Darren, Author at West Coast Food
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Darren

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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…

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…

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…

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…

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…