The Dishes is a repeating Scout column that asks Vancouverites to walk us through a map of their ideal day and night on the town. We’re talking breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night cocktails. Tax and tip included.

Today, we’re along for the ride with homegrown talent Warren Chow, who rose through the kitchen ranks at The Pear Tree and Mission Hill to eventually land the Executive Chef role at Chinatown’s Cascadian-themed Juniper.

Good morning. What’s for breakfast/brunch?

Normally I’m not too hungry when I get up first thing in the morning; usually a french press of coffee at home from Matchstick Roasters will suffice until lunchtime. When I get Sundays off I like to see my family and we get together for dim sum at Pink Pearl on Hastings or Dynasty on Broadway if we’re feeling a little fancier.

Where should we meet for coffee/tea?

For a pick-me up, you’ll find me at Pallet Coffee Roasters in East Van or Platform 7 where they have an array of apparatus to deliver your caffeine needs from your standard french press to a siphon that looks like it came straight out of a science lab.

Now we’re hungry again. What’s for lunch?

If I have the time, I will happily wait in the queue at Phnom Penh for their signature Chicken Wings (large order please) and their Butter Beef. If I’m feeling noodles, Marutama Ra-men is my go to. Their Cha-Sui Ramen with extra fatty pork is perfect for any cold and rainy Vancouver day. If I’m in a pinch for time, the Porchetta Sandwich from Meat & Bread always satisfies.

Who has you figured out at Happy Hour?

I’ve always been a fan of the Happy Hour at The Flying Pig since they’ve launched it. Carpaccio, Mussels, and their Beet & Bresaola Salad for some of the best prices you’ll find in the city, paired with a selection of BC wines to boot. For Happy Hour Cocktails, you’ll find my friends and I catching up over Lavender 75’s or Earl Grey Old Fashioneds at The Emerald in their 60’s themed lounge.

What’s for dinner?

I recently had the pleasure of checking out The Mackenzie Room for the first time a couple of weeks ago and am kicking myself for not going there sooner. I’ve been raving to everyone about it since I went and with good reason. Their menu is a giant chalkboard that changes with the availability of seasonal produce and Chef Sean Reeve does a stellar job at highlighting them to their fullest potential. Their tasting menu was one of the best start-to-finish dining experiences I’ve ever had. If you’re not wanting to splurge on a full tasting menu, I highly recommend their “Chicken of the Sea” dish. Will definitely be going back sooner than later.

What’s for dessert?

When I need to satisfy my sweet tooth craving, I head to Beta5 for their perfect Cream Puff. It’s light, flaky and not too sweet. Get there early as they close at 5:30pm. In the summer my go-to gelato is the Espresso with Chocolate Bark from Bella Gelateria. I really enjoy any desert with coffee, dark chocolate or ice cream. It’s the best of all three worlds.

Where are you taking us for late night cocktails?

Working at Juniper has immensely opened up my appreciation for hand-crafted cocktails and the amazing quality of spirits that small-batched distilleries are coming out with right in our own backyard. Honestly, the gentlemen behind the bar program here do some magic so I’m kind of spoiled. When I’m done harassing the guys here, I’ll make my way down the block and say “hi” to Amber Bruce and the gang at The Keefer Bar. Depending on how late the night goes there, I’ll try and make last call at The Diamond for a nightcap.