Thai fine dining near the waterfront in Steveston Village By Catherine Dunwoody Recently awarded number 14 in the Best New Restaurants division on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list; Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng is delighted that her fine dining Thai restaurant is being recognized nationally. Chef Nutcha’s multi-course set menus are exceptional, with earthy, highest quality Thai flavours doing a delicate dance around locally sourced produce and proteins. I sat down with Chef Nutcha to chat about the restaurant she opened just a couple of years ago, which has everyone intrigued and has changed the way most of us see Thai cuisine. Chef, how would you describe your health and wellness vision, in general? And how would you say that applies to your cooking at Baan Lao? Growing up in rural Thailand with no electricity, no running water and no refrigeration taught me a lot about the power of fresh, organic food…
With Thanksgiving around the corner (October 10 to be exact!), the fall season calls for all the comfort food with trimmings to enjoy with the family! Here are our picks of where to make a reservation and show up! Not a moment in the kitchen is required. By Avneet Takhar The Lobby Restaurant + Lounge – North Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, Vancouver’s North Shore A bang-up three-course meal awaits with Okanagan wine pairings (fancy, huh!) at The Lobby, and it’s a rich menu that doesn’t hold back in the least. From lobster bisque to Fraser Valley turkey and slow-roasted prime rib, it’s certainly a feast. And topped off with a pumpkin pie is the cherry on top! P2B Bistro & Bar – Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver A traditional turkey dinner or sandwich, take your pick at P2B Bistro! For vegetarians, there’s roasted mushroom ravioli and a…
By Brittany Tiplady What comes to mind when you think about the fall season? Changing leaves, crisp air, shorter days, lots of rain, and of course…cranberries. Cranberry desserts, cranberry sauce, cranberry scented candles, oh my! We’re lucky in Metro Vancouver to have access to some of the best cranberry products, harvested right from the source. Here’s a list of where you can enjoy cranberry season in the Fraser Valley. Fort Wine Co. 26151 84 Ave, Langley, BC Run, don’t walk! Fort Wine Co.’s Cranberry Wine varietals are a fan favourite for cranberry lovers–their stock sells out quickly. Still available is their flagship Cranberry Wine: “With its beautiful blush colour and tart taste, Cranberry Wine is the perfect wine to accompany festive meals include turkey, duck, pork or lamb.” Fort Langley Cranberry Festival Glover Road, Fort Langley Get your full seasonal cranberry fix, all in one place. The Fort Langley Cranberry…
October is right around the corner, bringing with it the season of comfort food. Here is the schedule of food and beverage events in Metro Vancouver to keep you cozy and warm. Vancouver Croissant Crawl October 1 – 7 Grab your berets and your bicyclettes and head out on the Vancouver Croissant Crawl where 10 vendors at 14 locations around the city are offering up limited-time versions of this buttery, flaky gift from heaven. Some flavours to track down are the Double Baked Pistachio at Davie Village Bakery, the Churro at Bel Cafe and the Mash n’ Stuffin from Cadeaux Bakery for those who want to get a little head start on Thanksgiving. Check out the interactive map on their website. Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards October 4 Hobnob with a real who’s-who of the Vancouver culinary scene, and find out first-hand where you should be going for dinner…
There’s a new golf experience that’s been unleashed in the heart of Vancouver- and it’s “definitely not your Grandpa’s golf club” as the team behind it is candidly stating. By Avneet Takhar Partee-Putt is an explosion of nostalgic fun, based around “themed holes” that are a nod to the city’s favourite hotspots such as Lions Gate Bridge and cult classic movies, including “Jaws”. A kitschy venue that also houses arcade games, pool tables and weekend DJ nights, it’s an entertainment extravaganza. And, lest we forget- the food! Happy hours and a menu that speaks to good ‘ole grub that hits the spot. This, along with tantalizing cocktails with not only creative flavours but also names (Jenny’s Apple Bottom, anyone?!). We had a chat with MRG’s Sales & Development Manager, Adam Vickers to give us the hole lowdown! What can putters expect from this mini-golf, foodie haven, that’s just opened? Guests…
Everyone’s a critic! If you’ve ever heard someone say it, and thought, “Well, actually, no, I’m not,” then this is your moment to live up to that old figure of speech. You can now channel your inner Aton Ego (the villain hero from Ratatouille) with this tour through one of the Lower Mainland’s most celebrated foodie destinations: Richmond. Now, a curated tour through the area’s famous Chinese cuisine would already be enough to warrant a ticket. However, the fact that this one is led by Globe and Mail food critic, Alexandra Gill, makes it a must for anyone remotely interested in food, food culture, or food criticism. In a private dining experience, your party will join Gill on a tour through her favourite restaurants, enjoying eight to ten courses, plus dessert. For those in the know, it’s one thing to read her famous reviews, but listening to her stories and…
Growing up with a Peruvian family I am definitely biased, but I stand firm in my beliefs that Peruvian cuisine is as delicious, robust, and complex as the critics acclaim. Of course, renowned cuisine can be found all over South America – it is a region that produces rich, hearty food meant to be shared and adored. By Brittany Tiplady Latin and South American food can be enjoyed at the Michelin Star level, or just as well from a tiny takeout spot. In the Metro Vancouver area, the options for South American cuisine are limited but not impossible to find. To help you on your gastronomic journey, I’ve compiled a list of South American restaurants and bakeries for you to try. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio – Vancouver (Two locations: False Creek, Vancouver & Ambleside, Vancouver’s North Shore) Ancora is a high-end occasion spot, but if your wallet is…
As we slip into slightly shorter days, the West Coast is long on events and festivals for foodies to celebrate outside while we still can. Here is just a sampler of some of the tastes on offer. September 3: Sip Shop Snack Richmond’s Lulu Island Winery opens up its 15-acre property to local businesses and artisan vendors and invites the public to come and enjoy a glass of wine from the pop-up bar just steps from the outdoor market. Then you can grab lunch from Kyu Grill, an award-winning Japanese Hawaiian-style food truck, and picnic underneath the beautiful Grapevine Tunnel. September 4: Italian Summer Festival & Mercato Vancouver’s Italian Cultural Centre presents an open-air food festival in their parking lot off Slocan Street featuring plenty of food from around Italy, a market of local vendors and their specialty goods, food, drinks and treasures. There’s also a chance to show…
The sun is shining, the beaches are calling, and couldn’t you just go for a beer? It’s still summer out there, folks – though not for long – so don’t sleep on these get-em-while-it’s-hot-out limited-run flavours from some of our favourite West Coast breweries. By Wade Kinley Mimosa Summer Ale at Russell Brewing Company Summer is also the season of long lazy brunches, so a beer modelled after a day-drinking staple is a no-brainer. A splash of OJ is added to a light, citrusy blend of hops and London Ale and Saison yeasts for a perfect buddy to your benny. Hula Hula at Main Street Brewing A hit from summers past sashays back to Mount Pleasant with flavours of passionfruit, orange and guava with hints of vanilla and hibiscus in a Berlin-Weisse-styled quaff. And now you can enjoy one with the boys of summer as part of the…
By Kathy Mak Savour fresh and juicy blueberries in this tasty and easy summer dessert that is rustic, yet elegant! It’s blueberry season! Check out a BC Farmers Market to load up on this native BC berry and get some galettes in the oven! INGREDIENTS Fresh BC blueberries (4 cups) Cornstarch (3 tbsp) Brown sugar (1/2 cup) Salt (1/8 tsp) Lemon juice (1 tbsp) Granulated sugar for sprinkling (1 tsp) Puff pastry (1 homemade or 1 package – 200 g store-bought) DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, combine cornstarch with brown sugar and salt. Mix well. Add fresh blueberries and lemon juice to the bowl. Combine until all the berries are coated. Roll puff pastry dough on a flour dusted surface to form a 12 inch wide circle. Uneven edges are fine. Transfer rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon fruit mixture onto the centre of dough,…
The North Shore is rich with spots to catch the sunset over a round of beverages, you’re certain to stumble across a few no matter which direction you wander. But for those who like to plan ahead, these are a few of our favourite spots in North and West Vancouver to while away the summer days. Beach House Head west along the shore towards Dundarave, and you’ll find a delightful spot to enjoy fresh oysters and watch the waves roll in. We adore Beach House for its delicious West Coast menu and wine list as much as for the stunning views off their waterside patio. A must-visit if you’re considering exploring the area’s beachside communities. Arms Reach Bistro Head in the opposite direction, and of course, you’ll hit a community embedded in natural beauty, Deep Cove. Arms Reach Bistro is just a walk up from the beach, where…
By Brittany Tiplady Wine touring in B.C. isn’t just reserved for the Okanagan. If you’re a wine lover, consider sipping your way through Langley! Located just one hour outside of Vancouver, Langley is booming with lush wineries and tours aplenty. Book a tour and tasting at one of the wineries listed below, or try a bunch of them one go with a tour. Wineries of Langley Backyard Wines 3033 232 St, Langley, BC Vancouver’s backyard has a blossoming wine industry and Backyard Wines offers tours of their full-production winery. Guests will learn about what goes on in their vineyard, visit the barrel room, and gain some valuable wine knowledge. Of course, the tour is followed by a wine tasting in the Backyard Wine Tasting Room. Reservations are required, so book your tour in advance! Chaberton Estate Winery 1064 216 St, Langley, BC The folks at Chaberton Estate Winery are veterans…
For impatient foodies like us, we’re relieved to announce that one of Langley City’s best culinary events has returned! On August 27, hungry folks will gather at McBurney Plaza for an unrivalled food experience. Live cooking demonstrations from local chefs, will have you salivating to sample each dish, while a full schedule of musicians and performers will have you taking dance breaks between tastings. Watch in awe as Chef Spencer Watts makes Creole Lobster Bisque with Louisiana succotash, then savour every bite afterwards. Take in the exquisite aroma of award-winning BBQ as renowned Pitmaster Kevin Legge shows off the art of slow cooking. With 14 restaurants from around Downtown Langley participating, you can have a different cuisine for every course. Start with modern Thai from Ban Chok Dee, then move on to Hawaiian delicacies at Dal’s Poke- let your palate be your guide! Just be sure to bring your Fork &…
Some of the best BBQ this summer comes from a truck. By Catherine Dunwoody Salads are fine. Wraps will do. But what we really want to sink our teeth in this summer are burgers. And barbecue. There’s nothing like a food truck for the ultimate grab-and-go experience, especially those that make their way around metro Vancouver during the entire season. Here’s what to check out. Rosie’s BBQ & Smokehouse is well-loved for its down-south authenticity and makes appearances all over Vancouver, the North Shore, Surrey, and Coquitlam. This summer watch for the truck in Port Moody on Brewery Row, as well as at Nat Bailey Stadium, the River District Block Party, Strange Fellows Brewing, and more. Think real-deal brisket, sizzling sausage, sticky-saucy ribs, plus classic sides like cornbread and beans. Sirius Craving does smash burgers like no one else, and it’s hard to miss this space-themed food truck with…
Looking for your next patio conquest? Heading South to Surrey and White Rock is a surefire way to discover your next favourite spot for equal parts sun and shade. With South Surrey famous for its international cuisine, and White Rock within a stone’s skipping distance to the ocean, there are more than a few reliable options for summer seekers. Zapoteca – White Rock Located on East Beach along White Rock’s Marine Drive, this little Mexican spot is prime territory for sunset watching. Stop by for their superb happy hour on weekdays between 2-5 and indulge in our favourite margaritas in town, and a plate of delicious nachos. Five Kitchen and Raw Oyster Bar – White Rock Moving right along to West Beach, Five has quickly become our go-to for freshly shucked oysters and bubbly at golden hour. Their patio has a fantastic view of the White Tock pier (one…
So you didn’t get the memo that air conditioners would be sold out by this point. And you’ve been caught one too many times sneaking into the neighbour’s pool. Thankfully there are still plenty of spots you can remain chilled at in Vancouver, without breaking any trespassing laws. These are just a handful of our favourite spots in the city that you can visit on your day in town, or if you’re just on a neighbourhood crawl in search of shade. Burdock and Co. Nestled in the garden of this Main Street fave, Burdock’s patio is perfect for right after rain clouds part and the forecast brightens up. Accompanied by the fresh scent of the greenery around you, order a martini or a glass from their impeccable wine list while you take in one of our most eclectic communities. For added photography points, the side of the building is adorned…
What’s the ultimate share food? Dumplings! By Brittany Tiplady Dumplings — beloved across many cultures, existing in hundreds of iterations, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ideal for sharing, stacked with options for vegans and vegetarians, best enjoyed with a group of fellow food lovers. And yet, dumplings are perhaps underrated as superb picnic food. Here are some spots across Metro Vancouver serving up delicious dumplings, fit for a picnic. Heritage Asian Eatery Truly, one my favourite places in the city. Best known for their hearty bowls, sumptuous Baos and generous feast combos, Heritage is also the perfect place to grab an order of their Crystal Prawn Dumpling, and Steamed Xiao Long Bao Dumpling. Pro tip: get your takeout from the Broadway location and pop over to Jonathan Rogers Park for a sweet lil’ picnic. 382 West Broadway 1108 West Pender Street, Vancouver Kozak Ukrainian Eatery Pierogies in the park,…
Summer along the Fraser River. Take in the sun on the water, or tuck into the shade of a green-and-brick garden oasis in a city that hasn’t lost an ounce of its charm in all its rich history. Take a tour through some of the best patio seats in New Westminster. By Wade Kinley Kelly & Carlos O’Briens Grab a seat in the sun right downtown New Westminster with your backdrop a gorgeous brick building built back at the turn of the century. Not this century, the last century. Kelly & Carlos O’Briens share their patio in front of the Canadian Pacific Railway Station styled in that company’s historic Chateau style. Fancy yourself a fancy rail traveler, sipping your Sidecar waiting for your train to whisk you away to exotic climes of the newly formed federation of Canada. Like Edmonton. The Met Bar & Grill Told you New West…
As we continue our tour of the best patios on the West Coast, we land in Richmond where the Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean meets epic views all around. By Wade Kinley Milltown Bar & Grill Situated on a land bar in the Fraser River, Milltown boasts not one but two amazing waterside views to sit by and enjoy plates of West Coast pub favourites and one or two of their signature cocktails. On the north side, you’ll take in the majesty of the Coastal Mountains, the backdrop to the new and bustling Milltown Marina. Southside, you’re right next to the river with the main YVR Airport runway in the background. So pick your poison: boats or planes? Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant – Richmond On the busy Bayview Pier in the iconic Steveston Village, Blue Canoe serves up fresh local-as-it-can-get seafood on their patio right along the…
The Michelin inspectors have been quietly dining around town recently, and it seems they like what they’ve found. Today it was announced that the Michelin Guide is coming to Vancouver. The announcement follows just two months after a similar announcement for Toronto. “Our inspectors are already exploring Vancouver,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides. “They are eagerly diving into its wide variety of cuisines, prepared with high-quality products and served in warm, casual atmospheres.” The Michelin Guide includes such world-class dining destinations as Japan, Iceland, Macau and France, Michelin’s country of origin. What began in 1889 as a guidebook encouraging vehicle owners to explore the open road has since become a highly sought-after rating system that evaluates some of the world’s top restaurants. “The fusion of flavours and cultures, influences from the Pacific Rim threaded through, and the abundance of the freshest ingredients from the ocean and…
What’s a beach day without great food? White Rock is a bustling little town, filled with wonderful small businesses, bars, breweries, cafes and authentic Mexican cuisine. On Marine Drive alone you’ll find three Mexican restaurants all serving up their own unique and delicious dishes. Picking a spot may be too difficult to choose–so may I suggest a little beach day food tour? Make it a Mexican restaurant crawl, and check out the listed options below. By Brittany Tiplady Alebrijes Kitchen + Bar 15077 Marine Dr, White Rock Whether you’re dining in, or grabbing takeout for a beach picnic, Alebrijes is an excellent choice for authentic Mexican street cuisine. Alebrijes is owned by a Mexican family that came to Canada 6 years ago with a goal to bring the joys of Mexican food to their new home. On the dine-in and takeout menu you’ll find delicious classics like Tacos Al…
It’s time for summer patios in Coquitlam and Burnaby! With summer officially open for business, we naturally start to crave the outdoors. We also might start craving burgers. Or craft brews. Or anything – just let us have it under big open skies. When the pang hits, here are some of the best patios to hit up this summer in Coquitlam and Burnaby. Fairways Grill & Patio – Coquitlam Something about golf courses, it seems. They just know how to do it outside. Built into the mountainside high above Coquitlam for spectacular and ultra-long-distance views, Fairways at Westwood Plateau offers a diverse menu for lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends and holidays. Even if you had a terrible day on the links, favourites like the Canadian elk burger and extensive pizza menu will make things right. Mariner Brewing – Coquitlam The only thing better than dining outside is dining…
Oh yes, the sun is shining, the weather is sweet – in the words of Mr Bob Marley! It took a while to get there this year (global warming, much?!) but we are finally here. And there’s nothing that screams summer more than a food festival, so here are our top picks of where to go to get your fill! By Avneet Takhar VCBW Craft Beer and Music Festival When: July 9-10 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver A total of 150+ cider and beer stalls will be located at the PNE Fairgrounds. We predict a riot! JK, but seriously sounds like a tipsy good time and there’s enough food to soak up the liquids alright. Rosie’s BBQ Smokehouse with their slow–cooked brisket will be there, as well as The Real Patty Co with spicy Jamaican patties – we spy the Jerk Poutine which looks delicious! Music bands such as…
Patio season is upon us! Do you know where you’ll next be enjoying a cool beverage with friends? If you’re visiting the Fraser Valley area for a lake day, a hike, a winery hop, or just to see where the summer day takes you, then there are plenty of reliable options. Here are just a handful of our favourite spots in Langley and Langley City. Egg Bomb – Langley City If you’re getting up early to start your patio crawl, then this brunching staple should be your first stop. Home to area-famous Korean egg drop sandwiches, you can have an AM feast while taking in the fresh morning air. Add an iced honey bee latte, and you’ve surely started your day on the right foot. Mr. A’s Patio Restaurant – Langley City With the rolling greenery of the Newlands Golf and Country Club as a backdrop, it’s no…
The best part about eating in such a transit-friendly area? Not having to worry about hoofing it or driving home after you’ve no doubt eaten like royalty. With the SkyTrain, these breakfast/brunch spots are on your route, and make a great start to exploring the Vancouver area. Just hop on, dig in, and ride anywhere! Chambar – Vancouver Just a scone’s throw from Stadium Chinatown Station, Chambar has been a mainstay of the Vancouver brunch scene for a long time. With a cozy and modern ambiance, this Belgian-inspired cuisine is always reliable for a day-date, or just a round of morning-after mimosas. MVP of the menu: The paella skillet with two fried eggs, curried orzo, chorizo sausage, charred tomato salsa, cucumber and cilantro. Get there on transit: Take the Expo Line to Stadium Station, exit from the North side, and hang a right. You’re there! Piva Modern Italian…
As a lifelong Vancouver foodie, I like to think that I know the local food scene somewhat well. But sometimes, even when you think you’re the big fish in False Creek, you’ll cross paths with an even BIGGER foodie who cordially will serve you a hearty serving of perspective about what you THOUGHT you were an expert in. Without feeling like I’ve fallen from grace, I can say that partaking in Vancouver Foodie Tours recently, was a deliciously humbling experience. Touring around Granville Island, I was led by my guide Manuela into some outstanding tastes that I wasn’t even aware of. Of course, we stopped by Lee’s donuts, for a glazed honey dip, and JJ Bean for a freshly pressed coffee pairing, but I am ashamed to say it was the first time I had tried a lobster sandwich from The Lobster Man, and candied salmon courtesy of Longliner Seafoods.…
By Ariane Fleischmann Hillcrest Bakery is serving up something a little different these days. Owner David Moyer had to think outside the box when the 45-year-old bakery relocated due to construction in the burgeoning uptown White Rock area. What started as casual conversations with local breweries White Rock Beach Beer Company and 3 Dogs Brewing soon became a new business model: using spent grain from the brewing process at the bakery to create unique and tasty eats. Canada’s West Coast is known for many things: scenic ocean and mountain views, hiking, biking, kayaking–pretty much every outdoorsy activity you can imagine–and craft beer. Yes, after a day on the water or in the woods, people love to grab a bite to eat and a craft beer to wash it all down with. So, is it really a surprise that a bakery would team up with some breweries to combine the two?…
The Galaxie Craft Brewhouse in White Rock sits tucked just away from the hustle of Marine Drive, steps from the promenade, pier and the beaches. A perfect place to escape the world for an afternoon and try on some beers that take classic North American brewing methods and boost them with some unique experimentation. By Wade Kinley We arrived on a warm Sunday and got a nice spot in the sun on their large patio right off the sidewalk on Vidal Street, under a graffiti-style mural that is just one of the many galactic references you’ll find decorating the airy 60-seat establishment that has served a number of purposes over its almost 75-year history, including a recording studio and yoga center. Spaced out vibes, for sure. White Rock was bustling that day and it truly felt like summer was nearly here. Fitting then, that brewmaster Doug Card’s menu of eight…
At last! The weather is warming up, patio season is just around the corner, and local wineries are releasing new vintages. Perfect for sipping right at the source, at nearby restaurants, or taking a bottle home with you. By Catherine Dunwoody Here are three of our current favourites you need to try, and where to find them whether you go right to the source in Langley or are elsewhere in Metro Vancouver. Backyard Vineyards’ Reserve Sparkling Rosé This Langley winery’s estate-grown pinot noir grapes are what this traditional method sparkler is produced with. With notes of cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, and citrus, this is available at the winery for $40. Try a bottle with your next dinner at Milltown Bar & Grill in Richmond or purchase a bottle at Everything Wine stores. Township 7’s Seven Stars Polaris The sparkling wine star in this Langley winery’s lineup is an award-winning blanc…
Hungry? Here are some of Metro Vancouver’s most coveted hamburgers. By Mark Shelling You gotta love a good burger. There’s no tastier staple of warm weather. While some may say the crown of summer snacks belongs to ice cream, or to a lesser degree, popsicles, we ask you: what memories do you have of catching the wafting allure of these things around your neighbourhood while out on your 10-speed? So with that argument now won, allow us to take a victory lap. These are 6 delicious items from the grill that you need to try ASAP (or at least before summer ends). Hundy This one may seem like an obvious pick for burger lovers in the know. However, if it’s not, and you’re only hearing of Hundy now, where have you been?? A straightforward approach with just the essentials (lettuce, tangy pickle, Hundyu sauce, cheese melted just right,) Hundy’s…