Megan Halkett, Author at West Coast Food

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories October 30, 2023

The Pie Hole Comes to Langley

The Pie Hole, Jenell Parsons’ beloved Vancouver and Burnaby-based cafe, has expanded to Langley. Parsons founded the Pie Hole in 2011, starting with farmer’s markets and pop-ups before expanding to a brick and mortar location in 2017. In 2020, she published You Wanna Piece In Me?, a best-selling cookbook with over 100 recipes, tips and tricks. Setting up shop in what was previously The Pinkavo Cafe on the Fraser Highway one-way, The Pie Hole opened three days before Thanksgiving to enthusiastic, sweet-toothed customers. Serving up their famous classics like Raspberry Cream Crumble, seasonal favourites, half-pound cookies, and the Pie Hole’s own coffee, Parsons’ family business has already earned the trust of the Langley community, with regulars piling in on the daily. I sat down with Parsons to learn more about the Pie Hole’s brand new location. Tell me about what inspired you to start baking pies? JP: For me, pie…

Adult Beverages in Metro Vancouver October 25, 2023

Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week is Back!

Cheers to the return of the iconic Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week! From November 2nd – 14th, 2023, the festival is serving up daily showcase events at local craft breweries in the Shipyards District. This year’s Craft Beer Week features events from 10 North Shore Breweries, 1 Distillery and 1 Cidery, featuring music, limited edition beers and drinks, food pop-ups, games, and prizes. Get your game on and munch on delicious dumplings alongside your ale with an all-day Dim Sum & Pac Man Competition at Streetcar Brewing, tap into your competitive spirit with a good old fashioned bar Trivia Night at Windfall Cider or release your inner warrior with axe-throwing and stein holding for Viking Day at Braggot Brewing. That’s just a taste of what’s on the schedule for Craft Beer Week! Check out the full list of Signature Craft Beer Week Events here. The Launch Party at The…

Festivals & Events October 23, 2023

November Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

The cold weather is here and so are cozy indoor activities and hearty, warming delights at food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. North Shore Craft Beer Week, November 2 – 14 This week has the cure for what ales you (pun intended!) Sample suds from the finest craft breweries on Vancouver’s North Shore which kicks off with an amazing evening at their launch party on November 2nd in the Historic Shipyards District with food trucks, live entertainment, prizes and games! DJs and all day happy hours to dim sum and Pacman, North Shore breweries (and a local cidery and distillery) are offering their best and most inventive drinks, food, and live entertainment in their taprooms from November 3rd to 14th. Check festival for brewery event schedule, how to collect points for prizes with the BC Ale Trail, and for event and ticket information for the…

Farms October 18, 2023

Visiting Eagle Acres is the Perfect Treat for Fall

It’s getting close to Halloween, and for trick or treaters (and adults), Eagle Acres is a spectacular treat for spooky season. Make the trip out to the farm and you’ll find an inviting family pumpkin patch, and cute farm animals like sheep and goats who just love getting a little attention and are looking to be pet. Eagle Acres’ Erin Anderson, the main family farmhand, talked to us about sustainable farming and adding fall fun to the fields with a pumpkin patch. By Avneet Takhar It’s a family affair at Eagle Acres. Could you tell us more about the farm and its history? Brian (my partner) and I started our farm nearly 25 years ago. We were a small dairy farm with the goal to educate children about where their milk comes from. We quickly learned that we needed to educate people of all ages—not just the youth. The internet…

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories October 15, 2023

Chocolate All Day: First Cookbook from Temper Chocolate’s Steve Hodge

Chocolatier, pâtissier, Food Network Canada host and owner of West Vancouver’s Temper Chocolate & Pastry dishes about the newest addition to his impressive list of titles—Cookbook Author. by Catherine Dunwoody Congrats on your new cookbook! What can you tell us about it? Chocolate All Day launches on October 17th, and it’s the bake book you’ve been waiting for, with over 100 rich, delicious, recipes for baking with chocolate all day long. How long have you been a judge on Food Network Canada’s Great Chocolate Showdown? We will be airing season 4 soon, and it’s also on the CW in the USA. What was your goal in writing your first cookbook? I wanted to take the intimidation out of working with chocolate, and I’ve meticulously tested these recipes so people can make these amazing creations on their own at home. Do you have a favourite recipe? I like a lot of them, but…

Westcoast Food Contests October 5, 2023

Win a Fall Foodie Staycation Weekend in Langley City!

Discover cozy cafes and restaurants and taste the highlights of a West Coast harvest season amidst a glorious landscape of changing colours in one of Metro Vancouver’s best-loved local getaways this autumn–Langley City! ‘Fall’ for the season with a weekend staycation in Langley City, with a prize package including a one night stay at Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre and gift cards totalling $250 to spend at 5 local restaurants–check out the weekend itinerary below! A Weekend in Langley City Day 1 Make Egg Bomb your first stop for a day of dining and exploring. Their extensive list of specialty coffees is the perfect compliment to their famous breakfast to lunch fare–this place is the bomb in more ways than one! Address: 301-20300 Fraser Highway Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, lace up your walking shoes and wander through one the idyllic trails at Sendall Gardens, one…

Recipes October 4, 2023

Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cake by Steven Hodge

Not only is this one of the easiest cakes to make, it’s also gluten-free, which means just about everyone can enjoy it. By Steven Hodge I was first introduced to this cake by chef Gianni Picchi while working in an Italian restaurant early in my career. Gianni is retired now, but we still meet weekly for coffee at my pastry shop. This cake is full of chocolate flavour and is super moist. It’s best served warm (not hot) with a dusting of icing sugar, but you can’t go wrong if you add vanilla ice cream, crème anglaise or whipped cream instead. STEVE HODGE’S FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE Makes one 9-inch cake Prep Time: 14 minutes Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes INGREDIENTS 10 oz (280 g) dark chocolate, chopped ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature 2 tablespoons + ¼ cup (75 g) granulated sugar, divided 5 large eggs, room temperature METHOD Preheat the oven…

Farms September 28, 2023

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in Surrey

When it comes to outdoor activities to get you into the spirit of the changing seasons, it doesn’t get much more autumnal than than pumpkin patches and corn mazes. by Catherine Dunwoody Fall is most definitely here, and getting lost in a zigzagging corn maze or choosing which big orange beauty to take with you from a pumpkin patch is part of the fun when it comes to living in or visiting Metro Vancouver, especially in Surrey. The city boasts 3 different mazes and patches, each unique and fun for the entire family. The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch – Surrey The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch (aka Gabriel Farms) is open throughout October and offers all the autumn fun you can handle. Open on weekends starting September 23, 10 am to 5 pm, you can partake in a petting zoo, wagon rides, a mini corn maze, face painting, and a concession. U-pick pumpkins…

Recipes September 26, 2023

Recipe: Miso Vegetable Barley Soup

By Flourist Bakery This soup features purple barley from Shelley and Tony at Against The Grain Farm in Ontario. The barley is pre-cooked in this recipe and adds just the right amount of chew. INGREDIENTS Dry organic purple barley (1/2 cup) Butter (2 tbsp) Olive oil (2 tbsp) Salt (1 tsp) White onion, chopped (1 large) Celery, sliced into half-moons (2 stalks) Carrots, peeled, halved, and sliced (2 medium) Garlic cloves, minced (1-2) Whole peeled tomatoes (1 large can (2oz. or 798g) Had green cabbage, thinly sliced (4 cups chopped/1/4 large) Kale, stemmed and chopped (1 bunch) Vegetable Broth (4 cups -1 litre) Dry or fresh parsley (1 tbsp) Honey (1 tbsp) Dark miso (1/3 cup) More salt to taste Black pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS First, cook the dry barley in plenty of water (about 8 cups) according to the directions for Farro here. The barley should be ready in about…

Festivals & Events September 22, 2023

October Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Fall has arrived, and with it harvest season brings a cornucopia of new food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Flavours of Fall, October 1 Sample autumn-inspired treats from local and international vendors while perusing local artisan crafts at Flavours of Fall–an international art, craft and food fair presented by BC Culture Days. Pacific Arts Market, 1450 West Broadway Vancouver Cooking with Fred Soofi, October 1 Join Chef Fred Soofi from Pasta Polo on a walking tour of the Coquitlam Farmers Market, shopping for fresh local ingredients to prepare into a delicious three course meal right at the market. Check event for details. 1655 Winslow Avenue Coquitlam Langley Cranberry Festival, October 7 The annual Langley Cranberry Festival is back–and it’s going to be a “berry” good time! A grassroots event that’s been growing since ‘95, the festival celebrates local goods and the history of the cranberry…

Festivals & Events September 19, 2023

Let’s Talk Mid-Autumn Festival (and Moon Cakes)

Around this time every year, Richmond grocery stores and bakeries are filled with towers of small, round cakes in fancy boxes and festive packaging. This is because we’re approaching the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important annual festivals in Chinese culture, right after Chinese New Year. Celebrated among people from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan, the Mid-Autumn Festival is typically celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month every year. This year, it lands on September 29th. By VisitRichmondBC.com What is the Mid-Autumn Festival? The Mid-Autumn Festival is always celebrated on a day that coincides with a full moon. Ancient Chinese emperors worshipped the sun in the spring and moon in autumn, as they believed that the practice would bring them a plentiful harvest the next year. The practice entailed placing a large table in the middle of the yard…

Cafés in Metro Vancouver September 15, 2023

New Autumn Pastries At Burnaby’s Mon Paris Pâtisserie

Paris-trained pastry Chef Elena Krasnova’s French pastry shop in Burnaby has been our go-to for delectable treats for years now. As with any true artist, inspiration comes from many sources, and the recent new offerings at Mon Paris Pâtisserie are inspired by Chef Krasnova’s recent travels. By Catherine Dunwoody Impressed by the abundant, fragrant, fresh lemons on Elena’s annual trip to Menton in the South of France, Elena could not resist creating a Lemon Meringue Croissant that is available only on weekends. Lemon trees dot the landscape in the South of France and are sold in markets and stands on every street corner. Celebrating the citrus fruit that Elena, and her eager customers love seemed like an obvious choice. “The aroma of sun-drenched fruit filled the air in this charming seaside town. As I wandered through the narrow stone streets, I encountered citron de Menton in various forms, from whole…

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver September 12, 2023

Copperpenny Distilling: Local North Vancouver Favourite, Global Winner

Located in the heart of Shipyard’s Brewing District on Esplanade, Copperpenny Distilling stands out not only for its tantalizing and zesty gins, but also for the master medals they’ve received! By Avneet Takhar Having started up in 2021, Copperpenny Distilling has had a steady upward trajectory of success. In midst of the pandemic, they got creative and started their own line of craft hand sanitizers, and had a vendor stand at Lonsdale Artisan Farmers Market. But it was a year later that owners, Jennifer Kom-Tong and Jan Stenc began to really reap the rewards of their hard work. They officially opened the distillery just after Christmas. This came complete with a tasting room and bar seats to sip cocktails and enjoy gin oysters with, in partnership with Fanny Bay Oyster Company. And they also happened to be awarded with: Global Gin Masters 2022 by the Spirits Business (presented in London,…

Recipes August 28, 2023

Recipe: The Provence Cocktail from Copperpenny Distilling

As the sun starts to set a little earlier and nights become cooler, it’s time to make the most of those last patio days. The end of the season calls for delicate floral notes and a splash of citrus. Send off the summer with The Provence, a beautiful gin-based cocktail courtesy of the award-winning Copperpenny Distilling in North Vancouver. RECIPE Ingredients 1.5 oz Copperpenny Gin No. 005 1oz Copperpenny Provence syrup 120 ml Fever-Tree premium Indian tonic Pink peppercorns Spring of lavender Grapefruit Edible flower (for garnish) Instructions Add the gin and syrup to a balloon glass Stir well, fill with ice and top with Fever Tree tonic Garnish and enjoy The Provence Syrup is made in-house by Copperpenny with fresh grapefruit, French lavender and sweetened with pure cane sugar. It can be purchased at the location (and online very soon!). If you get the chance, we recommend you try…

Festivals & Events August 23, 2023

September Foodie Events In Metro Vancouver

There are lots of food and drink events to *fall* for this month in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Shipyards Food Tour, September 1 Starting with a scenic SeaBus ride from Vancouver’s Waterfront Station to Vancouver’s North Shore, experience the vibrant foodie scene in North Vancouver’s award-winning Shipyard’s District in a guided tour featuring local delicacies, BC craft beer and cider, Okanagan wine, and the history of the area. Runs from 2 PM – 4:30 PM, book in advance. 125 Victory Ship Way (tour starts at Waterfront Station in Vancouver) North Vancouver Charcuterie on the Pier, September 2 Showcasing the seaside community around White Rock Pier, Charcuterie on the Pier attempts to break the Guinness World Record with a 500 foot long charcuterie board, with net proceeds benefiting the food bank and local charities. Running from 2 PM – 8 PM. Three tiers of ticket available, check site for…

Recipes August 15, 2023

Recipe: La Radice Dell’Estate Cocktail from Bar Corso

A cocktail designed for savouring the last days of summer, Bar Corso on the Drive’s La Radice Dell’Estate Cocktail is sunshine in a glass, with a touch of nut hinting at the change in season to come. The La Radice Dell’Estate is a pisco, brandy and rum-based cocktail with vibrant notes of lime, pineapple and sassafras to enhance the tropical taste – and help you soak in the sun at the end of a warm day (or season.) Recipe by Bar Corso bartender Taylor Gardiner INGREDIENTS: 0.75 oz pisco 0.75 oz plantation pineapple rum 0.5 oz vecchia romagna 0.75 oz lime 0.75 oz pineapple sassafras syrup Dash black walnut bitters INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all ingredients Shake and double strain into a coupe glass Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel About Bar Corso Serving up Italian-inspired dishes from local ingredients, Bar Corso is a cozy and casual local gem in the heart of Vancouver’s Little Italy. The menu…

Richmond August 9, 2023

Win a Foodie Staycation in Richmond!

The end of summer is in sight, but there’s still time to fit in an extra staycation (or two!) before it’s officially fall. The great thing about a staycation? You don’t need to worry about planning a road trip or finding a flight deal. Instead, kick back and make the most of the last days of summer by exploring the tourist highlights and exciting dining options in your own backyard in Richmond—one of the Lower Mainland’s most exciting and diverse culinary neighbourhoods. Staycation sounds good right? This month you have the chance to win a Foodie Staycation in Richmond from West Coast Food, including an overnight stay at River Rock Casino Resort, $100 gift card to Bruno restaurant, and a Richmond Night Market zoom pass (includes 5 entries and fast lane entrance.) River Rock Casino Resort Situated alongside the scenic Fraser River and conveniently next to the Bridgeport Canada Line Skytrain station…

Craft Beer in Metro Vancouver August 8, 2023

Nominate the Best Brewery Experience on BC Ale Trail!

What’s your go-to brewery when you want to gather with your besties, or even just grab a beer on your own? Whether it’s a killer trivia night, incredible staff, or even just a seat on the patio that seems to have your name on it, our favourite spots to enjoy a cold one have as much to do with the atmosphere as what’s on tap. It’s time to show your appreciation for your favourite spot by nominating your favourite brewery for the 6th Annual Award for Best Brewery Experience on the BC Ale Trail! The Best Brewery Experience Award The Best Brewery Experience Award is about more than just the beer, it’s about all the reasons you love it there, from ambience to local flavour. That’s the BC craft brewery experience! Past winners include: Camp Beer Co. in Langley (2022) R&B Brewing in Vancouver (2021) Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni…

Festivals & Events August 3, 2023

Catch the Magical Fort Langley Night Market in August

We look forward to Friday nights even more than ever, with Fort Langley’s popular Night Market in full swing this month. By Catherine Dunwoody Every Friday evening from 5 – 10 PM in August, 40 local vendors gather to sell their wares at the Fort Langley Night Market, promising an evening of summer fun. Shop for wearables and cute stuff for your home from local designers, grab a bite from one of the food trucks, including local craft beer, wine, cider, and cocktails. Live music? Yes please! This market is a shopping, eating, and drinking party and the vibe only gets better with live tunes from local BC artists. Must-Visit Vendors Vendors worth checking out are plentiful, including Dirty Bird Jewellery design with their affordable pieces in silver and gold. Darn Right Foods bakes up gluten free, sugar free and vegan goodies, while Lumière Leslie Candles (a husband and wife owned…

Craft Beer in Metro Vancouver August 1, 2023

North Vancouver’s La Cervecería Astilleros Lime Lager Wins Canadian Brewing Award

The El Valle Salado Salted Lime Lager from North Vancouver brewery La Cervecería Astilleros tastes like gold (a gold winner to be exact!) The El Valle Salado Salted Lime Lager, which translates to “Shipyards Brewery” in Spanish, was announced as the gold winner in the herb and spice beer category at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards, announced at the end of June. By Marisa Chandler La Cervecería Astilleros Nestled among the local breweries in the North Shore’s brewery row (officially known as the Shipyards Brewery District) La Cervecería Astilleros opened for business at the end of 2020 and quickly earned a reputation as a local hot spot dishing up classic Mexican fare like tacos and burritos (or just nachos for table if you need a light snack) alongside their creative craft beers. This isn’t Cervecería Astilleros’ first time in the running for an award, last year they nabbed second place…

Vegetarian & Vegan July 31, 2023

Vegan Ice Cream You Need to Try in Metro Vancouver

By Sonu Purhar Nothing beats a creamy cold treat on a hot summer day – but unfortunately for us vegan and non-dairy folks, options are often limited. Sure, we can wander into an ice cream parlour with a hypnotizing array of flavours, but something in us dies a little when we spot the sad collection of ice crystal-studded sorbets in the corner. So, we’ve uncovered seven spots all around Metro Vancouver that churn genuinely delicious, adventurously flavoured vegan ice cream – nary a sad sorbet in sight. Enjoy! Earnest Ice Cream – North Vancouver 127 West 1st Street, North Vancouver and other locations Earnest’s popular small-batch ice cream holds distinction for selling out at farmers’ markets even in the dead of winter. The shops feature a dazzling array of vegan flavours that will fool even the stoutest dairy fan. Try the Strawberry Toasted Coconut, a tropical delight incorporating organic strawberry…

New Westminster July 31, 2023

The Tannenbaum’s Mira Mendes Talks Beer and Bratwurst

If you have not checked out German/Bavarian restaurant Tannenbaum in New Westminster since it opened in spring of 2023, it’s time. The busy, bustling vibe and full tables are every indication that this new hotspot is a breath of fresh air, and very welcome in the Greater Vancouver area. An unexpected plus? Vegetarian and gluten-free options are on the menu. I sat down with owner Mira Mendes to chat about schnitzel, German beer, and her favourite dessert. By Catherine Dunwoody Hi Mira, thanks for chatting with us. Your food is delicious, your room is cozy, and we would love to know more about your background. What can you tell us? I was trained in the service and hospitality industry in Germany. I went to Hospitality School and lived there for 13 years where I learned all my recipes and cooking skills. Moving to Canada, my first job was at the Alpen Haus…

Festivals & Events July 21, 2023

August Foodie Events In Metro Vancouver

Get outside and enjoy the last days of summer by diving into food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Powell Street Festival, Vancouver – August 5 – 6 A long-running celebration of Japanese Canadian culture taking place on the BC Day long weekend Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian area, Paueru Gai (known as the Downtown Eastside today.) Enjoy live music, cultural activities and performances, and delicious Japanese festival food. Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street Vancouver Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days, White Rock – August 5 – 6 Sea Fest, as its known by locals, takes place on the BC Day long weekend. Attracting tons of visitors, you won’t want to miss the artisan market and delicious salmon barbecue, alongside live local performers on the main stage, Pirates in the Park and young local talent competing in White Rock’s Got Talent. Memorial Park (White Rock Pier, by the…

Farms July 18, 2023

The Edible Garden Project: A North Vancouver Community Hub

The Edible Garden Project, an urban farming initiative in North Vancouver, believes in cultivating both crops and community. Firmly sowing the seeds of an impact-driven existence, as the project flourishes (along with the produce!), we got into the roots of what The Edible Garden Project is all about in an in-depth chat with Becka Nathan, their Program Coordinator. By Avneet Takhar If you had to describe what The Edible Garden Project is in 5 words, what would they be? Community, connection, empowerment, fresh, dynamic. The EGP is based on urban farming – what’s the difference between urban and traditional farming? Urban farming uses many similar methods as what we’d think of as traditional farming; however, as it is usually on a much smaller physical scale we are more likely to grow a mixture of crops that complement each other and can change quickly throughout the season as we rotate through our…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver July 17, 2023

Michelin Guide adds 10 new Vancouver restaurants

The Michelin Guide is getting ready to reveal its full list of starred and recommended dining spots around Vancouver this fall, but in a sneak peek of what’s to come they just dropped a 10 new additions to the Vancouver listings on Thursday July 13th, 2023. Check out the must-try restaurants that made the list! Who’s New on the Vancouver Michelin Guide Archer – Vancouver In the heart of downtown among a row of designer stores, contemporary Canadian cuisine shines at Archer with a menu celebrating West Coast ingredients like fresh sablefish and crab. 1152 Alberni Street Bao Bei – Vancouver At the edge of Chinatown, this one-of-a kind Chinese brasserie serves up inventive and whimsical twists on Chinese classics with a lot of fun and flavour. 163 Keefer Street Farmer’s Apprentice – Vancouver Inventive flavours and conscious sourcing of every element of the meal guide the menu of this…

Shops & Markets July 11, 2023

Farmers Markets in Burnaby, New Westminster and Coquitlam

The smell of sustainable baked delicacies and goods float through the air, and you’re surrounded by the incredible abundance of vegetables and farm fresh ingredients from local producers in the summer. If this sounds like your ideal day, you’re in for a treat visiting the wonderful farmers markets taking place throughout Metro Vancouver in summer. From food trucks and coffee to music and locally-made jams and dips among the vegetables and fruits, there are wonderful farmers markets on weekly in summer in Burnaby, New Westminster and Coquitlam. Grab your basket and let’s go! Burnaby Farmers Market – Burnaby Breath in the fresh forest air and enjoy your natural surroundings as you explore the Burnaby Farmers Market, just steps away from Deer Lake. Located just outside City Hall, enjoy the entertainers and meet up with friends to check out locally grown, baked and created goodies. Find them on Instagram @burnabyfarmersmarket to see…

Festivals & Events July 6, 2023

Celebrate Summer in Langley

The Township of Langley has a line-up of summer food and beverage events and festivals that are not to be missed. By Catherine Dunwoody Sun and Soil Concert Series On July 8th the Sun and Soil Concert Series, held at Fraser Valley Cider Company promises to be a dreamy, immersive summer evening sure to tickle the senses with food, drink, and music. Tickets are sold in advance, and the experience includes a 90-minute set from local musician Antonio Larosa, a shareable Tiffin Tin for Two, local bevvies, and all aimed at a 19+ crowd. The Fraser Valley, so rich with farm fresh produce, local food growers and producers, means the tiffin tin will feature local meats and cheeses, or vegan options. Cider crafted onsite right at Fraser Valley Cider Company is the perfect pairing. If cider is not your thing, not to fret, local Langley wines and beer will be…

Dining in Metro Vancouver June 30, 2023

Birdies Eats & Drinks: A Taste of California in Burnaby

A Brand New California-inspired Restaurant in Burnaby Grab your shades, and kick back with a cocktail and some beachy bites at Birdies Eats & Drinks, a new California-inspired restaurant in Burnaby with a sunny attitude and a laid back atmosphere. Hello Birdies Birdies is a brand new concept restaurant collaboration from the Earls Restaurant Group, Taking over the former Earls Bridge Park location at 3850 Lougheed, the space features a casual, trendy dining room, lounge, 20-seat terrazzo countertop bar and a 75 seat sun-filled patio (just in time for summer!) They’re set to start serving up lunch, dinner, drinks and weekend brunch starting July 7th, 2023. The Eats & Drinks Developed by Chef David Wong, the Birdies menu promises lots of shareable bites and healthy conscious options (without skimping on flavour.) The Oh So Sticky Korean Ribs, Thai Noodle Salad and Rigatoni Arrabiata are a few of their tastiest looking featured menu…

Wineries June 27, 2023

Where To Drink Natural Wines Around Metro Vancouver

Wine bars in Metro Vancouver are rapidly expanding their wine lists to include natural wines, due to popular demand. You may be wondering: what classifies a wine as ‘natural’? A number of factors are included in the definition, such as wines made with organically or biodynamically grown grapes, low intervention processes, and having little or no preservatives added. By Catherine Dunwoody Here are some hot spots to hit—and what to sip: VV Tapas Lounge – Vancouver VV Tapas Lounge offers flights of all their natural wines that are sold by the glass, plus happy hour deals at 50% off where the guest receives the wine ‘blind’ (no peeking at the label) and is asked to try to guess the grape or region for a VV gift certificate. Be sure to try BC natural wines like the Free Form Riesling from Summerland, and Artakama’s Syrah, from Oliver. 957 E Hastings Street…

Festivals & Events June 22, 2023

July Foodie Events In Metro Vancouver

It’s finally summer–which means festivals with live music, local breweries and international flavours are happening across Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Steveston Salmon Festival, July 1 The annual Steveston Salmon Festival is Richmond’s largest event! Enjoy the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous salmon BBQ and festival chow mein. Parade starts at 10AM and festival grounds are open 11AM – 5PM Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street Langley Bubble Tea Festival, July 7 – 9 After a successful inaugural event last summer, the Bubble Tea Festival returns! This year’s Bubble Tea Festival theme is Taste of Taiwan, featuring Bubble tea vendors, Food trucks with Asian street foods, outdoor movies, concerts, performances and even bumper cars for toddlers. Children 12-year old enter free (with an accompanying adult.) Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial Street Burnaby BC Halal Food Fest, July…