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The Acorn’s Shira Blustein Does ‘The Dishes’

The co-owner of two of Vancouver's best vegetarian joints shares her personal treasure map of great places to eat, drink and unwind.
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The Acorn’s Shira Blustein Does ‘The Dishes’

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

In this edition of The Dishes, we ask Shira Blustein, co-owner of The Acorn and The Arbor – two of Vancouver’s best vegetarian restaurants – to give us the lowdown on her favourite places to eat, drink and unwind in the city.

Good morning! What’s for breakfast/brunch?

Le Marche St. George for an Americano misto and croissant will get me through my dog walk with Juno. If baby and dog are both cooperating I’ll sit for a Caramelized Onion & Black Olives with Gruyère Flatbread.

Le Marche St. George 4393 St. George St. MAP

Where should we meet for coffee/tea?

You’re probably meeting me somewhere close to the restaurants. I can double down on a turmeric spritzer and soy cap at Trafiq Cafe & Bakery any day of the week. Don’t worry team, I’m bringing back cookies and pastries to share!

TrafiQ Cafe & Bakery 4216 Main St. MAP

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

Golden Temple soup at Chau Veggie Express. This is my favourite soup in town; I love the fragrant blend of coconut and turmeric. Order a Namaste Roll and you can eat it as a snack later.

Or, if I’m on the other side of town, I’m having a classic black bean and cheese burrito at Tacofino’s burrito bar with extra hot sauce.

CHAU Veggie Express 5052 Victoria Dr. MAP
Tacofino (Gastown) 15 W Cordova St. MAP

Who has you figured out at Happy Hour?

Guilty pleasure: As an escape I’ll take in the view of the city from the Seasons in the Park patio (a stop on another one of our dog walks). Stick to the vegetarian tasting board and share a bottle of the Blue Mountain Pinot Noir while soaking in the sunset.

Seasons in the Park West 33rd Ave. MAP

What’s for dinner?

We ask ourselves this question every night and usually after hunger has set in deep. In a pinch we’ll stick to what’s familiar and close by: The Acorn, The Arbor, or a couple pizzas and a salad from Carano.

If we’re smart enough to plan ahead for a sitter, a couple of my favourites are Burdock and Co. and Kissa Tanto. Order everything veg on the menu, sit back, turn your phone on silent, and enjoy.

Acorn 3995 Main St. MAP
Arbor 3941 Main St. MAP
Pizza Carano 4241 Fraser St. MAP
Burdock & Co 2702 Main St. MAP
Kissa Tanto 263 East Pender St. MAP

What’s for dessert?

Chocolate mousse and a glass of whatever Andreas is pouring at the bar at Les Faux Bourgeois.

Les Faux Bourgeois 663 E. 15th Ave. MAP

Where are you taking us for late night cocktails?

The Lido. If we’re lucky, we’ll catch a show; if not, quietly watch the stars from the secret patio…

The Lido 518 E Broadway, Vancouver MAP

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