Megan Halkett, Author at West Coast Food

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver February 6, 2023

A Valentine’s Night Out in Metro Vancouver

If there is one thing I am good at, it is picking the perfect restaurant. Skip the planning anxiety this year and let us plan your Valentine’s Day date night for you. Pro tip: Valentine’s is a busy time, so be sure to book a reservation where possible to guarantee your table. By Brittany Tiplady Pepino’s Spaghetti and meatballs, mozzarella sticks, lasagna, cheesecake…. oh my. Pepino’s—a Commercial Drive Italian joint that is part of the Osteria Savio Volpe family—pays homage to the legacy of Nick’s Spaghetti House. Here you’ll find a selection of generous plates, lovely wines and classic cocktails. Be warned however, you may leave with your waistband feeling a little…tight. Pro tip: Come to your reservation a little early, and grab a glass of beautiful Italian wine next door at Pepino’s spot, La Tana. 635 Commercial Dr, Vancouver Sopra Sotto Sopra Sotto’s Burnaby Heights location (the flagship Sopra Sotto is…

World food in Metro Vancouver February 3, 2023

Black-Owned Food Businesses You Should Try

Black History Month isn’t the only time to support Black businesses, but we’re spotlighting a bunch so you can keep going back again, and again for some real soul food! Oh, and if you also want to shake down to dancehall beats after some bites, check out AfroQueer’s rave on February 17! By Avneet Takhar Without further ado, here are some places we recommend. Arike Restaurant – Vancouver ‘Nigeria Meets the Pacific Northwest’ is their tagline and it’s certainly fitting! Arike has a tasting menu until Feb 5 that you can enjoy consisting of pineapple jerk, boar with plantains and a chili chocolate sponge. Sounds divine to us. Reserve your spot via Tock. 1725 Davie St, Vancouver Ember Indian Kitchen – Richmond An African Indian Fusion restaurant located on waterfront in Steveston, offers many flavours here at Ember. This chic space has a bit of everything! From Zanzibar style lentil…

Dine the Line February 1, 2023

Find your cup of tea on the Bubble Line

Whether milk tea is your must-have or you’re an oolong and fresh fruit slush fan, no matter what type of bubble tea flavours and add-ons are your favourites, there’s no end to the number of ways you can customize this delicious dessert drink. Originating in Taiwan, with countless tasty variations, bubble tea is a global to-go sensation. And thankfully, there are tons of businesses specializing in bubble tea all across Metro Vancouver. If you’re on the hunt for the best and newest bubble tea hot spots in the city, slurp your way across Metro Vancouver using Dine the Line’s Bubble Line itinerary. Try your favourite flavours and (hopefully) a few new ones in neighbourhoods across the city while riding the Expo Line Skytrain or RapidBus. From Surrey to Burnaby to New Westminster, here are our go to spots for boba. Burnaby Money Tea For the fresh fruit tea fans, you…

Festivals & Events January 27, 2023

February Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Ah February, the month of love. And there’s nothing we love around here more than food. So may we present February, the month of food-love, and all the ways to celebrate it around Metro Vancouver. Hot Chocolate Festival, now to February 14th Greater Vancouver’s “sweetest” celebration returns for its 13th year, larger and more creative than ever, in support of small businesses, local charity organizations and of course, all things hot and chocolate. The region’s best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream makers are joining forces to elevate the humble hot chocolate into something like drinkable art. Check out the interactive map and see how many you can sip before they’re gone! BC Ale Trail x Dine the Line Tasting Passports, February 1st-28th Grab a Tasting Passport and collect stamps at breweries across Metro Vancouver for your chance to win one of five getaway packages from the BC…

Dine the Line January 25, 2023

Dine the Line: Bring the Family

Wondering where to eat with the family in Metro Vancouver? These transit-friendly options will keep you dining car-free. Enjoying a meal together as a family is an indispensable bonding experience—add exploring Metro Vancouver and you’re bound to keep your family engaged and entertained as well as create lasting memories. Family Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to gather your crew and hop on the transit for a fun-filled family excursion chowing down across Metro Vancouver. For parents or activity organizers in the family, finding just the right crowd-pleasers for a mixed group of adventurous diners and picky eaters across ages can seem like a tricky challenge, but luckily there are lots of transit-accessible options serving up delicious family-friendly fare, from exciting international flavours to traditional comfort food favourites. Check out Dine the Line’s Bring the Family Itinerary to explore family dining using the Canada Line…

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories January 24, 2023

Jackie Kai Ellis of Beaucoup Bakery Speaks about Canadian Chinese Food

Jackie Kai Ellis is the former owner of Vancouver’s beloved Beaucoup Bakery, which she in recent years decided to move on from in order to focus on her other projects. She’s since been featured on House & Home magazine, has her own self-titled website, and recently released the show House Special on Telus, a series that follows Chinese-Canadian food history across BC and Alberta. We got the chance to sit and chat about her exciting food journey! By Avneet Takhar So Jackie, you got into the food scene and learned how to be a pastry chef whilst studying in Paris! Was that the catalyst for opening Beaucoup? I don’t think I necessarily had a plan when I went to pastry school in France. But it was always in the back of my head (opening a bakery), and there were ideas percolating for many years. When I got back I had the choice to either continue with my design…

Langley City January 18, 2023

Chatting with Ken Nishidate of Langley’s The Raving Gamer

In the deep, dark days of March 2020, I had a candid conversation with Ken Nishidate of The Raving Gamer. Like all small businesses during this time, the Raving Gamer was experiencing the strain of uncertain times ahead. Nearly three years ago they were making the necessary switch to takeout, curbside pickup, and retail – crossing their fingers in hopes that this too shall pass. By Brittany Tiplady While the pandemic raged on longer than we all expected, The Raving Gamer forged on and continues to serve the Langley community locally sourced food, with a side of games galore. Back in 2020, Nishidate stressed that the Raving Gamer is a community hub with a goal of supporting as many local businesses as possible. “I’m trying to distill [our mandate] down to a few words. On our windows we have ‘great food, fun games, good times,’ and that’s really what we…

Festivals & Events January 16, 2023

New Year’s Reservations–The 21st Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Swap your New Year’s resolution for a reservation– the 21st Annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival is set to brighten your day (and your diet) this month. Starting January 20th and running until February 5th, 2023, Dine Out encourages you to support local restaurants across the city. After the high of the holiday parties and retail splurges in December, January is normally slow for restaurants as people kick off their new health regimens and buckle down on sticking to their budgets. This makes it the perfect time to support your favourite local restaurants, or visit one that’s been on your must-try list for the first time. With more than 350 restaurants participating, you’re guaranteed to find something to your taste. Brought to you by Destination Vancouver, Dine Out 2023 presents flavours from across the globe and invites diners to experience cuisine from the best chefs and restauranteurs in the city–whether you’re…

Shops & Markets January 9, 2023

Richmond’s 100% Gluten Free Store

Anyone with Celiac Disease would love the ease of shopping for groceries online but the hassle involved makes it nearly impossible. This new Richmond, BC-based food e-store is the answer. And they deliver. By Catherine Dunwoody Eating and drinking gluten-free is absolutely essential and non-negotiable for Celiacs like myself and a dietary choice for folks with gluten sensitivities. Either way, GF foods on the market are improving every year, thankfully, but finding delicious products of high quality is still a challenge and takes research plus time. It’s a lot of hit and miss, often with more misses than hits when it comes to grocery shopping online. It’s usually impossible to read labels on a website unless the company posts photos of them, and crucial to be able to see all listed ingredients plus read disclaimers of ‘may contain barley, rye, oats or wheat (B.R.O.W. ingredients that contain gluten) that brands…

Festivals & Events January 2, 2023

January Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Like most of us, you probably spent December in unabashed overindulgence. We’re here to ask: why stop now? Here’s a list of events around Metro Vancouver to keep the food party going well into the new year. The Ultimate Sunday Brunch: Unlocking Secrets of a Favourite Weekly Meal, January 8 Level up your brunch game at this cooking demonstration in the Market Kitchen at Lonsdale Quay Market. This class will demystify the fables that make preparing eggs seem such a tricky endeavor, and teach the ways of Japanese Soufflé Pancakes, Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict and more – the ways the pros do it. Dine Out Vancouver Festival, January 20 to February 5 Canada’s largest celebration of food and drink returns to communities all around Metro Vancouver for its 21st season. As if 350+ restaurants offering up special 3-course meals for anywhere between $20 and $65 weren’t enough, there’s also…

Dine the Line December 28, 2022

Dine the Line to Explore East and Southeast Asia

World Flavours with Local Flair Metro Vancouver is home to incredible international cuisine, with culinary traditions encompassing cultures from around the world. Here are some places to go, starting with the Dine The Line itinerary, Explore East and Southeast Asia, and to places beyond! Millennium Line Step onto the Millennium Line SkyTrain and let your compass card guide you on a voyage overseas in Dine the Line’s East and Southeast Asia Itinerary. Riding SkyTrain through Burnaby and Coquitlam, your tastebuds can travel through Vietnam to Japan at each stop. Slurp up a steaming bowl of pho, dig into Korean BBQ, or sample Singaporean street food–all under 15 minutes by foot from a Millenium Line Station. Leave the passport at home and grab your chopsticks for an international culinary adventure to East and Southeast Asia on transit. Arirang Hotdog and Croquette Hop off for a Korean hotdog. This trendy and delicious…

Holiday December 15, 2022

Where To Get A Rich Holiday Meal In Metro Vancouver

The holidays can be stressful, expensive, and challenging for a lot of folks. I’m here to make sure you’re well-nourished, without all the hooplah. By Brittany Tiplady Let’s face it: cooking a full, traditional, tried-and-true holiday meal is an exhausting feat. If you’re not up to the challenge this year – or if you’re keeping your holiday circle small and intimate – why not let the pros do the dirty work? If you’re hosting a large gathering we’ve listed a few catering companies to save the day with inventive holiday meals available for pre-order. If dining out is more your thing, I’ve found a selection of restaurants across Metro Vancouver serving up hot holiday meals at a variety of price points and ambiances. Catering The Lazy Gourmet – Vancouver Whether your kitchen chops need a little bit of work, or you’re simply just too busy to whip up a holiday…

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver December 6, 2022

Six Cocktails to Celebrate the Season in Metro Vancouver

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That time when Santa’s helpers toil away around colourful flights and lots of ice, building delicious seasonal cocktails for all the good boys and girls. Here’s where to get your hands on these very toastable potables around Metro Vancouver this year. The Fall Negroni at Nightingale While it feels like Winter, it’s still technically Fall, and whatever, it’s always a good time for a Negroni. This one is infused with traditional holiday flavours of fig and rosemary. Vancouver: 1017 W. Hastings Street Night of a Thousand Eyes at Keefer Bar This one smacks of that “special” coffee you take up Robson Street to keep your hands warm while Christmas shopping, or to keep you from lashing out while Christmas shopping. Kahlua, amaro, espresso and a salted caramel sake. Vancouver: 135 Keefer Street Sweater Weather at Sons of Vancouver Distillery Cozy up to…

Festivals & Events December 2, 2022

December Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

More than any other month, December is all about eating, drinking and being as merry as humanly possible. Here’s what’s happening around metro Vancouver this month to do all three at once. Breakfast with Santa, December 3 Get your wish list ready and head down to the City of Lougheed in Burnaby for a little one-on-one time with the Big Man, and bring along your appetite for the breakfast buffet from IHOP. There’s also storytime and crafting for the kids and all proceeds benefit Burnaby Meals on Wheels. At the Lougheed Skytrain Station Festive Canapes Cooking Class, December 7 Put back all those frozen boxes from Superstore and get set to really impress your holiday party guests. Learn to whip up with fabulous homemade finger foods like Pork and Apricot Sausage Rolls, Pita Crisps and Beet Hummus, a Brie and Cranberry Tartlet, and more at Lonsdale Quay Market. At Lonsdale…

Festivals & Events December 1, 2022

10 Christmas Food Markets In Metro Vancouver

The holidays are around the corner, so here’s a list of markets where you can buy those tasty stocking fillers and have a holly jolly ole’ time browsing stalls that’ll get you into the Christmas spirit! By Avneet Takhar Japan Market There will be 90+ Japanese vendors featured in this Downtown Market, including the oh-so-yummy True Nosh Company, Hangry Unicorn Snacks and Neko Fresh Store sweets. Bring your appetite and enough room to pack as many treats as possible- for yourself and as gifts! 3rd-4th of December, 10am – 5pm. Grab tickets here. UBC Robson Square (inside of UBC Downtown Campus). A 5 minute walk from Vancouver City Centre sky train station. Christmas Market at Lulu Island Winery Mulled wine, live music (we bet it’s Christmas carols!), and a total of 40+ stalls- including Coffee Craze Company’s ethically sourced, rich dark and medium roasted bundles, with a bunch of…

World food in Metro Vancouver November 30, 2022

5 Flavoursome International Food Shops In And Around Vancouver

A trip to Vancouver and the surrounding areas doesn’t just mean straight-up West Coast cuisine -it’s home to a bunch of international treats. And we’re here to tell you where they’re at! By Avneet Takhar Duso’s Italia Tucked away in Granville Market, is Duso’s Italia. Duso’s own brands of pasta are actually born in B.C, but they import a variety of foods from all over including Italy and Spain. From Sicily’s own Agostino Recca brand of famous anchovies, Ines Rosales’ olive oil tortas (Orange and Original) from Castilleja de la Cuesta, La Molisana’s numerous pastas and risottos, there’s an abundance of European cultural items to take home! And don’t forget to check out their homemade counter filled with cheeses, raviolis, arancini and desserts including tiramisu. Check it out here! Vancouver: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St Cilantro & Jalapeño Located in Lonsdale Quay’s Market, this authentic Mexican vendor has all you…

Dine the Line November 21, 2022

Dine The Line Is Back With NEW Itineraries!

Dine the Line has exciting, delicious new itineraries! Take your taste buds on a culinary tour and experience Metro Vancouver like never before. All of the new itineraries are easily accessible by TransLink – make sure to load up your compass card and enjoy these NEW amazing additions: Bring the Family, Plant Based, Bubble Tea Line, Brunch to Brews, It’s Better With Friends, and Explore East and Southeast Asia. Dine the Line and WIN Enter to win a grand prize of a 2-night stay in The Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, dinner with Diva at the Met plus Compass Cards for two, pre-loaded with three days of unlimited transit on all SkyTrain lines, busses and the Seabus! We’ll also keep you dining around the whole time with $400 in gift cards to Dine the Line featured restaurants! Enter to win here! https://youtu.be/Ny72aGgZSy0 Follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories November 17, 2022

Sriracha Revolver’s Jordan Hocking of Vancouver: Secret to Her Sauces

Sriracha revolver’s Jordan hocking on the secret to her sauces By Catherine Dunwoody Sriracha is a small town on the coast of Thailand, and where the original spicy sauce comes from. Vancouver’s Jordan Hocking, Indigenous entrepreneur and owner of Sriracha Revolver has a complete line of her own sauces made at her Commercial Drive headquarters. West Coast Food contributor Catherine Dunwoody chatted with her about her career, and the secret to her sauce. What does the revolver mean in your brand name? Revolver is a Spanish verb for stir, mix, or mess up. How did you get your start? I made sauce for gifts one year and found it’s a very creative experience. Working with fresh produce and putting together different combinations to reach particular flavour goals is really satisfying. I was at home with my small children, and it was an activity and outlet that was wholly mine! Were…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver November 15, 2022

Michelin Vancouver, Where Should you Begin?

With Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmand and Recommended restaurants, where should you start in Vancouver? Ever since the Lower Mainland food scene got some international love, things have been pretty hectic around town! The Michelin guide recognized 60 fantastic local spots. Eight with one star, 12 with Bib Gourmand designations, and 40 placed on the ‘Recommended’ list. It has definitely shaken things up in a wonderful way, but chefs, staff and, of course, diners are bracing themselves for the big push in traffic that comes with the announcements. So for people looking to try everything that made the list (good luck!), where do you even begin? Well, we don’t claim to have tried every spot, but we have visited a fair amount and thought we’d shout out one restaurant in each recognized category. Of course, you could always just pick a place on the list and explore things that way. You…

Guided Tours in Metro Vancouver November 9, 2022

Dine In-Person with the Big Hearted Dragon Himself, Vikram Vij

Chew on This Tasty Tours offers a unique, personal dinner experience with celebrity chef, Vikram Vij. Here’s how it started and how it’s going. By Lise Hines, Owner of Chew on This Tasty Tours In 2014, Globe and Mail writer Marsha Lederman was interviewing Season Nine’s newest Dragon, Chef Vikram Vij, who stated, “I am going to give that person that love and that attention and see how much fire that person has in their eyes, how much passion they have and if that is [the case], then I’m going to let them be the ruler of their own fate. I’m just going to give them that helpful hand.” Lederman went on to observe that, “Chef Vikram’s positioning himself as the “Dragon with heart” is a bit of show business in itself, [but] it is completely consistent with his personality – and jibes with his own story.” Chew On This…

Wineries November 7, 2022

4 New Local Autumn Wines in Metro Vancouver

Try these new wine releases! By Catherine Dunwoody The fall harvest season also means our wineries introduce much-awaited releases to their wine store collections. Visit one of these four hyper-local, BC wineries today and start sipping autumn’s best. Visit Langley to try Township 7 Seven Stars Vega Sparkling Wine, perfect to enjoy now or tuck away for the upcoming festive season. Pairs beautifully with crabcakes, prosciutto or creamy cheeses. In Fort Langley, try this crisp Valley Commons Pinot Gris with its notes of apples, peach, and pineapple, refreshing and perfect with brunch at home. Backyard Vineyards Simply Social Syrah is the perfect wine to transition into autumn, with its notes of peppercorn, lavender cherry and plum. Bragging rights? This wine claimed the silver medal at the All-Canadian Wine Championships. Visit the Langley winery to snap it up. Pacific Breeze Winery in New Westminster released their 2020 Reserve Fifty /…

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories November 3, 2022

Project Bakeover Showcases Lyra Lou Cakes

Food Network Canada’s Project Bakeover Features Surrey’s Lyra Lou Cakes By Catherine Dunwoody In Project Bakeover renowned pastry chef, master chocolatier and entrepreneur Steve Hodge saves struggling bakeries on the brink of losing it all. His expert advice, combined with interior designer Tiffany Pratt’s talents turning ho-hum spaces into stunning showcases really are the recipe for success. North Shore’s Steve Hodge of Temper Chocolate and Pastry and design guru Tiffany Pratt sprinkled their magic all over a Filipino bakery with a much-deserved makeover. West Coast Food’s regular contributor Catherine Dunwoody chatted with the Surrey-based husband and wife team, Lyra and Abe, about their epic experience on the show. Lyra Lou Cakes owners Abe and Lyra appeared in Project Bakeover Season 2, Episode 5 “Cake it to the Limit”. Lyra and Abe! How did you get involved in the show? Did you apply or did Food Network invite you? Somebody from…

Festivals & Events November 2, 2022

November 2022 Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

As the weather around here has finally turned seasonally-appropriate, there’s plenty of food and beverage events around Vancouver to keep us nourished in November. November 3 – 14: Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week One of the province’s premiere celebrations of all things malty, hoppy and good, this week-plus long party will see 11 North Shore breweries host a different special event each night featuring music, games, giveaways, food pop-ups and of course delicious limited edition beers. Highlights include a Brazilian Jazz night at Beere Brewing on November 4 and the Shaketown Hoedown Country Music Night on the 11th. November 5: Vancouver Cheese and Meat Artisan Food and Beverage Festival “Long live local” is the theme of this, the only festival dedicated to artisan food in the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver’s stop is at the Pipe Shop on Vancouver’s North Shore where you can explore the smells, tastes and textures of…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver November 1, 2022

6 Healthy Spots To Bounce Back From Your Halloween Binge

Author’s Note: Before I start this article with the impression that I’m any authority on healthy living, let me first say that I’m currently writing this from atop a pile of fun-sized Snickers wrappers. Consider this list as more of a self-affirmation that I will one day escape from the frosted-coated clutches of sugar and finally kick the habit… At least until eggnog goes on sale, of course. As we’re currently in between feasting holidays on the calendar, it’s a good time as any to finally make some progress on that new year’s resolution from 10 months ago! You’ve still got a chance to turn things around on some of those healthy promises you made. Here’s an entry-level guide for healthy spots to visit, seeing as time, much like the waistband in my sweatpants, is fading away. Turf Turf is a meeting space, a sweat studio, and home to…

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories October 27, 2022

Sustainable Cuisine With Two Of Vancouver’s Top Chefs

Sustainable Cuisine with Burdock & Co’s Andrea Carlson and Ono Vancouver’s TJ Conwi By Avneet Takhar We were lucky enough to sit down with two of Vancouver’s heavy hitters and well-known chefs! Andrea Carlon of Burdock & Co – named Vancouver Magazine’s Chef of the Year (2020) and whose vegetable-focused, creative cuisine has earned her recognition as a food artisan. And TJ Conwi, Founder of community-driven collective, Ono Vancouver who supports non-profits for meal programs and provides private dining experiences. They gave their insider advice from vast experience and growth, on how to maintain a sustainable structure in the food industry. For both customers and suppliers, they gave their expertise- an eye-opener to shutting down food myths and identifying opportunities where a few small changes can go a long way. Burdock & Co’s menu seems to focus on plant-based options. What led you to this decision? Andrea Carlson: We try…

Craft Beer in Metro Vancouver October 24, 2022

Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week is Back

Attention craft beer lovers, head over to Vancouver’s North Shore in November! Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week is back November 4 to 14 with exciting events at a different brewery, every night. Here’s a roundup of four fun ways to explore one of BC’s most eclectic craft beer scenes and celebrate a little while you’re at it. Launch Party, November 4 Kick the week off right at the Pipe Shop in The Shipyards District, at the gala event of the festival. In one amazing evening by the water, you can get a taste of the North Shore’s finest craft breweries, all the while revelling in live music from local artists Jimi and the Antonio Larosa Trio, plus games and prizes galore. Be sure to pre-purchase your tickets for exclusive early entry and first access to tokens and vendors! What we’re ordering: A very special 2022 Collaboration Brew unveiled that…

Sweets October 20, 2022

Up Your Candy Game Ahead of Halloween

You’re an adult now, and while you may not still be trick or treating (hopefully), it’s time to have a serious talk about candy. If you’re one to commit to cheat days, then it’s worth doing it right. If you’re going to cheat, then cheat well. With Halloween looming, it’s a fitting time to up our candy game, instead of waiting until Nov 1, to pillage the dollar stores for discounted leftovers. If nothing else, these options will introduce you to a whole new world of snacking that is worth circling a few more days on your calendar. *Cover image care of Karameller Candy Shop Steveston Sweet Shoppe What better way to cap a zenned-out stroll by the water than with a mouth full of Pop Rocks? Come crashing back down to Earth and speed towards its sugary core with all manner of extreme sweets on offer. Crack…

Craft Beer in Metro Vancouver October 17, 2022

Tap Into Your Brewing Skills At The BC Beer Conference

Crack a bottle and tap the keg, the BC Beer Conference is about to start pouring! On Nov 8+9, you can join over 220 BC craft breweries in celebrating all the delicious brews of the Lower Mainland. If you’re interested in brewing beer, or are a part of a brewery already, this is a fantastic event to network, learn about new techniques and sample the wares of fellow brewmasters. If you’re more of a beer enthusiast, it’s a great way to discover new breweries, sample seasonal offerings and meet the people behind your favourite taps. Held at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, both days will feature keynote speakers from the industry, educational seminars, and a trade show floor with over 50 vendors. For beer enthusiasts like us, this is a great way to follow your curiosity about something you love. Whether you’re there to meet people, learn about the…

Adult Beverages in Metro Vancouver October 14, 2022

Braggot Brewery & The Oldest Alcoholic Beverage in the World in North Vancouver

It’s not quite mead; it’s not quite beer. By Avneet Takhar Located on the North Shore and having opened recently in May 2022, Braggot Brewery holds an impressive title as “the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world”! Creating a unique blend that’s not quite mead, but not quite beer it’s not like anything you’ve ever tasted before. This primeval liquid refreshment dates back to the 12th century and used to be enjoyed by the Vikings and Celtics! The word “Braggot” is where the Norse (Viking language) verb “Brugga” comes from. Brugga means “to brew”, indicating that even for them it was the original brewed beverage. It’s a staple drink for a Sunday meal with the Welsh even to this day and is deemed a snug-like drink for cold nights. As fall is upon us, that couldn’t be more welcoming! At the brewery, they make up the braggot with fermented organic…

Farms October 13, 2022

Pumpkin Patches around Vancouver

For kids, maintaining composure in the lead-up to Halloween can be just as unbearable as trying not to eat the whole advent calendar on December first. I say “for kids” mainly as a misdirect to hide the fact that, as I’m a grown man, with no kids, I’m finding it hard to maintain my composure in the lead-up to Halloween. Thankfully these spooky, fresh-air activities are like a ghostly balm on my impatience as I wait for the calendar to run down. Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch – Surrey A mainstay of the best autumn events in Surrey, the Hazelmere patch returns with a you-pick pumpkin area, a mini corn maze, a playground area and a wagon ride. Oh, and not to be outdone, there’s plenty of opportunity to interact with the friendly locals of the farm (goats, pigs, peacocks). Food trucks will be on the scene, so stay for lunch and…