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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…

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…

H Tasting Lounge’s Winterlust – Vancouver November 1, 2024, to March 16, 2025 Escape to a cozy and enchanting winter retreat with our private dome dining experience. Embrace vintage charm and nostalgic Alpine accents for an unforgettable seasonal dining experience. 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver Wine and Cheese Pairing – Charcuterie Class – Vancouver December 17, 2024 Elevate your wine and cheese pairing skills with this interactive class. Taste a variety of wines alongside carefully selected cheeses and learn the principles of pairing to create harmonious combinations. LaSalle College Vancouver, 2665 Renfrew Street, Vancouver Festive Cookie Decorating – Cooking Class by Classpop! – Vancouver December 8, 2024 In this cooking class, join Chef Roy to create cheerful, colourful cookies perfect for any celebration!  Get ready to unleash your creativity as you explore a variety of fun toppings, including vibrant sprinkles, M&M’s and a rainbow of icing made with…

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…

Now that autumn has arrived, you’re likely settling back into your normal day-to-day post-summer routine. Your tan has faded a bit, and you’re looking back on your vacation time with fond memories… So what better moment to head out on an impromptu fall staycation! Make the most of the new season by seeing how beautiful Metro Vancouver is when the leaves begin to change. To make the most of it, we’re giving away a two-night experience in New Westminster that is sure to keep your healthy holiday glow through the fall. We’ve put together a package of cuisine and culture that you can redeem whenever you’re in need of a quick getaway! You could win this New West staycation package: 2 Night Stay at the Inn at the Quay Gorgeous views of the river and mountains await as you and a guest play tourist for a couple of days. $50…

Fall has arrived, and the local foodie calendar already has plenty of ways to fill your days (and plates)! September kicks off the cozy season with a feast of flavours— pumpkin, spice, and everything nice. You can dig into fresh strudels at Harvest Haus Festival,  sample the area-famous perogies at the Polish Festival Vancouver, or even wander through local farms with a glass of wine in hand, care of Feast Of Fields! Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Grab a light jacket, and let’s take a brisk stroll through the itinerary! Halal Ribfest – Surrey, August 30-September 1 Experience the Ultimate Halal Ribfest in Vancouver! Join us for an unforgettable event featuring 100% Halal BBQ, delicious street food, a pop-up market, live entertainment, kids fun zone and so much more. Don’t miss out on the smoke, sizzle, and excitement! Holland Park…

On July 27th, the vibrant culinary scene of Metro Vancouver welcomed a new gem with the grand opening of Dehls Gourmet. Nestled in New Westminster, this restaurant marks a significant milestone for foodies in the region, offering an authentic taste of Ghanaian cuisine that has long been missing from the local dining landscape. Delali Adiamah, the visionary behind Dehls Gourmet, brings a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and culinary expertise to her new establishment. Growing up in Ghana, cooking has been an intrinsic part of Adiamah’s life. Her passion for hearty, well-nourished meals and her love for experimenting with diverse flavours inspired her to introduce traditional Ghanaian dishes to Vancouver. With a background in food service and manufacturing, Adiamah’s mission is clear: to deliver delicious, consistent, nutritious, and culturally thoughtful food to her community. Dehls Gourmet started its culinary journey as a catering service, quickly making a name for itself…

Welcome to Metro Vancouver wine country! If you’re a wine lover, the Lower Mainland is full of places to please your palate. From family-owned vineyards to award-winning wineries, our local wine scene has plenty of ways to keep your glass full this summer. Whatever varietal you’re into right now, these are just a few delicious tasters of what you can expect when you start sampling the area’s grapes. Let’s start pouring! Pacific Breeze Winery – New Westminster One of our favourite spots to sip in New West, Pacific Breeze, holds the claim to fame of being the very first “Garagiste” (garage winery) in Canada. It’s a unique urban model that allows the family-owned business to hand-craft small lot wines without actually growing any grapes onsite. Since they began making their signature full-bodied reds and luscious white wines in 2007, they’ve won over 50 international wine awards, including  InterVin’s “Winery of…

While an increasing number of restaurants in Metro Vancouver proudly advertise themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly, there remains a noticeable scarcity of LGBTQ+-owned establishments. Discrimination, whether subtle or overt, has long posed significant challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals aiming to establish themselves in entrepreneurship. These obstacles, spanning financial disparities to enduring social stigma, highlight the resilience needed to launch and sustain openly LGBTQ+-owned restaurants. Moreover, many of these businesses choose not to openly promote their LGBTQ+ identities, wary of potential backlash or loss of clientele. Join us as we celebrate the pioneering eateries in Metro Vancouver that proudly celebrate their LGBTQ+ ownership. Article by: Mithalee Rawat Tall Shadow Bakery – Vancouver 2474 E Hastings St, Vancouver Tall Shadow Bakery began by showcasing their organic sourdough, artisanal loaves, and pastries at farmers’ markets and fulfilling custom orders for beloved Vancouver restaurants and food trucks. The enthusiastic reception prompted them to establish a bustling…

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…

Burger-love. It’s a thing. We absolutely crave them, so when the mood hits, no other meal will do. Here’s 5 restaurants doing something special between two buns. By Catherine Dunwoody New Westminster Burgers Burger Heaven has been dedicated to burgers since 1984 with a menu filled with both classic combos and unusual offerings. No matter what you choose, their potato wedges and salad are delicious sidekicks. Ernie’s Mile High is 8 patties thick and weighing in at 3 lbs of meat. Not for the faint of heart. Or try the Perogy Burger topped with our favourite Ukrainian doughy dumplings, sour cream, cheddar cheese and chives. Langley Burgers Built in 1946, Hilltop Diner is like something out of a time machine. Who doesn’t love the classic, diner-dĂ©cor vibe while chowing down on a burger and shoestring fries? Check out the TV & Movies tab on their website, as many cool films…

A new haven for parents and kids alike has become an ideal spot for a perfect playdate. Bordering New Westminster and Burnaby is Rainbow Play Cafe—a new business that offers stress-free playtime for kids and a sense of community for their parents. In addition to—of course—a fantastic cup of coffee. “My son, he’s my inspiration,” says Xanat Guiot, owner of the nascent cafe, which opened in May 2023.The mom-preneur’s vision for Rainbow Play Cafe was born from a need she observed in her own life—a space where parents could connect with each other over a cup of coffee, while their children engaged in safe and purposeful play. Having immigrated from Mexico about a decade ago, Guiot said she struggled with postpartum depression, felt isolated, and would benefit from a place to go and meet other moms. “I didn’t have that support network. In the beginning, when you have a baby…

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 Paratha 2 Pasta – Vancouver 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…

Alejandro Diaz’s contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Santo, opened in 2015 and has remained a New Westminster favourite year after year. The El Santo team are good, honest, and charitable people. Diaz is passionate about giving back to organizations like Canucks Autism Network, and nearby shelters in New West. It’s the kind of place you can feel good about giving your business to, with the bonus of the food and drink being second to none. *All photos care of  Andrea Iñurria I had the pleasure of chatting with Diaz about the food he loves, the restaurant industry, and the importance of giving back to the community. Owning a restaurant is a huge job. What made you step into the industry?  Diaz: I opened El Santo a little over six years ago. I’ve been working in the hospitality business for 25 years. I come from Mexico City, and when I came to…

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…

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…

Neighbourhood corner store cafes are cropping up all over Metro Vancouver. The concept, according to Dished Vancouver, hails from Australia, where corner stores include not only everyday essentials and grocery items but also a full-service cafe with sandwiches, soups, coffee, and more. New York has a similar thing going on, if you’ve visited it’s likely you tried at least one bodega-made bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich after popping in to grab a pack of gum, a bottle of water, and a coffee to go. Metro Vancouver is now getting the one-stop-shop experience, too. Some convenience store cafes offer regional fare and imported goods, while others have adopted the Australian-inspired ambiance with locally roasted coffee, organic produce, and free zines to read and take home.  By Brittany Tiplady Find a convenience store cafe close to you below.  Mah Milkbar – Vancouver 1502 Victoria Drive This brand new, queer-owned and operated convenience…

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…

If you have not checked out German/Bavarian restaurant Tannenbaum in New Westminster since it opened in spring of 2023, it’s time. The busy, bustling vibe and full tables are every indication that this new hotspot is a breath of fresh air, and very welcome in the Greater Vancouver area. An unexpected plus? Vegetarian and gluten-free options are on the menu. I sat down with owner Mira Mendes to chat about schnitzel, German beer, and her favourite dessert. By Catherine Dunwoody Hi Mira, thanks for chatting with us. Your food is delicious, your room is cozy, and we would love to know more about your background. What can you tell us? I was trained in the service and hospitality industry in Germany. I went to Hospitality School and lived there for 13 years where I learned all my recipes and cooking skills. Moving to Canada, my first job was at the Alpen Haus…

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…

Wine bars in Metro Vancouver are rapidly expanding their wine lists to include natural wines, due to popular demand. You may be wondering: what classifies a wine as ‘natural’? A number of factors are included in the definition, such as wines made with organically or biodynamically grown grapes, low intervention processes, and having little or no preservatives added. By Catherine Dunwoody Here are some hot spots to hit—and what to sip: VV Tapas Lounge – Vancouver VV Tapas Lounge offers flights of all their natural wines that are sold by the glass, plus happy hour deals at 50% off where the guest receives the wine ‘blind’ (no peeking at the label) and is asked to try to guess the grape or region for a VV gift certificate. Be sure to try BC natural wines like the Free Form Riesling from Summerland, and Artakama’s Syrah, from Oliver. 957 E Hastings Street…

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…

Crack a bottle and tap the keg, the BC Beer Conference is about to start pouring! On Nov 8+9, you can join over 220 BC craft breweries in celebrating all the delicious brews of the Lower Mainland. If you’re interested in brewing beer, or are a part of a brewery already, this is a fantastic event to network, learn about new techniques and sample the wares of fellow brewmasters. If you’re more of a beer enthusiast, it’s a great way to discover new breweries, sample seasonal offerings and meet the people behind your favourite taps. Held at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, both days will feature keynote speakers from the industry, educational seminars, and a trade show floor with over 50 vendors. For beer enthusiasts like us, this is a great way to follow your curiosity about something you love. Whether you’re there to meet people, learn about the…

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 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…

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 CafĂ© 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…

By Brittany Tiplady Despite what the groundhog said, winter is still hangin’ around, with chilly nights for another couple months. Lucky for us, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are brimming with Indian restaurants serving up dishes that are perfect for cool weather. Not too sure where to go? We’ve compiled a list of popular Indian Restaurants in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, New Westminster, and North Vancouver. Warm up and fill your belly with a bowl of butter chicken, daal or paneer and soak up the sauce with hot, fresh naan. Bombay Kitchen + Bar – Vancouver 1018 Commercial Dr, Vancouver Vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores are all welcome here. We recommend making Bombay your next destination for a filling lunch: their $12.99 all you can eat lunch special is truly dynamite. Warm up with the palak paneer (gluten-free) made with home-made cheese cooked with spinach and garlic or the daal tarka…

By Jenni Sheppard As the chilly nights draw in, Metro Vancouver still has plenty of warm and welcoming foodie hubs to keep you filled up this winter—including the inimitable Kozak Eatery & Bakery. This Ukrainian bakery, run by Irina Karpenko and her husband Sergiy Kuznietsov, serves up homemade breakfast, lunch, dinner, and baked goods just like grandma used to make. The couple originally began serving their tasty treats at farmers markets under the name Solodko Bakery, but soon became popular enough to open their first eatery. Renamed Kozak Bakery, their business has gone from strength to strength, and now boasts two locations, in New Westminster and East Vancouver, with a third coming to Gastown. To find out more, we spoke to Irina about the family history of this delicious bakery, where she and Sergiy get their inspiration, and what makes Ukrainian food so good. How did you first become interested…

By Amaranthus Executive Chef, Sam Fabbro This recipe is great for fall or winter with rich comforting flavours. It is a vegetarian dish and can be made vegan with by replacing the butter with olive oil and omitting the cheese. INGREDIENTS Butternut squash (1 small) Butter (3 tbsp) White onion (ÂĽ, or half of a small onion) Garlic (2 cloves) Dry white wine (65 ml) Vegetable stock (375 ml) Arborio rice (2/3 cup) Salt & pepper Grana Padano to garnish INSTRUCTIONS Cut squash in half, remove seeds, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place skin up on a sheet tray with parchment. Roast for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. (You will only need one half for this recipe, so you can roast both halves and use the other half for another recipe or just roast one.) Cool slightly, scrape out the flesh of the squash and puree until…