Luisa Cambara, Author at West Coast Food
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Luisa Cambara

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High above the bustle of Downtown Vancouver is a rooftop secret that you might not expect from street level: the Garden Dinner Series at Fairmont Waterfront. Despite the title, this is so much more than dinner. It’s a moment. A place. A story you step into. As you walk through the hotel and take the elevator to the top floor, you’re transported into another world: one blooming with fresh herbs, flourishing flowers, and the soft buzzing of the nearby apiary. Like the enchanting scene from a fairytale, this is an incredibly unique experience unlike any other in the city: A beautiful garden in the sky, with sweeping views of the city’s harbour and mountains as your backdrop. The evening begins with an exceptional selection of Waterfront Gin cocktails, crafted in partnership with Wayward Distillery, using 100% honey. Each subtly sweet sip is made with honey harvested from rooftop hives just…

Feature image credit: mikurestaurant.com June is here and that means it’s time to don those gowns, throw those caps high in the air and mark the exciting accomplishment of moving on from this chapter into a world ripe with possibility! And what better way to celebrate your proud and deserving graduate, (and all the loved ones that helped get them there), than with a fine West Coast meal? Here are just a handful of restaurants in Metro Vancouver in which to fete your new grad. Adelicia’s Mexican Restaurante | Langley City Graduation is a time of transition. But for now, the real world can wait! Whisk your grad away to a dinner celebration that feels like a tropical getaway at Adelicia’s Mexican Restaurante. All the colours, smells and tastes are the real deal here, in authentic cuisine by a family of restauranteurs whose roots go all the way back to…

Are you ready for Western Canada’s Largest Halal Food Festival? If you’ve been feeling like your palate has been stuck in neutral the past few meals, then there’s no better way to kickstart your taste buds than with three straight days of the best Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine in the Lower Mainland. Happening from June 20 – 22 at Surrey’s Holland Park, BC Halal Food Fest is one of our biggest culinary highlights of the year! Whether you’re after savoury: kebabs, shwarma, falafel, or sweet: bakhlava, kunafa, warbat, you’ll find all kinds of possibilities that are delicious as they are diverse. Featuring an unparalleled roster of international cuisines, you can expect friendly food vendors serving everything from Palestinian to Jordanian, Lebanese to Afghan. Just remember to arrive on an empty stomach! With over 100k attendees expected over the three days, and 45 food stalls tempting passersby with their wafting aromas, it…

Feature image credit: @oldhandcoffee Show your plate a little pride! Metro Vancouver is full of excellent LGBTQ+ friendly eateries and snack spots that prioritize inclusivity while offering outstanding menus and specials. Seeing as we’re currently in Pride month, we thought it was the perfect time to spotlight a few of these area gems where everyone is welcome to feast at the same table (metaphorically speaking).  From cocktails to fresh baked goods, the rainbow seems to nourish culinary creativity just as much as it does diversity. Now let’s scour the closet for something fabulous, and hit the town for a cheeky bite! Tall Shadow Bakery | Vancouver Cultivating an, everyone is welcome philosophy, Tall Shadow Bakery began by showcasing their organic sourdough, artisanal loaves and pastries at community markets and local eateries. The enthusiastic reception prompted them to establish a bustling bakery and cafĂ© in East Vancouver. Visitors can now enjoy…

Feature image credit: Shipyards Night Market  We’ve officially (almost) stepped into summer! What is it about snacking in the fresh air that just makes food so much better? Indulging in a double scoop in the park, savouring a BBQ skewer while patrolling the food aisles at a night market, it’s one of the best ways to mark the sunny season. Maybe it’s the fact that everyone is out and about, flaunting their food preference (*thinking emoji*).  If you’ve ever been to a cultural festival and wandered by someone digging into their yakitori, and thought, I want THAT, it’s a special type of satisfaction once you finally get it. This month’s foodie events are full of moments like that. So venture out and see what people are having—chances are you’ll likely be somebody’s muse for their next sudden craving! Surrey Urban Farmers Market | Surrey From June 7, 2025 Every Saturday,…

Feature photo credit: kulinarya.ca If you’ve already donated to Filipino BC’s  United Way’s Kapwa Strong Fund or supported the victims of the tragedy in your own way, but wanted to do something more to support Metro Vancouver’s Filipino community, we thought we would share a list of some of Metro Vancouver’s amazing Filipino restaurants for you to explore as another small way to show support for the community. Mr. Siopao De Langley | Langley City Specializing in Filipino-style steamed buns, Mr. Siopao never fails to satisfy with their sweet and savoury treats. Choose from tasty fillings like ube, mung bean pandan and red bean or buy a few and mix and match flavours. Great for when you need to bring snacks to a gathering or potluck. The Filipino Noodle Joint | Surrey Famous for its crispy crackling noodles, this community favourite spot brings authentic, delicately delicious Filipino flavours to Surrey.…

Feature image credit: lcfm.ca One of the sure signs of summer is the popping up of farmer’s markets all over the Lower Mainland. And it’s no wonder—being as blessed as we are by the fertile fields all around us, it’s natural to want to show it off! There’s nothing like a walk outside, discovering gems grown and produced by your neighbours, sampling new tastes and making new friends. And, what a perfect way to support Canadian business and keep your money in the local economy.  Mount Pleasant Farmers Market — Vancouver One of Vancouver’s most popular weekend activities—shopping or not! The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market goes every Sunday, from May 4 to October 26, where you can grab your fresh groceries for the week from over 35 local vendors! Then pick up a treat or meal from a food truck for an impromptu picnic! And with the market being right…