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Asian

6 Tasty Spots to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025

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…

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Vancouver

Dine Out Vancouver Returns with More Tasty Ways to Tour the City

The tastiest, time-honoured tradition returns to Metro Vancouver to keep us warm and well-fed through the winter—Dine Out! Running from January 22 – February 9, if your resolution was to tour through some of the best eateries of the city, here’s your chance! For the uninitiated, Dine Out Vancouver is a celebration of local restaurants, chefs, artisans, and foragers. The annual foodie festival offers a delicious way to kick off the year by trying new things and sampling new flavours. So consider this your official invite to take a break from the holiday leftovers, and dig into the wonderful world cuisine of the West Coast food scene Participating restaurants will feature exclusive menu options that often let guests try the breadth of flavours on their main menu, while offerring a bit of a discounted price. It’s the perfect chance for an overdue friend catch up, a solo dinner to decompress,…

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Vancouver

January Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

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 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 25 …

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Chocolate, Sweets, and Baking

A Love Letter to East Van’s Perfect Cookie

I’ve eaten a lot of cookies in my day. But, if I’ve learned anything in my travels it’s that secret of making a good one, depends on two things: An outstanding cookie should always be slightly underdone. While it may look impossibly gooey out of the oven, once that baby cools, you’re going to have a perpetually soft biscuit no matter what temperature it’s at. And that is the sweet spot for diving into those nostalgic bites from when you were no taller than a Keebler. Boosting that savoury flavour. Anybody can dump sugar in flour, chuck a stick of butter in and call it a day. But for a cookie to transcend, there should be full palate engagement, not just the tip of the tongue.    I wanted to outline these rules first because the “Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie” from Flourist Bakery takes these criteria and pushes them as far…

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Holiday

A Holiday Food Tour Through 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 (Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is on until Dec 24, 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. Gary’s on 12th 1485 W 12th Ave Fresh off their 2024 Michelin recognition, Gary’s has…

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Holiday

Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve and Day in Metro Vancouver

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? 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! Vancouver Botanist  1038 Canada Place, Vancouver Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve at Botanist with our special “We’ll Take It From Here”…

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Chocolate, Sweets, and Baking

Local Bakeries with Must-Try Holiday Treats

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 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 115-5385 216 St. Langley Marzipan Stollen Don’t call it fruit cake! This authentic German dessert is…

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Brunch

December Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Vancouver H Tasting Lounge’s Winterlust 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 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! 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 food colouring. You’ll also have…

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Burnaby

The Praguery Brings Chimney Cakes To New Coquitlam Location

By Kristi Alexandra Move over, waffle cones— chimney cakes are here to stay! While they’ve been around for a while in Europe, this innovative and delicious alternative to the traditional ice cream cone is still relatively new to the Vancouver food scene. Jaroslav Mestka, owner of the Praguery, has been a key player in introducing the delicacy to the Lower Mainland over the past decade. The Praguery has quickly become a beloved line of food trucks across Metro Vancouver and the sea-to-sky area, famous for serving up delicious soft serve, fresh fruit and sauces, and other toppings inside freshly baked (never-fried) chimney cakes. At the moment, you can find the Praguery’s sweet treats at any of their frequent local stops: Richmond’s McArthur Glen outlet mall, Squamish’s Sea-to-Sky Gondola, and as a roving ice cream truck in Coquitlam. West Coast Food recently talked to the Mestka about his journey from Prague…

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Cocktails, Wines & Spirits

November Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

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! From November 1st to November 15th, we’re rolling out the barrel for two weeks of easygoing…

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Dining

Catching up on the New Vancouver Michelin Guide Picks

If you’re like us, and you keep a dedicated list of YVR restaurants you want to try, get ready to add a few more points of interest to the map! The Michelin Guide recently announced which local spots it would be adding to its list of notable eateries in the city, and we’re ready to dig in. Keeping with the high standards that Michelin is known for, there were only two new additions this year, but the restaurants that did make the cut are well deserving of the spotlight. One Michelin Star Sushi Masuda This intimate sushi bar tucked into Coal Harbour is the latest locale to earn a coveted star. With modest Japanese decor, Chef-owner Yoji Masuda lets guests focus on his unrivalled omakase service. The fact that Masuda only opened in March of this year is extra impressive and speaks to the meteoric rise of the young Chef…

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Festivals & Events

September Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

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, 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 Surrey BC…

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Farms

Where To U-Pick This Summer In Metro Vancouver

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 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 produce, eggs,…

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Wineries

Must-Visit Wineries in Metro Vancouver

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 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 the Year” in…

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Festivals & Events

August Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

The summer feasting continues! We hope you’ve booked some time for even more seasonal snacking because this month’s outdoor foodie events are well worth a wander. At the Richmond Night Market, you can cruise the aromatic aisles looking for that perfect chicken karaage skewer, or you can always stop by Langley Ribfest to sample the secret sauces and admire the swathing technique of local grill masters. Take it from us, there’s nothing that pairs better with a summer evening than heading for a stroll and trying all the treats along the way! Fort Langley Summer Food Festival, August 3-4 Indulge in a culinary adventure at the Fort Langley Summer Food Festival! Join in for a weekend packed with mouthwatering delights, local wines, and artistic wonders. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable summer experience! Langley Fort Langley Community Hall The Korean Cultural Heritage Festival, August 3 The Korean Cultural Heritage…

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Where to Eat

Exploring LGBTQ+ – Owned Eateries in Metro Vancouver

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  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 bakery and…

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Festivals & Events

July Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

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: 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 Vancouver…

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World

Around the World in Metro Vancouver

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 While Indian cuisine enjoys worldwide popularity, the culinary treasures of its neighbouring country,…

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Indigenous Cuisine

Indigenous-Owned Restaurants in Metro Vancouver

June is Indigenous History Month, with June 21st marking National Indigenous Peoples Day, so we invite you to celebrate the occasion with these local Indigenous food spots. Each of these Indigenous-owned restaurants, eateries, and small-batch producers offers the opportunity to savour local ingredients and flavours as they’re woven into traditional and contemporary recipes. When you visit these culinary gems this month (and year-round), you’re not only supporting small businesses but also the culture of Metro Vancouver’s first people—an important step as we collectively move towards reconciliation. Once you’ve sampled the delicious menus of each, you can continue your foodie tour outside of Vancouver with more culinary delights in Whistler, Squamish, Shushwap and beyond. Visit Indigenous Tourism BC to discover other Lower Mainland gems you might be missing. You can use this guide to spruce up your travel plans with some added wellness opportunities, and outdoor adventure ideas. Salmon n’ Bannock…

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Festivals & Events

June Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

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, 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 Trucks Festival and…

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Guides

Whisk Your Taste Buds Away: Cooking Classes & Wine Workshops in Metro Vancouver

You can learn practically anything from the internet these days. However, interactive classes are way more fun and immersive than learning from a YouTube video. What’s more, you get to taste the fruits of your labour while you learn.  Get set to impress at your next dinner party or dazzle your date with skills learned at these fun adult cooking classes and wine workshops. Don your apron and dive into a world of flavour. Class is now in session!  By Mithalee Rawat Burnaby Posh Pantry On weekends, Posh Pantry offers hands-on cooking classes tailored for those with a passion for food. Their lineup includes professional chefs and seasoned home cooks, all geared towards equipping you with impressive kitchen skills. This summer, you have the opportunity to learn firsthand from an authentic Italian mamma how to handcraft gnocchi or ravioli. If West Coast seafood is more your style, a former executive…

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Shops & Markets

Must-Visit Farmers’ Markets Across Metro Vancouver

Summer is around the corner and that can only mean one thing: Farmers’ market season is calling! So grab your sturdiest tote bags, wagons, and baskets, and get ready to hit the stalls at your local farmers’ markets across the BC Lower Mainland. Farmers’ markets offer far more than just fresh, organic produce–although, that’s reason enough to make the trip–these busy bustling spots are valued community hubs, offering an array of culinary and artisanal delights. Support your local growers and producers by shopping local for everything from bread to dairy products, to canned goods and frozen products. Food stalls only scratch the service, however – plenty of farmer’s markets open up to vendors who sell other handmade goods such as candles, jewelry, ceramics and more.  From the quaint charm of suburban markets to the bustling energy of stalls nestled in the center of the city, these Lower Mainland farmers markets…

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Cafés

Tayybeh Lives Up To Its Name In Vancouver

Kitsilano’s Tayybeh offers a unique culinary experience with authentic Syrian fare prepared by a team of all-women newcomer cooks. Tayybeh means good, positive, and delicious in Arabic. True to its name, this restaurant in the heart of old Kits feels welcoming and fun, featuring pops of bright white and fuchsia, brimming with natural light and redolent of spiced dishes and rich coffee. “We initially thought of opening as a café,” says Nihal Elwan, Tayybeh’s founder, “but soon our guests made it clear that they are expecting a full-service dining experience.”  Tayybeh is a social enterprise that creates stable employment to empower refugee and newcomer women from Syria and other parts of the Middle East.  Though Tayybeh is just in its sophomore year as a brick-and-mortar location, Elwan and her team have been serving Vancouverites a taste of Syria “just the way they cook at home” for years. Since 2015, the…

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Cocktails, Wines & Spirits

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…

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Dining

5 Unique Burgers to try in Metro Vancouver

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  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 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 have been…

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Where to Eat

Women-Owned Eateries in Metro Vancouver

International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating some of our region’s incredible chefs and restaurateurs with a guide to fabulous female-led businesses you’re going to want to check out! By Avneet Takhar Vancouver Pampanga Cuisine Edith Malang, who fed frontline nurses during the throes of COVID-19 with her comforting Filipino food, has seen her business grow to two Vancouver locations due to its popularity! From breakfast plates such as Longsilog (rice and Filipino style sausage) all the way through to Combo Meals (any dish, with rice and soup) and meat dishes consisting of favourites such as Crispy Sisig (chunks of pork, chillies and ginger), Malang makes sure you’re well taken care of. Instagram Get there by transit: The R4 or number 8 buses will take you to the Fraser location and Joyce station is a 1 minute walk from the other site.  Burdock & Co This…

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Festivals & Events

March Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

The arrival of spring means more and more events will be budding around Metro Vancouver, and these are some of the tastiest ones on the calendar! A showcase of the types of different dumplings across various cultures? Book your spot now! How about a week-long celebration of the best mixologists in the city? Prime your palate, and keep reading! Taste of the Tri-Cities, February 16 – March 10 This annual food and drink festival is designed to highlight the amazing restaurants, eateries, pubs, breweries, distilleries and cafes in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Various Locations Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine Out Vancouver, or you just miss it in general, 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. Burnaby bills…

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Patios

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…

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Festivals & Events

February Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

 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, Feb…

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Holiday

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,…

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Cafés

Convenience Store Cafes in Metro Vancouver

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.  Vancouver Mah Milkbar 1502 Victoria Drive This brand new, queer-owned and operated convenience store…

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Festivals & Events

Spice it up! Delicious Indian Dishes for Diwali

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…

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Vegetarian & Vegan

Vegan Ice Cream You Need to Try in Metro Vancouver

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 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 puree and crunchy…

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Wineries

Where To Drink Natural Wines In Metro Vancouver

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 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 Vancouver Pacific…

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Shops & Markets

Richmond, Vancouver and North Shore Farmers Markets

Summertime is synonymous with weekend visits to the local farmer’s market. Picture this: it’s a weekend morning, the sun is shining, and the farmer’s market is abuzz with shoppers and vendors selling artisanal honey, boisterous gleaming vegetables, and crusty loaves of pungent sourdough. You’ve got a wagon full of goodies in one hand, and an iced lavender latte in the other. Maybe your dog is leashed around your wrist, wiggling their nose as they pass by the cheese table. Not to get too Nancy Meyers about it since farmer’s market weekends don’t have to be a fairy tale – but there are many scattered across Metro Vancouver just waiting for you to visit and have your best weekend ever. By: Brittany Tiplady North Shore Markets Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market “In addition to the talented bakers, jam makers, and honey gatherers, the Lonsdale Farmers’ Market welcomes some of the province’s most…

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Communities

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…

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Cocktails, Wines & Spirits

Langley’s Roots and Wings Distillery and BC Distilled Festival

Rebekah Crowley, owner/distiller, walks us through the steps to create their signature spirits. By Catherine Dunwoody As one of the numerous Metro-Vancouver-based craft distilleries participating in the BC Distilled Festival, Roots and Wings Distillery is the first of its kind in the Fraser Valley. I chatted with Rebekah Crowley about the process of making their small batch artisan spirits. Proud of their farm-to-table approach and ingredients grown right on their farm, Crowley and partner Head Distiller Rob Rindt have created over forty unique and flavorful spirits in their six years in business. “Every Saturday we start a new batch, be it vodka or whiskey base, they all begin the same way,” says Crowley. “We take the potatoes (for vodka) and corn or rye and corn (for whiskey) and add it into our 500-gallon mash still. Then we heat it with a mix of water and enzymes until it reaches 90…

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Dining

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…

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Festivals & Events

Sip on South America at the Vancouver International Wine Festival

The Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) is back again this year with wines from all over the world. This year’s festival has 17 participating countries taking part in entertaining and educational events all over the city. Running from April 22-30th, the 44th VIWF is celebrating its legacy as one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world. While the festival will have a wide range of participating local wineries, South America is the featured wine region for 2023, with wines from Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay to sample in the Tasting Room. Taste and Discover The heart of the festival is the Tasting Room, where the public can choose from 800 wines at four International Festival Tastings, and industry professionals can sample those at two Trade Tastings. Past festival attendees may remember that the featured region has its own section in the Tasting Room and offers thematic seminars…

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Dining

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…

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Chef Stories

Teen Coffee Connoisseur Aevin Shares his Brew Secrets 

At just 16 years old, Aevin Kumar knew he wanted to work in some capacity with coffee using ethical practices. Amidst the pandemic he put his dreams into reality and did just that. Sharing his unique story, the young and dynamic entrepreneur spills the beans on how it all started! By Avneet Takhar First off, tell us how at age 16 you got started in the coffee biz, Aevin?! Yes, I began Coffee Craze Company officially in March 2021- when I was 16 years old. My interest in coffee really started when my brother began introducing me to different types of coffee. I also studied various business courses back then, and I quickly became obsessed when I came across a local roaster in Maple Ridge, B.C, and tried some (coffee) selections. I started spending time planning, researching and deciding if this was something that I could do. With the support…

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Festivals & Events

Sip in style–Cinq á Sept at Vancouver Cocktail Week 2023 

Bartenders across Vancouver are shaking, stirring and mixing it up all week for Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW). Presented by The Alchemist, VCW is back for its second year, the festival is shining a spotlight on multi-award-winning bartenders ambassadors that contribute to Vancouver’s globally- celebrated culinary community. Running from March 6 – 11th, 2023 Vancouver Cocktail Week celebrates the vibrant, creative culture of craft cocktails and food pairings at bars and restaurants across the city. While there are plenty of fantastic ticketed events (many of which have sold out already), one of the easiest ways to join in is to stop in for a VCW Cinq á Sept Happy Hour after work at one of the many participating bars and restaurants this week. Cinq á Sept in the city Based on the French concept of the “cinq à sept”—5 to 7 pm, the hours between work and home life. Swing by…

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Where to Eat

A Valentine’s Night Out in Metro Vancouver

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…

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World

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…

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Dine the Line

Find your cup of tea on the Bubble Line 

Whether milk tea is your must-have or you’re an oolong and fresh fruit slush fan, no matter what type of bubble tea flavours and add-ons are your favourites, there’s no end to the number of ways you can customize this delicious dessert drink. Originating in Taiwan, with countless tasty variations, bubble tea is a global to-go sensation. And thankfully, there are tons of businesses specializing in bubble tea all across Metro Vancouver. If you’re on the hunt for the best and newest bubble tea hot spots in the city, slurp your way across Metro Vancouver using Dine the Line’s Bubble Line itinerary. Try your favourite flavours and (hopefully) a few new ones in neighbourhoods across the city while riding the Expo Line Skytrain or RapidBus. From Surrey to Burnaby to New Westminster, here are our go to spots for boba. Burnaby Money Tea For the fresh fruit tea fans, you…

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Dine the Line

Dine the Line: Bring the Family–Crowd Pleasers for Everyone 

Wondering where to eat with the family in Metro Vancouver?  These transit-friendly options will keep you dining car-free. Enjoying a meal together as a family is an indispensable bonding experience—add exploring Metro Vancouver and you’re bound to keep your family engaged and entertained as well as create lasting memories. Family Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to gather your crew and hop on the transit for a fun-filled family excursion chowing down across Metro Vancouver. For parents or activity organizers in the family, finding just the right crowd-pleasers for a mixed group of adventurous diners and picky eaters across ages can seem like a tricky challenge, but luckily there are lots of transit-accessible options serving up delicious family-friendly fare, from exciting international flavours to traditional comfort food favourites. Check out Dine the Line’s Bring the Family Itinerary to explore family dining using the Canada Line…

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Chef Stories

Jackie Kai Ellis of Beaucoup Bakery on Canadian Chinese Food

Jackie Kai Ellis is the former owner of Vancouver’s beloved Beaucoup Bakery, which she in recent years decided to move on from in order to focus on her other projects. She’s since been featured on House & Home magazine, has her own self-titled website, and recently released the show House Special on Telus, a series that follows Chinese-Canadian food history across BC and Alberta. We got the chance to sit and chat about her exciting food journey! By Avneet Takhar So Jackie, you got into the food scene and learned how to be a pastry chef whilst studying in Paris! Was that the catalyst for opening Beaucoup?  I don’t think I necessarily had a plan when I went to pastry school in France. But it was always in the back of my head (opening a bakery), and there were ideas percolating for many years. When I got back I had the choice to either continue with my design…

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Langley City

Catching up with Ken Nishidate of Langley’s The Raving Gamer

In the deep, dark days of March 2020, I had a candid conversation with Ken Nishidate of The Raving Gamer. Like all small businesses during this time, the Raving Gamer was experiencing the strain of uncertain times ahead. Nearly three years ago they were making the necessary switch to takeout, curbside pickup, and retail – crossing their fingers in hopes that this too shall pass. By Brittany Tiplady While the pandemic raged on longer than we all expected, The Raving Gamer forged on and continues to serve the Langley community locally sourced food, with a side of games galore. Back in 2020, Nishidate stressed that the Raving Gamer is a community hub with a goal of supporting as many local businesses as possible. “I’m trying to distill [our mandate] down to a few words. On our windows we have ‘great food, fun games, good times,’ and that’s really what we…

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Festivals & Events

January Foodie Events in Metro Vancouver

Like most of us, you probably spent December in unabashed overindulgence. We’re here to ask: why stop now? Here’s a list of events around Metro Vancouver to keep the food party going well into the new year. The Ultimate Sunday Brunch: Unlocking Secrets of a Favourite Weekly Meal, January 8  Level up your brunch game at this cooking demonstration in the Market Kitchen at Lonsdale Quay Market. This class will demystify the fables that make preparing eggs seem such a tricky endeavor, and teach the ways of Japanese Soufflé Pancakes, Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict and more – the ways the pros do it. Dine Out Vancouver Festival, January 20 to February 5 Canada’s largest celebration of food and drink returns to communities all around Metro Vancouver for its 21st season. As if 350+ restaurants offering up special 3-course meals for anywhere between $20 and $65 weren’t enough, there’s also…

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Cocktails, Wines & Spirits

Six Cocktails to Celebrate the Season in Metro Vancouver

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That time when Santa’s helpers toil away around colourful flights and lots of ice, building delicious seasonal cocktails for all the good boys and girls. Here’s where to get your hands on these very toastable potables around Metro Vancouver this year. The Fall Negroni at Nightingale  While it feels like Winter, it’s still technically Fall, and whatever, it’s always a good time for a Negroni. This one is infused with traditional holiday flavours of fig and rosemary. Vancouver: 1017 W. Hastings Street Night of a Thousand Eyes at Keefer Bar  This one smacks of that “special” coffee you take up Robson Street to keep your hands warm while Christmas shopping, or to keep you from lashing out while Christmas shopping. Kahlua, amaro, espresso and a salted caramel sake. Vancouver: 135 Keefer Street Sweater Weather at Sons of Vancouver Distillery  Cozy up to…

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Festivals & Events

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…

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World

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…

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Dine the Line

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

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Chef Stories

Sriracha revolver’s Jordan Hocking on the Secret to Her Sauces

Sriracha revolver’s Jordan hocking on the secret to her sauces By Catherine Dunwoody Sriracha is a small town on the coast of Thailand, and where the original spicy sauce comes from. Vancouver’s Jordan Hocking, Indigenous entrepreneur and owner of Sriracha Revolver has a complete line of her own sauces made at her Commercial Drive headquarters. West Coast Food contributor Catherine Dunwoody chatted with her about her career, and the secret to her sauce. What does the revolver mean in your brand name? ​Revolver is a Spanish verb for stir, mix, or mess up. How did you get your start?  I made sauce for gifts one year and found it’s a very creative experience. Working with fresh produce and putting together different combinations to reach particular flavour goals is really satisfying. I was at home with my small children, and it was an activity and outlet that was wholly mine! Were…

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Wineries

4 New Local Autumn Wines in Metro Vancouver

Try these new wine releases! By Catherine Dunwoody The fall harvest season also means our wineries introduce much-awaited releases to their wine store collections. Visit one of these four hyper-local, BC wineries today and start sipping autumn’s best. Visit Langley to try Township 7 Seven Stars Vega Sparkling Wine, perfect to enjoy now or tuck away for the upcoming festive season. Pairs beautifully with crabcakes, prosciutto or creamy cheeses. In Fort Langley, try this crisp Valley Commons Pinot Gris with its notes of apples, peach, and pineapple, refreshing and perfect with brunch at home. Backyard Vineyards Simply Social Syrah is the perfect wine to transition into autumn, with its notes of peppercorn, lavender cherry and plum. Bragging rights? This wine claimed the silver medal at the All-Canadian Wine Championships. Visit the Langley winery to snap it up. Pacific Breeze Winery in New Westminster released their 2020 Reserve Fifty /…

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Chef Stories

Food Network Canada: Project Bakeover Features Lyra Lou Cakes

Food Network Canada’s Project Bakeover Features Surrey’s Lyra Lou Cakes By Catherine Dunwoody In Project Bakeover renowned pastry chef, master chocolatier and entrepreneur Steve Hodge saves struggling bakeries on the brink of losing it all. His expert advice, combined with interior designer Tiffany Pratt’s talents turning ho-hum spaces into stunning showcases really are the recipe for success. North Shore’s Steve Hodge of Temper Chocolate and Pastry and design guru Tiffany Pratt sprinkled their magic all over a Filipino bakery with a much-deserved makeover. West Coast Food’s regular contributor Catherine Dunwoody chatted with the Surrey-based husband and wife team, Lyra and Abe, about their epic experience on the show. Lyra Lou Cakes owners Abe and Lyra appeared in Project Bakeover Season 2, Episode 5 “Cake it to the Limit”. Lyra and Abe! How did you get involved in the show? Did you apply or did Food Network invite you? Somebody from…

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Festivals & Events

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…

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Chef Stories

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…

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Sweets

Up Your Candy Game Ahead of Halloween

You’re an adult now, and while you may not still be trick or treating (hopefully), it’s time to have a serious talk about candy. If you’re one to commit to cheat days, then it’s worth doing it right. If you’re going to cheat, then cheat well. With Halloween looming, it’s a fitting time to up our candy game, instead of waiting until Nov 1, to pillage the dollar stores for discounted leftovers. If nothing else, these options will introduce you to a whole new world of snacking that is worth circling a few more days on your calendar. *Cover image care of Karameller Candy Shop Steveston Sweet Shoppe What better way to cap a zenned-out stroll by the water than with a mouth full of Pop Rocks? Come crashing back down to Earth and speed towards its sugary core with all manner of extreme sweets on offer. Crack…

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Farms

Pumpkin Patches in Metro Vancouver

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 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 make a…

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Summer Patios

Patio Season: Vancouver

So you didn’t get the memo that air conditioners would be sold out by this point. And you’ve been caught one too many times sneaking into the neighbour’s pool.  Thankfully there are still plenty of spots you can remain chilled at in Vancouver, without breaking any trespassing laws. These are just a handful of our favourite spots in the city that you can visit on your day in town, or if you’re just on a neighbourhood crawl in search of shade. Burdock and Co. Nestled in the garden of this Main Street fave, Burdock’s patio is perfect for right after rain clouds part and the forecast brightens up. Accompanied by the fresh scent of the greenery around you, order a martini or a glass from their impeccable wine list while you take in one of our most eclectic communities. For added photography points, the side of the building is adorned…

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Brunch

Decadent Breakfasts in Metro Vancouver You Can Get to On SkyTrain

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! Vancouver Chambar 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! New West Piva Modern…

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Seafood

Be at the Docks in Vancouver for the First Haul of BC Spot Prawns

By Joyce Chua, Vancouver Foodie Tours Sweet, delicate, light and delicious, British Columbia’s spot prawns are highly coveted by chefs and foodies from around the world. With their unique taste and spotted markings, fresh spot prawns, bred and harvested off the coast of British Columbia, are one of the most sustainable seafood choices on the market. On May 15, 2022, foodies and seafood lovers will gather together to greet the fishing boats and indulge in the season’s harvest. While the festival may be a one-day event, anyone is welcome to partake in the daily spot prawn spectacle at Fisherman’s Wharf. Just two minutes from Granville Island, anyone can walk down to the dock, chat with the fishermen, and buy a few pounds of live spot prawns caught just hours prior. The experience is so nonchalant, but that’s exactly the thrill. The exchange from fisherman to foodie is strikingly simple. Peter,…

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Festivals & Events

Our Fave Foodie Events For Easter 2022

By Sonu Purhar & Mark Shelling When we think Easter, we think vibrantly-hued jellybeans, gigantic chocolate bunnies and sprawling buffets. Yes, egg hunts and bunnies are fun too, but, before we commit to an event, we want to be sure food is involved! If that sounds like you, read on: we’ve found eleven Easter experiences in Metro Vancouver (and a little beyond) whose holiday festivities feature plenty of tasty fare. Let’s hop to it! Township 7 Easter Festival Adults and children alike will adore this picturesque vineyard egg hunt with prizing for every participant. In addition to the main event, Township 7’s festive affair also features a petting zoo, face painting and live entertainment. Afterward, follow your nose to the onsite  Melt City Grilled Cheese and Hugs Mini Donuts by Mollie for delicious treats while you sample the vineyard’s award-winning wines. Grownups can even participate in an adults Easter egg hunt…

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Family Friendly

Kids Cooking Workshops Around Vancouver for Young Foodies

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…

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Where to Eat

5 Delicious Greek Spots in Metro Vancouver

Science has shown that the surest way to brighten one’s outlook is through the palate. This is why we like to have a few go-to options in our back pocket, seeing as Metro Vancouver is full of them. For particularly dreary days, taking a culinary journey to Greece never fails. So have a scroll down, and let’s take a tour through our favourite local spots that have us salivating for souvlaki and pita. Burnaby Sfinaki Greek Taverna Often voted as one of Burnaby’s best places for Greek, Sfinaki has been delighting Metro Vancouver diners for over 25 years with their homestyle recipes. A family business, each member of the flock helps out whether in the kitchen or front of the house, and that sense of tradition and ownership shows. With a menu that could be described as street food meets comfort food, this is a delicious gem to try. 4061 Hastings St,…

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Chef Stories

Diary of an Opening Chapter 2: Fiorino Roundtable

Fiorino, Chinatown’s newest Italian eatery opens next week, so it’s time to set the table. We joined the three co-owners, Giovanni Mascagni, Mario Ruiz, and Mitchell Clark for stories of how their menu of Florence-inspired street food came together, and how the pandemic fast-tracked the ambitions of the three roommates. For a bit of context, see our previous chapter about how owner-operator Giovanni Mascagni studied under a bread master in Italy to get his schiacciata sandwiches just right. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sU8WnXJ1Fo

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Self-guided Tours

Bike (and Eat!) the Central Valley Greenway: Vancouver-Olympic Village

By Jackie Dives The Central Valley Greenway is an all-levels ride that takes you from Vancouver all the way to New Westminster. It’s mostly flat, separated from most vehicle traffic, and it’s easy to detour off for some hidden food gems. The more experienced you are, the more leisurely your food (and beer) stops will be along the way! Starting at Olympic Village in Vancouver, the food options are plentiful. Tractor is a fresh, healthy, leafy, crispy, hot or cold flavourful option at a good price point. They have salads and sandwich combos that are actually worth buying for both components full of favourites like grilled avocado, various protein options of the veggie and non-veggie variety, nuts, seeds, and cheeses. They are licensed, and also have kombucha on tap.   Alternatively, Terra Breads is nearby if you just need a snack. Hit up Tap and Barrel for beers with a view,…

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Chocolate, Sweets, and Baking

Up Your Candy Game Ahead of Halloween

You’re an adult now, and while you may not still be trick or treating (hopefully), it’s time to have a serious talk about candy. If you’re one to commit to cheat days, then it’s worth doing it right. If you’re going to cheat, then cheat well. With Halloween looming, it’s a fitting time to up our candy game, instead of waiting until Nov 1, to pillage the dollar stores for discounted leftovers. If nothing else, these options will introduce you to a whole new world of snacking that is worth circling a few more days on your calendar. *Cover image care of Karameller Candy Shop Steveston Sweet Shoppe What better way to cap a zenned-out stroll by the water than with a mouth full of Pop Rocks? Come crashing back down to Earth and speed towards its sugary core with all manner of extreme sweets on offer. Crack…

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Salmon n Bannock Burger by Matt Law
Where to Eat

Taking-Out is the New Going-Out in Vancouver and the North Shore

By Gail Johnson With the closure of B.C. restaurants amid the spread of COVID-19, more and more eateries are getting creative when it comes to take-out and delivery. Here’s a bunch on the North Shore and in Vancouver to check out so you can indulge at home while social distancing. [For take-out in Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond, click here.] [For take-out in Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley and White Rock, click here.] Vancouver’s North Shore CC’s Chinese Restaurant 5020 Capilano Rd Singapore-style noodles chow mein, bean cakes, lemon chicken, beef and broccoli and other Chinese classics are all available for delivery. Olive & Anchor 6418 Bay St The Horseshoe Bay restaurant specializes in comfort food made of international flavours with a West Coast flair. Co-owner Lisa Kim is the chef, while her husband, Rick, handles operations. In the era of coronavirus, that means he’s personally delivering orders within a certain radius. Otherwise,…

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Indian

6 Delicious Indian Restaurants in Vancouver with Warm Hearty Meals

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 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 (vegan and…

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Promoted Feature

Charcuterie, Cheese and Brunch Boards, Oh My: You’re Spoiled for Choice at Stock & Supply

By Sonu Purhar Situated at the Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites, the newly opened restaurant, Stock & Supply, is already buzzing with the happy hum of satiated guests. Offering a tantalizing array of pre-set and build-your-own board possibilities for any time of the day, the space cultivates connection and intimacy – an ideal spot for date night, family gatherings and teambuilding dinners alike. Charcuterie, cheese and veggie boards have seen a sharp spike in popularity thanks to the recent abundance of board-focused cookbooks hitting the market. Stock & Supply’s dazzling array is certain to rack up your Instagram likes, with rich colours and flavourful combinations taking centre stage – better still, you can design your own to ensure the board holds all of your favourites. The brunch boards are particularly appealing with sizeable portions catering to all palates, including a board for vegetarians. The Garden Board is a lovely assortment…

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UVA Wine Bar Cocktail
Recipes

Recipe: In Between Cupid Cocktail

By Sabrine Dhaliwal, Bar Manager, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar Sweetly spiced and with a dreamy pink hue, UVA’s “In Between Cupid” cocktail will have you falling for bar manager Sabrine Dhaliwal this Valentine’s Day. The bright, citrusy cocktail features gin, Campari, lemon juice, homemade spiced pineapple syrup and Bittered Sling Denman bitters which add complexity and an aromatic kick to this swoon-worthy sipper. INGREDIENTS Tanqueray  (1.5 oz) Campari (0.5 oz) Spiced Pineapple Syrup (0.5 oz) (The syrup is a blend of vanilla, cinnamon, green cardamom, star anise, peppercorns, pineapple juice and sugar) Lemon Juice (0.5 oz) Bittered Sling Denman Bitters (two dashes) INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients into a cocktail tin, add ice and shake vigorously for 7 to 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist with a heart cutout.

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Festivals & Events

Taste the World at Dine Out Vancouver’s Annual World Chef Exchange

by Tourism Vancouver Take your taste buds abroad at Dine Out Vancouver Festival’s most anticipated culinary event. The fifth annual Vancouver World Chef Exchange, will bring award-winning chefs from global culinary hubs to Vancouver for a series of four collaborative  dinners, featuring flavours from Toronto, Cork, Monterrey, and a cross-Pacific Indigenous Nations collaboration with chefs from Edmonton and Auckland. During each event, the visiting and local chefs will join forces to produce an incredible multi-course dinner at the Vancouver chef’s restaurant, taking inspiration from their respective restaurants’ most popular dishes; their own cultural influences and favourite fare; and local and seasonal ingredients. Here are this year’s pairings: All-Canadian Toronto’s Chef Charlotte Langley & Vancouver’s Chef Shelome Bouvette Where: Chicha Restaurant When: January 21 at 7:00 PM Details: An all-female, all star east coast meets west coast seafood dinner and wine pairings. Chef Charlotte Langley (East Coast) and Chef Shelome Bouvette…

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Shops & Markets

6 Expert Tips to Last-Minute Christmas Foodie Gifts at Granville Island

By Joyce Chua, Vancouver Foodie Tours It’s the last “sprint to the finish line” to find a unique and thoughtful gift for everyone on that Christmas list. Luckily, here in Vancouver, we’re blessed with Granville Island – an area filled with Canadian artisans, one-of-a-kind goods, and delicious wares. The best part? It’s all at your fingertips – no shipping required. Check out these 6 expert tips on how you can find awesome last-minute gifts at Granville Island: 1. Arrive early or late Granville Island is a hub for Christmas activity, especially in and around the Public Market. If you’re able to shop the Island before 11:00am or after 4:00pm, you’ll avoid the masses and have a chance to chat with the bakers, chefs, artisans and makers. 2. Start at Make Vancouver Start at Make for a dose of gift inspiration. Start with a Canadiana t-shirt printed with images of Justin Trudeau,…

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Chef Stories

Baker Irina Karpenko Shares the Ukrainian Story of Kozak Eatery & Bakery

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…

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Promoted Feature

Fresh Summer Fruits Baked into Fall Indulgences with Chef Shaun Maclean of H Tasting Lounge

By Jenni Sheppard It’s been a delicious summer in Vancouver, full of hearty beach barbecues, thirst-quenching patio cocktails, and tasty farmer’s markets bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables. Now, as glorious summer sunshine fades into refreshing fall rain, we’re looking for ways to keep those seasonal flavours lingering on our taste buds a little longer. For inspiration, we spoke to Chef Shaun Maclean at H Tasting Lounge about his love of desserts, summer in the city, and how his new galette could make summer last all year. What was the first dessert you ever created and why? My mother has always had a love for a good cheesecake, so that was the first thing I made sure I knew how to do well. What do you love most about creating desserts? It’s the final dish to hit the table. Like the encore of a concert, it has to be a…

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Cocktails, Wines & Spirits

Go Retro with these Classic Cocktails in Metro Vancouver

By Sonu Purhar Wild and wacky cocktails have their place, but sometimes an old-fashioned (or Old Fashioned) classic is all you need. Among the dearth of eateries and bars pouring Manhattans, Martinis and other historic drinks for every Tom Collins, Dick and Harry, it can be hard to find a place marrying well-made libations with an atmosphere conducive to memory lane wanderings. We’ve rounded up a selection of venues across Metro Vancouver that don’t disappoint – so what are you waiting for? Step into your Sidecar, and let’s go! Notch8 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver In celebration of Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s 80th anniversary in 2019, the luxe property’s stylish lounge has introduced a nostalgic lineup of nine popular cocktails from each decade. If you’re feeling rakish, we recommend starting in the ’30s and working your way to the present. Our pick: The Cable Car, first shaken up in 1999 at…

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Canadian/American

Let’s All Go to The Ballyhoo in Vancouver

By Sonu Purhar Ballyhoo (n.) – Excited commotion The Ballyhoo Public House boasts a fitting moniker: just two months after opening, downtown Vancouver’s newest public house is already buzzing. Part of the Donnelly Group’s ever-expanding collection of quirky eateries and watering holes, The Ballyhoo is a lively, welcoming space equally suited to popping in for a quick happy hour drink, lingering over a game of pool, or indulging in a casual group feast. Ideally situated along Burrard and Smithe streets in Vancouver’s bustling Theatre District, The Ballyhoo is perfectly poised to capture the attention of cinema- and theatre-goers with tasty, affordable fare and a surprisingly lengthy cocktail list. Guests are invited to discover tantalizing concoctions made popular by famed international cocktail bars, such as the Espresso Bongo (rum, coffee syrup, pineapple, passionfruit, orange and lime; Latitude 29, New Orleans); the Garibaldi Cocktail (Campari and orange juice; Dante, New York); or…

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Adult Beverages

Metro Vancouver’s Most Summery Cocktails

By Brittany Tiplady Let’s be honest: cocktails are to be enjoyed all year-round. But there’s something special about sipping on a spritz, sour, or mojito during the sweet, sweet summer heat. Because we respect the beauty of a good, seasonal cocktail (especially when the spirits are made locally), we’ve rounded up seven spots across Metro Vancouver that are shaking up seasonal cocktails. Southern-Italy Spritz Lineup What: Aperol Spritz, House Lambrusco Spritz, Cocchi Americano Spritz, White Peach Moscato Spritz, Marrow Vermouth Spritz, Blood Orange Cynar Spritz. Where: Savio Volpe Savio has gotten extra creative with this ultra-refreshing, super unique, almost-feels-like-you’re-on-the-beach-in-Southern-Italy spritz lineup. But truly, there’s no one else we trust more to do it. There’s only a few weeks to celebrate and indulge in #summerofspritz at Savio Volpe, so run don’t walk. BC Bramble What: Wallflower Gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, crème de cassis. Where: Odd Society Spirits A thing…

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Craft Beer

Summer Beers to Soak Up in Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady Patio season is in full-swing and sadly, will be over before we know it. Soak up the sun with a beer in-hand (is there any other way?) and take advantage of the funky, juicy, sweet and sour beers that are pouring a plenty across Metro Vancouver. From New Westminster to North Vancouver, we’ve researched some of the best beers and breweries to quench your thirst for the rest of the summer. Framboise Noir at Strange Fellows 4.5%, located in East Vancouver, near VCC-Clark SkyTrain station Not to be confused with its equally delicious cousin, the Roxanne, Strange Fellows’ Framboise Noir is beloved for it’s bold raspberry flavour, deep crimson colour, and additional black raspberry and humble raspberry flavour boosters. Enjoy this fruity delight on tap at the Strange Fellows tasting room. Bonus: the lower alcohol percentage of the Framboise Noir is perfect for afternoon brewery hopping, naturally.…

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Flickr GordonRamsaySubmissions
Sweets

10 Places to Get Your Ice Cream Fix in Metro Vancouver

By Sonu Purhar Summer is in full swing, and that means more hours of sunshine in which to enjoy ice cream! Though we love a solid chocolate or cookies-and-cream scoop, there are plenty of next-level variations of our favourite warm-weather treat served at dessert cafés, parlours, farms and eateries across Metro Vancouver. Read on for 10 suggestions that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you screaming for more ice cream. Mister 1141 Mainland Street, Vancouver It sounds like an Insta-bait science experiment, but liquid nitrogen plays an important role in producing creamy, flavour-packed ice cream: because nitrogen freezes the cream so rapidly, fewer ice crystals are formed and less air is allowed into the final product (science lesson over). Situated in trendy Yaletown, Mister is converting ice cream aficionados to the liquid nitrogen way one made-to-order cup at a time. Try the Marshmallow Crème Brûlée for a nostalgic treat…

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Brunch

Brunching Al Fresco in Metro Vancouver

Bu Sonu Purhar Summer is here, and that means even longer days to fill with… well, food! To maximize your warm-weather enjoyment, we’ve rounded up eateries across Metro Vancouver where patios meet palate-popping brunches. Slap on your sunscreen, slip on your sunnies and let’s go! The Boathouse 900 Quayside Drive, New Westminster Lazy Sundays were made for brunching alongside a shimmering river. Situated along the New Westminster Quay, the Boathouse is best known for a traditionally West Coast menu starring locally sourced seafood, and brunch is no different. Try the Dungeness crab cake benny, topped with eggs, greens and creamy hollandaise; it pairs nicely with a sunny mango mojito. MARKET by Jean-Georges 1115 Alberni Street, Vancouver MARKET’s sun-washed patio is an idyllic spot for warm-weather brunching – especially with an innovative menu that raises the bar for morning meals. Start with avocado bruschetta for the table, topped with heirloom tomatoes,…

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Street Food

A Shipping Container of Food Served on Granville Island

By Catherine Dunwoody Visitors and locals alike love Vancouver’s Granville Island. Last summer Popina literally popped up as a brightly-hued shipping container turned food “truck”, right near Granville Island Ferry Dock and outside the Public Market doors. A covered, heated patio with seating for 20 makes it comfy to eat outdoors rain or shine, but it is the food, ohhh the food, that really make this special. A collaboration of four of Vancouver’s rockstar chefs, including Angus An (Maenam, Long Tail Kitchen, Freebird Chicken Shack and more), Robert Belcham (Campagnolo, Campagnolo Roma and Monarch Burger), Joël Watanabe (Bao Bei, Kissa Tanto) and Hamid Salimian (Diva at the Met, Bocuse D’Or, Earls), have created a menu including lobster rolls, fried chicken, burgers, salads and more – including a signature dessert called the Puffcream, which is soft serve ice cream in choux pastry and a choice of 9 flavours. How did 4…

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Chef Stories

CinCin Chef Andrea Alridge Serves Up Inspired Italian Creations in Vancouver

By Jenni Sheppard Andrea Alridge’s lifelong passion for food and cooking may have had simple beginnings during her childhood in Jamaica, but these days she’s cooking up a storm at CinCin. Alongside Executive Chef Andrew Richardson, the Chef de Cuisine and her talented team serve up award winning modern Italian fare in downtown Vancouver every night. The seasonal dishes on the menu are myriad, including fried zucchini blossoms with montasio, stinging nettle and ricotta tortelli, and whole branzino with lemon and cavolo nero. To find out more about the heart behind the heat, we spoke to Alridge about her remarkable rise from irrepressible childhood foodie to inspirational chef extraordinaire. How did you first get interested in cooking? I became interested in cooking when I was eight years old.  I was in Jamaica with my family and my dad and uncle had taught me about the art of butchery. My grandmother…

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Where to Eat

It’s Peak Pepper Season in Vancouver! Here’s Where to Eat Them

By Gail Johnson Whether they’re red, green, mild, or feverishly hot, peppers are a coveted B.C. crop. Capsicums grow from March or April to November in local greenhouses, while the season for Fraser Valley field peppers typically runs from July to October. Either way, we’re now in peak pepper season, and Metro Vancouver chefs are doing all sorts of creative things with the vividly coloured veggies. Burdock & Co 2702 Main Street, Vancouver Chef/owner Andrea Carlson has been committed to making “farm-to-table” fare before that became a restaurant-industry buzz phrase. She stuffs a delicate grilled leek with mushroom and the moderately spicy cayenne chili pepper, topping the toothsome dish with olive-oil emulsion and smoked walnuts. Di Beppe 8 West Cordova Street, Vancouver A hit on the cicchetti—small bites—menu  at this Italian restaurant is tuna conserva, or confit, the fish bathed in olive oil, with olive and pickled piparra peppers (say that 10…

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Salmon n' Bannock Burger | photo by Matt Law
Indigenous Cuisine

How Salmon n’ Bannock makes their Triple Smoked Sage Salmon Burger Irresistible

Images and words by Matt Law In Vancouver it’s easy to find restaurants serving delicious food from around the world. Italian, Japanese, Indian – sometimes there are so many to choose from that it’s hard to make a choice at all. However, if you’re after a truly traditional West Coast meal with international acclaim then Salmon n’ Bannock should be at the top of your list. Since 2010 Salmon n’ Bannock has been one of Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurants. The menu is crafted around fresh local ingredients, and everything is made from scratch. The appetizer list includes treats like BBQ salmon mousse (served with bannock, of course), house smoked braised duck wings, and a sampler plate of free-range game meats. Their mains include a bison pot roast, red snapper, and “garden balls” – vegan baked vegetable fritters on a bed of bannock dumplings. One of the favourite items…

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Where to Eat

10 Places to Dine with Dad for Father’s Day

By Sonu Purhar Move over, Mothers – it’s Dad’s time to shine! Father’s Day is coming up Sunday, June 16, and what better way to tip your hat to the man who taught you how to start a campfire, change a tire, hit a baseball, cook a meal, or shave your beard? What about the man who boasts about you at the office, even though you’re a grown-up, too? Or the man who danced with you at your wedding, even though he hates (like, really hates) dancing? Whatever your relationship with your dad, seize the day – Father’s Day, that is – to show him that he’s appreciated, too; and when the cheque comes, take pride in pulling out your wallet and saying, “Don’t worry, Dad – I’ve got this.” For the dad who secretly adores mimosas: The Taphouse Coquitlam 405 North Road #2, Coquitlam Weekend brunch here will satisfy…

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Long Table Distillery Vancouver
Cocktails, Wines & Spirits

Talking Cocktails with Tarquin Melynk at Vancouver’s Long Table Distillery

By Kathy Mak When I think of sublime cocktails, I think of bartender Tarquin Melynik.  He is among the top cadre of bartenders elevating the cocktail game in Vancouver.  I first met Melynik in 2014 when he was the bar manager at Gastown’s Bambudda, which shuttered in 2017.  His level of creativity–panache, really–had an indelible effect on many cocktail aficionados, including yours truly.  He continues to improve the art of libations, currently helming the cocktail program at the Long Table Distillery’s lounge. During a recent visit to the distillery, Melynik told me that when he first became interested in cocktails over a decade ago beverages were not understood in the same way that chefs knew cuisine.  At that time, as an example, fresh ingredients or juices were not used for mixing at bars. “To train as a bartender, you had to travel to cities like New York, San Francisco, Tokyo…

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Le Marché St. George, Vancouver, Canada
Cafés

Home and Away at Vancouver’s Hidden Gem: Le Marché St. George

By Wade Kinley On a late weekend visit to Le Marché St. George, we shared the long table with two women who gazed about the cozy interior as they cupped their lattes in both hands. “Imagine if you lived in this neighbourhood,” one of the women said. “And this was your spot.” Indeed, it is the way this café-cum-general store makes you feel. Like that bistro you stumbled into on your first morning in Paris, or that bodega on your last night in New York. Like you are out in the world and at home all at once. Tucked into the bottom of a two-story mismatched-shingled building at 4393 St. George St, the café has captured the hearts of its Kensington neighbourhood, in part by fostering a feeling it’s been here as long as its hundred-year-old building, not just a near decade. Dark green paint that’s chipping on corners and weathered…

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Paul Grunberg of Salvio Volpe in Vancouver, Canada
Chef Stories

Paul Grunberg’s Italian Restaurants offer Immersive Atmosphere and Culinary Tradition in Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady When I call Paul Grunberg for our interview it’s obvious that he’s in the throws of a lunch rush. “I’m so sorry, can I call you back in 45 minutes? 30 minutes?” he asks, raising his voice amongst the fray of voices, and dishes clanging. Less than half an hour later, we resume. I’ve been doing this job for a while, and I’ve gotten used to the usual shtick when interviewing a very busy person; it can be frustrating at worst, and tricky at best to capture the attention of your subject when their entrepreneur brain is focused elsewhere. I expected to have to fight for Grunberg’s attention over the phone, but to my surprise he was warm and pleasant and delightfully attentive. Much like his restaurants. If you’ve ever been to one of Grunberg’s establishments, you’ll agree that it’s fair to say the man is kind…

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Hot Pot in Vancouver
Where to Eat

5 Hot Spots for Hot Pots in Metro Vancouver

By Kristi Alexandra Spicy, creamy, fishy, meaty. Throw in cabbage, leafy greens, eggs, wontons, mushrooms, ginger, thin-sliced meats and whatever else your heart (and tastebuds) may desire. There’s no shortage of customizations when it comes to hot pot, the meal you go out for and yet cook yourself. Made through a Chinese cooking method of preparing your food at the dining table, hot pot is an interactive meal made for group dinners on cool days. While a simmering soup base (spicy, creamy or vegetable, depending on the restaurant) is kept boiling, ingredients are thrown into a pot and cooked at the table. We found Metro Vancouver’s top 5 Hot Pot spots so you can cook and chow down at the same time. Pearl Hot Pot 7154 Sperling Ave, Burnaby 15 minute in walk from Edmonds SkyTrain Station Step right up and sit down for a group session at Pearl Hot…

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Chef Stories

Chef Dan Leung and Wanda Lai: Behind the Global Fusion Cuisine at Vancouver’s The Rise Eatery

By Kathy Mak For chef Dan Leung, the unexpected road to a successful catering and restaurant business started as a teenager. Leung’s first restaurant industry job was in the kitchen of Vancouver’s legendary Elbow Room Café.  The job, he says, sparked his interest in food and cooking. After a sharp career detour to the field of electronics, Leung circled back to follow his true calling as a professional chef.  He graduated from Dubrulle Culinary Institute (now The Art Institute of Vancouver) and gathered experience at various restaurants and caterers before starting his own catering company, Danz Gourmet, with wife Wanda Lai in 2003. Fittingly, Leung’s desire to expand his culinary ingenuity led the husband-and-wife duo to open their restaurant–The Rise Eatery – in 2017. Located in the well-appointed neighbourhood of South Granville, their unique cuisine champions unconventional, global-fusion which Leung describes as the art of blending and balancing flavours/ingredients despite…

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Festivals & Events

Dine Out Vancouver Welcomes Chefs from Britain, Australia and Germany

By Alexis Baran The Dine Out Vancouver Festival graces plates from January 18th – February 3rd and along with three-course meals, culinary tours, classes and tastings all over the city, guest chefs from all over the world will be cooking up inspired collaborations. Each chef from abroad will be in the kitchen with a Vancouverite, and the pairs will work together creating something that shakes up the tastebuds. Look who’s teaming up: London, Great Britain Who: Chef Warren Geraghty and Vancouver’s Chef Felix Zhou Where: Heritage Asian Eatery When: January 22, 2019 Details: The two accomplished culinary stars first met working on the line at Vancouver’s acclaimed West Restaurant and later teamed up across the pond at Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin La Chapelle in London. During this one-night-only event, Zhou and Geraghty will work in tandem to prepare an internationally inspired multi-course tasting menu that showcases their respective global experiences. Sydney, Australia…

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Cheap Eats

The Happiest Hours in Vancouver

By Wade Kinley Since happy hour became a regular thing around Vancouver just a few years ago (thanks to nifty adjustments to some by-laws) local restaurants in the city have embraced the opportunity to showcase some of the incredible food being created in the city, without those big-city prices. Here are four of the happiest hours in Vancouver, to fuel that second round of urban rambling. Tuc Craft Kitchen As the name suggests, there’s always some innovative and exciting work being done within the rustic walls of this well-loved Gastown eatery. Think comfort-food with the wow turned up to 11, and some of the most alluring cocktail ideas in the city and you’ll get an idea why Tuc has remained at the top of “Vancouver’s Best” lists since they opened in 2013. Luckily, tastes of both are on offer at happy hour, every day from 4 to 6 PM. Classic…

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Gain Wah Chinatown Vancouver
Chinese

Savour 1970s Chinatown Nostalgia at Gain Wah in Vancouver

By Lenée Son In the 1970s in Hong Kong, Andrew Leung was still a young adult unsure of what path to take when his father encouraged him to work at a restaurant. His father, a fireball restaurateur who managed several eateries, asked the chefs at the restaurants he managed to mentor his son. Over 30 years later, Leung is the owner of Gain Wah Restaurant in Vancouver’s Chinatown and still makes his char siu (barbecued pork) the exact same way his teachers showed him. After emigrating from Hong Kong to Vancouver in 1973, Leung found job prospects to be limited for Chinese immigrants–but one way for new immigrants to support their families was to enter the restaurant business. “It was hard to find work for immigrants in those days,” said Leung, “my dad brought me into the restaurants in Hong Kong to learn how to cook and it ended up…

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Where to Eat Ramen in Vancouver
Where to Eat

Where to Eat Ramen in Metro Vancouver

By Kristi Alexandra When the weather cools and our palate warms up, sending Metro Vancouverites on the search for soups, stews and steaming bowls of noodles. Welcome to ramen season! Traditionally, ramen is a Japanese noodle dish served up in a meat or fish-based broth, flavoured by shoyu or miso, and topped with accoutrements such as sliced meat, eggs, dried seaweed and more. There’s no one-way to do ramen, as evidenced by the ramen variations that represent different regions of Japan—from the mild-tasting, cloudy ramen of Kagoshima to the miso-style ramen of Sapporo. So, perhaps there’s really no tradition at all. In fact, a great ramen experience is all about choice and customization. One can choose to have their noodles thick or thin, chewy or soft; their broth with a pork-bone base (tonkotsu), or with fish or miso; then topped off with dressings to their heart’s content. We’ve rounded up…

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Cultural Culinary Classes and Dinners in Vancouver
World

Cook Dinner with a Vancouver Local: In My Kitchen offers Cultural Culinary Experiences

By Ariane Fleischmann Cooking and eating at home has always been a part of Paula Mohammed’s life. Her parents, immigrants from India and New Zealand, always made the kitchen a place to gather with friends and family to share stories and recipes, to talk, and to open their minds. Mohammed has an early memory of her grandmother’s Dunbar apartment: it smelled of Indian spices; her grandmother’s bracelets jingled while she stirred a pot of curry peas. Before that day, Mohammed hated peas. “I remember that opening up my mind to try everything more than once,” she says. As a child, Mohammed spent time in New Zealand for a time before moving back to Canada. At the time, her father had a number of Japanese business partners, and instead of going out for dinner, he would invite them to their home where everyone cooked together. With her background in marketing and…

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Best donuts in Vancouver
Sweets

Try These Decadently Innovative Doughnuts in Metro Vancouver

By Brittany Tiplady For West Coast Canadian 90s kids, donuts serve up some serious childhood nostalgia. Tim Hortons trips before hockey, Long John’s served with elementary school hot lunches, boxes of Krispy Kreme at a birthday party. You get the jist. Today, donuts are somewhat of a cultural currency. The beloved pastry continues to be elevated and topped with unique, showstopping ingredients that are as delicious in real life as it looks on Instagram. Hungry yet? Browse the list below to find some local favourites to indulge in. Doppio Zero Pizza 1655 Como Lake, Avenue, Coquitlam Because, you can never eat too many carbs in our opinion, after dinner try the Graffe. It’s an Italian made-to-order style doughnut drizzled with hot caramel. Outpost Mini Donut Company 110-12240 Second Avenue, Richmond Located in the heart of Steveston’s idyllic village, Outpost Mini Donut Company lives up to its name, serving up gourmet…

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