The Dishes is a new 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.

Photo by Luc Frost

For this edition, we asked Hastings-Sunrise’s Victory Tattoo shop artist and owner Daniel Kurc (you may recognize him from our recent ‘Branding Vancouver’ piece about the logos at Pallet Coffee Roasters) to give us the lowdown on his favourite neighbourhood spots for eating and drinking.

Good morning! What’s for breakfast/brunch?

It’s gotta be the Red Wagon. It’s my favourite place and I’m lucky enough to work and live very close by. Everything I’ve had there is excellent, but if I have to choose, I’d say the Pulled Pork Benny is probably what I’ve ordered most often.

Where should we meet for coffee or tea?

Far Out is where I’d meet you for coffee. I don’t get too fancy when it comes to coffee, but they make a mean Americano.

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

It’s not much for atmosphere, but the new Bosa Foods on Victoria. I’m a big sandwich guy and it’s a sandwich wonderland. So many good options, but I like the New Yorker. Also, the ladies that work there always call me “Bello”, which is cool.

Who has you figured out at Happy Hour?

La Mezcalaria. I love Mexican food and Mezcal is one of my favourite spots. A Paloma and the Queso Fundido with Salsa Verde.

What’s for dinner?

The Vesuvio pizza at Via Tevere. If you like it a little spicy, that’s the one to get. That place is the real deal.

What’s for dessert?

La Casa Gelato. I always take out of town visitors there. There are so many crazy flavours to choose from, but I usually go with the Whisky and Coke.

Where are you taking us for late night cocktails?

I don’t often go out for cocktails, but when I do I like to go somewhere that’s worth the effort. An Old Fashioned at Pourhouse would definitely get me out of the house.