Looking for a little culinary inspiration while in isolation? Owner & Chef Josiah Tam of Barrique Kitchen + Wine Bar in White Rock has temporarily closed the restaurant’s doors, but continues to get creative in the kitchen, with his daughter, Cate. In the first two episodes, they make crepes and blueberries, then mushroom soup. Keep watching here.
By Jenni Sheppard As we adjust to the social distancing and self-isolation required due to COVID-19, many of us are no longer able to venture out to our favourite restaurants. For local restaurant owners, this drop in custom can be tough, but thankfully, there is a way you can help—by ordering takeout or delivery! Happily, many great restaurants in the region have been able to pivot to takeout and delivery services, instead of opening to the public. So to help you show your support for your local restaurants, we’ve put together this list of the best takeout and delivery options across Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Langley City and White Rock. Enjoy! [For take-out in Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond, click here.] [For take-out in Vancouver and the North Shore, click here.] Surrey Dominion Bar + Kitchen (13475 Central Avenue | 604 330 0229) This downtown hub’s mash-up menu aims to reflect…
By Catherine Dunwoody Classic French cuisine is not particularly easy to find in BC, let alone in the outlying areas of Metro Vancouver. Perhaps that’s why Langley’s Bacchus Bistro in the Chaberton Winery is such a hidden gem, authentic dishes served in a beautiful setting – with dedicated customers who return regularly. West Coast Food regular contributor Catherine Dunwoody had the opportunity to chat with Chef Ashley Chisham over classic dishes including French onion soup and duck confit, that did not disappoint. Where were you born? Vancouver BC, born and raised. What was food like in your growing up household? My mom is an excellent cook! Most everything was made from scratch and with a lot of care. Homemade pierogies and cabbage rolls were always a favourite, as well as pasta, tacos. Roasts with all the traditional sides like Yorkshire pudding etc. on special occasions. And there was almost always…
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 – Vancouver 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…
By Sonu Purhar Situated at the Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites, the newly opened restaurant, Stock & Supply, is already buzzing with the happy hum of satiated guests. Offering a tantalizing array of pre-set and build-your-own board possibilities for any time of the day, the space cultivates connection and intimacy – an ideal spot for date night, family gatherings and teambuilding dinners alike. Charcuterie, cheese and veggie boards have seen a sharp spike in popularity thanks to the recent abundance of board-focused cookbooks hitting the market. Stock & Supply’s dazzling array is certain to rack up your Instagram likes, with rich colours and flavourful combinations taking centre stage – better still, you can design your own to ensure the board holds all of your favourites. The brunch boards are particularly appealing with sizeable portions catering to all palates, including a board for vegetarians. The Garden Board is a lovely assortment…
By Gail Johnson Meet Shiva Reddy, the executive wine director of Osteria Savio Volpe, Pepino’s Spaghetti House, and Caffè La Tana. She doesn’t go by the title of “sommelier” by choice, and if there’s a stereotypical image of the person who comes to your table to recommend wine—say, a white male in a suit—she’s smashing it. Here, Reddy dishes on her career path and what she loves about working with wine. How did you end up working in the food and wine industry? It was not natural and unplanned. My mom was a single mom, so I had to start working young. I worked at the Point Grey Golf and Country Club at 18. I took it so seriously, and I really enjoyed it. I met a sommelier there. He was very dapper, he knew his stuff, and he was able to romance history and geography. There’s a magical side…
On Saturday, March 9, craft beer fans will flock to Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club for the fourth annual Coquitlam Beer Festival.
By Sabrine Dhaliwal, Bar Manager, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar Sweetly spiced and with a dreamy pink hue, UVA’s “In Between Cupid” cocktail will have you falling for bar manager Sabrine Dhaliwal this Valentine’s Day. The bright, citrusy cocktail features gin, Campari, lemon juice, homemade spiced pineapple syrup and Bittered Sling Denman bitters which add complexity and an aromatic kick to this swoon-worthy sipper. INGREDIENTS Tanqueray (1.5 oz) Campari (0.5 oz) Spiced Pineapple Syrup (0.5 oz) (The syrup is a blend of vanilla, cinnamon, green cardamom, star anise, peppercorns, pineapple juice and sugar) Lemon Juice (0.5 oz) Bittered Sling Denman Bitters (two dashes) INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients into a cocktail tin, add ice and shake vigorously for 7 to 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist with a heart cutout.
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…
By Chef Alessandro Fairmont Hotel Waterfront This soup has been a favorite with guests in ARC since Chef Alessandro put it on the menu – with its rich creamy texture it isn’t hard to see (or taste) why. The mushrooms are foraged on Vancouver Island while their culinary apprentices hand-picked the hazelnuts in nearby Agassiz. INGREDIENTS Portobello mushrooms (500g) White button mushrooms (1kg) Garlic (30g) Carrots (250g) White Onion (500g) Rosemary (2g) Tarragon (2g) Lemon juice Miso paste (60g) Dried Porcini mushroom, in hot water (60g) Vegetable stock (2L) Salt and pepper to taste Sherry vinegar (15mL) Butter (60g) Cream (250mL) Hazelnuts (200g) DIRECTIONS 1. Sweat the onions, carrots, garlic and the rosemary in the butter. 2. Once translucent, add the button and porcini mushrooms, and sweat for about 10 minutes. 3. Add the miso, vegetable stock, cream, porcini mushrooms and the soaking water. 4. Add the hazelnuts and simmer…
By Gail Johnson Katarina Edwards grew up on a farm in 100 Mile House and was plucking chickens by the time she was a teen. These days, she’s a butcher at Two Rivers Specialty Meats. The North Vancouver-based eatery and butcher shop works with small farms across B.C. and Alberta–like Brant Lake Wagyu, Peace Country Lamb, and Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef–that produce sustainable, ethically raised meat. Here, Edwards shares a glimpse into a day in the life behind the chopping block. What was it like growing up on a farm? My mom comes from a family of 11 children from Germany. They had a farm, restaurant, and butcher shop in New Brunswick. She passed all that knowledge along to me and my two younger sisters. We had a variety of animals: pigs, goats, chickens… We always had our own meat in the freezer. We would milk the goats and we…
By Gail Johnson After more than 25 years in business, Vij’s has become a Vancouver icon, one of those standout restaurants that forever changed the city’s culinary landscape. Early on, co-owners Vikram Vij and Meeru Dhalwala (who were formerly married and have two grown daughters) established what roles suited them best: Vij, with his ability to connect with customers, would handle front of house operations. Dhalwala, who has a knack for coming up with new, inventive Indian dishes despite no formal culinary training, would handle the cooking. It’s been a recipe for success ever since. When the restaurant first opened in 1994 as a 14-seat space, Amarjeet Gill, whom Vij had met through a mutual acquaintance, was his part-time dishwasher. She had come to Canada in her 20s in a happy arranged marriage and spoke no English. Within weeks, Gill was right by Dhalwala’s side, chopping, slicing, and stirring. She…
By Kristi Alexandra This Lunar New Year rings in the Year of the Rat, with celebrations taking place all over Metro Vancouver. Lunar New Year is celebrated in several Asian diasporic communities, including Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Chinese. On January 25, expect to see paper lanterns, lion dances and fireworks across Vancouver and surrounding areas–but most delectable of all these ancient and vibrant traditions are the treats that help celebrate the occasion. Here are some classic Lunar New Year goodies from a few different traditions and where to find them as the holiday approaches. Dumplings Galore! It’s no secret that people love to gather together and share dumplings on any given day–just ask any dim sum restaurateur. Dumplings are especially significant during Lunar New Year as they can denote families spending time together and, even more auspiciously, resemble ancient Chinese money known as gold ingot. There will be tons of regular…
By Gail Johnson House of Funk Brewing is funky indeed: the small-batch Vancouver’s North Shore brewery specializes in beer that has been fermented, exposed to wild yeast, or spent time in wood. Located at 350 East Esplanade in Lower Lonsdale’s burgeoning Shipyards Brewery District—with a view of Vancouver Harbour—the brewery is a family affair. Darren and Jody Hollett, a husband-and-wife team with a newborn and a toddler, run it with his brother, mom, dad, uncle, and a few dear friends. Darren, formerly of Mission Springs Craft Brewery and Hearthstone Brewery, among others, fills us in on what House of Funk is all about. What exactly do you mean by “funky” beer? The name House of Funk comes from the style of beer we’re after, using a lot of wild yeasts, a lot of bacteria and bugs. They make beer taste funky, so it has a barnyard funk and rustic character…
By Kristi Alexandra If Ali Wong’s character in Always Be My Maybe had been inspired by a real-life restaurateur, it would be Langley’s Parinya Loptson. Known as “Chef Parinya” to those who watched her on Get Cooking With The Stars, Lopston is the owner, executive chef and manager of Ban Chok Dee, an award-winning Thai restaurant known for its authentic Thai flavours and its just-as-appetizing artistic presentation. The restaurateur, who’s been at the helm of Ban Chok Dee since 2009, is part-chef, part artist, part business owner and part master teacher. With two locations—one in Langley, and another in Maple Ridge—Parinya’s meals are served seven days a week in the Lower Mainland. If you find yourself inside one of the 120-seat fine dining eateries, you won’t want to miss out on the restaurant’s specialties. Try the Crying Tiger Salad, made with BBQ steak, sliced in Thai spicy sauce with a…
by Tourism Vancouver Take your taste buds abroad at Dine Out Vancouver Festival’s most anticipated culinary event. The fifth annual Vancouver World Chef Exchange, will bring award-winning chefs from global culinary hubs to Vancouver for a series of four collaborative dinners, featuring flavours from Toronto, Cork, Monterrey, and a cross-Pacific Indigenous Nations collaboration with chefs from Edmonton and Auckland. During each event, the visiting and local chefs will join forces to produce an incredible multi-course dinner at the Vancouver chef’s restaurant, taking inspiration from their respective restaurants’ most popular dishes; their own cultural influences and favourite fare; and local and seasonal ingredients. Here are this year’s pairings: All-Canadian Toronto’s Chef Charlotte Langley & Vancouver’s Chef Shelome Bouvette Where: Chicha Restaurant When: January 21 at 7:00 PM Details: An all-female, all star east coast meets west coast seafood dinner and wine pairings. Chef Charlotte Langley (East Coast) and Chef Shelome Bouvette…
By Kathy Mak Walk into Sabà Café and Bistro and it’s immediately apparent that the place and food are special. Situated in an unhurried corner of Fort Langley, Sabà is very much a gathering place that nourishes and anchors people. It’s one of those eateries – cozy ambiance, feel-good food, wonderfully convivial – in which, immediately, you feel right at home. Afterall, this café-bistro is a family affair, passionately owned and led by husband-and-wife team Enrico Campani and Simone Hurwitz, and assisted by their daughters Laura, Dannielle and Emma. Hurwitz mainly works on the food while Campani handles logistics and front of house hospitality, including performing on live music nights. The girls pitch in between their studies, from marketing to serving. Danielle, a budding photographer, is usually behind the lens of their beautiful Sabàgram images. From living in Italy, the family moved to Fort Langley about 10 years ago. “We…
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…
By Joyce Chua, Vancouver Foodie Tours It’s the last “sprint to the finish line” to find a unique and thoughtful gift for everyone on that Christmas list. Luckily, here in Vancouver, we’re blessed with Granville Island – an area filled with Canadian artisans, one-of-a-kind goods, and delicious wares. The best part? It’s all at your fingertips – no shipping required. Check out these 6 expert tips on how you can find awesome last-minute gifts at Granville Island: 1. Arrive early or late Granville Island is a hub for Christmas activity, especially in and around the Public Market. If you’re able to shop the Island before 11:00am or after 4:00pm, you’ll avoid the masses and have a chance to chat with the bakers, chefs, artisans and makers. 2. Start at Make Vancouver Start at Make for a dose of gift inspiration. Start with a Canadiana t-shirt printed with images of Justin Trudeau,…
By Gail Johnson It’s looking a lot like Christmas, and for those who prefer to dine out rather than eat in during the holidays, local restaurants have got you covered. Here are a few that will do the cooking for you. Vancouver YEW Seafood + Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 West Georgia Street) Christmas eve dinner, Christmas day brunch buffet, and Christmas day dinner are all on extravagant offer. This is the last time you’ll be able to celebrate the holidays at the Four Seasons: the luxury property is closing on January 30, 2020. Bombay Kitchen and Bar (1018 Commercial Drive; open December 24 and 25) Authentic Indian dishes will warm you up when the weather outside is frightful. On the menu are tandoori chicken, prawns, veggies, lamb chops, and goat chops alongside vegetarian dishes like tofu tikka masala, eggplant bharta, and paneer vindaloo. Juke Fried Chicken…
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 – Coquitlam 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…
By Kristi Alexandra There’s no time like the present to fill up on presents! While you’re leisurely taking in the lights, sounds and smells of holiday markets around Metro Vancouver, don’t forget there’s also a bounty of food-based stocking stuffers from local artisans all over. There’s something for everyone, from your chocolate-loving neice to your gourmand grandmother. Check out the assortment of preserves, gluten-free treats and more, and which markets you can find them at, below. Vancouver Christmas Market Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver Candy Meister at Vancouver Christmas Market invites you to the sweet side of life, offering a selection of colourful, all-natural, gluten-, dairy-, and corn-free candies from Germany! West Coast Wild Foods takes a walk on the wild side. As one of Canada’s leading wild mushroom companies, they bring wild mushrooms such as Chanterelle, Morel, Porcini, Pine and many others for the ultimate stocking…
By Sonu Purhar Everyone knows Christmas calories don’t count (right?) – and that’s why you’ll find us embarking on pilgrimages throughout the holiday season in search of desserts that even Santa would approve. Read on for our top picks, and be sure to post your own so we can expand our horizons and waistlines. Let’s get this sugarfest started! Clever Cupcakes 109-2985 Northern Avenue, Coquitlam 2 minute walk from Lincoln SkyTrain station. This cute cupcake shop was founded by Juan and Elsa Escobedo, who started the company after searching fruitlessly for tasty, allergy-friendly treats for their kids. Their cupcakes are certainly clever, boasting half the sugar of standard cakes, absolutely no peanuts or nuts, and exquisite designs holding bold flavours of double chocolate, vanilla and caramel. There are also vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives, which means everyone can find a sweet treat that satisfies. View this post on…
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! Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Garden – Vancouver 5251 Oak St, Vancouver The annual Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Garden is arguably one of the most beloved holiday events in…
by Catherine Dunwoody Imagine 28,000 square feet of Christmas entertaining ideas, delectable gift shopping, and décor all under one roof. The Christmas Store at Potters Nurseries in South Surrey is open now until Christmas Eve, and you have never seen a thing like it. The foodie on your list will love the thought you put into creating your own culinary gift basket, delicious hostess gift, or stocking stuffers for them. Think hot chocolate packs, dips, soups, crackers, sauces, jellies, British biscuits, and preserves from local wineries. Bacon candy canes? Why not. Ornaments with a food theme? How do a burger and fries grab you? And nutcrackers? Imagine an entire section dedicated to a jaw-dropping display and variety of options that make fabulous gifts. The Gourmet Food area offers thousands of products you won’t easily find elsewhere, including popcorn in at least 10 fun flavours, a staggering 30 flavours of hot…
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…
By Gail Johnson The Fraser Valley might be best known for produce like corn, berries and apples, but the region is increasingly gaining recognition for its wine. New and more established wineries are making the area a draw for those who like to sip red, white, rosé—or walnut. Walnut wine is indeed a thing. It’s the signature wine, in fact, of Langley City’s Vista D’oro Farms & Winery. That’s not to say that Patrick and Lee Murphy’s 10-acre farm overlooking the Golden Ears mountains doesn’t produce grapes; it grows many different types of vinifera grapes. But it’s walnuts that got really got the entire operation off the ground over a decade ago. The winery’s flagship 2008 D’oro, a fortified port-style wine, is a blend of Marechal Foch and Merlot, B.C. brandy, and fresh green walnuts. The walnuts grow on three mature trees that the original homesteader planted on the property…
By Gail Johnson For the food lover on your holiday gift list, North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay Public Market makes for one-stop shopping. Besides having a slew of locally made goods, the market by the water’s edge is a world away from echoey malls with panoramic outdoor views of downtown Vancouver. Here are a few take-home delights that will impress your discerning foodie friends. Giant Lollipops and Candy Canes from Olde World Confections These oversize treats will transport you straight to Dr. Seuss’s Whoville. Not your drugstore version, handmade peppermint candy canes are a full five feet long. Lollies large enough to make a Christmas stocking burst are wrapped with a ribbon and available in tutti fruity, lemonade, raspberry, strawberry, and cherry. Pickles from Kaylin & Hobbs Started by two Vancouver buddies who couldn’t find a New York style pickle in town, Kaylin & Hobbs makes multiple flavours of the crispy,…
By Kristi Alexandra Carousel rides, mulled wine, live trees, hand-crafted ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts can all be found at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Modelled after the European “Christkindlmarkts” of the old world, this Vancouver tradition draws hordes of locals to its home at the Jack Poole Plaza every holiday season. And those who frequent the market come for the biggest attraction: the food. Housed in huts that recall a true Bavarian experience, here are a few treats to try, from traditional German fare to modern Vancouver flare. Pretzel from Mr Pretzels No trip to a German Christmas Market (or anything German-themed, that is) is complete without a big, doughy pretzel. Twisted, braided, salted: whatever you choose, this wheat-filled treat goes best with spiced mustard and washes down well with a beer. Hurricane Potatoes from Das Kartoffelhaus Known sometimes as “tornado potatoes” or “hurricane fries,” this food originated on the streets…
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.…