Darren, Author at West Coast Food

Surrey September 4, 2025

Surrey Signature Experiences: Taste the Full Flavour of the Foodie Destination

One of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Vancouver, Surrey has a real sense of energy and momentum that you won’t find anywhere else! With a cross-section of diverse cultures and flavours, the city is home to some truly unique (and delicious) experiences. From cuisine to craftsmanship, there’s never a shortage of new things to try and taste in Surrey. And there’s no better way to inspire your palate than with the Surrey Signature Experiences! A wonderfully curated tour of community stops, each one is like an appetizer to all the incredible sensations you’ll find in the area. Learn about the subtle art of distilling, savour incredible spice combinations, or practice your cake decorating with a local expert. There’s no end to how you can sample Surrey’s renowned flavour profile! The Art of Distilling – The Mainland Whisky Story “Where small-batch passion meets bold Canadian spirit,” Mainland Whisky is all about…

Summer Patios August 27, 2025

Local Cafes To Savour the Last Drops of Summer

While the fall might come knocking soon, the laid-back vibe of summer isn’t ready to leave just yet! That means there’s a good chance there’s still a bit of sun to savour, so drink it in! The following cafe spots offer splendid sippers that will go a long way to making the summer last. And if you finish your drink before fall has officially arrived, then maybe it’s your cue to try another spot on the list. These are just a few of our top cafes to visit before the first leaf of autumn falls! Hanoi Drip | Vancouver With a bustling location in the Renfrew Heights area, this Vietnamese specialty coffee hub has quickly become a community hotspot for iced summer refreshers. From that success, the owners have since opened a second location, this one a bit closer to Mount Pleasant (Broadway and Fraser). Their menu is filled with…

Festivals & Events August 18, 2025

September 2025 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Summer might be drawing to a close, but who says you have to head indoors? There’s still plenty of good weather on the way, and these local foodie events and community festivals will have you out enjoying every last drop of sun. In addition to having plenty of ways to feast, the following calendar highlights will have you trying new things you never knew you were good at. A vegan rap battle? A K-pop dance contest? How about a home-pickling competition? Keep your mind open, and your palate ready, September is looking to be full of surprises! Kimchi & K-Food Festival | Burnaby Sept 5 – 6, 2025 20+ street food stalls, kimchi workshops, a K-pop dance contest, get ready for an incredible two days of Korean flavour and culture! Packed with iconic Korean experiences, this family-friendly festival is all about celebrating what makes the country special. Be sure to…

Dining in Metro Vancouver July 30, 2025

A Foodie’s Road Map Through Metro Vancouver (Part 2)

With a few more weeks of golden sunshine ahead, there’s no better time to get out and explore. And what better way to soak it all in than with an impromptu road trip? To help you make the most of it, we’ve put together an edible itinerary featuring some of our favourite eateries across the Lower Mainland. So hit the road and follow your appetite, we’ve got you covered for every meal. Start by mixing and matching courses and cuisines! It’s often the most unexpected combinations that lead to the best new experiences. Japanese BBQ in Richmond for lunch, authentic German fare in North Vancouver for dinner, and maybe a sweet waffle in downtown Vancouver to finish the day… there’s no end to the possibilities! Richmond Breakfast The Story Cafe 2800 Sexsmith Road, Richmond Known for its cozy, vintage atmosphere and high-quality breakfast dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, this…

Summer Patios July 30, 2025

Let’s Take It Outside: Where To Dine Al Fresco In Metro Vancouver

Sun’s out, fun’s out, on decks, patios, sidewalks and piers…anywhere you can grab a bite and a drink and soak up this incredible West Coast weather! Here are just a handful of lively, breezy and beautiful places to dine al fresco this summer in Metro Vancouver. Tap & Barrel | Langley City In Metro Vancouver, Tap & Barrel takes the prize for winningest patios. No matter their location, they always seem to scoop up the best spots to graze and gaze, and Langley City is no exception. Right in the heart of The Courtyard at Willowbrook Shopping Centre, T&B’s year-round rooftop oasis has stunning panoramic views, TVs to catch the game, all paired with their “BC on Tap” program featuring local craft beers and BC wines. Hooked Fish Bar | Surrey Perched perfectly on Crescent Beach, Hooked’s huge wrap-around deck boasts incredible ocean views and a great place to…

Langley City July 29, 2025

Fork & Finger Offers a Tasty Tour Through Langley City’s Food Scene

On August 23, Langley City is hosting an international food celebration, and you’re invited! A beloved destination for foodies of all tastes and persuasions, Langley City is bringing back Fork and Finger, a delicious tradition renowned for wowing all the area’s diverse palates. Start with a green Thai iced tea at Food by Fanta, then drop by Don’t Tell Nonna for their famous red top Detroit-style pizza. Finally, visit Oxford Ice Cream for a trio of scoops with their sweet and creamy dessert flight. With all of the different cuisines available, the possibilities are truly endless! And best of all, at each participating restaurant, you can get stamps in your Fork and Finger passport towards winning prizes at even more local businesses! Begin your adventure at McBurney Plaza, where you can pick up your passport from 11 am to 4 pm at the Downtown Langley Business Association information tent. When…

Burnaby July 24, 2025

August 2025 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

August is all about capturing that al fresco feeling! The month ahead is full of tasty ways to wander while enjoying that fresh West Coast air. Whether you’re perusing the stalls of a local farmer’s market, mingling with your fellow foodies at a community festival, or taking in the view from a rooftop garden-patio, the outdoors truly have never been greater! The sunny season might be drawing to a close soon, but that doesn’t mean you have to dwell on it while cooped up indoors. Get out there and savour every last drop of the season. Start with any of the following food-centric events, and make a few more sunny memories before fall arrives!. Vancouver Ice Cream Festival | Vancouver Until Aug 4 The Vancouver Ice Cream Festival invites you to embark on an extraordinary, self-guided journey through the city’s most irresistible ice cream and frozen dessert offerings! Follow…

Dining in Metro Vancouver July 2, 2025

A Foodie’s Road Map Through Metro Vancouver (Part 1)

We all know that road trips are one of summer’s top time-honoured traditions, but you don’t always need to cross country to recapture that spontaneous, free-spirited feeling! All you need is an appetite for adventure and good food. There are countless points of interest for your palate, all within a quick drive of Vancouver. So hit the road and follow your cravings to any of the following foodie destinations. Start with a bite in Langley City, enjoy a main course in Surrey, treat yourself to dessert in Coquitlam, and go back for seconds in Burnaby. Craft your own itinerary, and there’ll be no limit to the menus (and memories) you can make! Langley City Langley City is filled to the brim with fresh air and rural charm— the perfect spot to reset your routine. With character-rich storefronts, warm hospitality, and flavourful comfort food made with fresh local ingredients, the little…

Festivals & Events June 23, 2025

Caribbean Days Festival: Where Spice Meets Sizzle!

Looking to up your summer game? There’s nothing quite like making the most of the sunny forecast with a bit of added island flavour—and that’s exactly what The Caribbean Days Festival is all about! On July 26 + 27, put on your brightest colours and head to Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park for one of the year’s most vibrant food, music, and culture fests! Kicking things off at 11 am on the first day, the opening parade is where you’ll officially ring in the occasion with all manner of spectacle. Watch as performers strut and dance to Caribbean beats in incredible costumes and traditional clothing. There’s even a dedicated parade for kids that they can join too! From there, you can take in a jam-packed schedule of live performances by artists from countries across the Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Bahamas, just to name a few! Samba dancers, steel…

Festivals & Events June 12, 2025

July 2025 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Summer is in full swing on the West Coast, and with it plenty of opportunities to get outside and sample the flavours of the season! From cultural festivals full of traditional cooking, to live music shows that happen to showcase incredible chefs and mixologists from across the region. And every weekend in just about every community, Farmers Markets are bustling with freshest, most local groceries you can find. Steveston Salmon Festival | Richmond July 1, 2025 Richmond’s largest event returns for its 78th anniversary! Join the fun at “Canada’s biggest little birthday party” in Steveston, with the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous Salmon Bake and festival chow mein. Carnaval del Sol | Vancouver July 11 – 13, 2025 Revel in all the colours and tastes of Latin American culture at Carnaval del Sol 2025. Over 15…

Festivals & Events April 22, 2025

Celebrate May the 4th with Our Force-Focused Foodie Tour

With the help of your force insight, you may have foreseen that a very special day is fast approaching. The annual day celebrating Star Wars fandom/culture/lore is almost here, and with it, plenty of ways to show your fellow rebel fighters that you could bullseye a wamp rat with the best of em’ back home! *Disclaimer! The writer of this piece is cool. While you might not first associate dining out with a salute to the trilogy of trilogies, there are definitely (maybe) a few local eateries you can try that come close! We might not have a cantina that attracts the galaxy’s scum and villainy, or a floating sail barge where you can get a drink while watching people chucked into a sand pit, but within the realm of interpretation, you’ll find the force in places you might not expect. It’s like Chewie always used to say… ARRRRGGGGGHHHHHLLLLL!…

Festivals & Events April 15, 2025

May 2025 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

You can always count on May to bring a gorgeous flourish of flavour to the calendar. The whole month is like a bridge between spring and summer, and when the seasons overlap, our local ingredients start reaching their full potential. Berries are ripening, spot prawns are arriving, and outdoor markets are reopening their food stalls. With the forecast looking decidedly tasty, there are plenty of upcoming ways to pamper your palate around Metro Vancouver. These are just a few of the upcoming foodie events that you should keep at the top of your menu! Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Notch8 — Vancouver Until May 25 Cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Vancouver, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a spring-focused afternoon tea? The indulgent menu is full of pastries, scones, and sandwiches made in-house by Hotel Vancouver’s…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver March 21, 2025

April 2025 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Spring arrives with plenty of reason to come out of your burrow and take in the new scents of the season. Across Metro Vancouver, hungry foodies are ready to explore outdoor food festivals, dig into picnic baskets, and enjoy the fresh ingredients coming into full flavour. There’s a lot to get through on this month’s menu, so leave your coat at home, and let’s head out into the sunny (fingers crossed), sweet, and savoury forecast! Food Truck Wars – Surrey Apr 11-13 Surrey’s BIGGEST street food showdown returns! Catch a wide variety of Greater Vancouver’s most exciting local food trucks all in one place. Visitors can try the delicious offerings at each one and vote on their favourites. It’s a friendly culinary competition where hungry diners decide on the top dog. Hot Chefs & Cool Jazz Gala – Vancouver April 11 With 20 of BC’s top chefs getting…

Dining in Metro Vancouver March 20, 2025

Naturally Delicious: Metro Vancouver Restaurants Prioritizing Sustainability

With Earth Day coming this month (April 22), it’s a fantastic time to practice mindful eating for the sake of the planet (and your health)! Whether that means choosing a vegan menu from time to time or visiting restaurants that prioritize sustainability, there are lots of tasty ways to lower your footprint. We’re pretty lucky in the Lower Mainland to have a wealth of progressive chefs and restaurant owners who are transparent about their efforts to improve the world. So with that in mind, here are a few local spots where we can do our part—one delicious plate at a time! The Acorn Restaurant – Vancouver The Acorn Restaurant is so much more than just a plant-based restaurant! The Mount Pleasant eatery artistically reinvents vegetarian and vegan cuisine by adding a knack for presentation and exploring flavours you wouldn’t expect from the plant kingdom! What’s more, every plate is…

Cafés in Metro Vancouver March 17, 2025

Spring Is on the Menu at These Scenic Metro Vancouver Restaurants

Now that Spring is in full swing, it’s time to start considering not just what we’re going to eat, but where we’re going to enjoy fresh and local BC ingredients–and what we want most is to be up front to equally fresh views of the blossoming season. Here are a handful of places to pair Spring scenery with lunch or brunch in Metro Vancouver. Jess’ Fine – Coquitlam Set on the mountainside of Westwood Plateau, this eatery at GreenTee Golf and Country Club offers splendid views of the changing season all over the Lower Mainland and out to Vancouver Island on their panoramic patio. Bask in the colours while enjoying a locally sourced menu. Shaughnessy Restaurant – Vancouver Where natural Spring beauty meets a menu inspired by the very same season, this restaurant is part of Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden. Its light airy deck is surrounded by lush…

Sweets February 24, 2025

Happy Pi(e) Day: Just a Slice of What’s Available Around Metro Vancouver

March 14th, or 3.14, or Pi Day, maybe a big day on the calendar for math enthusiasts—but what about the rest of us? We tack on an “e” and celebrate all things pie! Anyway you slice it, it’s a pretty good day to get out and explore these wonderful purveyors of the pastry throughout Metro Vancouver. Aphrodite’s Organic Pie Shop – Vancouver 3598 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver Like their namesake, “love” is the main ingredient in all Aphrodite’s does—which includes making some delicious pies. They spread the love through a passion for wild, organic and sustainable food, working directly with local farmers and producers across their entire menu that also does breakfast and lunch. The Pie Hole – Burnaby 7832 6th Street, Burnaby Endorsed by none other than Guy Fieri himself, The Pie Hole has built a reputation for mouthwatering desserts, as well as savoury meal-pies, since its…

Metro Vancouver Guides February 19, 2025

March Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Here comes Spring, and with it a spate of spectacular foodie events throughout Metro Vancouver. Miss Dine Out? Check similar events in Burnaby and the Tri-Cities this month. A couple events are on the menu, too, for those that prefer a sip to a sup. Bite of Burnaby – Burnaby Mar 1 – 31, 2025 A foodie favourite since 2021, this annual dining event just keeps getting bigger and better. Throughout March, local standout eateries and hidden gems alike offer special menus and deals—from $10 to $60—to cater to all tastes and budgets. More than a festival, Bite of Burnaby is a celebration of the city’s rich cultural makeup, showcasing cuisines from around the world. Rail & River March Voyager Club: Stop in Spain – Langley TWP March 25, 2025 This month’s Voyager Club Dinner invites you on a tour of Spain through its incredible culinary culture. That…

Adult Beverages in Metro Vancouver February 12, 2025

What’s On Tap at The 46th Vancouver International Wine Festival

The Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) is back again this year with wines from all over the world. This year’s festival has 15 participating countries taking part in entertaining and educational events all over the city. Running from February 22 – March 2, the 46th VIWF is celebrating its legacy as one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world. International Festival Tastings are the heart of the festival where you can browse and sample from select wines from 120 wineries as well as themed regional tasting stations and wine bars—there are nearly 700 wines to sample in the room. You’ll also find wine-friendly food and beverage exhibitors offering tasting samples. The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction is on February 22 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. One of the most spectacular wine and food events in the city any time of year kicks off with a sparkling wine…

Family Friendly Dining around Metro Vancouver February 10, 2025

10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Metro Vancouver to Try on Family Day

Mark your calendars… Family Day is this February 17! If you’re looking to head out for the day with little ones in tow, then it’s always good to know of a few spots where, you know, they’ll actually eat. So, to mark the occasion, we’ve assembled a list of family-friendly local spots that kids and adults will love equally. Who knows, you might actually sneak off to visit again while they’re in school—good chicken strips do hit extra hard this time of year. When you pile into the family wagon and the cries of “I’m hungry!” echo from the back seat, you’ll be well prepared to throw out some reliable suggestions. Happy Family Day! Anton’s Pasta Bar – 4260 Hastings St, Burnaby Anton’s is a pasta institution in Greater Vancouver, and for good reason! Their generous portions and reasonable prices make it an excellent option for families to dine, and…

Dining in Metro Vancouver February 4, 2025

A Valentine to Our Fave Romantic Metro Vancouver Restaurants (Whether Single or Taken)

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you observe the holiday or not, we can all agree it’s a solid excuse to head out for a meal. Whether you’re here planning an outing with your sweetie pie (we hope you’ve made reservations already!) or dining out in silent protest (solo or with friends), these are a few of the local spots we’d hit up first. Yes, you might have to wait for a table, but expressing your unabashed love for food with a special outing is well worth the waitlist. Start with a delicious Valentine’s gesture to yourself, and then MAYBE consider sharing with your plus one. It’s best not to rush these things, you know? Atlas Steak + Fish – Burnaby One of Burnaby’s best spots for a date night, their stylish ambience and stellar menu will make any occasion special. Fresh seafood, steaks cooked to…

Metro Vancouver Communities January 28, 2025

Foodie Events in February

February has arrived with a bit of a chill, but there are so many tasty ways to keep your temperature up! Start by stopping by any of the Dine Out Vancouver events happening this month, or maybe book a romantic dinner with someone special for Valentine’s Day. However you decide to fill your calendar, consider these delicious events where you can dig into the local culinary scene, sample the wares of renowned chefs, and meet like-minded foodies along the way! From dumplings to hot chocolate, you’re in for a hearty month ahead. Let’s see what’s on the menu! *feature image: Honolulu Coffee for the 2025 Hot Chocolate Festival Dine Out East Van Dumpling Fest – Vancouver Feb 5 Tantalize your taste buds at several restaurants in Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, & beyond to taste different kinds of dumplings on this dinner tour. Coquitlam Craft & Ales Festival 2025…

Dining in Metro Vancouver January 22, 2025

Learn to Cook in ‘25: Local Metro Vancouver Classes for the New Year

Is your new year’s resolution to eat better? Well, there’s no better way to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need than by preparing your meals yourself. Thankfully there are plenty of opportunities throughout the Lower Mainland to learn from the best. Check out these cooking classes for foodies in 2025. The Dirty Apron – Vancouver You’ll find your one-top-shop for cooking classes at The Dirty Apron in downtown Vancouver. This delicatessen-slash-cooking school offers a jam-packed hands-on class schedule featuring countless different menus and cuisines, from 3-course Italian to brunch to full vegan. Best yet, when class is over, you’ll sit at a communal table with your classmates to enjoy the fruits of your labours. Posh Pantry – Burnaby How do you like your cooking classes? Apron covered in flour? Or sitting back with a glass of wine? You can get both at posh Pantry Kitchen in Burnaby. Weekends offer…

Asian January 17, 2025

6 Tasty Spots to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in Metro Vancouver

Lunar New Year is almost here! Kicking off on January 29 and running until February 16, LNY is a spirited holiday filled with culture, tradition, and, most importantly, food! While the occasion is celebrated across numerous countries in Asia, in Metro Vancouver, our vibrant Chinese community always makes a memorable splash with street festivals, live performances, and local restaurants offering special menus and experiences. If you’re looking to celebrate with fantastic Chinese cuisine from all our local communities, you’re in the right spot! Vancouver Notch8 Celebrate the Year of the Snake with this Lunar New Year-inspired afternoon tea experience at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Indulge in a curated selection of exquisite teas paired with a variety of sweet and savoury treats inspired by traditional flavours and festive delights. A kid’s tea service is also available which includes finger sandwiches, cookies, scones, and other delicious treats. Mott 32 One of the…

Surrey January 15, 2025

Add a Bit of Spice to the Season with a Foodie Staycation Through Surrey!

Keep warm through the winter with a flavourful staycation in Surrey, BC! The January temperatures may have you bundling up, but there are plenty of other ways for you to maintain warmth around Metro Vancouver—most notably, with food! And let’s be honest, there’s really no better place on the West Coast to enjoy the full palate of world cuisine than in Surrey! Surrey offers a culinary cross-section of so many types of food that you could easily point to a spot on the globe and find an accompanying restaurant nearby. So with that in mind, and with it never being a sure bet when winter will actually end (fingers crossed), we’re giving away a package of a few of our favourite Surrey spots so you can keep a sunny (and spicy) outlook no matter the forecast. Enter now, and you could be levelling up your winter 2025 with all kinds…