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.
In this edition of The Dishes, we asked the designing duo behind local lifestyle brand Baro Drywear to give us a rainy day tour of their favourite Vancouver food and drink. Although Mike Cerka and Tyler Quarles live on opposite ends of the city – North Van and Mount Pleasant, respectively – there is at least one thing that they can agree on: ice cream is a great idea, no matter what’s in the weather forecast!
Good morning! What’s for breakfast/brunch?
Mike Cerka:
If you know me, you know I love my food, and breakfast/brunch is one of my favourite meals of the day. At Lift Bakery in North Van, the brunch is insane. They use high quality ingredients and everything is made in house, including all the bread and pastries. I almost always leave with a loaf to go.
Tyler Quarles:
The team behind The Belgard Kitchen have always had a good thing going on. I always enjoy walking through their big wooden doors and grabbing a bite. Their food is on point and the friendly staff keep us coming back. The building block also has a rich industrial history which you’ll have to ask Steve about over a (Postmark) pint.
Where should we meet for coffee/tea?
MC:
The Moja coffee HQ is in North Van and off the beaten path. They roast quality beans in-house providing a very fresh and smooth java. *Hot tip: If you buy a bag of beans to-go you get a free beverage with it.
TQ:
Just off of busy Main street, Kranky Cafe has been a favourite coffee gem for the last 9 years. Great coffee, sandwiches, and team. On a gloomy rainy day, having another coffee is always a good idea.
Now we’re hungry again. What’s for lunch?
MC:
The Soup Meister at Lonsdale Quay market is the bomb. The Soup Meister himself has been an executive chef at well-established restaurants, including The Teahouse in Stanley Park, but for the past 25 years he has been crafting and serving up 5 different types of soup every day. Quality healthy ingredients made right in front of you in the big open kitchen. At $7 for a huge bowl and a bun it keeps me coming back again and again.
TQ:
Eat everything on the menu. Again and again! Kin Kao is the best place to enjoy a fresh and delicious rainy day meal. They have a great take-away program, but my favourite is sitting at the bar catching up with owners, Tang and Terrence. Best guys out there!
Who has you figured out at Happy Hour?
MC:
The awesome crew at Beere Brewing always has us covered. This is an epic local brewery with many tasty beers, great staff, and a wicked tasting room with big bay doors that roll up to a patio on sunny days. I love all their beers but my go-to’s are the “Go Easy” pale ale and the “Very Cool, Very Chill” pilsner. Fun fact: Their family name is actually “Beere.”
TQ:
When it’s a wet winter day and dark at 4pm, why would you bother going to a place with windows anyways? Since 2009, The Narrow has been one of my favourite bars in the city. If you see the red light on, the beers are cold and your friends are already inside.
What’s for dinner?
MC:
Originally growing up in Deep Cove, I always venture back to the hometown classic, Arms Reach Bistro. A quaint little restaurant right by the water in Deep Cove with a great view, atmosphere, and really good food. A great spot on a stormy winter night and it also has an awesome patio for the summertime.
TQ:
DD Mau Chinatown serves up some of the best food and vibes this side of the city. The team rules and the food is insane. You just gotta go.
What’s for dessert?
MC + TQ:
Earnest Ice Cream is just down the street. It’s deadly…
Where are you taking us for late night cocktails?
MC:
If I am looking for a cheeky late night cocktail and feeling too lazy to get downtown, The Gull is the spot. It’s one of the oldest classic pubs in North Van previously known as “The Rusty Gull.” They recently relaunched as The Gull, bringing it back to life with a new modern flip. They fully renovated the entire place, brought in a top quality chef, and cocktails are one of their specialties. One of the few spots in North Van that’s open late.
TQ:
Always a great spot to warm up ‘yer bones on a cold wet night. Rotating DJs play great tunes and the bartenders make you feel at home. Trevor Risk’s “Come Wednesday” night on the first Wednesday of every month is a personal favourite.