Megan Halkett, Author at West Coast Food - Page 7 of 28
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Why make your own coffee and lunch when you can work from one of these delicious spots? By Winnie Tam Richmond is a foodie’s paradise with a diverse range of restaurants and cafes. Here are three worthy places to check out if you’d like to get some work done while enjoying delicious treats and beverages. Rocanini Coffee Roasters With a passion for the art of living, Rocanini Coffee Roasters has a keen understanding of the delicate balance of coffee. They’re not only in pursuit of the arts, but also dedicated to the scientific side of coffee roasting and preparation. There are lots of unique drinks and treats you can enjoy at Rocanini. Special mentions include their Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Ice Teddy Bear Latte, and Rose Caffe Latte. With large tables, plenty of seating, and free wifi, it’s a great spot to meet and work. You can even make…

By Lenée Son Wondering where to go for the best vegan and vegetarian friendly eats in White Rock? Finding meat-free options can be difficult when you’re not sure where to start, but we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to eat veggie to save the planet, improve your health, protect the animals, or all of the above, one thing is for sure – these plant-based meals located in this beach-side city are guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. Grounds & Greens Café Vegetarians, vegans, no need to look for a little symbol or scan the ingredients, you can eat everything on this menu! Grounds & Greens boasts healthy bowls, toasties and treats just a 15-minute stroll from the pier. Thirsty? We recommend the Purple Reign smoothie with coconut milk, spinach, blueberries, chia seeds, hemp hearts, almond butter and collagen. A different kind of thirsty? Yes, they’ve got beer and…

Wineries to Try In Metro Vancouver By Catherine Dunwoody You don’t have to travel far to experience some of the best wineries in BC. Right here in the Vancouver area, many are situated so close you can do a wine tasting at a few of these destinations in one day, or explore each in more depth, one at a time, by shopping at their wine stores and having a lovely meal while visiting. Here, 4 wineries worth checking out.  Glass House Estate Winery Langley This family-owned boutique winery is situated along the Campbell Valley Wine Route. The de Jongs immigrated from the Netherlands to Langley where they purchased five acres to build their first home and greenhouse development. Then in 2004, they sold their last project, bought an overgrown Christmas tree farm which eventually became Glass House Estate Winery. The tasting room also has seating as a restaurant with carefully…

By Joyce Chua, Vancouver Foodie Tours Sweet, delicate, light and delicious, British Columbia’s spot prawns are highly coveted by chefs and foodies from around the world. With their unique taste and spotted markings, fresh spot prawns, bred and harvested off the coast of British Columbia, are one of the most sustainable seafood choices on the market. On May 15, 2022, foodies and seafood lovers will gather together to greet the fishing boats and indulge in the season’s harvest. While the festival may be a one-day event, anyone is welcome to partake in the daily spot prawn spectacle at Fisherman’s Wharf. Just two minutes from Granville Island, anyone can walk down to the dock, chat with the fishermen, and buy a few pounds of live spot prawns caught just hours prior. The experience is so nonchalant, but that’s exactly the thrill. The exchange from fisherman to foodie is strikingly simple. Peter,…

This Family-Friendly Festival of Food is in Langley City, May 13th-15th, 2022 You know it’s summer when the tempting scent of the grill starts wafting through the neighbourhood, and we are ready for it! Set your tastebud bar high, because this is not just any festival, it’s a full-on chili and BBQ cook-off. For a $5 minimum entrance donation, you’ll directly support the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association Burn Fund, as well as get delicious and spicy samples across the weekend. On Saturday, May 14th, guests will get a complimentary taste of Firehouse Chili, while those visiting on Sunday, May 15th, will get a Pumper Pulled Pork bunwich. You’ll also get a firefighters wristband, which will give you access to sampling the wares of various competitors.   With local live music, a beer garden, and lots of great food, bring the whole family to this charity event, with all proceeds going to…

The Vancouver International Wine Festival is May 16th – 27th By Wade Kinley What is wine without food? What is food without wine? Thankfully you can leave these impossibly existential questions at home and just revel in the way food and wine combine to create magic at this month’s Vancouver International Wine Festival. Here’s how the city’s top chefs are teaming up with the world’s best winemakers for once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences. Bodega Garzón Uruguay Dinner at Hydra Estiatoria Join Enologist Mele Sosa and dive deep into what some are calling “the Southern Hemisphere’s best kept secret,” the wines of Bodega Garzón, where 2500 million-year-old soil called Ballast combines with the winds of the Atlantic Ocean 18 km away to produce beautifully distinct wines. Taste them alongside plates of traditional Mediterranean flavours from Hydra, including Scallop and Watermelon Ceviche, Braised Short Rib Dolmades and more. Sonoma Strong: Rodney Strong at The…

5 Mexican Spots in Metro Vancouver You Need to Try By Avneet Takhar When I think of Mexican food, what comes to mind is fiery flavours, homestyle portions and colourful concoctions. Basically everything you could ever want for a pleasing palette and visual  la comida experience. Dive into the culture and fun this Cinco De Mayo with these following foodie spots that’ll leave a tingle on your tongue! Alimentaria Mexicana A restaurant under the umbrella of culinary big shot, Ernesto Gomez (also the founder of Chancho Tortilleria), Alimentaria Mexicana cannot be missed on Granville Island with its vibrant design and straw-covered patio. The menu carefully curated by Martín Vargas is like a la fiesta on a plate. Tinted crispy tortillas, meaty mains; Beef Cheeks In Dried Mexican Chillies and 8-hour braised Lamb Shank Barbacoa and cheerful bebidas (drinks), Niña Piña and Mezcalita amongst the many cocktail options. If you’re wanting…

Take Mom on a Mother’s Day Food Crawl With These Food Truck Stops By Mark Shelling Mother’s Day is soon approaching (May 8), and with it, one of the busiest days of the restaurant industry. If securing a reservation at a local eatery is proving a little tougher than you were expecting, it’s time that you got a little crafty with the occasion. The warmer May weather is an excuse to get mom into the fresh air, and if she’s a foodie, she will love the opportunity to sample a few options rather than being cooped up at a table for the duration of the outing. These food trucks are the perfect way to give mom a delicious twist on what she might be expecting on Mother’s Day, plus they’re the ideal way to segway into a picnic, which in our extensive foodie research, we’ve seen that moms adore. …

April 25-29 is Every Kid Eat Healthy Week By Wade Kinley April 25 to 29 is this years’ National Every Kid Eat Healthy Week which encourages schools and families to improve the health and wellness of their kids and celebrates the link between nutrition, physical activity, mental health and learning. And while healthy eating habits begin at home, it’s nice to know that out there on-the-go on the West Coast there are plenty of options to not only eat healthy at local restaurants, but do so in a way that makes kids as happy as the adults in their lives. Goodbowl Goodbowl’s belief is that everyone deserves to have the best healthy-food eating experience. And that’s especially true for kids. At Goodbowl you can customize your own bowl of meat, veggies and sauce (often gluten and sugar free) on a bed of rice or noodles – and they have a…

Meat. The hero of the charcuterie board. By Catherine Dunwoody Create your own spectacular board at home to really wow your guests at home or just load up on deli meats to elevate your weekday sandwiches. Either way, these local spots are where to find the most delicious house-made and imported charcuterie meats. Arc Iberico Imports carries Iberico ham, known as Jamón, which is a type of cured ham produced in Spain. Try the Serrano ham as well, dry-cured for months, sliced thin by the master artisans behind the counter of the tasting room and wine bar. Stock up on chorizos and other Spanish delicacies while visiting Richmond. Puccini’s, located on Vancouver’s North Shore is owned and operated by a brother and sister team. This bustling Italian and Mediterranean deli offer cured meats both imported and locally sourced, as well as cheeses, pastas and other imported pantry staples. Bosa Foods…

By Sonu Purhar & Mark Shelling When we think Easter, we think vibrantly-hued jellybeans, gigantic chocolate bunnies and sprawling buffets. Yes, egg hunts and bunnies are fun too, but, before we commit to an event, we want to be sure food is involved! If that sounds like you, read on: we’ve found eleven Easter experiences in Metro Vancouver (and a little beyond) whose holiday festivities feature plenty of tasty fare. Let’s hop to it! Township 7 Easter Festival Adults and children alike will adore this picturesque vineyard egg hunt with prizing for every participant. In addition to the main event, Township 7’s festive affair also features a petting zoo, face painting and live entertainment. Afterward, follow your nose to the onsite  Melt City Grilled Cheese and Hugs Mini Donuts by Mollie for delicious treats while you sample the vineyard’s award-winning wines. Grownups can even participate in an adults Easter egg hunt…

By Avneet Takhar Spring has sprung and not only does that mean cherry blossoms blooming, mild weather and clear skies but it also equals copious amounts of chocolate eggs, hearty dinners with friends and family, and the long weekend to recover from a food coma. Haha, we jest but seriously, it’s a resurrection of all things edible and indulgent so we’re excited to share with you the Easter and Passover menus that you’ll surely not want to pass up! The Bench Bakehouse Ready to take your order is The Bench Bakehouse, with their Easter shop open online and various yummy things to take home and enjoy. I did exactly that with their bomb Quiche Lorraine, a buttery yet crunchy pastry packed with spinach, caramelized onions and asiago which I customized to add spice! And I nabbed their 4 pack of classic hot cross buns, filled with raisins, apricots and housemade…

By: El Santo in New Westminster Enjoy El Santo’s classic prawn ceviche. Ingredients: Whole prawns, (400g) Limes, (1) Red onion, (1 Small) Roma tomato, (1) Jalapeño, (1) Orange, (1) Lemon, (1) Bay leaf, (1) Cilantro, (1 bunch) Avocado, (1) Shallot, (1) Cloves of garlic, (2) Salt and pepper Peel and devein the prawns, keeping the shells to make prawn salt. Peel the limes, lemon, and orange, and place the citrus skins on a baking sheet with the prawn shells. Set aside the citrus fruit for juicing. Finely slice shallots and garlic and add those to the baking sheet along with bay leaf and the stems of the cilantro. Season heavily with salt and bake in the oven at 220 for 15 minutes. Once dried, blend in a food processor until it becomes a powder. Set aside, as this will be used to garnish the ceviche. For the ceviche, roughly chop…

By Wade Kinley A Michelin Star restaurant at a breakfast joint? Not as crazy as it sounds. Not crazy at all, according to OEB Breakfast Co. founder and chef Mauro Martina, whose lofty ambitions have helped turn this Calgary upstart into one of the fastest-growing chains in the country. That star has eluded them – so far – but that hasn’t stopped them from taking their elevated breakfast concepts as far east as Toronto and south into Arizona, and now their latest ‘hatchling’ comes to the restaurant-rich Lonsdale Ave and 15th St area of Vancouver’s North Shore. The bright, airy space with bold, sleek lines and contrasting pastel colours opened its doors in January of 2022, hot off the heels of a Burnaby location in 2021 and Yaletown in 2019. Opening not one but two restaurants in the midst of a pandemic is a feat unto itself and should speak…

By Catherine Dunwoody The secret to delicious GF baked goods? Products that don’t have the unfortunate and often typical texture (read: sand or Styrofoam) associated with the term ‘gluten-free’. As a card-carrying Celiac (ok, there is no ‘card’, but you get the idea) I was diagnosed with the auto-immune disorder a few years ago, long after I’d been eating gluten for a lifetime. Always on the hunt for gluten-free options (and sharing ‘cause I’m nice that way), I’m as picky a food-writer as ever; because I know what the gluten-full versions taste like. Sure, it’s tough to measure up, but not impossible. Julia Child once said, “a party without cake is just a meeting.” We literally can have our cake and eat it too, especially at these bakeries who do special-occasion or any-day cakes, throughout the Vancouver area. Helpful hint? It’s best to pre-order these cakes by visiting their websites…

by Catherine Dunwoody Poutine enthusiasts rejoice! From April 1- 3, our favourite Francophone festival returns with musical artists, cultural activities, and of course fabulous food. It’s all happening at Mackin Park in Maillardville, Coquitlam in celebration of the 33rd annual Festival du Bois. The festival is the largest of its kind in BC, bringing a little bit of Québécois culture to the west coast. The official kick-off on the first evening begins with the Friday Night Contra Dance featuring live music from The Sybaritic String Band with Maureen Collier. What exactly is Contra Dance? It’s a social dance done in lines of couples usually done accompanied by live traditional music. There’s a dance caller who teaches easy “figures” on the spot, like in square dancing, and prompts you during the dance. A great way to work up your appetite we’d say! Speaking of which, we are already salivating in anticipation…

So… you’re ready to start shedding your layers and reawakening your senses again? While we’re all for the seasonal foods of winter, once you get to the tail end of it, you’re ready for something with a bit more of a flavourful edge to it. That’s where the Surrey Spice Trail comes in. Naturally, Surrey is the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates a diverse roster of flavours. From a smoky Caribbean kick, to plates finished with freshly grated wasabi root, there are delicious discoveries for every spice level. Spread across 6 neighbourhoods and over 60 restaurants, this celebration of world cuisine is a fantastic escape from any bland food routine. Try authentic Jamaican fare at Stanley Market (North Surrey), home-style Japanese comfort food at Mr. Tonkatsu (Guildford) or the well-guarded family recipes at Afghan Kitchen (South Surrey). There are just about as many flavour possibilities here as…

By Ariane Fleishmann We all have one: that friend who posts pictures of every meal on Instagram; who hosts immaculate dinner parties and amps up the carefully curated cheese board with homemade sourdough and prosciutto cured in their own garage; who frequently visits farmer’s markets or forages for fiddleheads. They’re a foodie. But whoever said foodies were exclusively adults? With the ubiquity of cooking shows, YouTube tutorials, and wherever else kids get their information these days, Gen Z is ready to make something delicious. And what responsible parent wants to ignore their child’s desire to be in the kitchen? (So long as they learn to clean, anyways.) Indulge your kid with one of these top-notch cooking classes whether you live in BC or are just visiting; after all, the best way to experience regional cuisine is to make it yourself. Your kids will learn to appreciate different kinds of food…

By Tourism Coquitlam Want to try some global flavours in Coquitlam? Let their new video inspire you, and then plan your tasting tour  – links to all the featured restaurants in the video are below! Phở Phú Thịnh  Coquitlam Grill Singapore Hawker John B Neighbourhood Pub Mercado Mexican Market & Taqueria Pasargad Restaurant Looking for more spring break adventures? Check out this Tourism Coquitlam blog post.

If you’ve visited our site before, you know we never really NEED an excuse to dine out or try a new restaurant. However, when a GREAT excuse for doing both of those things happens, you can bet we’ll be ready to hit the road. Bite of Burnaby has given us the perfect opportunity to stand by that foodie mantra, with over thirty local restaurants offering exclusive menu options. Throughout March, you can choose from $15, $30 and $60 set menus at some of the finest eateries in BBY. Not only that, but you’ll also have the chance to nab weekly vouchers to Burnaby businesses as well as be entered to win the grand prize of a Burnaby shop, stay, and dine package. It’s really the perfect set up- eat delicious food, be rewarded with delicious food. First, we’ll have the heavenly pancakes from Gram Cafe in Brentwood. A semi-sweet Japanese-style…

By Wade Kinley How much do you miss travelling? When the longing gets too much, take the International Taste Bud Tour on now in Langley City. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a few solid additions to your Instagram feed or just a rejuvenating break from your everyday, Langley City has an itinerary to satisfy your travel bug as well as your taste buds. It’s a great thing to support restaurants in your own neighbourhood, but if you’re feeling like you could just use a little change, get to Langley City for the Reset, Refresh and Reconnect Tour. No matter what time your day actually “starts,” kick it off with brunch like you’ve never quite seen it at Egg Bomb. After a stroll through Langley’s Downtown Mural Walk, grab an authentic smoked meat sandwich and a side of poutine from Estrella’s Montreal Deli. Then whisk yourself away to…

By Avneet Takhar In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD), we pay homage to those who are women-identifying that serve up some mean meals in and around Metro Vancouver. From bakers to caterers and servers of ancestral cuisine, these ladies are showing how it’s done and running the show with other supportive women and allies to keep the “girl power” realness intact. Here are our recommendations on where to dine, knowing that your dime is going towards equality-driven enterprises. Sweet Thea Bakery  Named after the owner, Thea, this bakery is a welcome addition to the Main Street location and a long-time favourite in Langley. The trademark red packaging makes their infamous fruitcake even more luxurious, containing brandied sour cherries from Okanagan and just the right amount of rum and spices to pack a punch. And if going savoury is more to your taste, they have focaccia and sourdough all week…

By Winnie Tam White Rock isn’t just known for its beaches and picturesque scenery, it also has its fair share of charming cafes. Each one offers delicious treats and a cozy environment where you can get some work done. Next time you’re in town, check these out. Laura’s Coffee Corner In business since 2010, Laura’s Coffee Corner offers breakfast and lunch with made-to-order, homemade soups, salads, paninis, and freshly-baked treats. The café also offers a few gluten-free and vegan options. It’s a busy cafe with plenty of seating, including a heated, covered patio – great for these cooler months. With their free wifi, you can easily spend the morning there and work to your heart’s content! Enjoy their popular English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich for only $4.95, which comes with a free 12oz coffee between 8 and 9am. 2-15259 Pacific Ave, White Rock Get there on transit: From Bridgeport Station take…

by Winnie Tam Whether you’re wanting a midday break while working from home, or you’re looking for a spot to work and reward yourself with a delicious treat at the same time, these gems in Surrey have got you covered. West Village Café – Surrey West Village Café is a family-owned, community-based cafe, led by Jas Bhangoo. The café’s vision is to bring people together through nourishing, made-from-scratch food in a warm and inviting environment where everyone belongs, “like a village.” #160-5620 152nd Street, Surrey Get there on transit: Take the Expo Line Skytrain to King George Station, Board the 345 Bus heading East, get off at the Highway 10 stop, and it’s about a five-minute walk from there! *Photos care of West Village Cafe   Kaffina Coffee – Surrey Kaffina Coffee is a quality espresso and pour-over bar tucked away in South Surrey. It combines high-quality coffee and food…

By Avneet Takhar Show your support for Black businesses this month and beyond and prepare to savour the flavour with some lip-smacking, traditional and modern fare. These are some of our top picks of Black-owned and operated foodie hotspots in Metro Vancouver: Van Suya – Vancouver Nigerian cuisine that’ll “spice up ya life”, alright! I have eaten here on numerous occasions and owner, Ekaose Nwadiani hits all the right notes every damn time. So, a moment of confession here, I usually go for the chicken suya or jollof rice and for the first time I tried the Egusi soup (thickened soup with smoked fish, eggplant and goat meat), with Poundo Yam. I was mildly dubious of the Poundo Yam as I’d not encountered anything like it before and was seriously about to whack on a saucepan of rice, but thankfully refrained as I remembered myself- it just isn’t right to…

By Dominion Bar + Kitchen These Garlic Prawns are a customer and staff favourite. Great for dipping some warm bread to soak up the creamy garlic sauce! Tiger Prawns, (10 pieces 225g) Butter Unsalted, (1 oz 30g) Heavy Cream, (1 fl oz 30ml) Lemon Juice, (1 half 15ml) Shallots, Minced (1 half 15ml) Garlic, Minced (2 cloves 15ml) Basil, (Chopped 1 leaf) Arugula (6-8 leaves 2g) Jalapeno, (sliced 1/2 oz 5g) Canola Oil, (2 tsp 15ml) Salt & Pepper Place a medium-sized pan on medium-high heat. Add Canola Oil. Place shallots and garlic and saute for 10 seconds. Add Tiger Prawns, season with salt and pepper, and saute for about a minute or until prawns change color to bright red. Add lemon juice. Add cream and bring to a boil. Add in the butter and turn off the heat. Stir until butter has melted and sauce is thickened. Place basil…

By Wade Kinley No matter where you live on the West Coast, we could all use a little more French in our lives. Now that’s especially true when it comes to our stomachs. Luckily for us in this part of the world, we’re never too far away from the rich taste and satisfying muah of a proper French dining experience. Here are five places in Metro Vancouver to find un repas magnifique! Tour de Feast – North Vancouver Vancouver’s North Shore This unassuming little cafe tucked away on an industrial block next to the on-ramps to the Second Narrows Bridge offers up no-nonsense, authentic French fare to those who seek it out. Chef Dhurev Jhanjee and his wife Nupur Jhanjee who runs the front have earned a reputation for attention and consistency to everything French, from the cornichons on the house foie gras plate to the etiquette of service…

By Destination Vancouver There are three stages to a blissful Valentine’s Day at home. Here they are.  You’ve got to celebrate love. We like what Mark Twain said: “To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” Are you dividing your joy with someone you love this Valentine’s Day? If you feel all that joy, but you’re uncertain about how to express it on this special day, we have a plan for you. And best of all: you don’t have to leave home to execute it!  Did you know that 39% of people prefer celebrating Valentine’s Day with an experience? And did you also know that Valentine’s Day is the second-busiest day of the year for restaurants? The “restaurant experience” is probably the first one that comes to mind when you think about how to celebrate, but as the day approaches reservations can be…

The ushering in of the Year of the Tiger was on February 1, and was a joyous and festive time for the Chinese community in the Lower Mainland characterized by time spent with family and friends and, of course, by copious delicious feasting. Who doesn’t love a good hearty meal? Chinese New Year is an opportunity for everyone to partake in holiday eating, most especially dishes that will, hopefully, improve success in the coming lunar year. Richmond, as a confluence of various Chinese cuisines, offers many culinary opportunities for celebrating Year of the Tiger well into 2022. Here are 8 luck-magnet dishes that will appeal to your palate and your fortunes throughout the year: Whole Fish A particularly significant dish for Chinese New Year consists of a whole fish; its associations with unity and good fortune make it a centrepiece item. A whole steamed rock cod at Shiang Garden Seafood…

By Avneet Takhar They say all good things come at once, and we couldn’t agree more. In celebration of Lunar New Year there are a slew of Chinese-owned and operated places to eat, with specials on. And  if you’re opting to stay at home, then HBO’s timely new series: Take Out with Lisa Ling is the ultimate experience to pair your chopsticks with! So, here are our suggestions of where to eat: Chinatown BBQ Not only is Chinatown BBQ putting on take-home feasts to ring in the Year of the Tiger, but they have also teamed up with Beaucoup Bakery for a competition to win some yummy peking duck croissants, see here. Going back to the topic of feasts, you bet I tried one and almost broke out in meat sweats-no JK, but I savoured every juicy bite! I went for the “Good Luck Feast” for 2, a selection…