey, Long John’s served with elementary school hot lunches, boxes of Krispy Kreme at a birthday party. You get the jist. Today, donuts are somewhat of a cultural currency. The beloved pastry continues to be elevated and topped with unique, showstopping ingredients that are as delicious in real life as it looks on Instagram. Hungry yet? Browse the list below to find some local favourites to indulge in. Doppio Zero Pizza 1655 Como Lake, Avenue, Coquitlam Because, you can never eat too many carbs in our opinion, after dinner try the Graffe. It’s an Italian made-to-order style doughnut drizzled with hot caramel. Outpost Mini Donut Company 110-12240 Second Avenue, Richmond Located in the heart of Steveston’s idyllic village, Outpost Mini Donut Company lives up to its name, serving up gourmet…

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Where to Eat

Ways to try Fresh BC Salmon this Summer

By Brittany Tiplady Our beloved BC salmon season is here and whether it’s baked, grilled, smoked, or served raw, BCers love their salmon (and preferably, of course, Ocean Wise). As the summer continues to be heated (this BC heat wave sure is intense), cooking in-doors becomes less of an option and outdoor BBQs, waterfront patios, and AC-clad restaurants reign supreme. Check out this helpful list of local Metro Vancouver restaurants and small-scale shops who are serving up fresh BC salmon to enjoy this season. Vancouver’s North Shore The Salmon House A truly stunning and coveted spot serving Indigenous West Coast fare for over 40 years. The Salmon House On The Hill is not for any old dinner, this iconic North Shore haunt is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, and really, celebrations of any kind. Bonus: the window-wrapped dining room bares the breathtaking view of the Vancouver and Burrard Inlet. As the…

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Garlic in Vancouver
Where to Eat

Where to Try Fresh Fragrant Garlic this August in Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady For the love of garlic! We’re so fortunate to live in a province that is abundant with beautiful fresh produce year round. Gear up for garlic month happening in August with this list of Metro Vancouver restaurants that have added some garlicky features to their menu, as well as a list of Farmer’s Markets so you can support local and grab your garlic to-go. Richmond Garlic Festival You won’t want to miss the 10th annual Richmond Garlic Festival happening August 19. Chefs from various restaurants in Richmond and Vancouver will be volunteering to present festival-goers with a grand selection of garlic-based eats including garlic ice cream. Of course the festival’s supporter, The Sharing Farm, will be selling their famous own-grown garlic as well. Dates: Sunday, August 19 Time: 10 am- 3 pm; visit their website for more details! Location: 2771 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC Kulinarya Filipino Eatery…

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Festivals & Events

A New Beer Festival in Surrey’s Cloverdale

By Brittany Tiplady Giddy-up for the inaugural Clover Valley Beer Festival, happening August 11  in the heart of Cloverdale! This first-time festival— hosted by the powerhouse team that also produces the Whistler Village Beer Festival and the Great Okanagan Beer Festival—promises an afternoon of coveted craft beer, food truck favourites, live music, and event support from local sponsorship. Clover Valley’s festival team has also partnered with Twins Cancer Fundraising as their charitable partner, who will receive proceeds from ticket sales to support their efforts on raising money for cancer-fighting charities. Over 40 craft breweries are expected to set up camp at the fest, including Langley’s Trading Post Brewing, Central City Brewing, and Port Moody’s Yellow Dog Brewing and Parkside Brewery. “We really want to highlight BC craft beers and ciders but we also have some international brews joining us,” explains events manager Tara Myers. For cider lovers, this festival has…

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Osso-kale salad - Brittany Tiplady
European

An Italian-Style Hidden Gem of Local Cuisine in Langley: OSSO Lunchroom

By Brittany Tiplady If you’re looking for seasonal, colourful, Italian cuisine in the Fraser Valley, the heart of Langley has a true hidden gem: The OSSO Lunchroom is a rustic, Italian break to your day, serving up fabulous lunch and dinner plates. Helmed by the acclaimed executive chef and owner Sean Bone, the chalkboard menu is always budding with options suitable for various palates and preferences. It’s nearly impossible to decide one item: the options for soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and desserts seem to be endless. The space is warm and inviting; the decor is somewhat reminiscent of a rustic kitchen or dining area that could be found in a Tuscan villa. “Our vision for the restaurant was to have a modest beginning, based on Italian cuisine. Providing food made from scratch using as much local product as we could, from the ground to your plate,” says Chef Bone.…

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Sweets

Black Tiger Coffee is the Cloverdale Hub for Caffeine and Fresh Donuts

By Brittany Tiplady In search of the perfect cuppa, coffee connoisseurs generally flock to the many Vancouver cafes pouring quality espresso. Outside the city though, you can find some hidden gems. Black Tiger Coffee Co. a new Cloverdale haunt, is offering the city cafe vibe in Surrey’s burgeoning subdivision. You may have heard of the place: Black Tiger has garnered some significant attention on Instagram, posting frequent photos of their mouth-watering-Voodoo-like donuts, frothy lattes, and decadent sandwiches. “Black Tiger is a fun, relaxing, open atmosphere. This is a place for friends and young families in the neighbourhood to come, chat, and catch up,” says Black Tiger owner and operator Natasha Multani. “We have a lot of regulars coming in. We’ve been open only eight months and we’ve grown quite a bit since we [opened our doors] and I think we can still grow even more.” Multani, a chiropractor by trade,…

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Seafood

Innovative Seafood Hotspots and Hidden Gems in Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady Although it’s available year-round, spring and summer just feels like the right time to enjoy all of the fresh seafood that BC has to offer. Sure, you can grab a bowl of mussels or a platter of oysters just about anywhere, but where in Metro Vancouver can one go to try BC seafood prepared and served with innovation and uniqueness in mind? We sat down with Jenice Yu, proprietor of Fresh Ideas Start Here, seafood expert, foodie and fish purveyor to get the inside scoop. Let’s eat! Coquille 181 Carrall Street, Vancouver Coquille is the brand-new kid on the block, that’s already making quite the impression. When ordering, check out the spaghetti with clams, basil and uni butter, and the roasted lingcod or the extravagant seafood platter. “Coquille has a different approach to West Coast seafood. They are very innovative; Coquille uses a lingcod collar, which actually…

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Chef Stories

Family Fishmonger and Sustainable Seafood Powerhouse Jenice Yu Keeps it Fresh

By Brittany Tiplady Jenice Yu is a force. You may have seen her live on a CTV or CBC segment, or maybe you’ve followed one of her delightful seasonal recipes on BC Living, MONTECRISTO Magazine, or Western Living. Or, maybe, you’ve stopped into one of her fish shops, Fresh Ideas Start Here (f.i.s.h.), for some fresh seafood and a poke bowl to-go. Yu is a savvy business woman, an Ocean Wise advocate, seafood expert, a recipe developer and one of the most beloved entrepreneurs in Metro Vancouver. Her accolades are many. She’s been lauded as ‘Supplier of the Year’ by Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, just a few years after opening her first f.i.s.h. location, and is recognized province-wide for her knowledge and passion for sustainable seafood. At a young age, Yu and her family immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong. The fish processing business became a family business, paving the…

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Bin 101 White Rock
Where to Eat

Add Live Music to your Dinner with These Lively Spots in White Rock

By Brittany Tiplady Hello, spring, goodbye winter hibernation! If you’re planning your next night out with a date, a loved one, or a group of friends, consider heading to a local haunt that offers live music in-house. There’s something exciting about a meal or drinks paired with the live performance of a band; it feels somewhat nostalgic, interactive, and like a true night out on the town. Stay over in relaxed, beach-side White Rock for a late night out and then a rejuvenating morning stroll by the water. Here are some of our suggestions in White Rock: West Beach Bar & Grill 1101 Elm St. White Rock Known as White Rock’s number one live music venue, West Beach is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live music is scheduled five night per week, including jams on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. With everything from pub food to share to…

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Stew
Where to Eat

5 Comfort Food Stews in Metro Vancouver to Warm You Through the Rest of Winter

By Brittany Tiplady Perhaps the groundhogs were mistaken this year. As temperatures are proving winter is here to stay for now, hunkering down with a bowl of comfort food is essential. If you’re looking for some warmth, check out this list of five restaurants in Metro Vancouver that serve up delightful, warm, and nourishing stews, curries, and chilies to hit the spot. Forkhill House 1616 Alberni St, Vancouver Forkhill House has a bevy of options for traditional Irish cuisine, but in the spirit of all things warm and comforting check out the Irish stew: braised lamb, russet and sweet potatoes, carrot, parsnip, with a red wine demi ($26). Calabash Bistro 428 Carrall St, Vancouver Pop into this eclectic Gastown haunt for Caribbean food, rum drinks and late-night music. Try the jerk beef stew: slow cooked with butternut squash in Calabash jerk sauce, served with rice and peas, seasonal veg and…

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Sweets

Where to Learn About Chocolate in and Around Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady Ah, February, the month of all things sweet. Sure, the weather may still be chilly but you can’t deny that love is in the air and the temptation for sweets is stronger than ever. If you’re an inquisitive chocolate lover you’ve come to the right place! Consider learning more about your favourite decadent treat at one of these workshops: Wild Sweets by Dominic and Cindy Duby Richmond (12191 Hammersmith Way #2145) Wild Sweets offers weekly sessions, every Saturday, for attendees 10 years and older. Sessions include an extensive and educational chocolate tasting, appreciation and pairing, (including wine, beer, and spirits) priced at $45. Coconama Vancouver’s North Shore (264 East 1st Street) In only two hours the chocolate experts at Coconama will teach you how to make chocolate from scratch by hand, and of course, you get to take your treats home with you! Classes are $40 per…

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steamworks winter lager
Craft Beer

Burnaby and East Van have Beer to Spice Up Winter Months

By Brittany Tiplady Spring, so close yet so far. We recommend hibernating for the remaining winter months with a cold beer and a whole lot of Netflix. Or, hang out in one of the tap rooms listed below and take advantage of the rich, wintery beers they have to offer. Dageraad Brewing 3191 Thunderbird Crescent #114, Burnaby Londen, 7.0% Dageraad is the purveyor of classy and full-bodied craft beer. Recently released on January 19th, is Dageraad’s latest winter sipper called Londen; an English porter that is brewed with Belgian and Canadian influence and the “fruity, spicy mystery of a Belgian fermentation.” Try this on tap or in bottles at the Dageraad tasting room. 10°, 10.5% Hold onto your hats, this one is not for the faint of heart (or the lightweight)! The new Dageraad 10°, a 2016 bronze medalist at the 2016 BC Beer Awards, is an exotic winter brew…

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Mariner Brewing Coquitlam BC
Craft Beer

Wintery Seasonal Craft Beer in Surrey and Coquitlam

By Brittany Tiplady Beer can be romanticized in so many ways but the great Charles Bukowski nailed it: “stay with the beer,” he penned “beer is continuous blood. A continuous lover.” The holidays have come and gone, but Metro Vancouver’s mild winter weather is here to stay, at least for a few months. Curl up with these seasonal winter brews found in Surrey, White Rock and Coquitlam. Russell Brewing Company 13018 80 Ave, Surrey Winter Stout, 6.5% The name says it all. Available now in 650ml at private liquor stores, Russell Brewing’s Winter Stout is chock-full of chocolate and black malts and roasted barley. Black Death Porter, 6.5% Buckle up for this one! The Black Death Porter, part of Russell Brewing’s Brewmaster Seasonal Series, is a heavy porter brewed with Canadian and Scottish malted barley. Find it on tap or on the shelves at private liquor stores but buyer beware:…

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Winter Craft Beers on Vancoouver's North Shore
Craft Beer

Wintery Seasonal Craft Beer on Vancouver’s North Shore

By Brittany Tiplady Vancouver’s North Shore winters may be chilly and long, but there is always beer- and Kinky Friedman said it best: “Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.” We know the holidays are long over (thank goodness!) but if seasonal beers are your jam, you’re in luck! There’s still a bevy of winter-themed brews stocked by beloved craft breweries on Vancouver’s North Shore to keep yourself warm for the winter months to come.   Green Leaf Brewing 123 Carrie Cates Court, Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver LoLo Stout 5.5% Named after Green Leaf’s Lower Lonsdale neighborhood, LoLo is a dark and hearty stout that boasts rich and delicious chocolate and coffee flavours. Perfect for the endless North Shore winters.   Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers 2270 Dollarton Hwy #170, North Vancouver Dog Mountain Extra Stout, 7.5% (Cans only) Deep Cove Brewers lovingly describes the Dog Mountain…

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artisanal olive oil
Shops & Markets

Artisanal Olive Oils on Canada’s West Coast

By Brittany Tiplady We have Europe to thank for the invention of olive oil and balsamic tasting bars. Now, olive oil specialty shops are popping up around Metro Vancouver and making quite the impression on curious foodies. Artisanal olive oil shops don’t just have bottles of beautiful oils (and most also have a large selection of vinegars) on display, olive oil tastings bars present an interactive and educational experience. Customers can peruse the lineup of fustis, special stainless-steel jars that store olive oil and balsamics, and learn about the flavours, origins, and make of each oil and vinegar. Tasting olive oils offers a sensory experience for the consumer, bringing the flavour profile we usually read on a label right to your palate. “Smaller boutique shops get people talking about traceability when it comes to olive oil. Shops like ours educate customers on who you are supporting, and the freshness of…

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Water Shed Arts Café Langley
Cafés

Water Shed Arts Café Nurtures Body, Mind and Spirit in Langley

By Brittany Tiplady Just off of the Trans-Canada highway, nestled into the heart of Langley, is a little cafe with a big vision. The space is simple and humble: white accents and lofty ceilings with exquisite art adorning the walls. On a Friday afternoon The Water Shed Arts Cafe is buzzing with customers, “it’s a busy day!” I note to Jenn Cornish, chef owner and operator. “Oh, this is nothing!” she says. “It gets really busy here.” The Water Shed Arts cafe may seem like a typical suburban haunt to the untrained eye, but that’s far from the truth. Cornish has created a safe haven; The Water Shed mandate is “to set the table for humanity where everyone is loved, welcomed, nourished and celebrated,” and that’s exactly what she does. The menu is generous, chock-full of locally sourced ingredients and hearty whole foods that cater to all tastes and dietary…

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Cafés

Quality European Simplicity Done Local at Café Orso on Vancouver’s North Shore

By Brittany Tiplady What comes to mind when you think of the North Shore’s Deep Cove? Hikes up Quarry Rock amongst a bustling crowd, paddleboarders gliding across the Burrard Inlet, kayaking, lush terrain, stunning mountainous views and a sweet small town-esque vibe. Heading west from the quay to the picturesque Indian Arm is Deep Cove, and at the centre of this cozy waterfront community is the beloved and highly acclaimed Cafe Orso, a local staple with big Italian influence that serves European-inspired food sourced locally. This brainchild of owner Jonathan Hayward and his wife Lori Steeves was conceived when they were on a European vacation enjoying an apres-hike coffee and cheese board. “We were [over] mediocracy in this affluent, high-end neighborhood of Deep Cove. And a lot of people in this area were expressing the need for a good coffee shop. So, we came up with the concept, and here…

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Chef Stories

Chef Joel Green on Vancouver’s North Shore Feeds a Passion for Community

By Brittany Tiplady How do we identify true members of our community? The term community albeit, chalk full of good intentions, has been tossed around so much that we often forget the true meaning of the word. North Vancouver’s Chef Joel Green certainly has not forgotten the meaning of community-in fact, he embodies it. I met with Green at Lonsdale’s Pinnacle Hotel on the Pier on a sunny Saturday afternoon, opening our interview with light conversation about the early Vancouver snowfall and the beginnings of winter that’s upon us West Coast wimps. He is simply giddy about an early snowfall- “I love it!” he beams. “Last winter was great, I spent 30 days on the mountain.” We start to chat about Green’s impressive career, his deep and passionate involvement with the North Shore, and the contents of his last meal. It’s evident that Green loves where he lives, loves what…

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Craft Beer

Coquitlam Enters the Craft Brewery Scene with Newcomer Mariner Brewing

By Brittany Tiplady It’s risky to open a craft brewery in such a saturated local market. With tasting rooms lining the streets of Vancouver, and Port Moody’s beloved Brewery Row, how does one launch a new craft brewery that we haven’t already seen, and sipped, so many times before? Mariner Brewing found the recipe to do just that. 26-year-old Byron Vallis brought his love of craft beer to his hometown of Coquitlam, just a few blocks from his childhood home. The vision he and his team shared was to bring a unique element to the craft beer scene in the untapped market of Coquitlam, so that folks like him (and girlfriend Lauren Ang, Chief Consumption Officer of Mariner Brewing,) could enjoy doing what they love most, right at home. Mariner Brewing opened their chic and nautical-themed tasting room on August 30th 2017 with four brews on tap, and has been…

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Chef Stories

A Modern Menu in Historic Fort Langley: Chef Romy Prasad of Fortitude Restaurant

By Brittany Tiplady Entering Fort Langley is like stepping into a page of Canadian history. The idyllic village caters to history buffs, trail walkers, and coffee shop dwellers alike. As for food and drink, the options for casual fares are plentiful. The classic Fort Langley dining staples still stand strong: Wendel’s, Beatniks, and the Fort Pub and Grill to name a few, serving regulars and tourists with a hint of small town charm. Today, as Vancouver millennials slowly migrate from city life to suburban haven, the energy in Fort Langley has shifted into a more youthful local community, while still managing to keep the beloved, historic charm, intact. City-inspired hot spots like Trading Post Brewing and Little Donkey have moved into the village with much acclaim, but the new kid on the block, Fortitude Restaurant, is creating quite a buzz within the community and abroad. Fortitude brings a fresh, fine-dining…

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Surrey

Scenic Cloverdale Hotspots in Surrey, BC

By Brittany Tiplady Best known for the annual Cloverdale Rodeo, Cloverdale is a sub-division of Surrey that’s charming beauty has made it the setting for several fictional TV towns and movie sets. But inside the doors of this quaint setting of potted plants and upkept brick facades is bright modern cuisine and craft beer. What’s special about Cloverdale is its small-town charm within a rather large city. Dining options are a no brainer: for dinner with your family, celebrating a new job, or maybe just a weekend date night, The Vault is the place to go. If you’re looking for a casual meal and a healthy selection of craft beer, it’s gotta be Hawthorne Beer Market. Both of these popular joints are owned by Aaron Hotell, a local restauranteur who has found the secret recipe to owning and operating lucrative, busy, and quality restaurants in a tight-knit community. The downtown…

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Sweets

Burnaby’s “Bubble Tea Way”

By Brittany Tiplady It goes without saying that Burnaby is the epi-center for Bubble Tea lovers. With bubble tea restaurants and cafes a plenty, the local options are endless, and can be somewhat overwhelming. Here are some choice stops on Burnaby’s “Bubble Tea Way,” a summation of local hot spots serving the popular beverage.  Bubble World-Burnaby 4300 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 1Z5 11 am-2 am  This sought after location, often appeals to late-night crowd, serving both sweet and savory dishes and beverages. Pearl Castle Café 4429 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2A1 11 am-12 am  Tucked away in Old Orchard Shopping Centre, Pearl Castle is an unassuming and quaint spot, specializing in Taiwanese tea and offering over 100 flavours of specialty beverages. Crystal Mall 4500 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC 9 am-9 pm Crystal Mall is a wealth of great bubble tea spots. We suggest TMix (unit 1696), Tea Plus (unit 21220, Café…

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Chef Stories

Chef Will Lucas’ Classic Italian Pizza has Community Appeal at Cotto Enoteca in Burnaby

By Brittany Tiplady The age-old motto “first we eat, then we do everything else,” rings true at North Burnaby’s modern Italian nook, Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria. Serving up generous portions of modernized Italian cuisine, Neapolitan VPN certified pizza, and wine on tap, Cotto Enoteca is the perfect spot to indulge in a bevy of carb-loaded menu options made with sustainability in mind. In true west coast fashion, this pizzeria engages in some unique, eco-friendly initiatives including QWater (filtered water, eliminating bottles), Ocean Wise seafood, and choosing to source their ingredients, specifically produce, locally. Found on the corner of Hastings and Fell, this Italian joint aims to “[Showcase] the best of BC and Italy, [marrying] the traditional techniques of Italy with the best of local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.” Still wondering what Neapolitan VPN certified pizza means? This authentic seal of approval is awarded to restaurants by the Naples-based Associazione Verace Pizza…

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