vegetarian Archives - West Coast Food

Recipes September 26, 2023

Recipe: Miso Vegetable Barley Soup

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…

Vegetarian & Vegan July 31, 2023

Vegan Ice Cream You Need to Try in Metro Vancouver

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…

Dine the Line April 4, 2023

The Plant-Based Path–A Feast You Can Feel Good About

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,…

Where to Eat February 6, 2023

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…

Chef Stories October 27, 2022

Sustainable Cuisine With Two Of Vancouver’s Top Chefs

Sustainable Cuisine with Burdock & Co’s Andrea Carlson and Ono Vancouver’s TJ Conwi By Avneet Takhar We were lucky enough to sit down with two of Vancouver’s heavy hitters and well-known chefs! Andrea Carlon of Burdock & Co – named Vancouver Magazine’s Chef of the Year (2020) and whose vegetable-focused, creative cuisine has earned her recognition as a food artisan. And TJ Conwi, Founder of community-driven collective, Ono Vancouver who supports non-profits for meal programs and provides private dining experiences. They gave their insider advice from vast experience and growth, on how to maintain a sustainable structure in the food industry. For both customers and suppliers, they gave their expertise- an eye-opener to shutting down food myths and identifying opportunities where a few small changes can go a long way. Burdock & Co’s menu seems to focus on plant-based options. What led you to this decision? Andrea Carlson: We try…

Where to Eat May 26, 2022

6 Burgers You NEED to Try This Summer

Hungry? Here are some of Metro Vancouver’s most coveted hamburgers. By Mark Shelling You gotta love a good burger. There’s no tastier staple of warm weather. While some may say the crown of summer snacks belongs to ice cream, or to a lesser degree, popsicles, we ask you: what memories do you have of catching the wafting allure of these things around your neighbourhood while out on your 10-speed? So with that argument now won, allow us to take a victory lap. These are 6 delicious items from the grill that you need to try ASAP (or at least before summer ends). Hundy This one may seem like an obvious pick for burger lovers in the know. However, if it’s not, and you’re only hearing of Hundy now, where have you been?? A straightforward approach with just the essentials (lettuce, tangy pickle, Hundyu sauce, cheese melted just right,) Hundy’s…

Vegetarian & Vegan May 18, 2022

Where to Go for Vegan and Vegetarian Eats in White Rock

By Lenée Son Wondering where to go for the best vegan and vegetarian friendly eats in White Rock? Finding meat-free options can be difficult when you’re not sure where to start, but we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to eat veggie to save the planet, improve your health, protect the animals, or all of the above, one thing is for sure – these plant-based meals located in this beach-side city are guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. Grounds & Greens Café Vegetarians, vegans, no need to look for a little symbol or scan the ingredients, you can eat everything on this menu! Grounds & Greens boasts healthy bowls, toasties and treats just a 15-minute stroll from the pier. Thirsty? We recommend the Purple Reign smoothie with coconut milk, spinach, blueberries, chia seeds, hemp hearts, almond butter and collagen. A different kind of thirsty? Yes, they’ve got beer and…

Vegetarian & Vegan January 19, 2022

Hearty Vegetarian Comfort Foods

By Avneet Takhar Vegetarians rejoice, we’ve got some hearty dishes for you to try during these chilly months! Stock your stomachs with homestyle foods that are warm and satisfying; there are plenty to choose from. Zarak by Afghan Kitchen Recently opened restaurant with “mum’s recipes” on the menu, Zarak takes Afghan cuisine to an elevated level in intimate surroundings with servers clad in charming traditional waistcoats. There are many veggie plates to try, but I’ll let you in on the ones I tasted and still savour as I write! Having never been to an Afghan restaurant before, this place is making me want to discover more of the food. I went for the leek, scallion and spinach dumplings, topped with chive sprigs and a tomato bean sauce, a great starter to get going. Then for the main: bandejan (Farsi for eggplant), Qabuli palow (rice) and grilled bread. A myriad of…

Recipes December 20, 2021

Recipe: Spiced Lentil Loaf

This recipe came to us by way of one of Flourist’s best customers, who shared the source of this tasty lentil loaf with us. The original recipe is a vegan version, which can be accessed here. We think it’s the perfect choice for vegetarian holiday menus. ~ adapted from The Silk Road Diary Ingredients French lentils (1 cup dry) Water or vegetable broth (2 1/2 cups) Egg (1) Olive oil (2 tablespoons) Yellow or red onion, finely diced (1 medium ) Carrot, grated (1 large) Red bell pepper, finely diced (1 small) Salt (1 tsp) Chili powder (1 tablespoon) Paprika (1 teaspoon) Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) Oats (3/4 cup) Sifted Red Spring Wheat Flour or any fresh flour on hand (1/2 cup) Ketchup (1/3 cup) Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons) Maple syrup (2 tablespoons) Instructions In a large pot, combine your choice of Flourist French Lentils and vegetable broth and bring to…

Vegetarian & Vegan August 23, 2021

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…

Recipes October 16, 2019

Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

By Amaranthus Executive Chef, Sam Fabbro This recipe is great for fall or winter with rich comforting flavours. It is a vegetarian dish and can be made vegan with by replacing the butter with olive oil and omitting the cheese. INGREDIENTS Butternut squash (1 small) Butter (3 tbsp) White onion (¼, or half of a small onion) Garlic (2 cloves) Dry white wine (65 ml) Vegetable stock (375 ml) Arborio rice (2/3 cup) Salt & pepper Grana Padano to garnish INSTRUCTIONS Cut squash in half, remove seeds, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place skin up on a sheet tray with parchment. Roast for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. (You will only need one half for this recipe, so you can roast both halves and use the other half for another recipe or just roast one.) Cool slightly, scrape out the flesh of the squash and puree until…

Where to Eat July 4, 2019

It’s Peak Pepper Season in Vancouver! Here’s Where to Eat Them

By Gail Johnson Whether they’re red, green, mild, or feverishly hot, peppers are a coveted B.C. crop. Capsicums grow from March or April to November in local greenhouses, while the season for Fraser Valley field peppers typically runs from July to October. Either way, we’re now in peak pepper season, and Metro Vancouver chefs are doing all sorts of creative things with the vividly coloured veggies. Burdock & Co 2702 Main Street, Vancouver Chef/owner Andrea Carlson has been committed to making “farm-to-table” fare before that became a restaurant-industry buzz phrase. She stuffs a delicate grilled leek with mushroom and the moderately spicy cayenne chili pepper, topping the toothsome dish with olive-oil emulsion and smoked walnuts. Di Beppe 8 West Cordova Street, Vancouver A hit on the cicchetti—small bites—menu at this Italian restaurant is tuna conserva, or confit, the fish bathed in olive oil, with olive and pickled piparra peppers (say that 10…

Vegetarian & Vegan June 20, 2019

5 Places to be Vegetarian in New Westminster

By Kristi Alexandra Here are five delicious places to go vegetarian and vegan in New Westminster. V Café 789 Carnarvon Street Set kitty-corner to New Westminster Station, V Cafe takes a cruelty-free approach to Vietnamese cuisine. For those who crave the comfort of a warm bowl of pho while enjoying a meat-free diet, V Cafe has got you covered. A large steaming bowl of vegetable pho in a vegetarian soup base, complete with broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms, tofu and meat-free protein will run you $9.95, while vegetarian and vegan banh mi baguettes are $6.60. We tried the vegetarian lemongrass “chicken” banh mi and it was virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Soup and sandwiches aren’t the only thing vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine lovers can find, though. Explore V Cafe’s 8 different salad rolls, from the vegan California roll to the vegan smoked BBQ rib rolls ($6.60 per pair). Old Crow Coffee…

Recipes June 6, 2019

Recipe: Blueberry BBQ Sauce

By Executive Chef Sam Fabbro from Amaranthus INGREDIENTS Red onion (1) Garlic (4 cloves) Olive oil (1 TBS) Apple cider vinegar (250 ml) Blueberries (750 g) Water (We use house-made vegetable stock at the restaurant) (500 ml) Smoked paprika (15 g) Brown sugar (125 g) Salt & pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Fine dice the red onion and garlic. Sauté in canola oil until they just begin to brown. Deglaze pan with apple cider vinegar. (Deglazing dissolves all the flavourful browned bits of sautéed vegetables) Keep on heat and reduce vinegar by half, then add the blueberries and water. (If you have it, sub the water for vegetable stock.) Add paprika and brown sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavour to develop. Blend on high speed in a blender until smooth then season with salt and pepper. A note from the Chef: “At our plant forward restaurant Amaranthus, we call…

Producers November 8, 2018

Packed with Protein, Coast’s Cricket Nutrition is Ready to Convert the Squeamish

By Kathy Mak Before you say yuck to cricket protein, you may be surprised to learn that a large portion of the world and most cultures are consuming edible insects by choice, a practice known as entomophagy. For centuries, feasting on insects as a source of nutrition has been common in Asia, Africa and South America. The concept of eating bugs as an alternative protein has more recently started to make sense in North America. And one of the companies banking on bugs is Coast Protein. This New Westminster start-up is on a mission to normalize eating crickets as a viable, sustainable and healthy food source in various types of cuisine. Currently, they make edible cricket-based protein bars and powders that are available in 225 stores in Canada, of which there are 175 locations in British Columbia and 120 in the Lower Mainland. Crickets constitute the largest portion of the…

Vegetarian & Vegan September 20, 2018

Living Lotus is Making the Healthy Life Sweet in Vancouver

By Kathy Mak Audrey Wong is the force and founder behind Living Lotus, a Vancouver company focused on satisfying your sweet tooth with dreamy desserts that have better-for-you, rawsome ingredients. Without turning on an oven, Wong is crafting an array of luscious plant-based desserts made from minimally processed whole foods that are packed with nutrients but gluten-free, vegan and devoid of chemicals, additives and refined sugar. Uniting delicious and nutritious – as sustainably as possible – has long been a priority for Wong who has been a vegetarian for over 26 years and a vegan for five. Her mindful-eating interest turned to raw foods in 2007, inspired by Matthew Kenny’s book, Raw Food/Real World. While gluten-free and vegan foods are becoming more commonplace, Wong found few options for dessert alternatives using only whole foods. After studying raw nutrition culinary arts, Wong made the leap to start a dessert company with…

Vegetarian & Vegan August 9, 2018

You’ll Melt for Dairy-Free Cheese at Blue Heron on Vancouver’s Main Street

By Alexis Baran What if cheese wasn’t made from dairy? Would it still be cheese? This cultured snack favourite can be buttery, sweet, herbal, earthy, pungent, bitter, footy, even barnyardy. It’s one of the few foods that people will gladly eat even (or especially) when visibly laced with thick blue mold and it is a staple of modern dining. For centuries it’s been made using cow, goat, sheep and other animals’ milks – but who’s to say milk is the only thing that can create a fantastic cheese? The assumption that animal milk must be the base for cheese is a notion that Chef Karen McAthy, the founder of Blue Heron Cheese, has been challenging. She’s aiming to change how consumers, as well as the food regulators, think about these wheels of flavour, all from her store and creamery on Vancouver’s Main Street. Blue Heron Creamery opened in Vancouver in…

Where to Eat April 12, 2018

Where to Get Gravy-Drenched Vegetarian Poutine Around Vancouver

By Kristi Alexandra Newly yoked vegetarians may have a hard time breaking their ties with Canada’s favourite comfort food, but good gravy – going meat-free is no reason to quit poutine altogether! We did the legwork to find the best vegetarian poutines beyond Vancouver so you can split a meal with your meat-eating friends, guilt-free! Bon Appetit, as the French Canadians say. Spud Shack 352-800 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster Breeze into this New Westminster’s poutinerie by way of the Skytrain for a healthy handful of meat-free options. The Spud Shack creates all ten of their poutine dishes with meat-free gravy, including “The Original.” If you’re looking for a few more twists on this classic Eastern Canadian dish, try out The Big V–loaded with vegetarian chili, sour cream, cheese, and green onions. The buffalo chicken poutine also comes with a vegetarian option, complete with Frank’s Hot Sauce, ranch, and green…

Cafés January 3, 2018

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…

Cafés August 29, 2017

Vancouver’s Soffee Café Serves Up Afternoon Tea with a Difference

By Kathy Mak After a spot of shopping in the vibrant South Granville strip of Vancouver, step around the corner to find Soffee Café, a dining haven nestled away on a quiet side street. Behold one of the city’s more laid-back, cozy afternoon tea experiences. You’ll feel right at home in this quaint parlour-style café serving a tempting selection of handcrafted sweet and savoury fare, along with Afternoon Tea services done differently. What makes Soffee Café memorable is its relaxed charm and enticing array of in-house made food. Step inside and you’ll discover comfy interiors adorned with antiques aplenty and an eclectic mix of flowery china. You’ll quickly settle into this inviting space that feels more like an intimate living room than a café. The vintage ambiance sets the scene for an elegant, but unpretentious, afternoon tea experience that forgoes etiquette for a fresh twist on a posh tradition. There…

Burnaby May 3, 2017

Go Way Beyond Granola with Hippie Foods from Burnaby

by Catherine Dunwoody You may be familiar with Left Coast Naturals, a Burnaby-based brand that started back in 1996. Owned by Jason Dorland and Ian Walker, they kicked off with a line of natural nut butters called Skeet & Ike’s that they sold on Granville Island Market on weekends. Things went well, the company ticked along for a long while, and then in 2005 they launched a variety of tortilla chips, named Hippie Chips, after the 60s hippie movement where people looked to raw, natural foods for better health. Hippie Foods has grown since then, and now is a whole line of healthy (and tasty!) snacks, cereals and cookies. See? Going way beyond granola. Though their granola is darn good. Here are some goodies to watch for in markets on Canada’s west coast. Bonus? All of these are organic, gluten free and non-GMO too: Hippie Snacks Coconut Clusters. Organic roasted…

Sweets November 21, 2016

Two Daughters Bakeshop of Vancouver’s North Shore Offers Gluten-Free Vegan Treats

By Kathy Mak These days, consumers wanting or needing gluten-free and vegan options do not have to miss out on delicious baked products, thanks to a growing number of specialty bakeries in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. But, the only decidedly all gluten-free and vegan bakery in the Vancouver area yet, is Two Daughters Bakeshop. They provide a large selection of oven-fresh, healthy products that are both gluten-free and vegan-friendly, without compromising on irresistible flavours. Tucked away in Lolo Lane, between 1st Street East and Esplanade Avenue, the cozy artisan bakery is located steps away from Lonsdale Quay on Vancouver`s North Shore. In 2012, Lisa Reichelt opened the bakery, dedicated to making gluten-free-vegan pastries, snacks, breads and desserts. It was inspired by her passion for baking and by her youngest daughter’s need for a celiac diet without eggs, dairy and gluten. Two Daughters Bakershop’s mission is to use the…

Shops & Markets June 9, 2016

Try Tasty Plants at Coquitlam Farmers Market

By Catherine Dunwoody Vegans and vegetarians will want to add Sunday visits to the Coquitlam Farmers Market to their calendars, from now until end of October. Jessica Kralj, owner of Tasty Plants, has a love for plant-based foods, and a knack for preparing a variety of delicious dishes, that she sells at the market. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Kralj offers fresh and frozen prepared meals plus brownies, cookies, bars, and snacks. Customers line up for her three bean and quinoa chili, enchiladas, curried chickpeas and cauliflower soup. Sweet tooth? Try the energy bites (2 flavors: dark cocoa-coconut and key-lime coconut), and vegan brownies. Tasty Plants does not use any animal products/by-products, supports BC farmers and suppliers, and is an environmentally friendly business. “There are so many health issues associated with the consumption of meats and dairy, as well as so many people with allergies to these products and not many…

Indian April 12, 2016

Fill your Plate at Burnaby’s Indian and International Buffets

By Tim Pawsey Somehow, amidst the never ending tsunami of trends and the revolving door of openings and closings, the buffet endures. An array of tastes and flavours offered at a reasonable price is tempting to the eclectic diner and to parents of choosy children, but to really be a hit, a good buffet needs to not only offer variety but also be well tended, with dishes kept warm and replenished as needed. Perhaps because it remains a bastion of family dining, frequently served only on weekends, the buffet is the one holdover from times past that we not only tolerate but celebrate. In Burnaby, which neighbours Vancouver with a thriving community of families and multiculturalism, there are many to choose from, with a strong focus on international cuisine. In Burnaby, Indian buffets rule. Four blocks west of Metrotown, contemporary toned Saffron Indian Cuisine yields both lunch and dinner extravaganzas.…

Canadian/American September 10, 2015

Best in the (New) West Burgers

New Westminster is packed with classic dimly-lit brick pubs, bright patios and friendly diners; all perfect places to chow down on a good ol’ burger and fries. Here are some of New West’s best-known burgers: The Manwich Match Eatery & Public House A 7oz flat-iron steak on a garlic French loaf topped with crispy onion strings, roasted grape tomatoes and garlic aioli – served medium rare or to taste. Cajun Chicken Sandwich The Terminal Pub A Cajun-spiced grilled chicken breast topped with aged cheddar, bacon, crispy onion strings, lettuce, tomato and a chipotle aioli. It is served on a kaiser buns that is freshly baked and delivered to by their neighbour, Pamola Bakery, at the River Market in New Westminster. Breakfast Burger (with an elk patty) Burger Heaven Mozzerella, a fried egg (like the Aussies do it) and bacon – try it with an elk patty for an…