Lunar New Year is almost here! Kicking off on January 29 and running until February 16, LNY is a spirited holiday filled with culture, tradition, and, most importantly, food! While the occasion is celebrated across numerous countries in Asia, in Metro Vancouver, our vibrant Chinese community always makes a memorable splash with street festivals, live performances, and local restaurants offering special menus and experiences. If you’re looking to celebrate with fantastic Chinese cuisine from all our local communities, you’re in the right spot! Vancouver Notch8 Celebrate the Year of the Snake with this Lunar New Year-inspired afternoon tea experience at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Indulge in a curated selection of exquisite teas paired with a variety of sweet and savoury treats inspired by traditional flavours and festive delights. A kid’s tea service is also available which includes finger sandwiches, cookies, scones, and other delicious treats. Mott 32 One of the…
The holiday season is the quintessential time to gather with good people for good food, so why not share these festive moments with some of our wonderful local eateries? Wondering what restaurants are open on Christmas Eve? These favourite foodie spots are offering holiday service on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so you can focus more on catching up and less on turkey temperatures. Whether it’s offering a special menu for the occasion or just opening for regular service, the following eateries have you back this holiday. Whatever your traditions are this time of year, it’s never a bad time to start something new, especially if it means someone else taking care of the dishes afterwards. So grab a Christmas cracker, order an eggnog, and dig into one of these delicious yuletide meals! Restaurants Open in Vancouver Botanist 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver Celebrate the magic of Christmas…
Gingerbread, yule logs, apple pie—this is the best time of year to have a sweet tooth! We’re already into the holiday season so if you haven’t indulged a bit yet, then you’ve got some serious catching up to do. Across the Lower Mainland, local bakeries are filling their menus with all kinds of seasonal treats. These are just a few of the things we can’t wait to dig into over the break. We just hope there will be enough for Santa! Mon Paris Patisserie – Burnaby 4396 Beresford Street, Burnaby Red Fruits & Vanilla Christmas Log With the right decadent dessert, you can win the potluck party every time. Filled with red fruit confit, white chocolate mousse, vanilla biscuit, and waffle crunch this holiday staple is the perfect end to any gathering. Blacksmith Bakery – Langley 115-5385 216 St. Langley Marzipan Stollen Don’t call it fruit cake! This…
When the winter chill sets in, there’s really no better remedy than a good bowl of soup. And thankfully, in Metro Vancouver, we’re blessed to have plenty of options! Especially so when it comes to the most rejuvenating bowl of warmth you can order—pho! The Vietnamese specialty is never tastier than on a brisk day, so let’s dig into some tasty locales where you can shake off the cold and dig into the flavour. Featured image: Hai Phong Vietnamese Restaurant Hai Phong Vietnamese Restaurant – Vancouver 1242 Kingsway, Vancouver With a stylish modern interior and TVs to watch sports on, this is a great spot to bring friends both for the social vibe and the pho alike. Known for its light and refreshing broth, the pho here is always a crowd-pleaser on a chilly day. Pho Den – Burnaby 6401 Kingsway #120, Burnaby Pinnacle savoury pho…
Family owned and operated Bow & Stern is a Fraser Valley based seafood restaurant brand, with locations in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Now, they’re about to open in Metro Vancouver for the first time in Burnaby’s food focused The Amazing Brentwood, aiming for early August. The new 5,000 square foot restaurant will feature all the delicious ocean-inspired dishes they’re known and loved for, including fresh oysters at a centrepiece oyster bar, impressive seafood platters and towers, and of course their classic fish n’ chips. With 160 seats indoors and 60 seats on the patio, expect both happy hour and dinner, plus weekend brunches being hinted at. North Vancouver-based Humphries Construction Group has designed the gorgeous space with kelp-green velvet seating, plenty of lush plant life, and cheeky octopus wallpaper. The L-shaped bar is where you’ll want to hang, lingering over a bowl of mussels and a glass of wine. Or a New York Sour…
The scents of summer have begun wafting through the air, and we’re ready to start feasting! Whatever your sunny favourites are: BBQ, popsicles, cob salads, or hot dogs and burgers, there are always plenty of delicious ways to celebrate the season. Start with these local happenings that take the warmer weather as an opportunity for bold menus and big flavours. Here are some of the notable events you should put on our foodie radar this month! Steveston Salmon Festival, July 1 The annual Steveston Salmon Festival is Richmond’s largest event! Enjoy the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous salmon BBQ and festival chow mein. Richmond Steveston Village VCBW: Vancouver Craft Beer & Music Festival, July 6 By combining delicious beer with incredible food, cutting edge arts, music and craft culture, the yearly event captures the very essence of…
Things we can’t wait to eat/drink in June: flights of award-winning local and international ciders, spot prawns just pulled from the water, and 70+ authentic Japanese food vendors. The list goes on! If you can’t tell, we’re already experiencing sensory overload with the many tasty things to do in the coming weeks. The smell of BBQ is in the air, and eager ice cream trucks are revving their engines— bring on the first course of summer! These edible events are just the start of what we’ll be digging into for June. Shipyards Night Market – North Vancouver, Every Friday Night from May 10-Sep 13 Every Friday night, locals and visitors gather at the Shipyards District to indulge in a culinary extravaganza, explore unique artisan vendors, enjoy live music and DJ sets while unwinding in the lively beer garden. This one-of-a-kind experience is brought to you by the Greater Vancouver Food…
You can learn practically anything from the internet these days. However, interactive classes are way more fun and immersive than learning from a YouTube video. What’s more, you get to taste the fruits of your labour while you learn. Get set to impress at your next dinner party or dazzle your date with skills learned at these fun adult cooking classes and wine workshops. Don your apron and dive into a world of flavour. Class is now in session! By Mithalee Rawat Posh Pantry – Burnaby On weekends, Posh Pantry offers hands-on cooking classes tailored for those with a passion for food. Their lineup includes professional chefs and seasoned home cooks, all geared towards equipping you with impressive kitchen skills. This summer, you have the opportunity to learn firsthand from an authentic Italian mamma how to handcraft gnocchi or ravioli. If West Coast seafood is more your style, a former…
Jumping into May brings us sunny weather and several food events around Metro Vancouver for all to attend! If you are interested in trying new alcoholic beverages, engaging in African culture, and hanging out with friends or family at the Shipyards Night Market—this month is full of fun for all foodies. Mother’s Day Market at Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery, May 5th Pamper Mom at the picturesque Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery for a day filled with laughter, love and loads of fantastic finds. This Mother’s Day Market is a memorable celebration for all! Langley Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery Coquitlam Farmers Market, Every Sunday from May-October Poirier Street Farmers Market is the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland. The Poirier Street Market hosts a diversity of vendors and products from May through October. Each week a wide variety of vendors gather to showcase their…
If there was an award for best cocktails in Metro Vancouver, it’d certainly be hard to choose just one winner—but it sure would be fun to be the judge. There are more than a handful of destinations in the region to sip on an inventive cocktail, from the soulful notes of Free Bird Kitchen + Bar in Richmond to the unapologetically vibey atmosphere of Steven’s Cocktail Corner in Langley. Here are some spots to enjoy every sip-savouring minute of cocktail hour. MEO – Vancouver Chinatown’s newest cocktail bar MEO is a must-visit, where Ukrainian-born bar manager Denis Bykov creates a refreshing cocktail experience amid kitschy ‘70s aesthetics. The cocktail menu is fruit-and-vegetable forward, with drinks like the Golden Devine (Blue Agave Altos Tequila, summer peach, cacao nib, ginseng cordial, Cocchi Americano vermouth, and a peach cacao yogurt crisp) and Espresso Carrotini (Beefeater Blood Orange gin, carrot reduction, citrus peel infused…
International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating some of our region’s incredible chefs and restaurateurs with a guide to fabulous female-led businesses you’re going to want to check out! By Avneet Takhar Pampanga Cuisine – Vancouver Edith Malang, who fed frontline nurses during the throes of COVID-19 with her comforting Filipino food, has seen her business grow to two Vancouver locations due to its popularity! From breakfast plates such as Longsilog (rice and Filipino style sausage) all the way through to Combo Meals (any dish, with rice and soup) and meat dishes consisting of favourites such as Crispy Sisig (chunks of pork, chillies and ginger), Malang makes sure you’re well taken care of. Instagram Get there by transit: The R4 or number 8 buses will take you to the Fraser location and Joyce station is a 1 minute walk from the other site. Burdock & Co…
The arrival of spring means more and more events will be budding around Metro Vancouver, and these are some of the tastiest ones on the calendar! A showcase of the types of different dumplings across various cultures? Book your spot now! How about a week-long celebration of the best mixologists in the city? Prime your palate, and keep reading! Taste of the Tri-Cities, February 16 – March 10 This annual food and drink festival is designed to highlight the amazing restaurants, eateries, pubs, breweries, distilleries and cafes in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Various Locations Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine Out Vancouver, or you just miss it in general, get yourself to Burnaby for the Bite of Burnaby Festival. This annual foodies dream takes place all month and features local restaurant favourites offering prix-fixe menus. Burnaby bills…
Why stay cooped up inside through winter? After all, Valentine’s is this month, and what better way to show your intentions than by taking your date OUT to a food event or two? Here are the Feb happenings you should know about so you can flex your foodie status with someone special. Just remember, nothing says “💘”, quite like… 🌮 🥗 🍕 🍜 Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 24 – March 3 The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the world’s biggest and oldest wine events, offering something for every level of wine enthusiast, collector and trade professional. In 2023 alone, the festival featured 147 wineries across 17 countries, pouring and discussing over eight nights. The heart of the event is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where each winery pours 4 to 5 wines for the public. Vancouver Various Locations Dark Fields of Winter, Vancouver…
With over 300 restaurants participating this year, a wide net of delicious, affordable dining options has been cast over communities across the greater Vancouver area. The 2024 Dine Out Festival runs from January 17 to February 4, so here’s a list of top 5 restaurants to get you started on filling your Festival calendar. Make reservations soon to avoid disappointment. By Catherine Dunwoody Pho Den – Burnaby We love ducking out of our workday for a great lunch deal anytime, and especially during Dine Out. Vietnamese restaurant Pho Den has 3-courses for $22 (dinner is $24) which cannot be beat. Start with crunchy, dippable spring rolls, then a steamy bowl of winter-comforting pho (beef, chicken or veg) and royal milk tea with topping for dessert. Accepting reservations for lunch and dinner, $22 and $24 per person. By transit: bus 191, or SkyTrain Millennium line or Expo line. Instagram The…
Now that the hectic holiday season is over, it’s the perfect time to decompress with a few days of rest, relaxation and letting others do all the cooking and cleaning for you. With that in mind, we invite you to enter to win the Dine and Unwind in Burnaby contest where you’ll spend a weekend in one of Metro Vancouver’s most charming cities, eating your way through some of the best eateries in the Lower Mainland! A Weekend in Burnaby Day 1 First off, check in to the elegant Delta Hotel Burnaby for a romantic two night stay with your sweetheart, or a relaxed weekend getaway with your bestie. Address: 4331 Dominion Street This weekend is all about taking it easy, and that’s the name of the game at the Art of Sauna and Spa. Featuring 8 different traditions of relaxation spanning cultures from the North and South of Europe…
Celebrated worldwide, Diwali is the calendar event of the year! Observed by people of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, Diwali also known commonly known as the Festival of Lights, with lights symbolizing “the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Taking place on November 12, 2023 this year, Diwali is a time to clean your place, gather with family and friends, brighten your home with diyas (tiny, clay pot oil lamps that can be lit with a match or holders for tea lights) placed around the house, watch patake (firework displays) illuminate the sky, and share a delicious feast of traditional Indian dishes and sweets with people you care about. Not only does Diwali look and feel magical, but your dhid (stomach) will be celebrating too! Cooking for the big day can be a lot of (unnecessary) work, so here’s a list of where to get delicious Indian eats to honour the…
Paris-trained pastry Chef Elena Krasnova’s French pastry shop in Burnaby has been our go-to for delectable treats for years now. As with any true artist, inspiration comes from many sources, and the recent new offerings at Mon Paris Pâtisserie are inspired by Chef Krasnova’s recent travels. By Catherine Dunwoody Impressed by the abundant, fragrant, fresh lemons on Elena’s annual trip to Menton in the South of France, Elena could not resist creating a Lemon Meringue Croissant that is available only on weekends. Lemon trees dot the landscape in the South of France and are sold in markets and stands on every street corner. Celebrating the citrus fruit that Elena, and her eager customers love seemed like an obvious choice. “The aroma of sun-drenched fruit filled the air in this charming seaside town. As I wandered through the narrow stone streets, I encountered citron de Menton in various forms, from whole…
By Sonu Purhar Nothing beats a creamy cold treat on a hot summer day – but unfortunately for us vegan and non-dairy folks, options are often limited. Sure, we can wander into an ice cream parlour with a hypnotizing array of flavours, but something in us dies a little when we spot the sad collection of ice crystal-studded sorbets in the corner. So, we’ve uncovered seven spots all around Metro Vancouver that churn genuinely delicious, adventurously flavoured vegan ice cream – nary a sad sorbet in sight. Enjoy! Earnest Ice Cream – North Vancouver 127 West 1st Street, North Vancouver and other locations Earnest’s popular small-batch ice cream holds distinction for selling out at farmers’ markets even in the dead of winter. The shops feature a dazzling array of vegan flavours that will fool even the stoutest dairy fan. Try the Strawberry Toasted Coconut, a tropical delight incorporating organic strawberry…
The smell of sustainable baked delicacies and goods float through the air, and you’re surrounded by the incredible abundance of vegetables and farm fresh ingredients from local producers in the summer. If this sounds like your ideal day, you’re in for a treat visiting the wonderful farmers markets taking place throughout Metro Vancouver in summer. From food trucks and coffee to music and locally-made jams and dips among the vegetables and fruits, there are wonderful farmers markets on weekly in summer in Burnaby, New Westminster and Coquitlam. Grab your basket and let’s go! Burnaby Farmers Market – Burnaby Breath in the fresh forest air and enjoy your natural surroundings as you explore the Burnaby Farmers Market, just steps away from Deer Lake. Located just outside City Hall, enjoy the entertainers and meet up with friends to check out locally grown, baked and created goodies. Find them on Instagram @burnabyfarmersmarket to see…
A Brand New California-inspired Restaurant in Burnaby Grab your shades, and kick back with a cocktail and some beachy bites at Birdies Eats & Drinks, a new California-inspired restaurant in Burnaby with a sunny attitude and a laid back atmosphere. Hello Birdies Birdies is a brand new concept restaurant collaboration from the Earls Restaurant Group, Taking over the former Earls Bridge Park location at 3850 Lougheed, the space features a casual, trendy dining room, lounge, 20-seat terrazzo countertop bar and a 75 seat sun-filled patio (just in time for summer!) They’re set to start serving up lunch, dinner, drinks and weekend brunch starting July 7th, 2023. The Eats & Drinks Developed by Chef David Wong, the Birdies menu promises lots of shareable bites and healthy conscious options (without skimping on flavour.) The Oh So Sticky Korean Ribs, Thai Noodle Salad and Rigatoni Arrabiata are a few of their tastiest looking featured menu…
Major international airports aren’t usually well known for their healthy grab-and-go snacks or eco-friendly dining, but Burnaby-based company Trendi, who specialize in upcycling fruit for smoothies, are changing that. Trendi recently partnered with Vancouver International Airport to install five of their smoothie vending machines at YVR, making sustainable smoothies accessible to hungry eco-conscious travellers 24/7. By Marisa Chandler Reducing food waste The Smoothie Machine by Trendi serves 100% plant-based smoothies made from rescued fruit, furthering YVR’s commitment to promote sustainability at the airport and for travellers. Upcycled ingredients for Trendi’s Smoothie Machine converts upcycled shelf-stable fruits rescued from the farm to delicious smoothies with minimal waste GHG emissions using agricultural automation and collection systems called BioTrim units that take the unused fruit from the farm and process them for the next stage. The majority of Trendi’s ingredients are currently sourced via farm partners in Ecuador, and they estimate they’ve rescued…
Burnaby’s one-of-a-kind urban gathering place, The Amazing Brentwood, is not only a destination for fabulous shopping and entertainment but for a wide range of dining options too. In the last few months, five new restaurants have opened, and you’ll want to check them all out. Here’s what’s what. By Catherine Dunwoody Earls Kitchen + Bar Just opened on Brentwood Plaza, the newest Earls location has a beautifully designed space including a lounge, dining room, and an island bar featuring artwork from local BC talent. Expect Earls classic, signature dishes like the Santa Fe chicken salad, famous clam chowder and Bigger Better burgers, plus weekend brunch dishes, and happy hour deals. Exclusive to this Brentwood location is a take-out window, the very first of its kind from Earls, and ideal for grab and go – literally. 1308 – 4525 Lougheed Hwy Neptune Seafood Palace Restaurant This Michelin-recommended restaurant offers sophisticated gourmet…
In a little pocket of Burnaby, at the bottom of the mountain, in the corner of a white-washed industrial park, a fast-travel portal exists ready to whisk you away to the beer halls of Belgium. Named after a city square in Antwerp popular with locals as a non-pretentious, laid-back place to gather with friends, Dageraad Brewing brings the same ideals to their cozy and welcoming indoor/outdoor tasting room. The beers are Belgian-inspired (very broadly defined by complex flavours: fruity, spicy, herbal, floral), brewed in Burnaby with local ingredients. “Burnabarian” as they’ve been dubbed. Here are a choice few to sample on your next visit, which really should be soon. New Slang 4 The latest in a series of biotransformed IPAs that are experimenting with new yeast combinations and unconventional ingredients to create some verifiable “fruit bombs,” this iteration is a double IPA that marries Amarillo and Sultan hops for a…
For people nostalgic for the arcade, those who love busting out board games at the cabin, or even if you simply don’t know how to sit still when there’s a lull in the conversation, barcades and board game bars are here to make sure you and your whole table are entertained. If you and your friends are tired of playing against each other online, make your next game night a social one. Whether you like to roll dice, or you’d rather show off how you earned your pinball champion crown, there’s a games bar for you and your game-loving friends. Come for the drinks and snacks, and stay to play! Here are a few of our favourite game bars that are great for your whole crew (or even just a match of one on one) across Metro Vancouver. By Marisa Chandler Burnaby The Rec Room Serving up burgers and fries…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…