Megan Halkett, Author at West Coast Food

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver March 21, 2024

Whisky Bars in Metro Vancouver

Buck the expensive plane ticket and catch a “flight” at one of these spots if you’re looking to imbibe in the finest whiskies from around the globe right here in Metro Vancouver. From sophisticated lounges to laid-back bars, Metro Vancouver has something to offer anyone seeking a sip of whisky—whether that’s a rare find, a creative cocktail, or a familiar dram. Let’s explore. Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge – Surrey Housed in the former Central City Taphouse spot, Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge draws inspiration from Scotland’s Isle of Skye—which is known for its rich whisky culture. Here, you can find elevated and contemporary Canadian cuisine (think high-end burgers, wagyu beef carpaccio, truffle fries, and more) along with a diverse selection of whiskies from around the globe. On “Whisky Wednesdays,” you can find a selection of whisky flights ranging from $25 to $200, and a few whisky-based cocktails for $10…

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver March 18, 2024

April 2024 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

We’re rolling into April, and the scent of spring-time nectar is filling the air! Along with that seasonal sweetness comes plenty of added flavour complexity as local foodie events begin heading outdoors. This month, you can expect a little friendly competition between food trucks, a celebration of BC distilleries, and a hands-on workshop for making your own cheese. Roll up your sleeves, tuck in your napkin, and let’s dig in! Food Truck Festival, April 4 – April 5 An epic food-filled extravaganza that brings an impressive lineup of 20 food trucks including live music and a local artisan market! Vancouver UBC Commons, in front of the AMS Nest BC Distilled 2024, April 13 Celebrating its ninth year, BC Distilled brings together dozens of distilleries from across the province for the largest spirits event in Canada, highlighting over 30 local distilleries. Beyond the main event, BC Distilled is also hosting two…

Dining in Metro Vancouver March 7, 2024

5 Unique Burgers to try in Metro Vancouver

Burger-love. It’s a thing. We absolutely crave them, so when the mood hits, no other meal will do. Here’s 5 restaurants doing something special between two buns. By Catherine Dunwoody New Westminster Burgers Burger Heaven has been dedicated to burgers since 1984 with a menu filled with both classic combos and unusual offerings. No matter what you choose, their potato wedges and salad are delicious sidekicks. Ernie’s Mile High is 8 patties thick and weighing in at 3 lbs of meat. Not for the faint of heart. Or try the Perogy Burger topped with our favourite Ukrainian doughy dumplings, sour cream, cheddar cheese and chives. Langley Burgers Built in 1946, Hilltop Diner is like something out of a time machine. Who doesn’t love the classic, diner-décor vibe while chowing down on a burger and shoestring fries? Check out the TV & Movies tab on their website, as many cool films…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver March 1, 2024

Women-Owned Eateries Around Metro Vancouver

International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating some of our region’s incredible chefs and restaurateurs with a guide to fabulous female-led businesses you’re going to want to check out! By Avneet Takhar Pampanga Cuisine – Vancouver Edith Malang, who fed frontline nurses during the throes of COVID-19 with her comforting Filipino food, has seen her business grow to two Vancouver locations due to its popularity! From breakfast plates such as Longsilog (rice and Filipino style sausage) all the way through to Combo Meals (any dish, with rice and soup) and meat dishes consisting of favourites such as Crispy Sisig (chunks of pork, chillies and ginger), Malang makes sure you’re well taken care of. Instagram Get there by transit: The R4 or number 8 buses will take you to the Fraser location and Joyce station is a 1 minute walk from the other site. Burdock & Co…

Festivals & Events February 22, 2024

March 2024 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

The arrival of spring means more and more events will be budding around Metro Vancouver, and these are some of the tastiest ones on the calendar! A showcase of the types of different dumplings across various cultures? Book your spot now! How about a week-long celebration of the best mixologists in the city? Prime your palate, and keep reading! Taste of the Tri-Cities, February 16 – March 10 This annual food and drink festival is designed to highlight the amazing restaurants, eateries, pubs, breweries, distilleries and cafes in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Various Locations Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine Out Vancouver, or you just miss it in general, get yourself to Burnaby for the Bite of Burnaby Festival. This annual foodies dream takes place all month and features local restaurant favourites offering prix-fixe menus. Burnaby bills…

Dining in Metro Vancouver February 16, 2024

Eat With Friends at Omni Kitchen + Bar in Fort Langley

Located in the heart of Fort Langley, the newly opened Omni Kitchen + Bar is fast becoming a go-to for lunch and dinner for locals, not to mention a destination restaurant for folks from all over the lower mainland. If you’ve ever had to plan a group outing, then you know how challenging it can be to accommodate everyone’s tastes, especially when you throw different dietary preferences into the mix. Now imagine a menu where every item can be made traditionally, plant-based, or gluten-free. Omni Kitchen + Bar does just that. Celiac people can dive into crunchy, rice-battered chicken cooked in its own dedicated fryer, so there’s no risk of cross-contamination. Vegans can enjoy a plant-based burger that is genuinely satisfying and ‘meaty.’ Pizzas with all kinds of fresh toppings will please everyone, all easily modified to suit individual preferences. All are accompanied by an excellent list of local wines,…

Cafés in Metro Vancouver February 14, 2024

New Westminster’s Rainbow Play Cafe Creates a Place For Kids and Parents To Connect

A new haven for parents and kids alike has become an ideal spot for a perfect playdate. Bordering New Westminster and Burnaby is Rainbow Play Cafe—a new business that offers stress-free playtime for kids and a sense of community for their parents. In addition to—of course—a fantastic cup of coffee. “My son, he’s my inspiration,” says Xanat Guiot, owner of the nascent cafe, which opened in May 2023.The mom-preneur’s vision for Rainbow Play Cafe was born from a need she observed in her own life—a space where parents could connect with each other over a cup of coffee, while their children engaged in safe and purposeful play. Having immigrated from Mexico about a decade ago, Guiot said she struggled with postpartum depression, felt isolated, and would benefit from a place to go and meet other moms. “I didn’t have that support network. In the beginning, when you have a baby…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver February 8, 2024

Perfect Intimate Spots to have a Valentine’s Dinner in Metro Vancouver

Are you in the mood for love? Whether it’s with a special someone, a lovable friend or a dashing flame you just met on Tinder, we’ve got Valentine’s dinner plans sorted for all of the above. Eat, drink, and stare contentedly into one another’s eyes at these romantic restaurants. By: Avneet Takhar Dear Gus – Vancouver There’s nothing that says “I ❤️ you” quite like a small, European snack and wine bar. Dear Gus opened its doors towards the end of last year and has since been a hit with Mount Pleasant locals. With a rotating menu of sustainable wines, aperitivo and larger plates consisting of mussels and oysters; elevated cuisine beckons your beating hearts! Walk-ins, and no resos here. Instagram Get there by transit: A 15 minute walk from Olympic Village station, or buses 3, 8 and 19 stop close by. Avishan – Langley An authentic Iranian restaurant, known…

Patios February 6, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Heated Winter Patios in Metro Vancouver

It’s that time of the year, folks: Hygge! But instead of hibernating indoors (boring!), why not take it outside by a roaring heated winter patio in the company of friends and delicious eats? Here are our top 5 cozy outdoor spots in Metro Vancouver. By Avneet Takhar Paratha 2 Pasta – Vancouver The hottest new spot to drop in Vancouver, which opened at the end of 2023 after its success in Surrey, is a second location serving up parathas, a savoury Indian flatbread usually slathered with makhan (butter). With a year-round front heated winter patio you can “people watch” Yaletown (all the more entertaining on a Friday night!), as you devour paranthas generously filled with classic stuffings. The MVPs are aloo (potato), gobi (cauliflower) or mooli (radish). There’s also the chance to let loose with the adventurous fusions they feature, including the pastas and P2P favourite: Loaded Fries with butter…

Langley January 29, 2024

For Love of Focaccia: 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…

Festivals & Events January 25, 2024

February 2024 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Why stay cooped up inside through winter? After all, Valentine’s is this month, and what better way to show your intentions than by taking your date OUT to a food event or two? Here are the Feb happenings you should know about so you can flex your foodie status with someone special. Just remember, nothing says “💘”, quite like… 🌮 🥗 🍕 🍜 Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 24 – March 3 The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the world’s biggest and oldest wine events, offering something for every level of wine enthusiast, collector and trade professional. In 2023 alone, the festival featured 147 wineries across 17 countries, pouring and discussing over eight nights. The heart of the event is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where each winery pours 4 to 5 wines for the public. Vancouver Various Locations Dark Fields of Winter, Vancouver…

Latin American January 22, 2024

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…

Festivals & Events January 19, 2024

Dine Out Festival – Top 5 Restaurants to try outside of Vancouver

With over 300 restaurants participating this year, a wide net of delicious, affordable dining options has been cast over communities across the greater Vancouver area. The 2024 Dine Out Festival runs from January 17 to February 4, so here’s a list of top 5 restaurants to get you started on filling your Festival calendar. Make reservations soon to avoid disappointment. By Catherine Dunwoody Pho Den – Burnaby We love ducking out of our workday for a great lunch deal anytime, and especially during Dine Out. Vietnamese restaurant Pho Den has 3-courses for $22 (dinner is $24) which cannot be beat. Start with crunchy, dippable spring rolls, then a steamy bowl of winter-comforting pho (beef, chicken or veg) and royal milk tea with topping for dessert. Accepting reservations for lunch and dinner, $22 and $24 per person. By transit: bus 191, or SkyTrain Millennium line or Expo line. Instagram The…

New Westminster January 18, 2024

5 New Westminster Restaurants to Delight Your Palate at DOV Festival 2024

As the culinary scene continues to evolve, food enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next delicious discovery. New Westminster has become a hub for gastronomic delights, and the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, running from Jan. 17 to Feb. 4, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to explore its vibrant food culture. In 2024, five exciting eateries have joined Dine Out, offering a diverse range of flavors that promise to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at these culinary gems that are sure to make your dining experience unforgettable! Photo credit: Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen in New Westminster marks the expansion of an iconic brewery with deep roots dating back over two decades in Squamish, BC. Renowned for its craft beer, Howe Sound Brewing has earned multiple awards, including the prestigious Brewery of the Year award…

Westcoast Food Contests January 9, 2024

Win a Foodie Staycation in Burnaby

Now that the hectic holiday season is over, it’s the perfect time to decompress with a few days of rest, relaxation and letting others do all the cooking and cleaning for you. With that in mind, we invite you to enter to win the Dine and Unwind in Burnaby contest where you’ll spend a weekend in one of Metro Vancouver’s most charming cities, eating your way through some of the best eateries in the Lower Mainland! A Weekend in Burnaby Day 1 First off, check in to the elegant Delta Hotel Burnaby for a romantic two night stay with your sweetheart, or a relaxed weekend getaway with your bestie. Address: 4331 Dominion Street This weekend is all about taking it easy, and that’s the name of the game at the Art of Sauna and Spa. Featuring 8 different traditions of relaxation spanning cultures from the North and South of Europe…

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver December 22, 2023

Merry Mocktails: Try Spirit-Free Sips in Metro Vancouver

The holiday season means big cozy dinners with family and friends, rich wintery foods and plenty of libations to celebrate the season—but sometimes our bodies need a little break from the festivities, especially the booze. Whether not imbibing is a personal preference or a much-needed break, mocktails are here to save the day! With bars across the Metro Vancouver offering beautifully crafted mocktails, taking a night (or forever) off the sauce doesn’t need to put a dent in your social plans (and your mouth will thank you!) Put down that water and join us as we sample tasty spirit-free concoctions across the region, all of which are served by eateries dishing up tasty cuisine to boot. Cheers! Piva Modern Italian – New Westminster Piva’s roots date back to 1917, when Giuseppe Piva emigrated from northern Italy to British Columbia and dove into a life of farming. The elegant eatery honours…

Festivals & Events December 21, 2023

January Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

The holidays may be over, but the good times keep rolling with food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Festival of Lights at VanDusen, Vancouver – until January 7 Savour tasty treats from a variety of food vendors as you wander through VanDusen Botanical Garden’s 15 acres adorned with over a million twinkling lights. The first week of January is your last chance to catch this dazzling display. 5251 Oak Street Vancouver Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, Metro Vancouver – January 13 – Feb 14 It’s still chilly out there, so why not treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa? Last year, close to three dozen cafes, bakeries and chocolatiers throughout Metro Vancouver participated in the Hot Chocolate Festival, offering extra special gourmet cups of hot chocolate on their menus featuring ingredients like white chocolate, Belgian chocolate, and cookie crumbs. Watch out for the official list…

Holiday December 20, 2023

9 Places for Festive Eats at VanDusen Festival of Lights in Vancouver

Sipping on a hot cocoa as you wander through a magical winter landscape decorated with over a million twinkling lights is the ultimate holiday season experience, and luckily if you’re visiting the annual VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights in Vancouver there’s not only hot chocolate but lots of delicious snacks, drinks, and festive foodie treats to enjoy. Light up your taste buds this year with all the yummy food trucks at VanDusen this year! Take a peek at your options below. Cocoa Chateau Grab a gourmet hot chocolate or apple cider to keep you warm on your walk. Bags of popcorn are also available. Fireside Fondue Gather at the fireside to ward off the cold and enjoy a cheesy or chocolatey winter specialty! Serving gourmet fondue with a selection of sides, apple cider, and their signature Lotus Biscoff Hot Chocolate. Cin City Donuts Mini donuts are a festival-favourite (no matter…

Seafood in Metro Vancouver December 15, 2023

‘Go Shuck Yourself!’ at Smitty’s Oyster House in Vancouver

By Catherine Dunwoody Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street is adding a series of ‘Go Shuck Yourself!’ oyster shucking classes in December, with plans to continue in January 2024. Think of this as signing up for ‘Oysters 101’, meaning you’ll learn from the Smitty’s pros all there is to know about cracking (and enjoying) those delicious pearl-makers of the sea. Two classes remain in December, the 21st and 28th at 6:30 p.m. The event sizes are small and intimate, with just 10 guests sipping on complimentary wine and tapas while they learn all about the varieties of East and West Coast oysters, and the secret tips on shucking their own. Tickets to each event are $100 per person plus tax and gratuity and include a $25 gift card that can be redeemed on future visits to Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street. Smitty’s Oyster House on Main Street in Vancouver…

Festivals & Events December 13, 2023

6 Festive Food Truck Treats at Glow Langley

Magic is in the air at Glow Langley with the dazzling Christmas Carnival theme in full swing. Glow is an annual family-friendly outdoor light festival with fun activities for visitors young and old. Hop aboard the glow-comotive train or gather beneath the big top, at Glow the festive season is infused with the excitement of a visit to an enchanted carnival. This year’s newly designed light display is more captivating than ever before, and the spectacle is accompanied by a ton of things to see and do, like enjoying live performances, perusing over 20 vendors at the Maker’s Market, getting in on the scavenger hunt or trying your luck at the carnival-themed mini games. Working up an appetite? We are too! Try these 6 Food Trucks at Glow Langley! As you roam through the wondrous light displays and festive activities, the magic is guaranteed to turn into munchies—luckily Glow Langley…

Holiday December 11, 2023

Holiday Dining Guide: Vancouver’s South Granville District

If you’re lacking Christmas spirit, Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood is the prescription. Over the last few years, the South Granville BIA has turned their strip into a picture-perfect snow globe with a public Christmas tree, Santa-themed pop-ups, live music, and pops of holiday-inspired street decor. Aside from the cheerful adornments, South Granville is truly the perfect spot for holiday shopping and entertainment. You can tackle your shopping list in one visit, enjoy a wonderful meal or two, and catch some live theatre by the Arts Club at the iconic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (Elf: The Musical is on until December 31, don’t miss it!). To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite South Granville spots and eats to help fuel your holiday cheer. For a pick-me-up, South Granville has no shortage of cafe options. Besides the bustling Starbucks in the Indigo building,…

Shops & Markets November 30, 2023

7 Must-Try Treats at Japan Market’s Christmas Market

Japan Market’s Christmas Market is at UBC Robson Square December 2- 3, 2023, so make your way downtown and while browsing through beautiful ceramics, cute and enjoying cultural performances like the Kimono Show and the Okinawa Traditional Dance and Music Workshop, try all the yummy treats on offer from 20 vendors from across Metro Vancouver creating delicious local treats with global flair. Take a peek at some of the vendors we’re excited about below! Patisserie La Porte de L’Espoire “Shining a door to all your hopes,” La Porte de L’Espoire brings a taste of classic-style French pastry to the market. These delightful treats can usually only be found at Bean Around the World on 10th and Main Street, or ordered online. Here’s a rare chance to catch these beautiful baked creations in person. @laportedelespoir Products also available at: Bean Around the World, 2528 Main Street SenchaMatcha If green tea is…

African Cuisine in Metro Vancouver November 28, 2023

Nigeria to Surrey: Van Suya’s Ekaose Nwadiani Launches Dine-in Lounge

Winter is upon us, and you know what that means? Comfort food. Hearty, solid meals for the belly and soul. Luckily for us, Nwadiani has opened up his store location of Van Suya just in time to bring some light in our lives during these dark and brooding days, with some much-needed nourishment. We speak about his long overdue journey from DoorDash to doors wide open, and welcoming people to experience his food IRL in what is predicted to become Surrey’s West African hot spot. “Praise the lord 😫🤩.” – IG follower’s comment on Van Suya’s Beef and Chicken Suya You heard it here first! Now let’s get into it with the man himself. By Avneet Takhar You’ve made a real name for yourself in the food scene out here, Ekaose. How’d it all start? Seven years ago I moved out to Vancouver for my Master’s in Business Administration! Entrepreneurship…

Cafés in Metro Vancouver November 24, 2023

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. Mah Milkbar – Vancouver 1502 Victoria Drive This brand new, queer-owned and operated convenience…

Festivals & Events November 23, 2023

December Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Cold weather, bright lights, and merry-making all over town–the holiday season is here, along with festive food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Vancouver Christmas Market, December 1 – 24 The celebrated German Christmas market in Vancouver is back! Festive foodies can sample mulled wine, a selection of German and Austrian beers, and a variety of sweet and savoury epicurean delights like Swiss raclette and gulasch while browsing over 90 artisan stalls and enjoying live entertainment. Check event for ticket pricing. Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place Vancouver A Christmas Cocktail Story, Vancouver – December 1st – 23rd The retro holiday celebration is back for a second year. Sip on stiff drinks, snap photos in the kitschy insta-worthy décor, and nibble on nostalgic food at A Christmas Cocktail Story. Each visit includes a welcome holiday drink, shareable fondue and holiday treats by Chef Karl Gregg, and…

Coquitlam November 22, 2023

Must-Visit Eats Around Coquitlams’s Lights at Lafarge

Coquitlam is home to a host of culinary gems, as well as Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display. Starting November 24th, 2023 over 100,000 holiday lights and festive displays decorate Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake as part of Lights at Lafarge, dazzling and bright against the dark winter skies. Running until February 2024, Lights at Lafarge is over a kilometre walk of bright lights, including illuminated archways and familiar Christmas characters. The walk is a perfect opportunity to work up an appetite and explore the area with family and friends as you get in the holiday spirit! Check out these must-visit eats in and around Lights at Lafarge. Restaurants Fuel up before you start exploring the festival at one of these tasty Coquitlam eateries. Singapore Hawker Singapore Hawker serves up flavour-packed hawker-style dishes like Mee Goreng (spicy Malaysian-style fried egg noodles with meat and vegetables), Pineapple Fried Rice and a…

Explore by SkyTrain Line November 20, 2023

SkyTrain Snacking: Vending Machines Offer Local Grab-and-Go Meals

You know the feeling when you’re racing to the SkyTrain station on a tight timeline, and your stomach starts to grumble. This summer TransLink partnered with local eateries to install one-of-a-kind vending machines at SkyTrain Stations at selected locations across Metro Vancouver. When you’re literally on-the-go, commuting to and from work, sightseeing, or using fast transit to make it on time to your social events, you need to pick up something to munch on quickly–now what if it could also be fresh, local and tasty as well as fast? Hop onboard with your snack in hand, Translink’s new vending machines are here to help. Look out for these vending machines when you’re en route! Wave Bento by Sushi Mori – Burquitlam, Moody Centre, Lafarge, and Coquitlam Centre Stations Sushi Mori is a Coquitlam-based Japanese fusion eatery. Their vending machines feature 12 items, including sushi, salads, and Asian teas. (Crunch roll,…

Holiday November 16, 2023

Festive Flavours at the Vancouver Christmas Market

The holiday season has officially arrived with the start of the Vancouver Christmas Market, the traditional annual German market opening November 16th, 2023 and running until Christmas Eve. Families can get into the holiday spirit by enjoying live holiday entertainment on the Flying Stage, encouraging kids to roam the market on a Scavenger Hunt or hop aboard the holiday carousel, in between browsing through over 90 artisan huts with unique handcrafted wares. But you haven’t experienced the true joy of the Christmas Market without trying all the delicious baking and comfort foods you’ll only find during the holiday season–it’s a must-visit for festive foodies! Gourmetstrasse–Taste the Season Sample a selection of traditional German and Austrian specialty beverages and a variety of sweet and savoury epicurean delights. Here are our top picks for food and drink vendors to get you started! Drink Glühwein at the Christmas Pyramid An all-time favourite Vancouver…

Westcoast Food Contests November 8, 2023

Win a Weekend Getaway in Coquitlam

Holiday season is just around the corner, and your calendar is probably already filling up with get-togethers with friends, holiday activities for the family, holiday parties, and wrapping up work for the year, not to mention hitting shops in the busiest season to find gifts for all the special people in your life. It’s a hectic season, so don’t forget to schedule in some time to slow down and relax between all the festive fun. Unwind for the weekend and treat yourself to a restful staycation in beautiful Coquitlam this holiday season, one of the best kept secrets of the Lower Mainland! The cooler weather provides the perfect opportunity to slip on your coat and scarf to explore the city, do a little bit of holiday gift shopping, and cozy up indoors enjoying the best of Coquitlam’s culinary scene at local restaurants and cafes. Coquitlam for a Weekend Day 1…

Festivals & Events November 7, 2023

Spice it up in Metro Vancouver! Delicious Indian Dishes for Diwali

Celebrated worldwide, Diwali is the calendar event of the year! Observed by people of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, Diwali also known commonly known as the Festival of Lights, with lights symbolizing “the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Taking place on November 12, 2023 this year, Diwali is a time to clean your place, gather with family and friends, brighten your home with diyas (tiny, clay pot oil lamps that can be lit with a match or holders for tea lights) placed around the house, watch patake (firework displays) illuminate the sky, and share a delicious feast of traditional Indian dishes and sweets with people you care about. Not only does Diwali look and feel magical, but your dhid (stomach) will be celebrating too! Cooking for the big day can be a lot of (unnecessary) work, so here’s a list of where to get delicious Indian eats to honour the…