food Archives - West Coast Food

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits March 18, 2024

April Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

We’re rolling into April, and the scent of spring-time nectar is filling the air! Along with that seasonal sweetness comes plenty of added flavour complexity as local foodie events begin heading outdoors. This month, you can expect a little friendly competition between food trucks, a celebration of BC distilleries, and a hands-on workshop for making your own cheese. Roll up your sleeves, tuck in your napkin, and let’s dig in! Food Truck Festival, April 4 – April 5 An epic food-filled extravaganza that brings an impressive lineup of 20 food trucks including live music and a local artisan market! Vancouver UBC Commons, in front of the AMS Nest BC Distilled 2024, April 13 Celebrating its ninth year, BC Distilled brings together dozens of distilleries from across the province for the largest spirits event in Canada, highlighting over 30 local distilleries. Beyond the main event, BC Distilled is also hosting two…

Dining February 16, 2024

Eat With Friends at Omni Kitchen + Bar

Located in the heart of Fort Langley, the newly opened Omni Kitchen + Bar is fast becoming a go-to for lunch and dinner for locals, not to mention a destination restaurant for folks from all over the lower mainland. If you’ve ever had to plan a group outing, then you know how challenging it can be to accommodate everyone’s tastes, especially when you throw different dietary preferences into the mix. Now imagine a menu where every item can be made traditionally, plant-based, or gluten-free. Omni Kitchen + Bar does just that. Celiac people can dive into crunchy, rice-battered chicken cooked in its own dedicated fryer, so there’s no risk of cross-contamination. Vegans can enjoy a plant-based burger that is genuinely satisfying and ‘meaty.’ Pizzas with all kinds of fresh toppings will please everyone, all easily modified to suit individual preferences. All are accompanied by an excellent list of local wines,…

New Westminster January 18, 2024

Five New West Restaurants to Delight Your Palate at Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2024

As the culinary scene continues to evolve, food enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next delicious discovery. New Westminster has become a hub for gastronomic delights, and the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, running from Jan. 17 to Feb. 4, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to explore its vibrant food culture. In 2024, five exciting eateries have joined Dine Out, offering a diverse range of flavors that promise to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at these culinary gems that are sure to make your dining experience unforgettable! Photo credit: Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen in New Westminster marks the expansion of an iconic brewery with deep roots dating back over two decades in Squamish, BC. Renowned for its craft beer, Howe Sound Brewing has earned multiple awards, including the prestigious Brewery of the Year award…

Holiday December 11, 2023

Holiday Dining Guide: South Granville

If you’re lacking Christmas spirit, Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood is the prescription. Over the last few years, the South Granville BIA has turned their strip into a picture-perfect snow globe with a public Christmas tree, Santa-themed pop-ups, live music, and pops of holiday-inspired street decor. Aside from the cheerful adornments, South Granville is truly the perfect spot for holiday shopping and entertainment. You can tackle your shopping list in one visit, enjoy a wonderful meal or two, and catch some live theatre by the Arts Club at the iconic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (Elf: The Musical is on until December 31, don’t miss it!). To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite South Granville spots and eats to help fuel your holiday cheer. For a pick-me-up, South Granville has no shortage of cafe options. Besides the bustling Starbucks in the Indigo building,…

Contest November 8, 2023

Win a Weekend Getaway in Coquitlam

Holiday season is just around the corner, and your calendar is probably already filling up with get-togethers with friends, holiday activities for the family, holiday parties, and wrapping up work for the year, not to mention hitting shops in the busiest season to find gifts for all the special people in your life. It’s a hectic season, so don’t forget to schedule in some time to slow down and relax between all the festive fun. Unwind for the weekend and treat yourself to a restful staycation in beautiful Coquitlam this holiday season, one of the best kept secrets of the Lower Mainland! The cooler weather provides the perfect opportunity to slip on your coat and scarf to explore the city, do a little bit of holiday gift shopping, and cozy up indoors enjoying the best of Coquitlam’s culinary scene at local restaurants and cafes. Coquitlam for a Weekend Day 1…

Adult Beverages October 25, 2023

Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week is Back!

Cheers to the return of the iconic Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week! From November 2nd – 14th, 2023, the festival is serving up daily showcase events at local craft breweries in the Shipyards District. This year’s Craft Beer Week features events from 10 North Shore Breweries, 1 Distillery and 1 Cidery, featuring music, limited edition beers and drinks, food pop-ups, games, and prizes. Get your game on and munch on delicious dumplings alongside your ale with an all-day Dim Sum & Pac Man Competition at Streetcar Brewing, tap into your competitive spirit with a good old fashioned bar Trivia Night at Windfall Cider or release your inner warrior with axe-throwing and stein holding for Viking Day at Braggot Brewing. That’s just a taste of what’s on the schedule for Craft Beer Week! Check out the full list of Signature Craft Beer Week Events here. The Launch Party at The…

Festivals & Events August 3, 2023

Catch the Magical Fort Langley Night Market in August

We look forward to Friday nights even more than ever, with Fort Langley’s popular Night Market in full swing this month. By Catherine Dunwoody Every Friday evening from 5 – 10 PM in August, 40 local vendors gather to sell their wares at the Fort Langley Night Market, promising an evening of summer fun. Shop for wearables and cute stuff for your home from local designers, grab a bite from one of the food trucks, including local craft beer, wine, cider, and cocktails. Live music? Yes please! This market is a shopping, eating, and drinking party and the vibe only gets better with live tunes from local BC artists. Must-Visit Vendors Vendors worth checking out are plentiful, including Dirty Bird Jewellery design with their affordable pieces in silver and gold. Darn Right Foods bakes up gluten free, sugar free and vegan goodies, while Lumière Leslie Candles (a husband and wife owned…

Dining June 30, 2023

Birdies Eats & Drinks: A Taste of California in Burnaby

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…

Communities May 17, 2023

Metro Vancouver Continues to Lead the Food Sustainability Movement

Being conscious about food systems and sustainability is about more than just shopping with reusable bags, and eating what’s in your fridge (although, those things are important!) Leaders in the movement have dedicated their lives to ethical practices, waste reduction, disrupting poverty cycles, education, reducing greenhouse gas emission, and community care. And, with climate change and inflation rearing their ugly heads, joining these champions in adopting sustainable practices has never been more important. We’re proud to live in a region that is home to many food sustainability organizations that are paving the way for positive change in our food systems. From reducing fruit tree waste, to feeding the community with dignity, we’ve compiled a list of leaders in the industry that you can follow and support. By Brittany Tiplady Online Luv The Grub Luv the Grub’s founder Alia Sunderji was teaching a sustainable innovation class at Simon Fraser when she…

Dine the Line March 17, 2023

Brunch to Brews – A Leisurely Day in Langley

Local history meets luscious farmland in picturesque Langley! Visitors can easily while away the hours exploring the culinary gems of Langley Township and Fort Langley, taking their palates for some site seeing. Start with a leisurely brunch and wander, sampling beer flights at the local pubs, or catch up with friends at one of Langley’s many cozy cafes and restaurants- just a few ways to spend a sunny day! From omelets to ales, you’ll have a day full of adventure and new experiences when you explore with Dine the Line’s Brunch to Brews in Langley itinerary. Hop on the #562 Langley Centre Bus and learn about why so many people love Langley! By Marisa Chandler Langley Egg Bomb Egg Bomb is a beloved all-day breakfast and lunch spot serving up fresh twists on traditional brunch classics. Indulge in a plate of fruity croffles (croissant-waffles covered in fresh berries and whip)…

Chef Stories March 8, 2023

Flavours of Hope Supports Immigrant and Refugee Women Chefs

Creating social change via her community and culinary enterprise Flavours of Hope, Trixie Ling is removing barriers for newcomer immigrant and refugee women in fulfilling their dreams – to own food businesses that represent their cultures, with a feeling of belonging. Based in Vancouver, Flavours of Hope currently has women food business owners from Burnaby, Vancouver and New Westminster enlisted in the Dream Cuisine program, and partners with Coho in their commissaries in East Vancouver to make their products availble across Metro Vancouver and beyond. We sat down with Founder Trixie Ling to find out more. By Avneet Takhar Flavours of Hope focuses on helping women refugees and training them to succeed. Can you tell us more about how it began and what your set-up involves? Flavours of Hope is a non-profit that envisions a society where newcomer refugee and immigrant women thrive through cooking, community-building, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to…

World February 3, 2023

Black-Owned Food Businesses You Should Try

Black History Month isn’t the only time to support Black businesses, but we’re spotlighting a bunch so you can keep going back again, and again for some real soul food! Oh, and if you also want to shake down to dancehall beats after some bites, check out AfroQueer’s rave on February 17! By Avneet Takhar Without further ado, here are some places we recommend. Arike Restaurant ‘Nigeria Meets the Pacific Northwest’ is their tagline and it’s certainly fitting! Arike has a tasting menu until Feb 5 that you can enjoy consisting of pineapple jerk, boar with plantains and a chili chocolate sponge. Sounds divine to us. Reserve your spot via Tock. 1725 Davie St, Vancouver Ember Indian Kitchen An African Indian Fusion restaurant located on waterfront in Steveston, offers many flavours here at Ember. This chic space has a bit of everything! From Zanzibar style lentil fritters, to Congolese salad…

Festivals & Events January 27, 2023

February Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Ah February, the month of love. And there’s nothing we love around here more than food. So may we present February, the month of food-love, and all the ways to celebrate it around Metro Vancouver. Hot Chocolate Festival, now to February 14th Greater Vancouver’s “sweetest” celebration returns for its 13th year, larger and more creative than ever, in support of small businesses, local charity organizations and of course, all things hot and chocolate. The region’s best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream makers are joining forces to elevate the humble hot chocolate into something like drinkable art. Check out the interactive map and see how many you can sip before they’re gone! BC Ale Trail x Dine the Line Tasting Passports, February 1st-28th Grab a Tasting Passport and collect stamps at breweries across Metro Vancouver for your chance to win one of five getaway packages from the BC…

Shops & Markets January 9, 2023

Unglued Foods – Richmond’s 100% Gluten Free Store

Anyone with Celiac Disease would love the ease of shopping for groceries online but the hassle involved makes it nearly impossible. This new Richmond, BC-based food e-store is the answer. And they deliver. By Catherine Dunwoody Eating and drinking gluten-free is absolutely essential and non-negotiable for Celiacs like myself and a dietary choice for folks with gluten sensitivities. Either way, GF foods on the market are improving every year, thankfully, but finding delicious products of high quality is still a challenge and takes research plus time. It’s a lot of hit and miss, often with more misses than hits when it comes to grocery shopping online. It’s usually impossible to read labels on a website unless the company posts photos of them, and crucial to be able to see all listed ingredients plus read disclaimers of ‘may contain barley, rye, oats or wheat (B.R.O.W. ingredients that contain gluten) that brands…

Dine the Line December 28, 2022

Dine the Line to Explore East and Southeast Asia

World Flavours with Local Flair Metro Vancouver is home to incredible international cuisine, with culinary traditions encompassing cultures from around the world. Here are some places to go, starting with the Dine The Line itinerary, Explore East and Southeast Asia, and to places beyond! Millennium Line Step onto the Millennium Line SkyTrain and let your compass card guide you on a voyage overseas in Dine the Line’s East and Southeast Asia Itinerary. Riding SkyTrain through Burnaby and Coquitlam, your tastebuds can travel through Vietnam to Japan at each stop. Slurp up a steaming bowl of pho, dig into Korean BBQ, or sample Singaporean street food–all under 15 minutes by foot from a Millenium Line Station. Leave the passport at home and grab your chopsticks for an international culinary adventure to East and Southeast Asia on transit. Arirang Hotdog and Croquette Hop off for a Korean hotdog. This trendy and delicious…

Festivals & Events December 2, 2022

December Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

More than any other month, December is all about eating, drinking and being as merry as humanly possible. Here’s what’s happening around metro Vancouver this month to do all three at once. Breakfast with Santa, December 3 Get your wish list ready and head down to the City of Lougheed in Burnaby for a little one-on-one time with the Big Man, and bring along your appetite for the breakfast buffet from IHOP. There’s also storytime and crafting for the kids and all proceeds benefit Burnaby Meals on Wheels. At the Lougheed Skytrain Station Festive Canapes Cooking Class, December 7 Put back all those frozen boxes from Superstore and get set to really impress your holiday party guests. Learn to whip up with fabulous homemade finger foods like Pork and Apricot Sausage Rolls, Pita Crisps and Beet Hummus, a Brie and Cranberry Tartlet, and more at Lonsdale Quay Market. At Lonsdale…

Festivals & Events December 1, 2022

10 Christmas Food Markets In Metro Vancouver

The holidays are around the corner, so here’s a list of markets where you can buy those tasty stocking fillers and have a holly jolly ole’ time browsing stalls that’ll get you into the Christmas spirit! By Avneet Takhar Japan Market There will be 90+ Japanese vendors featured in this Downtown Market, including the oh-so-yummy True Nosh Company, Hangry Unicorn Snacks and Neko Fresh Store sweets. Bring your appetite and enough room to pack as many treats as possible- for yourself and as gifts! 3rd-4th of December, 10am – 5pm. Grab tickets here. UBC Robson Square (inside of UBC Downtown Campus). A 5 minute walk from Vancouver City Centre sky train station. Christmas Market at Lulu Island Winery Mulled wine, live music (we bet it’s Christmas carols!), and a total of 40+ stalls- including Coffee Craze Company’s ethically sourced, rich dark and medium roasted bundles, with a bunch of…

World November 30, 2022

5 Flavoursome International Food Shops In And Around Vancouver

A trip to Vancouver and the surrounding areas doesn’t just mean straight-up West Coast cuisine -it’s home to a bunch of international treats. And we’re here to tell you where they’re at! By Avneet Takhar Duso’s Italia Tucked away in Granville Market, is Duso’s Italia. Duso’s own brands of pasta are actually born in B.C, but they import a variety of foods from all over including Italy and Spain. From Sicily’s own Agostino Recca brand of famous anchovies, Ines Rosales’ olive oil tortas (Orange and Original) from Castilleja de la Cuesta, La Molisana’s numerous pastas and risottos, there’s an abundance of European cultural items to take home! And don’t forget to check out their homemade counter filled with cheeses, raviolis, arancini and desserts including tiramisu. Check it out here! Vancouver: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St Cilantro & Jalapeño Located in Lonsdale Quay’s Market, this authentic Mexican vendor has all you…

Dine the Line November 21, 2022

Dine The Line Is Back With NEW Itineraries!

Dine the Line has exciting, delicious new itineraries! Take your taste buds on a culinary tour and experience Metro Vancouver like never before. All of the new itineraries are easily accessible by TransLink – make sure to load up your compass card and enjoy these NEW amazing additions: Bring the Family, Plant Based, Bubble Tea Line, Brunch to Brews, It’s Better With Friends, and Explore East and Southeast Asia. Dine the Line and WIN Enter to win a grand prize of a 2-night stay in The Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, dinner with Diva at the Met plus Compass Cards for two, pre-loaded with three days of unlimited transit on all SkyTrain lines, busses and the Seabus! We’ll also keep you dining around the whole time with $400 in gift cards to Dine the Line featured restaurants! Enter to win here! https://youtu.be/Ny72aGgZSy0 Follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter

Festivals & Events November 2, 2022

November Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

As the weather around here has finally turned seasonally-appropriate, there’s plenty of food and beverage events around Vancouver to keep us nourished in November. November 3 – 14: Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week One of the province’s premiere celebrations of all things malty, hoppy and good, this week-plus long party will see 11 North Shore breweries host a different special event each night featuring music, games, giveaways, food pop-ups and of course delicious limited edition beers. Highlights include a Brazilian Jazz night at Beere Brewing on November 4 and the Shaketown Hoedown Country Music Night on the 11th. November 5: Vancouver Cheese and Meat Artisan Food and Beverage Festival “Long live local” is the theme of this, the only festival dedicated to artisan food in the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver’s stop is at the Pipe Shop on Vancouver’s North Shore where you can explore the smells, tastes and textures of…

Chef Stories October 27, 2022

Sustainable Cuisine With Two Of Vancouver’s Top Chefs

Sustainable Cuisine with Burdock & Co’s Andrea Carlson and Ono Vancouver’s TJ Conwi By Avneet Takhar We were lucky enough to sit down with two of Vancouver’s heavy hitters and well-known chefs! Andrea Carlon of Burdock & Co – named Vancouver Magazine’s Chef of the Year (2020) and whose vegetable-focused, creative cuisine has earned her recognition as a food artisan. And TJ Conwi, Founder of community-driven collective, Ono Vancouver who supports non-profits for meal programs and provides private dining experiences. They gave their insider advice from vast experience and growth, on how to maintain a sustainable structure in the food industry. For both customers and suppliers, they gave their expertise- an eye-opener to shutting down food myths and identifying opportunities where a few small changes can go a long way. Burdock & Co’s menu seems to focus on plant-based options. What led you to this decision? Andrea Carlson: We try…