A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

On Avocado Shark Jumping and the Food Writer Who Faked His Own Death

Now that the Canadian hospitality industry is grappling with its own #MeToo movement, an Ottawa-based coalition of restaurants, unions and women’s advocates have launched a public service campaign.

“Until recently, the Canadian restaurant industry had escaped relatively unscathed from the #MeToo movement, which prompted an outpouring of allegations and high-profile scandals (Mario Batali, Ken Friedman, John Besh, et al) in the United States. But now, Canada is in for its own reckoning, says Shea Coulson, the Vancouver lawyer who is organizing the legal rights and panel-discussion seminars with local restaurant director Lisa Haley.”

And speaking of Ken Friedman (owner of famed New York restaurant The Spotted Pig), remember when the New York Times reported on the numerous allegations of sexual harassment against the restaurateur? Well, this week it was announced that New York chef Gabrielle Hamilton will be partnering with Friedman to ‘rehabilitate’ his restaurant.

The industry was rightfully critical of the new partnership as evidenced by Toronto author and restauranteur Jen Agg’s comments on Twitter this past week.

A fascinating essay on the early origins and evolution of wine-making.

The crazy story of the 19th century food writer who faked his own death.

In what was perhaps the most anticlimactic name change ever, IHOP has changed their name to IHOB (I’m pretty sure the “b” stands for bullsh*t).

Strathcona has a new cafe to look forward to this summer as The Garden aims for a mid-August opening.

Yes, it’s awesome that the women in Ocean’s 8 are actually eating on screen. At the same time, I’m vaguely annoyed that women eating on screen is something noteworthy.

“At its core, this is a humdrum scene, an unfailingly simple way to portray a natural interaction between friends — it’s just two people sitting at a table, eating. But, considering the way that women are typically portrayed in blockbusters, it is a wild moment, because this is a scene where women are eating. And they are eating for no goddamned reason at all.”

In case you missed it, here’s Scout’s picks for the best brunch spots around town. Don’t forget to vote for your favourites!

Esquire shares their picks for the 21 best bars in America and with no PNW spots making the cut this year, you’ll have to get on a plane to check out these standouts.

The whole avocado thing officially jumped the shark this week after a London cafe served cereal in an avocado skin. Don’t care if it was a joke, we’ve officially taken the avocados too far!

Eating via Instagram honours this week go to @foodiegramca and a stunning spread from this weekend’s Seafood Fest in Comox:

What a FABULOUS weekend! My first time attending the BC Seafood Fest in Comox and it was beyond my expectations. Spent three days eating seafood pretty much non stop, and even got the chance to watch demos up close by world renowned chefs that were participating in the event! This photo is from the Baked & Boiled Event from Saturday night. OMG!… clams, scallops, potatoes, chorizo, carrots, fresh dill and my fave SPOT PRAWNS. Pure heaven! If you’ve never been to the BC Seafood Festival I definitely recommend attending next year!! Thank you @discovercomoxvalley #bcseafoodfest @suzgirard for the opportunity to take part in this fantastic experience! Stay tuned, I’ll be posting many more photos! #seafood #seafoodboil #sogood. • • • • #foodiegram #vancouverisawesome #vancouverfood #vancouvereats #yvrfoodie #yvrfood #vancityfood #yvreats #dailyhivevan #narcityvancouver #eatcouver #vancouverfoodie #vancitylife #curiocityvan #foodcouver #vancityeats #igvancouver #foodblogger #vanfoodie #foodphoto #vancitybuzz #yvrblogger #dishedvan #explorebc

A post shared by Roanna • YVR Vancouver Foodie (@foodiegramca) on

Tales Of The Cocktail announced the finalists for this year’s Spirited Awards. Vancouver’s Botanist has been nominated in the category of Best New International Bar while Royal Dinette’s Kaitlyn Stewart is up for International Bartender Of The Year.

A nostalgic and whimsical tale of a one-screen movie theatre in Tennessee and the 50-year-old popcorn machine that just won’t quit.

Care to drink like a British monarch? Time for a Badminton Cup!

This week in strange news: Atlas Obscura explores the many reasons why scientists sometimes eat their animal research subjects.

On the unlikely and tenuous partnership between the mob and NYC’s LGBTQ community in the 1960’s that helped to establish the city’s gay bar scene.

“To operate its gay bars, the Mafia greased the palms of the NYPD. “Fat Tony,” for one, paid New York’s 6th Precinct approximately $1,200 a week, in exchange for the police agreeing to turn a blind eye to the “indecent conduct” occurring behind closed doors.”

From the hotdog to the French dip and the Cobb salad to the cheesesteak, Thrillist has 101 dishes that changed America.

Looking for work in the industry? Check out who’s hiring!

On Believing in Chef Nicolas Cage and Hospitality Workers Living Decently

In her latest read of the food and drink headlines, Talia finds salmon in trouble and patrons who should just stay home.

On Menu Prices Going Up and Customers Fighting Amongst Themselves

In her latest read of the food and drink headlines, Talia finds fewer cooks in the kitchen and Portland lauded for its pizza.

On Suddenly Taking More Tables and Toiling Away in Potentially Lethal Temperatures

In her latest read of the food and drink headlines, Talia finds another chef being a jerk and the labour shortage grinding on.

On No More Takeout Cocktails and Chefs Worrying About the Rising Cost of Food

In her latest read of the food and drink headlines, Talia finds food security woes and new spots getting good reviews.