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…
The Edible Garden Project, an urban farming initiative in North Vancouver, believes in cultivating both crops and community. Firmly sowing the seeds of an impact-driven existence, as the project flourishes (along with the produce!), we got into the roots of what The Edible Garden Project is all about in an in-depth chat with Becka Nathan, their Program Coordinator. By Avneet Takhar If you had to describe what The Edible Garden Project is in 5 words, what would they be? Community, connection, empowerment, fresh, dynamic. The EGP is based on urban farming – what’s the difference between urban and traditional farming? Urban farming uses many similar methods as what we’d think of as traditional farming; however, as it is usually on a much smaller physical scale we are more likely to grow a mixture of crops that complement each other and can change quickly throughout the season as we rotate through our…
It’s not quite mead; it’s not quite beer. By Avneet Takhar Located on the North Shore and having opened recently in May 2022, Braggot Brewery holds an impressive title as “the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world”! Creating a unique blend that’s not quite mead, but not quite beer it’s not like anything you’ve ever tasted before. This primeval liquid refreshment dates back to the 12th century and used to be enjoyed by the Vikings and Celtics! The word “Braggot” is where the Norse (Viking language) verb “Brugga” comes from. Brugga means “to brew”, indicating that even for them it was the original brewed beverage. It’s a staple drink for a Sunday meal with the Welsh even to this day and is deemed a snug-like drink for cold nights. As fall is upon us, that couldn’t be more welcoming! At the brewery, they make up the braggot with fermented organic…
The North Shore is rich with spots to catch the sunset over a round of beverages, you’re certain to stumble across a few no matter which direction you wander. But for those who like to plan ahead, these are a few of our favourite spots in North and West Vancouver to while away the summer days. Beach House Head west along the shore towards Dundarave, and you’ll find a delightful spot to enjoy fresh oysters and watch the waves roll in. We adore Beach House for its delicious West Coast menu and wine list as much as for the stunning views off their waterside patio. A must-visit if you’re considering exploring the area’s beachside communities. Arms Reach Bistro Head in the opposite direction, and of course, you’ll hit a community embedded in natural beauty, Deep Cove. Arms Reach Bistro is just a walk up from the beach, where…
By Avneet Takhar While WFH (working from home) is still the norm in 2022, having a break from working remotely in the makeshift office in your apartment is a great way to get both a change of scenery and some good eats if you pick a local cafe with wifi. These 4 fit the bill: Wild Trails Coffee Mother-daughter-owned, Wild Trails is a 100% plant-based cafe that Hungarian native Katalin Zambo opened with the mission to encourage healthy living through wholesome nutrition. Serving up delectable hot drinks such as hazelnut and cinnamon lattes, with the option of coconut whipped cream and yummy bites like banana walnut muffins and vegan “ham”, “turkey” garlic and pesto, you’ll feel awake and ready for the day of work ahead! 134 14th St E, North Vancouver Transit: 230 or 229 bus, get off at Lonsdale Ave @ E 13th St Shipyard’s Coffee Located in the…
By Gail Johnson North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood has seen massive growth and development lately, but when Shallaw Kadir opened Fishworks (91 Lonsdale) eleven years ago, he was an outlier: there was no other seafood restaurant in the community anchored by the SeaBus terminal and Lonsdale Quay. Focusing on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, Fishworks has been earning accolades ever since, and Kadir still thrives in the heat of the kitchen. (In fact, he wears shorts year-round, even on the most miserable of days, his apron over top.) Here, he dishes on life as a North Shore chef. Due to COVID-19, Fishworks’ dining room is currently closed, but you can sample some of their best dishes, along with some wine, though their take-out service. How did you get your start in the restaurant biz? I moved to Vancouver in 1999 from Eastern Turkey as a teen. My first job in my…
By Gail Johnson Katarina Edwards grew up on a farm in 100 Mile House and was plucking chickens by the time she was a teen. These days, she’s a butcher at Two Rivers Specialty Meats. The North Vancouver-based eatery and butcher shop works with small farms across B.C. and Alberta–like Brant Lake Wagyu, Peace Country Lamb, and Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef–that produce sustainable, ethically raised meat. Here, Edwards shares a glimpse into a day in the life behind the chopping block. What was it like growing up on a farm? My mom comes from a family of 11 children from Germany. They had a farm, restaurant, and butcher shop in New Brunswick. She passed all that knowledge along to me and my two younger sisters. We had a variety of animals: pigs, goats, chickens… We always had our own meat in the freezer. We would milk the goats and we…
By Brittany Tiplady What comes to mind when you think of the North Shore’s Deep Cove? Hikes up Quarry Rock amongst a bustling crowd, paddleboarders gliding across the Burrard Inlet, kayaking, lush terrain, stunning mountainous views and a sweet small town-esque vibe. Heading west from the quay to the picturesque Indian Arm is Deep Cove, and at the centre of this cozy waterfront community is the beloved and highly acclaimed Cafe Orso, a local staple with big Italian influence that serves European-inspired food sourced locally. This brainchild of owner Jonathan Hayward and his wife Lori Steeves was conceived when they were on a European vacation enjoying an apres-hike coffee and cheese board. “We were [over] mediocracy in this affluent, high-end neighborhood of Deep Cove. And a lot of people in this area were expressing the need for a good coffee shop. So, we came up with the concept, and here…
By Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism North Vancouver’s iconic Lonsdale Quay Market opened during Expo ’86 as a carnival style marketplace. Almost thirty years later it has evolved into a culinary destination for those seeking fresh, local and unique foods. Recently a crop of new eateries has opened at the Quay, further cementing it as a great place to grab lunch or dinner. Check out The Bowen Island Pizza Company with their amazing thin crust pizzas made with local, organic flour and super delicious toppings. Try The Bite @ the Quay, is a new fusion restaurant with a view, featuring Cantonese and Chinese Dishes on an a la carte and tapas menu. The casually delicious Sandwich Shop has a menu of mouthwatering sandwiches loaded with juicy, fresh ingredients. At the Quay, you can pick up a bottle of wine or a growler of craft beer, bring home fresh seafood for dinner…
By Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Hidden away on a busy through street, just off of Marine Drive in North Vancouver, you’ll find a bright little shop where the walls are lined with stainless steel keg-style vessels and rows upon rows of bottles just waiting to be filled. What’s special about this shop is that you’re not filling the bottles with wine or beer, you’re filling them with olive oil. And not just any olive oil, oil with names like Harissa infused, Mild Manzanillo, Robust Picholine, Persian Lime and Butter (it really tastes like butter). This is Olives on Tap and these are not your run-of-the-mill supermarket olive oils. Opened by owner Andrew Cameron in 2012, Olives on Tap educates visitors about the complexities of olive oils and the balsamic vinegars that pair so well with them. All of the oils and vinegars are available for sampling, and tasting is encouraged.…
By Vancouver’s North Shore On the North Shore we take a lot of things seriously: hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and the weather to name just a few. We’re also serious about breakfast! It seems when someone finds a great breakfast joint, they do one of two things: they either tell all their friends or they keep it secret, for fear of not being able to get a table the next time they get a craving for eggs benny! Well, we’re going to share our breakfast secrets and let you in on the best spots on Vancouver’s North Shore. BLVD Bistro BLVD Bistro is the new kid on the block, but they came out swinging with a delicious all-day breakfast menu. From unique eggs bennies and heuvos rancheros to pulled pork pancakes and a to-die-for steak & eggs, the menu is fresh, local and delicious. Location: 636 Queensbury Avenue, North Vancouver…
By Kathy Mak When it comes to the Shipyards Night Market, the journey and the destination are both rewarding! Catch some of the best views of the city and the North Shore Mountains while cruising across the Burrard Inlet on the Seabus passenger ferry (between downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver). In the early evening, you can peruse the speciality shops in Lonsdale Quay Market on route to the night market, which is conveniently located next door. In contrast to other open-air night markets, the Shipyards Night Market is located on the waterfront with beautiful views of Vancouver’s skyline and setup at one of Canada’s Historic Places, the Burrard Dry Dock Company (Wallace Shipyards). You’ll be amused by the vibrant selection of amazing local food, drinks, music, arts, crafts and vendors, all the while watching the glow of the sunset fade over the city. Feast on fresh cuisine from…
By Joanne Sasvari Here on Vancouver’s North Shore, you could say the meat is, well, a cut above. North and West Vancouver are home to a number of butchers, meat shops and sausage makers who’ve carved out a high-quality niche, often specializing in local, organic, antibiotic-free, chemical-free and humanely raised products. Two Rivers Specialty Meats Technically, Two Rivers Specialty Meats is a North Vancouver-based wholesale distributor that sells meat throughout the Lower Mainland. But they’re much more than that. They’re a force for good – after all, they’ve done more than just about anyone to make local, ethically raised meats the popular choice for diners in Vancouver. You’ll find their products – from highly respected producers like Sloping Hills pork, Thiessen Farms chickens and Pemberton Meadows natural beef – on the best restaurant menus in Vancouver as well as in boxes from the SPUD organic food delivery service. Now Two…