metro vancouver Archives - West Coast Food

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits April 15, 2024

Best Places For Cocktail Hour In Metro Vancouver

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 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 nitro cold…

Cocktails, Wines & Spirits March 21, 2024

Whisky Bars in Metro Vancouver

Buck the expensive plane ticket and catch a “flight” at one of these spots if you’re looking to imbibe in the finest whiskies from around the globe. From sophisticated lounges to laid-back bars, Metro Vancouver has something to offer anyone seeking a sip of whisky—whether that’s a rare find, a creative cocktail, or a familiar dram. Let’s explore. Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge Housed in the former Central City Taphouse spot, Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge draws inspiration from Scotland’s Isle of Skye—which is known for its rich whisky culture. Here, you can find elevated and contemporary Canadian cuisine (think high-end burgers, wagyu beef carpaccio, truffle fries, and more) along with a diverse selection of whiskies from around the globe. On “Whisky Wednesdays,” you can find a selection of whisky flights ranging from $25 to $200, and a few whisky-based cocktails for $10 each. We think the Penicillin is worth…

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…

Patios February 6, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Heated Winter Patios in Metro Vancouver

It’s that time of the year, folks: Hygge! But instead of hibernating indoors (boring!), why not take it outside by a roaring heated winter patio in the company of friends and delicious eats? Here are our top 5 cozy outdoor spots in Metro Vancouver. By Avneet Takhar Vancouver Paratha 2 Pasta The hottest new spot to drop in Vancouver, which opened at the end of 2023 after its success in Surrey, is a second location serving up parathas, a savoury Indian flatbread usually slathered with makhan (butter). With a year-round front heated winter patio you can “people watch” Yaletown (all the more entertaining on a Friday night!), as you devour paranthas generously filled with classic stuffings. The MVPs are aloo (potato), gobi (cauliflower) or mooli (radish). There’s also the chance to let loose with the adventurous fusions they feature, including the pastas and P2P favourite: Loaded Fries with butter chicken…

Craft Beer August 8, 2023

Nominate the Best Brewery Experience on BC Ale Trail!

What’s your go-to brewery when you want to gather with your besties, or even just grab a beer on your own? Whether it’s a killer trivia night, incredible staff, or even just a seat on the patio that seems to have your name on it, our favourite spots to enjoy a cold one have as much to do with the atmosphere as what’s on tap. It’s time to show your appreciation for your favourite spot by nominating your favourite brewery for the 6th Annual Award for Best Brewery Experience on the BC Ale Trail! The Best Brewery Experience Award The Best Brewery Experience Award is about more than just the beer, it’s about all the reasons you love it there, from ambience to local flavour. That’s the BC craft brewery experience! Past winners include: Camp Beer Co. in Langley (2022) R&B Brewing in Vancouver (2021) Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni…

Festivals & Events July 21, 2023

August Foodie Events In Metro Vancouver

Get outside and enjoy the last days of summer by diving into food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Powell Street Festival, August 5 – 6 A long-running celebration of Japanese Canadian culture taking place on the BC Day long weekend Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian area, Paueru Gai (known as the Downtown Eastside today.) Enjoy live music, cultural activities and performances, and delicious Japanese festival food. Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street Vancouver Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days, August 5 – 6 Sea Fest, as its known by locals, takes place on the BC Day long weekend. Attracting tons of visitors, you won’t want to miss the artisan market and delicious salmon barbecue, alongside live local performers on the main stage, Pirates in the Park and young local talent competing in White Rock’s Got Talent. Memorial Park (White Rock Pier, by the beach), 25CV+FH White Rock Harmony Arts…

Festivals & Events June 22, 2023

July Foodie Events In Metro Vancouver

It’s finally summer–which means festivals with live music, local breweries and international flavours are happening across Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. 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. Parade starts at 10AM and festival grounds are open 11AM – 5PM Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street Langley Bubble Tea Festival, July 7 – 9 After a successful inaugural event last summer, the Bubble Tea Festival returns! This year’s Bubble Tea Festival theme is Taste of Taiwan, featuring Bubble tea vendors, Food trucks with Asian street foods, outdoor movies, concerts, performances and even bumper cars for toddlers. Children 12-year old enter free (with an accompanying adult.) Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial Street Burnaby BC Halal Food Fest, July…

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…

Dining May 1, 2023

6 Spots for Afternoon Tea in Metro Vancouver

Come in from the rain and sit down to a steaming pot of tea and an afternoon of bite-sized delights with friends or loved ones. Originally a British tradition, afternoon tea (and high tea) has crossed oceans and now spans cultures, bringing more variety to the tea pot and your platter. While there’s a range of delectable variations on afternoon tea, a traditional ‘high tea’ usually features a towered platter with both savoury and sweet nibbles–so you can spend an afternoon sipping and snacking. From cute and quaint to delicious and decadent, here are six afternoon and high tea spots in Metro Vancouver that will have you thinking: this is just my cup of tea. By Marisa Chandler H Tasting Lounge Inspired by the Victorian and Belle Époque eras of England and France, H Tasting Lounge’s Afternoon Tea is playfully named “Let Them Eat Cake!” Available only on weekends from…

Dine the Line April 4, 2023

The Plant-Based Path–A Feast You Can Feel Good About

Appreciating the natural abundance of the region through healthy lifestyle choices and ecologically sustainable day-to-day practices are a part of West Coast culture, resulting in an impressive range of restaurants that offer mindful meals and tasty treats that celebrate a plant-based diet, from grab-and-go cafes to upscale dining. In Metro Vancouver, eating your greens isn’t a punishment, it’s a delicious (and nutritious) reward. Serving up more than just salad, Dine the Line’s Plant-Based Path Itinerary features Vegetarian, Vegan and health-conscious plant-forward menus across North Vancouver and Vancouver, all located within a 15 minute walk from a SkyTrain, SeaBus Station, or RapidBus stop. By Marisa Chandler North Vancouver The Workshop Vegetarian Café Hop on the 2 RapidBus and make the Workshop Vegetarian Café your first stop, just a six minute dash from Pemberton Ave and Marine Drive in North Vancouver. This Japanese-inspired vegetarian café and store is also a plant-based workshop,…

Festivals & Events April 1, 2023

April Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Spring has sprung! And with all the new shoots and blossoms comes a fresh crop of exciting food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Soup & Bread: Tour, Passover Cooking Demo & Lunch, April 8 Enjoy a tour of Coquitlam Heritage’s current Breaking Bread exhibit (running until June 30) focusing on the historical and cultural importance of bread followed by learning about the process of making Matzo ball soup and Matzo Kugel during the Jewish festival of Passover in this mini-workshop and lunch with Chef Victoria Paikin. Details and tickets on the event page. Coquitlam: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House, 1116 Brunette Avenue Easter Egg Hunt at Township 7, April 9 Sip on award-winning local wines while the kids enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt, scavenging the vineyard, and enjoy activities such as Glitter Tattoos, a petting zoo by the 4H club, and more. Adults can join…

Dining March 17, 2023

Best Barcades and Board Game Bars in Metro Vancouver

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 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 with…

Festivals & Events March 1, 2023

March Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

You made it! March is here and spring is just around the corner. And so is a whole slate of exciting food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine out Vancouver, or you just miss it, 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 from $10 to $60. Burnaby bills itself as BC’s most diverse dining city so there’s sure to be something for every taste. Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival, March 4 Fans of this semi-annual event have waited patiently for its return to the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club. After three (especially long) years, the wait is over! You’re invited to visit old friends and meet new favourites as craft breweries from around the lower mainland…

Festivals & Events January 16, 2023

New Year’s Reservations–The 21st Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Swap your New Year’s resolution for a reservation– the 21st Annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival is set to brighten your day (and your diet) this month. Starting January 20th and running until February 5th, 2023, Dine Out encourages you to support local restaurants across the city. After the high of the holiday parties and retail splurges in December, January is normally slow for restaurants as people kick off their new health regimens and buckle down on sticking to their budgets. This makes it the perfect time to support your favourite local restaurants, or visit one that’s been on your must-try list for the first time. With more than 350 restaurants participating, you’re guaranteed to find something to your taste. Brought to you by Destination Vancouver, Dine Out 2023 presents flavours from across the globe and invites diners to experience cuisine from the best chefs and restauranteurs in the city–whether you’re…

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…