Megan Halkett, Author at West Coast Food

Cafés in Metro Vancouver October 13, 2021

New Westminster’s Cafes where Work Gets Done

By Kristi Alexandra The pandemic has many online workers a little Zoom fatigued, and co-working spaces aren’t as bustling as they once were pre-COVID. Luckily, for those who are used to the digital nomad life or who just miss seeing other folks “around the office,” there are a few spots in New Westminster where one can flip open a laptop and treat themselves to better-than-homebrewed beverages. Check out our favourites here. Old Crow Coffee Co. Art and industrial aesthetics meet at this Front Street café, where you’ll find rotating art from new artists hanging on the walls on a regular basis amid tables made from pipes. This spot caters to vegetarians and vegans alike, offering up fresh-made sandwiches, pastries, and occasionally, a delivery from Plates By Payts which serves plant-based sourdough doughnuts. Find a spot to get to work at one of the many tables available, including couch space to…

Farms October 12, 2021

Take Your Kids to the Fraser Valley for Pumpkin-Picking Fun

Photos by Michele Mateus Autumn harvest season is marked by celebrations around the world for a season of sharing with friends, family, and the community. Dig into abundance at one of the many Fraser Valley farms where your family can pick your own pumpkins out of a vast field, gather a bushel of crisp apples right from the trees, and take home a feast of local foods for around your own table. Fraser Valley Farms with Autumn Markets Krause Berry Farms 6179 248th Street Langley, BC 604.856.5757 www.krauseberryfarms.com Dave’s Orchard 5910 – 216 Street Langley, BC 604.532.5265 www.bcfarmfresh.com/farms/daves-orchard Aldor Acres Family Farm 24990 – 84th Ave. Langley, BC aldoracresfamilyfarm.ca Maan Farms 790 McKenzie Road Abbotsford, BC 604.864.5723 www.maanfarms.com Taves Family Farm 333 Gladwin Rd Abbotsford, BC 604.853.3108 www.tavesfamilyfarms.com Willow View Farms 288 McCallum Road Abbotsford, BC 604.854.8710 www.willowviewfarms.com Fantasy Farms Inc. 9423 Gibson Rd Chilliwack, BC www.fantasyfarmsinc.ca Words by…

Family Friendly Dining around Metro Vancouver October 7, 2021

Autumn Harvests Right From the Farm

By Kristi Alexandra While autumn marks the end of the u-pick berry season, it doesn’t mean local harvesting is over. From pumpkin patches to cranberries to organic greens, here are a selection of working farms in Metro Vancouver and beyond that have markets where you can purchase seasonal produce this fall. Riverside Cranberry Farm Riverside Cranberry Farm boasts a picturesque harvest season perfect for scooping up fresh cranberries and taking selfies. On your visit, you can snap photos around Riverside’s cranberry bog, learn about cranberry farming, and bring home some freshly harvested cranberries and other goodies from the new onsite Farm Store. If getting it all for the ‘gram is your motivation, we suggest adding the “Cranberry Plunge,” where you can plunge into the bog of berries to do some harvesting yourself. Don’t worry–the farm provides the waders so you don’t actually get wet. Open Sept 30–Oct 7, Thurs–Sat 26885…

Dining in Metro Vancouver October 4, 2021

Give Thanks for Not Cooking: 10 Spots For Thanksgiving Takeout

We’re into the swing of autumn now, and that means one thing. You have at least six months before you have to hear anyone talk about their “summer bod” again. So with that in mind, it’s time to feast. It’s pure foodie serendipity that this yearly milestone should occur just on the cusp of Thanksgiving arriving. So let’s get to it, here are our picks for fantastic places to book your turkey, pie, stuffing etc. Now let’s celebrate the autumn bod! Dinner Packages White Rock The Boathouse One of the longest-running restaurants on the White Rock strip, The Boathouse has been a part of the foodie landscape for decades. It only fits then that they should be serving up one of the biggest feasts of the year as well. Their to-go packages come with sliced turkey, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sage stuffing, roasted autumn vegetables, cranberry sauce,…

Recipes September 29, 2021

Recipe: Honey-Brined Sage-Roasted Turkey and Gravy

By Dan Olson, chef/owner, Railtown Catering We use a tenderizing brine of honey, lemon, herbs, garlic, salt and spices for maximum moisture retention and flavour. INGREDIENTS Organic Tom Turkey (15-lb) Kosher salt (4 cups, plus more to taste) Honey (1 cup) Whole black peppercorn (¼ cup) Lemons (5, halved) Bay leaves (2) Garlic (2 heads, halved and smashed) Parsley (1 bunch) Sage (1 bunch) Thyme (1 bunch) Clarified butter for brushing (¼ cup) Carrots (2, quartered) Small leek (1, halved) Small yellow onion (1, halved) Turkey stock (8 cups) Flour (1 cup) DIRECTIONS For the brine: 1. In a large stockpot, boil salt, honey, lemons, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic heads, parsley, thyme in 8 liters of water. 2. Reserve the neck bones and giblets from the turkey. Let brine cool, add the turkey, then cover and refrigerate overnight. To roast the turkey: 1. Heat the oven to 425°F. 2. Remove…

Metro Vancouver Chef Stories September 23, 2021

Peter Kim: The Man Behind the Menu at Seaside Provisions

By Avneet Takhar Located inside Seaside Hotel on Vancouver’s North Shore is Seaside Provisions, a restaurant with the freshest seafood and a raw fish bar propped up against the chef quarters so you can see your meal getting prepped in real-time! With chef Peter Kim overseeing the menu and creating a quality palette experience for guests, we took some time to digest his journey as a food connoisseur. How did you come up with the menu? Looks like there’s something for everyone, with choices! I’ve always wanted to cook what I love to eat, which is Asian-inspired, West Coast cuisine. Turning a dish that is traditional to its own country/ region into something that is approachable, yet adventurous is the continuous goal with my menus. What was your first job in the industry and how’d that get you to Seaside Provisions? My first job, like many people in the industry,…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver September 20, 2021

Where to Eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in New West’s River Market

By Avneet Takhar Renamed in 2008 in homage to the Fraser River, the River Market has been a popular spot for foodies since 1986. With community and sustainability (not to mention stunning views!) at the centre of its Food 360 Vision, the market remains one of the best spots to enjoy a meal in New West. Located just one block away from New Westminster Skytrain station, it’s highly accessible for anyone who needs to satisfy their cravings ASAP. So with no further ado, these are our top 3 market locales for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast: Angelina’s Dutch Corner Made with fresh ingredients from the market, their signature waffles here are a must. We will always stand by the topping any meal with mixed berries, whipped cream and compote sauce. Add a fresh OJ to complete the morning glory! Lunch: Pamola Bakery The name Pamola comes from a small…

Vancouver September 16, 2021

Vancouver’s Best Cafes for Getting Work Done

By Kristi Alexandra The pandemic has left many online workers feeling a little Zoom-fatigued, and at the moment, co-working spaces aren’t quite as bustling as they were pre-COVID. Luckily for those getting sick of the “digital-nomad” life, and miss seeing other folks around the watercooler, there are a few “Out of Office” spots in Vancouver where one can flip open a laptop while sipping better-than-homebrewed beverages. Here are our favourite YVR places to do work away from work. The Birds & The Beets Transit: Ten minute walk from Waterfront station Due to it being such a tech hub, Gastown has some of the best bandwidth in the city! And now that Microsoft will be opening offices there soon, it’s about to get even better. Located on Powell and Columbia, The Birds & The Beets is nestled comfortably in Vancover’s oldest neighbourhood. Every morning, this community favourite serves up breakfast and…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver September 9, 2021

Get Your Food To-Go Outside in Richmond

By Brittany Tiplady Picnic and patio weather is almost behind us. Soak up the last few weeks of warm weather with some takeout and a picnic blanket. The Richmond area is a perfect place to explore on a nice day — we rounded up some great spots that pair well with the outdoors. LA Chicken 11780 Thorpe Rd Transit: 410 Bus 22nd St Stn. Get off at Cambie at No. 5 Road, walk three minutes A trip to LA Chicken has been on my list for some time so this article was the perfect excuse to finally try it out. For research, of course. We ordered the 2 piece chicken dinner meal — fries, coleslaw and gravy included for $13.50 — and headed across the street to King George Park for a fried chicken picnic. King George Park is great for kids and family gatherings — on this particular Saturday…

Self-guided Tours around Metro Vancouver September 8, 2021

Bike (and Eat!) the Central Valley Greenway: New Westminster

By Jackie Dives The Central Valley Greenway is a great way to explore on a bicycle. It’s a relatively flat bike path that runs all the way from Vancouver to New Westminster, and one of our favourite ways to work up an appetite for a day of exploring the amazing food and drink in New Westminster. Our first stop in New Westminster along the Central Valley Greenway on our bike ride from Vancouver was Old Crow Café for a much-needed caffeine dose, where I ordered a flat white and Dan got an americano. You can enjoy coffee and breakfast here, watching the trains go by, or grab a croissant to-go and head to the water. The River Market is a great place to visit, especially every Saturday, where Rain City Games hosts an open board game day where you can crack open a game and try it out. A welcome…

Self-guided Tours around Metro Vancouver September 7, 2021

Bike (and Eat!) the Central Valley Greenway: Vancouver-Olympic Village

By Jackie Dives The Central Valley Greenway is an all-levels ride that takes you from Vancouver all the way to New Westminster. It’s mostly flat, separated from most vehicle traffic, and it’s easy to detour off for some hidden food gems. The more experienced you are, the more leisurely your food (and beer) stops will be along the way! Starting at Olympic Village in Vancouver, the food options are plentiful. Tractor is a fresh, healthy, leafy, crispy, hot or cold flavourful option at a good price point. They have salads and sandwich combos that are actually worth buying for both components full of favourites like grilled avocado, various protein options of the veggie and non-veggie variety, nuts, seeds, and cheeses. They are licensed, and also have kombucha on tap. Alternatively, Terra Breads is nearby if you just need a snack. Hit up Tap and Barrel for beers with a view,…

Chocolate, Sweets, and Baking around Metro Vancouver September 3, 2021

Indulge in Lavender Delights at Richmond’s Lavenderland

By Jaclyn Hayward Autumn may be nearing, but lavender season is still in full bloom, so relish and enjoy the sensory experience offered by this captivating and locally-grown herb. Lavenderland opened earlier this summer in Richmond, providing an excellent opportunity to take friends and family on a scented journey exploring endless photo-taking moments and exclusive products and treats. Purple-flavoured anything is delightful, and that goes without saying for this summer’s newest favourite food pairings available exclusively at Lavenderland: lavender-infused gelato, and lavender-infused tea. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond Lavenderland (@richmondlavenderland) Blackball Tea has really captured the flower’s essence and colours with their magnificent purple display of new tea flavours created especially for Lavenderland. Try the Lavender Meet Yogurt drink and be ready to wander the fields refreshed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond Lavenderland (@richmondlavenderland) Steveston’s Mr.…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver September 1, 2021

Picnic Ideas on Vancouver’s North Shore

By Avneet Takhar Metro Vancouver summer and fall is made for food soirees outdoors, so here are some locations to get the views and bites in as we continue to be blessed by the sun’s Vitamin D! The Fried Chicken Works near Waterfront Park 144-123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver (Lonsdale Quay Market) Transit: Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal There’s nothing better than fried chicken and this joint has a flavourful, Korean twist! The Fried Chicken Works’ 4 piece chicken combo, with fries and a pot of Korean sauce is a winner. Top it off with a side of pickled radish! Then get yourself down to Waterfront Park, and make sure you hold out for the sunset. Covert Cafe and Market near Deep Cove Park 4387 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver Transit: Buses R2, 212, 215 It doesn’t get more west coast than Covert Cafe and Market, with its signature blue…

Self-guided Tours around Metro Vancouver August 26, 2021

Take a Tour Using Richmond’s Local Food Map

Richmond has a bounty of fresh foods gathered and grown locally, from berry farms and wineries to free-range chickens and eggs.

Vegetarian & Vegan August 23, 2021

Dairy-Free Cool-Down Treats for a Hot Summer

By Brittany Tiplady If you’re like me, living in an apartment sans air conditioning, cool-down treats are a must for summer sanity. And lucky for dairy-free and plant-based folks, there are plenty of options available that accommodate all kinds of dietary restrictions and preferences. Get outta the heat and check out this curated list of dairy-free treats available in Metro Vancouver from Fort Langley to the North Shore. New Westminster The Hive Cafe Transit: New Westminster SkyTrain station A quick six-minute walk from the New Westminster SkyTrain will take you to the Hive Cafe: a delightful spot for all things refreshment. Coffee, espresso, thirst-quenching iced teas are kinda their thing. Grab a Pear + Mango Shaken Tea, or a Lavender Lemonade and take a stroll down New West’s Pier Park, which happens to be right next door. Vancouver Innocent Ice Cream Transit: Take the the the Expo Line to Main…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver August 19, 2021

What to Eat Outside with an Ocean View in White Rock

By Kristi Alexandra It’s no secret that this little coastal city by the sea sees several more visitors during the summer. Chalk it up to a vibrant dining scene set among breathtaking views of the ocean. Here are just a few summer diet staples and the landmarks to enjoy them at. Fish & Chips (and more) at White Rock Pier Is there anything more iconic than fish and chips by the sea? Marine Drive’s Moby Dick has been a kitschy beachfront family eatery serving up burgers, fried seafood and more since 1975, so you won’t want to miss out on this legendary spot. Their staple fish and chips boasts fresh Alaskan cod and Yukon Gold fries. Grab a takeout order, and then pop across the street toward the equally iconic White Rock Pier. Get here: Ride the Millennium Line to its end in Surrey: King George Station, and take the…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver August 16, 2021

Summer Treats to Try in Coquitlam

If your tastebuds are in need of some excitement during these dog days of summer, take yourself on a treat tour of the city–and don’t miss these spots.

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver August 11, 2021

3 Vancouver Pop-Up Patios You Don’t Want To Miss This Summer

By Avneet Takhar We’ve been lucky to have an abundance of patios to choose from this summer, with restaurants adapting to COVID restrictions. Seeing as a seat in the sunshine only adds to a culinary experience, these are our top 3 spots to check out while the weather’s still blazing. Cold Tea Restaurant Cold Tea is the Chinese-Vietnamese fusion new kid on the Granville Street block. Their 40-seat patio at the back of the restaurant is made extra cozy with candle lanterns, heaters, and potted plants dotted around. Plus, the high-top tables are perfect for small groups or a special date! Their all-day dim sum has become a neighbourhood hit, particularly the BBQ pork buns – a must-try. To get there: Grab the Canada Line to Yaletown-Roundhouse station. Head upwards to Mainland Street, then walk up Davie for 7 minutes until you hit 1193 Granville Street. Then you’re there! …

Italian August 6, 2021

Chinatown’s Fiorino: Diary of an Opening, Chapter 1

Chapter 1, A Kernel of Truth By Wade Kinley Fiorino is a new restaurant concept in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood slated for opening in the fall. In this series, we’ll follow along to meet the people, hear the stories and get an on-the-ground sense of what it takes to open a new restaurant in the city. I meet up with Fiorino’s owner-operator Giovanni Mascagni at the new space at the bottom of the London Hotel on Georgia Street. Recently gutted, it bears little resemblance to its former life as Wheat & Barley, or the Brixton Café before that. Dust hangs in the air as we carefully step around the tilers installing the rustic white and orange squares bringing the room back to life from the ground up. He shows me where they’ll build the bar so it will bask in natural light from the windows above, and where the individual…

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver August 4, 2021

Let’s Rally Food Fam: Surrey’s Afghan Kitchen

Running a small business is tough in the best of times, never mind having to deal with a pandemic. But at the family-run Surrey restaurant Afghan Kitchen, they’ve sadly had to deal with even more hurdles recently. This past week, owner Hassib Sarwari came to work to find that a vandal had caused more than $5,000 worth of damage to the restaurants’ patio and outdoor heaters. To make matters worse, the window on Sarwari’s car had been smashed in. Footage of the incident was captured here. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it’s just a disheartening reminder that good people can still be struck with bad luck. This isn’t the first time that Afghan Kitchen was the target of similar incidents either. Last year, thieves stole potted plants from the patio on two separate occasions. We don’t usually write articles about news items like this, but what better opportunity to…

Self-guided Tours around Metro Vancouver August 2, 2021

Join Langley City’s International Tastebud Tour

You might not be able to travel just yet, but that shouldn’t stop your palate from doing a little culinary globetrotting! Lucky for you, you’ve got an atlas of food possibilities not far off. The Langley City International Taste Bud Trail is a celebration of all the delicious restaurants that make up this Lower Mainland foodie destination. It doesn’t matter which cuisine you’re looking to stamp on your passport, this self guided tour will get you there in in time for dinner. Craving a little Latin kick? The famously generous portions at Adelicia’s Mexican Restaurante will have you reaching for a margarita to cool down with. Looking to celebrate the end of your carb cleanse? Then a visit to Olivo Pasta is the ideal spot to show off your pro pasta twirling. Avishan Middle East Grill for Barg (grilled lamb tenderloin) with fresh homemade Barbary bread? Or a vegan strawberry…

Cafés in Metro Vancouver July 27, 2021

Blooming Together with Vancouver’s Chance Café and Corina Li

By Jaclyn Hayward Nestled at the corner of Commercial Street, close to the Victoria Diversion, lies a little Café that brings so much joy to the Kensington Cedar-Cottage neighbourhood. In 2017, Corina Li had a vision to turn the small corner-shaped building into a hub that serves tasty food and drinks to the community that surrounds it. Four years later, Chance Café stands vibrant and strong with an inviting menu of eats. “My vision revolves around togetherness with my family, specifically my brother. Growing up, my brother and I roamed the streets of East Van like our backyard, especially in the Trout Lake area. We looked out for each other so when the opportunity came up for us to open a café, we put our heads together to come up with the idea. My dream is to recreate the positive experience we had growing up and create a community where…

Festivals & Events July 23, 2021

The Hot Season Has Arrived: Explore The Surrey “Spice Trail”

So… you say you like spicy food, do ya? Well, let’s see if you can withstand.. THE SPICE TRAIL! (thunder clap) Ok, you can come out from under your napkin now, there’s no need to be scared. The spice in this case, is more about full flavours and celebrating international tastes, than causing any culinary trauma. Naturally, Surrey is the perfect backdrop for such an event, as it’s neighbourhoods are brimming with vibrant recipes. Spread across 6 neighbourhoods and over 30 restaurants, this celebration of world cuisine is a fantastic escape from any bland food routine. Try authentic Colombia fare at Union Latino’s Food (North Surrey), a home-styled Nepalese feast at Taste of Himalayas (Newton) or an upscale Indian spread at My Shanti (South Surrey). There are just about as many flavour possibilities here as there are on your palate, so get out and do a little plate hopping! You…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver July 21, 2021

The Perfect Food and Park Pairings in Richmond

By Jaclyn Hayward We’re spending a lot of time catching up with friends and family outside, which means ordering takeout is a must. Richmond has so many delicious places to eat, here are some food options to try near great community parks. Chef’s Playground Eatery at Steveston Community Park 12420 No 1 Rd Transit: #170 bus to Moncton St @ No. 1 Rd Seize the day and take your brunch to go, at this gem located just around the corner from Steveston Community Park. Mushroom lovers will enjoy the Avo Mushroom Benny on focaccia, served with a little crunch and great hollandaise. Steveston Community Park has off-leash dog areas, a water park and playground for the kids, and lots of trails to roam, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied after you’ve finished your bennies. @chefsplaygroundsteveston chefsplayground.ca John 3:16 Malaysian and Minoru Park 6838 No. 3 Rd Transit:…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver July 16, 2021

Stay Shaded on These Vancouver Patios

By Kristi Alexandra Though many of us hope that COVID is nearly in the rearview, BCers should be fairly experienced patio diners by now because of former restrictions—and that’s not a bad thing! Many restaurants, bars and eateries have spruced up or expanded their existing patio spaces, and diners are reaping the benefits. Beat the heat and try out these new-and-improved patio spots in Vancouver this summer. Innocent Ice Cream Ice cream will certainly cool you down on a hot day! This gluten-free ice cream parlour boasts “the best ice cream sandwiches in Vancouver,” and you’ll know it’s true when you visit the Main Street Shop (4895 Main Street, Vancouver). Their cozy back patio (seats 8) also flaunts its solar-powered ice cream truck aptly named “Sunshine”, which is perfect for ‘gram-worthy snaps. Snap up a scoop of ice cream (vegan options available) pressed between two of their signature gluten-free cookies,…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver July 15, 2021

Three Must-Try Ice Cream Spots in White Rock

By Lenée Son Under the sweltering summer heat, there’s nothing better than cooling down with a walk on the White Rock pier and an ice cold treat. Whether it’s gelato, frozen yogurt, or traditional ice cream you’re craving, this beachside city is a haven for icy desserts. Here are four must-try places. Sandcastle Sea Shoppe – White Rock Located at the east beach in White Rock, Sandcastle Sea Shoppe has the largest selection of ice cream in the city. They carry fifty flavours at all times and nearly seventy during the peak season in the summer. Take your pick from gelato, ice cream, milk shakes, smoothies, or old fashioned frozen yogurt. The Sandcastle Sea Shoppe is home to the twin cone, a cone with a platform for two ice cream flavours side-by-side rather than on top of each other, which you won’t find anywhere else on the beach. They also…

Where to Eat in Metro Vancouver July 14, 2021

4 Summer Picnic Ideas in Burnaby and Coquitlam

With the days and nights still long and hot, catching up with friends in a park over food is a summer tradition that will keep you from overheating. Here are some delicious places to eat near inviting outdoor spaces.

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits around Metro Vancouver July 3, 2021

Our Summer Cocktail Bucket List

If this ridiculous heatwave has taught us anything, it’s that fans simply do not get the job done. And if you’ve tried to buy an air conditioner in the last week, you’ve also likely met with a dead end. Therefore, it’s our civic duty to try and cool you down from within! By district, these are our emergency picks for when the air is thick with humidity. One sip from any of these craft cocktails and you’ll be breathing out a frosty cloud in no time. New Westminster El Santo: Andina Verde 680 Columbia St Transit: New Westminster Station There’s no quench quite like a cuke. With sparkling wine, Campo de Encanto Pisco, house-made ginger syrup, fresh lemon, and plenty of muddled cucumber, this tipple will take the edge off even the highest temps. @elsantonewwest elsanto.ca Vancouver Bells & Whistles: Thug Passion Slushy 3296…

Burnaby June 23, 2021

No More Apples Please: 8 Gifts Your Teacher Will Actually Love

If you’ve ever tried to run a zoom call full of kids, you’d likely need a little something to take the edge off too. This year has been a crazy one for our teachers, and while they may be back in classes with their students, the last 18 months have been a huge stress for the people in this important position. So of all the years to get a solid gift for them, this is the one you should be upping your budget a bit, and flexing your generosity. As a good rule of thumb, you should be giving one of two types of gifts: food (sweet tooth, savoury snacks, gift cards for dinner) or, alcohol (see: booze). Speaking as the son of a teacher, nobody wants to come home with a new set of pencils, an oven mitt, or a hand-crafted wall tapestry. These are all your best bets.…

Burnaby June 15, 2021

Last Minute Father’s Day Options For Hungry Dads

Father’s Day doesn’t get the love that it deserves. Sure, Mother’s Day is the more momentous occasion, one of the busiest days of the year in the hospitality industry, and a fitting tribute to the woman who carried you for nine months… But what about a day for the man who taught you the fine art of lame jokes, the guy who informed what your definition of terrible music is, that king whose famously frugal lifestyle could squeeze a nickel from a penny? If any of those hit home for you, then Father’s Day is a wonderful occasion to show him that despite his best intentions, you still grew up with an excellent taste for the finer things. So, when the day arrives (June 20!), pick any of these outstanding spots to prove to the man that not skimping on a good meal is always worth it. Langley Tourism…