Keep warm through the winter with a flavourful staycation in Surrey, BC! The January temperatures may have you bundling up, but there are plenty of other ways for you to maintain warmth around Metro Vancouver—most notably, with food! And let’s be honest, there’s really no better place on the West Coast to enjoy the full palate of world cuisine than in Surrey! Surrey offers a culinary cross-section of so many types of food that you could easily point to a spot on the globe and find an accompanying restaurant nearby. So with that in mind, and with it never being a sure bet when winter will actually end (fingers crossed), we’re giving away a package of a few of our favourite Surrey spots so you can keep a sunny (and spicy) outlook no matter the forecast. Enter now, and you could be levelling up your winter 2025 with all kinds…
While on paper, January might not be known for its bountiful flavours, the famously overcast month has had more and more tasty surprises in the last few years. For every cloud in the new calendar year, it seems like there’s now a tasty silver lining to pair with it. Whether it’s a food truck festival or a wine and cheese night, these are a handful of the bright spots you should make a note of— care of the creative chefs from our local food scene! *Featured image: Street Food Vancouver at the Vancouver Art Gallery The Perfect Pairing – Wine & Dine – Coquitlam All Saints R.C. Parish, 821 Fairfax Street, Coquitlam Delight your senses and support a great cause! The Rotary Club of Coquitlam is pleased to present The Perfect Pairing – Wine & Dine. Learn more about a variety of wines paired with a curated multiple-course meal. January…
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…
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…
We’re officially into the pre-holiday season, which means menus will start featuring the richest flavours and most sumptuous dishes! It’s truly the pinnacle palate experience. We’re also about as far away from beach season as you can get, so it all lines up nicely. Start with a meat and cheese festival in North Van, then a bit of mulled wine and German pastries at the Vancouver Christmas Market, and perhaps a leisurely stroll through the food trucks at Langley’s Enchanted Forest. Whatever your comfort food is this time of year, make sure you savour every moment! Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week, November 1 – 15 Various locations on Vancouver’s North Shore Get ready to kick back and soak up the vibes, because Craft Beer Week is back for another round of laid-back fun in North Vancouver! From November 1st to November 15th, we’re rolling out the barrel for two…
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…
We’re now into one of the sweetest times of the year—berry season! Whether you’re using them to bake, adding them to breakfast, or eating them on their own, we can all agree that Lower Mainland berries are second to none. And one of the best parts of living/visiting here is all the fantastic places you can pick your own. By the basket or bucket full, these spots let you load up and feast on the best strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries that are now in full ripeness. So roll up your sleeves, let’s get picking! Driediger Farms – Langley 72nd Ave, Langley Since 1964 Driediger Farms has been supplying Langley and it’s surrounding communities with juicy and flavourful Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Red Currants and Raspberries. The Farm has over 160 acres of berries, with dedicated U-pick fields where you can harvest for yourself. The onsite farm market also sells fresh…
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…
Adventurous foodies need not leave Metro Vancouver to explore hidden gems of world cuisine. In an era where global connectivity is at our fingertips, our local dining scene becomes a portal to far-off lands. By exploring unique regional cuisines, we not only indulge in exotic flavours but also get the opportunity to engage in a deeper dialogue about identity, heritage, and the socio-political forces shaping our world. In each dish lies a story of history, migration, and resilience, offering insights into the complexities of our world. From culinary fusions born out of cultural exchange to dishes that carry the weight of centuries-old traditions, every bite becomes a lesson in empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human experience. Uncover the delightfully unexpected at these restaurants around Metro Vancouver. Article by: Mithalee Rawat Spice of Nepal – Surrey While Indian cuisine enjoys worldwide popularity, the culinary treasures of its…
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…
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…
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 right here in Metro Vancouver. 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 – Surrey 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…
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-décor vibe while chowing down on a burger and shoestring fries? Check out the TV & Movies tab on their website, as many cool films…
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…
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…
When it comes to outdoor activities to get you into the spirit of the changing seasons, it doesn’t get much more autumnal than than pumpkin patches and corn mazes. by Catherine Dunwoody Fall is most definitely here, and getting lost in a zigzagging corn maze or choosing which big orange beauty to take with you from a pumpkin patch is part of the fun when it comes to living in or visiting Metro Vancouver, especially in Surrey. The city boasts 3 different mazes and patches, each unique and fun for the entire family. The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch – Surrey The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch (aka Gabriel Farms) is open throughout October and offers all the autumn fun you can handle. Open on weekends starting September 23, 10 am to 5 pm, you can partake in a petting zoo, wagon rides, a mini corn maze, face painting, and a concession. U-pick pumpkins…
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 sun is shining (or at least the rain is warm) and everything is fresh and in season. If you love local, sustainable baked delicacies and goods and the incredible abundance of vegetables and farm fresh ingredients in summer, then Metro Vancouver’s farmers markets are a special treat that are definitely worth making time for. 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 Surrey and Langley. Grab your basket and let’s go! Surrey Urban Farmers Market – Surrey Taking place on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the parking lot, the vibrant, multi-cultural non-profit Surrey Urban Farmers Market is located next to a huge park, so you can bring the family to hang out, play and picnic while you peruse stalls with local farmers big and small, food producers,…
The second annual National Filipino Restaurant Month takes place during the month of April, and we want to celebrate. Our favourite way? With food of course! By Catherine Dunwoody First launched in April of 2022, the intention of this culinary spotlight is to promote Filipino cuisine in Canada, especially the restaurants, the chefs, and highlighting traditional dishes using ingredients from the Philippines. One restaurant, Grandt Kitchen located in Surrey, offers a wide range of food that tastes like home to Filipinos in Canada, and an introduction to an ethnic cuisine many have never tried. In 2015 the small restaurant first opened in an industrial area in Surrey, followed by a move in 2018 to open Grandt Kitchen Filipino Cuisine with a capacity of 100 people. In 2019, a second location opened on Joyce Street, and the owners proudly serve the community with the cuisine they love to share. Dive into traditional…
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…
Looking for your next patio conquest? Heading South to Surrey and White Rock is a surefire way to discover your next favourite spot for equal parts sun and shade. With South Surrey famous for its international cuisine, and White Rock within a stone’s skipping distance to the ocean, there are more than a few reliable options for summer seekers. Zapoteca – White Rock Located on East Beach along White Rock’s Marine Drive, this little Mexican spot is prime territory for sunset watching. Stop by for their superb happy hour on weekdays between 2-5 and indulge in our favourite margaritas in town, and a plate of delicious nachos. Five Kitchen and Raw Oyster Bar – White Rock Moving right along to West Beach, Five has quickly become our go-to for freshly shucked oysters and bubbly at golden hour. Their patio has a fantastic view of the White Tock pier (one…
So… you’re ready to start shedding your layers and reawakening your senses again? While we’re all for the seasonal foods of winter, once you get to the tail end of it, you’re ready for something with a bit more of a flavourful edge to it. That’s where the Surrey Spice Trail comes in. Naturally, Surrey is the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates a diverse roster of flavours. From a smoky Caribbean kick, to plates finished with freshly grated wasabi root, there are delicious discoveries for every spice level. Spread across 6 neighbourhoods and over 60 restaurants, this celebration of world cuisine is a fantastic escape from any bland food routine. Try authentic Jamaican fare at Stanley Market (North Surrey), home-style Japanese comfort food at Mr. Tonkatsu (Guildford) or the well-guarded family recipes at Afghan Kitchen (South Surrey). There are just about as many flavour possibilities here as…
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…
by Winnie Tam Whether you’re wanting a midday break while working from home, or you’re looking for a spot to work and reward yourself with a delicious treat at the same time, these gems in Surrey have got you covered. West Village Café – Surrey West Village Café is a family-owned, community-based cafe, led by Jas Bhangoo. The café’s vision is to bring people together through nourishing, made-from-scratch food in a warm and inviting environment where everyone belongs, “like a village.” #160-5620 152nd Street, Surrey Get there on transit: Take the Expo Line Skytrain to King George Station, Board the 345 Bus heading East, get off at the Highway 10 stop, and it’s about a five-minute walk from there! *Photos care of West Village Cafe Kaffina Coffee – Surrey Kaffina Coffee is a quality espresso and pour-over bar tucked away in South Surrey. It combines high-quality coffee and food…