Megan Halkett, Author at West Coast Food

Sweets October 27, 2016

Where to Try Flavor-Rich Saffron Desserts in Coquitlam

By Anna Black If you’re looking for a unique dessert experience in the Coquitlam area, you may want to give saffron desserts a try. The city offers up a variety of choices for this decadent after dinner treat, enjoyed for its orange-hued, earthy pungent flavor. About Saffron Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the Crocus sativus or saffron crocus. Once considered a luxury item due to its price, it is commonly used today in South Asian, European, and North African cuisine. Common examples of saffron desserts include Persian ice cream, shirini-e keshmeshi (raisin and saffron cookies), harireh (pudding), sohān-e-asali (honey toffee), and gaz (Persian nougat). “Since saffron is a unique and popular spice, our guests love to try any product that contains saffron, and the most enjoyable thing about it is its one of a kind aroma and flavor.” – Bita Askari, General Manager, Urban Gate “Saffron…

Shops & Markets October 21, 2016

Vancouver and The Fraser Valley’s MeatMe: For Mindful Carnivores

by Catherine Dunwoody Although the concept isn’t new, it certainly is timely. Founded by Victor Straatman who recently partnered with Chef Trevor Bird (Top Chef Canada Runner-up, Fable Kitchen, Fable Diner) to create a ‘meat sharing’ company called Meatme. Many consumers want to know where their food comes from, especially when it comes to meat, and increasing awareness of the factory farm industry is driving people to want to purchase meat from farmers who raise their beef ethically and humanely. But how can we be sure when we buy it from a supermarket and the grey area of the elusive middle-man makes it challenging? Enter MeatMe. Operating business from Gastown and North Vancouver plus butchering done in Abbotsford, the company supports BC farmers who raise their cattle right – 100% grass fed, free range, no chemicals or antibiotics, locally sourced Angus beef. Here is how it works: Buy your beef…

Brunch in Metro Vancouver October 20, 2016

Breakfast in a Bookstore at The Fraser Valley’s Fort Langley

By Ashley Lockyer The Fraser River gold rush only lasted from 1858 to 1865, but riches are still found in BC’s Fraser Valley when it comes to breakfast and baked goods (even some gluten-free gold). At Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe you can devour a hearty brunch before you conquer the historic Fort Langley itself – a former Hudson’s Bay trading post – or just sip local coffee and adventure into a novel. You can’t miss the cafe’s saloon-style building in the heart of town. From the sweeping patio bannisters to swinging doors, the cafe is a stronghold for breakfast classics: golden omelettes, pancakes, eggs benedict, and well-seasoned hash browns. The cafe offers a taste of the area alongside the town’s BC heritage. All plates are made from carefully selected ingredients, using products like cage-free eggs, wild salmon, organic flour, and everything is locally sourced as much as possible. Every slice…

European October 19, 2016

You’re One of the Family in Rocco’s Italian Deli in Coquitlam

By Nikki Hillman You’ll know Rocco’s is passionate about supporting local as soon as you enter the store. The seating area is dominated by two, long wooden tables, built by a company directly across the street, who salvaged fallen trees from within the area. These tables foster traditional Italian family dining and, if you’ve visited Italy, you will be familiar with this concept – and Rocco’s is definitely about family. The store is managed by Andy and Jana Mollica (a retired Air Canada employee) and their trusted employee, general manager and chef, Pat Toynbee. Stop by on a weekday afternoon and you could be entertained by their adorable children as they munch on pepperoni sticks from behind the deli glass. Rocco’s opened in August of 2015 and has quickly become the go-to place for coffee, meats, cheeses and treats. Most of the pastries are made in store; try a café…

Farms October 14, 2016

Everything for a Local Feast is Found at The Fowl Farmer in Richmond

By Jaclyn Jularbal Go for a drive into Richmond’s countryside and you’ll find this marvel located just a short distance from the highway. The Fowl Farmer is a family-owned and operated establishment that is the storefront for Mayview and Maybog Farms. Put a face to the people who make your food and drop in for something delicious; the May family are longtime cranberry and antibiotic-free poultry farmers who produce for big names like Ocean Spray and A&W. Meet the Mays The best part about The Fowl Farmer is being able to ask questions. Get curious, chat and ask about poultry or cranberries or any of the other products you see. The May family’s been farming for over 30 years and they can tell you exactly what goes into the food you’re eating. Fresh, Local Products The Fowl Farmer is open year-round, with a wide variety of garden-fresh produce and an…

Wineries September 27, 2016

Pairing History and Fruit Wines at the Fort Wine Co.

By Kathy Mak When it comes to fruit wines, it seems those made from grapes get most of the love. But in the Fraser Valley, wines made from fruit beyond grapes, especially berries, are thriving and rising in popularity. There are nearly as many non-grape fruit wineries as there are grape-based fruit wineries, and it’s easy to see why when there’s a plethora of berry farms in the region. The first berry farm in the Fraser Valley to produce grape-free table and dessert wines was the Fort Wine Co., which started as a cranberry farm. In 2001, their winery opened on the farm and today is one of a dozen wineries, and growing, in the valley dedicated to making berry-driven wines. They are also the only fruit winery in the Fort Langley area. The wine maker, Toby Bowman, takes the lead in producing 10 different fruit wine varieties (5 table…

Farms September 26, 2016

For the Sake of Saké: Local, Artisanal and Sustainable Rice Wine in Metro Vancouver

By Joanne Sasvari If you think sake is a boiling hot beverage that tastes like turpentine, well, you clearly haven’t tasted Masa Shiroki’s handcrafted sakes. Since 2007, when he became Canada’s first producer of premium craft sake, he’s been making rice wines that taste delicately of citrus, apple, pineapple and brioche, with notes of spice and touches of herbaceousness. Not a hint of turpentine anywhere. A couple years after he started producing his Osake brand, Shiroki started growing his own rice in the Fraser Valley, making his rice wine a truly local and sustainable product. Now he’s heading up Vancouver’s first (and, he hopes, annual) Sake Fest. On Sept. 29, 2016, when 21 producers will gather at the Imperial in Chinatown, where they will pour some 100 different types of sake. Kampai! “It’s been a long time coming,” Shiroki says. Sake is a fermented beverage made from rice, water and…

Festivals & Events September 23, 2016

A Historic Paddleboat Dinner Tour on the Fraser River

By Kristi Alexandra It’s one of New Westminster’s most iconic landmarks — the catch is it isn’t always on land. Returning gourmands will be all aboard the Paddlewheeler, the 100-passenger, authentic replica of a sternwheeler that would have worked the mighty Fraser in British Columbia in the mid-19th century and beyond. Part-epicurean and part-history, the dinner cruise, held October 1st, 2016, is a highlight for the second-annual Feast on the Fraser event put on by Tourism New Westminster. Kicking off on Sept. 23, the 10-day Feast on the Fraser festival features locally-inspired menus from participating Royal City restaurants — not the least of which includes the back-by-popular-demand dinner cruise. “While New Westminster is already well known as a food destination in the Lower Mainland, this is a great way to showcase the city’s diverse restaurants – and flavours of the Fraser Valley – in a tasty and creative way,” says…

Festivals & Events September 22, 2016

From Farm to Table and Back Again at Feast of Fields in The Fraser Valley

By Ashley Lockyer Take a gourmet stroll off the beaten path, spend the afternoon with top chefs, and leave filled with stories of food and the people that bring it to life. Local culinary celebrations don’t get bigger than the annual Feast of Fields festival, held this year at Laurica Farm and Fraser Common Farm in Langley. Once you wander through the gates (and past some goats and pigs), British Columbia’s food and beverage artisans await to offer a complete taste of the region. Guests meander between tents and sample dishes that highlight local produce, prepared by more than 50 restaurants, farmers, and beverage crafters. Live music, orchards, and the open sky provide ambiance. Whether you’re into craft beers, ciders, or wines, or are looking for a chance to experience the province’s culinary creativity this “wandering gourmet harvest festival” includes items you won’t find on restaurant menus. And, it’s not…

Family Friendly Dining around Metro Vancouver September 20, 2016

Corn Mazes and Autumn Family Adventure in the Fraser Valley

Photos by Michele Mateus Words by Alexis Baran Goodbye summer heat, hello crisp morning air, vibrant sunsets, giant sweaters, hot apple ciders, and pumpkin spiced everything. Leave the long city shadows for a day and to head where the waning sun lights up expansive golden corn fields. Many of the kind farmers in the Fraser Valley will let you and your family run gleefully through their crop labyrinths – and they also have hot drinks (or cold craft beer depending on where you go), giant trampolines, and many things to climb, drive, and ride. If you are so inclined, they’ll even let you and/or your kids shoot produce out of cannons (yes, there are pumpkin cannons). (A full list of Fraser Valley corn mazes after the photo essay.) Maan Farms Open: August – October Activities: Daytime corn maze, flashlight corn maze (select October dates), haunted corn maze (select October dates),…

Festivals & Events September 19, 2016

Feast on the Fraser River in New Westminster

by Catherine Dunwoody New Westminster’s culinary scene is getting more impressive by the day, and the Feast on the Fraser 10-day festival showcases the bounty of great food grown and produced along the mighty Fraser River. With a different signature event each day, and The Fraser Valley a proud sponsor, Feast on the Fraser ensures that New Westminster local businesses have sourced at least one ingredient from Langley, Abbotsford, or Chilliwack farmers and providers. Kicking off on September 23rd in the River Market, $45 will give you a sampling of tastes for the next 9 days with eateries like Wild Rice Bistro, El Santo, Longtail Kitchen, MATCH Eatery, Tre Galli involved, and your choice of beer or wine from Steel & Oak or Pacific Breeze Winery. Noshing, sipping and live entertainment – think of it as a mini Feast on the Fraser under one roof. If you have time to…

Farms September 13, 2016

A Trip to Milner Valley Cheese in Langley: Proof That Farming Evolves

By Nikki Hillman Every Sunday, when I was younger, my family would take the car for a drive. There was usually a rough idea of where we were going to explore; sometimes it was a new neighborhood with half-finished homes for us to wander through or sometimes it was just a drive through the farm areas of Maple Ridge, Langley or Abbotsford. Now that my children are old enough to be on their own, we’ve also started to take Sunday drives but I like to have a destination, and for this trip I chose Milner Valley Cheese. I’d read about them online and I was intrigued by the idea of goat’s milk gelato. I was also surprised to find out that while goat’s milk contains lactose it doesn’t contain a certain type of protein found in cow’s milk. This protein can be what lactose intolerant people are allergic to and…

Shops & Markets September 7, 2016

Gorge Your Global Palate at New Westminster’s River Market

By Kristi Alexandra The River Market is thriving with multicultural cuisines, and really is a bon marché of sorts. From Hainanese poultry to European sweet treats, the River Market is a hot bed of gastronomic discovery, so you can live the life of a travelling gourmand without the pricey plane ticket. Bon appetite… or should we say bon voyage? Italian Aa a country built on its reputation for personal pleasure, it’s no secret Italians pride themselves on their indulgences. Those “indulgences” include fine cheeses, cured meats and, of course, gelato. Grab a made-to-order Italian sandwich at the La Grotta Del Formaggio’s deli counter inside Donald’s Market, along with some plum olives, and enjoy it as a picnic at the adjacent Pier Park. A scoop of Tre Galli Gelato’s homemade lemon gelato in a waffle cone will transport your tastebuds to Florence. Thai Fitting that traditional Thai coastal cuisine should be…

Farms September 6, 2016

A Sweet Experience at The Honeybee Centre in Surrey

By Lenée Son Located in the agricultural centre of Surrey, 20 minutes from the USA border, the Honeybee Centre is buzzing with things to do and eat. As a commercial honey farm, the Centre produces their own natural honey which you can taste and purchase at their Country Store. They also have a Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the amazing world of the honeybee through a tour or beekeeping course. Their latest creation, Fry’s Corner Beestro, offers a divine dining experience in a modern greenhouse dining room. Whether you are a honey connoisseur, a beekeeping aficionado, or you are looking for an educational activity to bond over with your little ones, The Honeybee Centre has something for you. Fry’s Corner Beestro Indulge in a decadent honey inspired menu at the Honeybee Centre’s Fry’s Corner Beestro, a revamped modern greenhouse turned bistro. A favourite on their seasonal menu is…

Festivals & Events September 2, 2016

Save your Breath for the 2016 Chilliwack Garlic Festival

By Anna Black This year’s Chilliwack Garlic Festival, now in its sixth year, is being dubbed by organizers as being “bigger, smellier, and more rockn’ than ever!” Featuring local vendors, food trucks (such as GQ, Bannock Wagon, Teriyaki Boys, Lenny’s Lemonade), music, events, a beer and wine garden, kids zone, and of course garlic, the festival takes place September 17th and 18th at Fantasy Farms in Chilliwack. Featured performers at this year’s festival include Steve “Elvis Elite” Elliott, Cambree Lovesy, Magpie, The Outdoor Poets, The Dusty Aces, Lb4Lb, and more. There will be a busking and main stages. New to the Chilliwack Garlic Festival this year is the addition of two Fantasy Farms chili cook-offs in support of Chilliwack Community Services’ Christmas sharing program. Open to both amateur and professional chili cooks, the first event is sanctioned by The Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), a non-profit that raises money for local charities by promoting American red chili. Cooks…

Festivals & Events August 30, 2016

BBQ Off the Bypass Sizzles in Langley

By Catherine Dunwoody September 11th should be a fun day when the annual BBQ Off the Bypass competition returns for its 11th year, and includes the Great BC Bake-Off. Free to attend, but with admission donations much appreciated in support of this year’s charitable partner, Tiny Kittens, the event is family-friendly. Teams of BBQ-skilled folks from BC and Saskatchewan, plus our neighbors in the USA including Washington State and Montana, compete for the grand prize of $5,000. That winner qualifies then to compete in the Jack Daniels World BBQ Championships in Tennessee, and the American Royal BBQ in Kansas City. The audience attending gets to reap the rewards right off the grill, sampling slow-cooked meat and vibing to live music. Lover of good Southern-style BBQ? Get ready to witness grill masters show off their culinary talents in the categories of chicken, brisket, ribs, and pork. Returning for its 7th year…

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories August 29, 2016

Boy With A Knife Carves A Niche In Richmond

by Catherine Dunwoody Here’s some insider’s intel you’ll want to get in on. One of Vancouver’s most sought after catering companies has opened a restaurant in Richmond. Yep, located just on the other side of Knight Street near IKEA, in the business area, Boy With A Knife Catering is serving up lunch – and locals couldn’t be happier. The 55-person full service restaurant has a licensed patio and a grab ‘n go deli serving soups and grilled sandwiches, espresso and pastries. If you’ve ever attended a wedding, corporate event, or party catered by these ‘boys’ – you know how skilled owners Chef Brandon Dac and Sean Fay are. I chatted with Sean recently about their new venture. CD: Tell me about your background, for starters. SF: The business came about pretty organically. Brandon was working for a catering company in the city and I was working a corporate job in…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver August 25, 2016

Eat Well on the Cheap: Five Combos under $15 in New Westminster

By Kristi Alexandra Often hailed by locals as the future “little Brooklyn” to Vancouver’s NYC, Downtown New Westminster has undergone significant revitalization in the past few years. Along with it came a new shopping centre, Shops at New West, located right inside the New Westminster Sky Train Station. The transit hub — populated by shops, restaurants and even a movie theatre — has become its own culinary destination, with a plethora of regional cuisines to choose from. We took a trip to the Shops at New West to bring you five food pairings on offer for under $15. Four Tacos & Café Mexicano at Originals Restaurante Mexicano (Pictured above.) For $11.50, Original’s Restaurante Mexicano offers up four traditional-style tacos. You can mix and match your flavours from nine options, including pastor (pineapple marinated pork), Baja Fish (chipotle-crusted tilapia with cilantro and avocado), barbacoa (lamb) and lengua (beef tongue). We washed…

Farms August 23, 2016

Small Batch Hand-Crafted Sips from Fraser Valley Cider Co.

By Catherine Dunwoody Owner Rachel Bolongaro was a chemical engineer for 20 years in Switzerland at a pharmaceutical company, which she claims was “quite useful,” when it comes to running her Fraser Valley Cider business. “I figured that if I could do that I could probably whip up a batch of cider,” she laughs, “I’ve always been a home brewer/winemaker and I decided to take this idea further and start my own cidery.” “There are cideries in the Okanagan and on the Island but nothing here on the Lower Mainland. My engineering training has been invaluable when it came to project managing the construction of the cidery and navigating the regulations and permitting requirements,” she says. “We’ve also been able to engineer most of our own equipment which has saved us considerable amounts in our set up costs. And of course when something goes wrong its super-fun to roll up my…

Craft Beer in Metro Vancouver August 19, 2016

Ascot Beer Cocktails in Vancouver Put a Bit of Class in Your Glass

By Catherine Dunwoody “Put a bit of class in your glass,” so say the creators of Ascot Beer Cocktail Company – a unique new collection of beer cocktails using fresh, natural ingredients that offer the sophistication of a cocktail – as easy as cracking a cold beer. Well known in Vancouver’s bar scene, Nick Devine is the creator of the brand; starting out behind the bar in the famous horseracing town of Ascot (hence the name), then on to tend bars in London and San Francisco, until settling in Vancouver. Here he won Vancouver Magazine’s Bartender of the Year. A partner in Vancouver’s Cascade Company, which owns The Cascade Room, El Camino’s, The Union, Charlie’s Little Italian, as well as Main Street Brewing, Devine, is skilled in designing cocktails for a variety of tastes. “I set out to try bottling liquor-based cocktails years ago, but stalled after encountering logistical problems,”…

Festivals & Events August 16, 2016

Langley’s Fork & Finger Foodie Event

by Catherine Dunwoody Summer in downtown Langley just got even better, especially for food aficionados. On August 27 11am-4pm, downtown Langley’s best restaurants gather in McBurney Plaza featuring exciting demonstrations by local chefs and live music performances to set the tone. Featured culinary on-stage demos like summer grilling, al fresco entertaining, and paella with Chef John Walls are not to be missed. Here’s how it works: you pick up your Fork & Finger Passport in McBurney Plaza, and then collect Passport stamps by visiting participating restaurants to purchase a $5 Sampler. Return completed passports to McBurney Plaza and be entered to win over $1000 Downtown Dollars. Some foodie samplers to whet your appetite? How does gelato with your choice of flavoured olive oil and Maldon sea salt from All of Oils sound? Or a crispy rice lettuce wrap with cured pork, shredded coconut from Naka Bistro Lao & Thai Cuisine?…

Shops & Markets August 11, 2016

Meet the Kidpreneur Behind Rebel Pops – Sold at Metro Vancouver Farmers Markets

By Kathy Mak When most kids are playing and vacationing during their summer break, Jonah Daniels is pursuing his dream of building and running his artisan food business. He is the precocious 13-year-old founder and kidpreneur behind Rebel Pops which are 100% all natural, healthy, homemade, whole fruit popsicles or ice pops made from the finest organic and wild ingredients that are mostly harvested by Jonah and his family. His Rebel team of five family members, based in the Lower Mainland, includes his mom, Roxayn, (ice pops designer) and dad, Jamey. Now in his 3rd year of business, Jonah’s company produces and sells over 80 licklicious handcrafted popsicle flavours. They are primarily sold at the White Rock Farmers Market, Granville Island Farmers Market, and a few other markets from early spring to fall, and are also available for special or custom orders. Rebel Pops are $3.50 for individual ice pops…

Sweets August 10, 2016

Learn how to Pair a Pie at Hilltop Cafe in Langley

By Ashley Lockyer “Decide on a pie, yet?” A voice sings the question while the coffee is topped up. I’m on my second fork-full of an omelette at Hilltop Cafe in Langley, BC. Pie pushing at 8:30am might seem odd elsewhere but here there’s one for every occasion, including breakfast. Despite a sign that has read “home of famous pies” since 1950, slices had been going out of style at Hilltop Cafe for decades. When sisters Andrea Zaiser and Sandy Parley took over in 2011, it became their mission to bring back the pies! It’s been a hit, drawing people far and wide and has even started a food trend for wedding pie instead of cake. These sisters pair pies with meals like sommeliers pair wines with cheese. Andrea offered some advice on what to try when you stop by. What’s best for breakfast? After a hearty, savoury breakfast satisfy…

Coquitlam August 9, 2016

Catch Some Rays at Coquitlam’s Outdoor Patios

By Sheliza Mitha & The City of Coquitlam Whether you’re interested in people watching or simply soaking up some sun, dining al fresco has never been easier or more enjoyable with Coquitlam’s outdoor restaurant patios. All you have to do is settle in, order a cool drink and figure out what to order. Where to go? Here’s a list of some of the city’s best patios for dining and relaxing outdoors: Browns Socialhouse Town Centre Nestled behind Coquitlam Centre, this Brown’s restaurant sits along Glen Drive and presents a perfect opportunity to people watch while enjoying the bustling ambiance and friendly service. #120 – 2950 Glen Drive 604.474.3255 Cactus Club Coquitlam Featuring a generous patio, Cactus Club Coquitlam makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors while still being close to the city’s entertainment district (the Hard Rock Casino and SilverCity Coquitlam are just a few minutes away). #110 – 101…

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver August 4, 2016

Elegant and Intoxicating: An Ode to Classic Cocktails in Vancouver

By Sonu Purhar Fancy infusions, liquid nitrogen and inventive ice… these days, it’s par for the course to find your coupe filled with a (damn delicious) work of art – but let’s not forget from whence they came. Yes, I’m talking about The Classic Cocktail. As with any historical certainty, no one is certain when and where the cocktail originated. What we can agree on is that these stimulating brews traditionally consisted of spirits, sugar and bitters. By the mid-1800s, liqueur had joined as the fourth horseman. And shortly thereafter, the first genuine “cocktails” were born, including our friends the Sazerac, Old Fashioned and Manhattan. If it weren’t for these forerunners, you’d be sipping on bitter bathtub gin. But even now, centuries later, it’s surprisingly difficult to find a really good classic cocktail. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t easy to make. And that’s reason #562 Vancouver is the best…

Shops & Markets August 4, 2016

White Rock Farmers Market: A Hub for Lower Mainland Growers and Vendors

By Nikki Hillman According to the BC Farmers Market Association, White Rock Farmers Market is the “best large market in B.C.” and once you visit, it’s pretty clear the title is well deserved. While there are the regular items on display such as fresh fruit and vegetables from local farms, artisanal treats, and jewelry, this farmers market offers something a little different. We parked the car on a quiet side street, just a block down from Johnston Ave, and wandered up to the market. As we walked we were serenaded by live music broadcast from an area we couldn’t see and yet it was like the sirens of the ocean calling us. I decided to check out the “T” part of the layout of the market and in the process, my husband went off on his own. At first, it was overwhelming to step into the hub bub, but as…

Festivals & Events August 3, 2016

Giant Food Truck Fest: Columbia StrEAT 2016 in New Westminster

By Kristi Alexandra Quickly reclaiming its reputation as an epicurean locale, New Westminster is set to host North America’s largest food truck fest. Hosting 90 food trucks, 24 shaded patios and six beer gardens, the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest promises to dish out a full-day of chow, drinks and entertainment in the heart of New Westminster’s downtown area. Playing on its tongue-twister of a title and the nature of the foodie affair, the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest is operating under the tagline, “it’s a mouthful,” which will also serve as the event’s social media hashtag #itsamouthful. Now in its fourth iteration, this year’s event cordons off Columbia Street on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 4 to 10 p.m. — and it’s as big as it can possibly get. “This year we’re at 90 [trucks], and it’s basically only because that’s as big as the street is. There wasn’t anywhere…

Recipes July 27, 2016

Recipe: Screaming Banshee Irish Cream Stout Cupcakes

By Old Yale Brewing Co. in the Fraser Valley Looking for the perfect beer cupcake recipe? Well, look no further! Introducing Screaming Banshee Beer Cupcakes. These little guys are quick and easy to make, and taste like heaven on earth. INGREDIENTS Screaming Banshee Irish Cream Stout (1 cup) Butter (1/2 cup) Cocoa (3/4 cup) Sugar (2 cups) Sour cream (3/4 cup) Eggs (2) Vanilla (1 tbsp.) Flour (2 cups) Baking soda (2 1/2 tsp.) DIRECTIONS 1. Melt Screaming Banshee + butter in a saucepan over medium/low heat 2. Whisk in cocoa + sugar and remove from heat 3. In a separate bowl, beat sour cream, eggs and vanilla 4. Pour step 3 mixture into Screaming Banshee / butter mixture from step 1 5. Whisk in flour + baking soda 6. Fill muffin tin with cupcake liners & fill each liner 3/4 full with cupcake mixture 7. Bake for 15 mins…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver July 26, 2016

17 Stops to Eat Your Way Around Vancouver’s Seawall

By Joyce Chua of Vancouver Foodie Tours Ask anyone, biking Vancouver’s picturesque seawall is an absolute must-do. Stretching 28 kilometres (about 17.5 miles) long, biking the seawall is a fun and leisurely way to take in the beautiful West Coast scenery. A lesser-known secret? Biking is just half the fun…you’ve got to EAT your way around the seawall for the full Vancouver experience! For a bite here, a craft beer there, there isn’t a stretch of the seawall without something to devour. So, hop that bike and start your appetite. Here are 17 stops to eat your way around the seawall: Kits Beach Local Public Eatery A legendary watering hole for a day at the beach. Nachos, Fish Tacos, Tuna Club sandwiches, craft beers, lucky lemonades and all the usual suspects. Viva Fine Foods & Bakery For a quick bite and a killer mocha. Granville Island Go Fish at Fisherman’s…

Farms July 20, 2016

Richmond’s Young Farmers Grow Fresh Niche Asian Produce

by Winnie Tam We were all asked this once: what do you want to be when you grow up? In addition to the usual answers of astronaut, doctor and marine biologist, young people in the Lower Mainland are increasingly considering an alternative profession – farmer. The trend can be attributed to a variety of factors. Some are tired of the nine-to-five grind and want to look for a job that puts them more in touch with nature. Others are motivated by their heightened food literacy and concerns about the global food system. Then there are those who want to shed themselves of technological clutter and return to simpler vocations. Whatever the reason, the demand for knowledge is definitely there, as Kwantlen Polytechnic University runs a popular 10-month program – the Richmond Farm School – that teaches students the skills to engage in small-scale agriculture. Some of the students have gone…