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

The 2023 Light Up Chinatown Festival Returns September 9-10th

The festival is taking over the blocks around 500 Columbia Street all weekend long, for two days of delicious food, free live performances, and a night of meandering (or dancing) through the vibrant, lantern-lit Chinatown streets.

The Scout Book Club, Vol. 3

We like consuming words on the page almost as much as we like consuming food on the plate. Welcome to the Scout Book Club: a brief and regular rundown of what we're reading, what's staring at us from the bookshelf begging to be read next, and what we've already read and recommend.

A Shout Out to Nice Cake Co. Community Cake Recipients!

The restaurant industry can be tough, but industry pros handle 'tough' with grace - and they do it without whining or asking for recognition. We think this is why giving shout outs is so important! Here is a brief re-cap of all the cakes that have been sent out thus far…

Eleven Restaurant Industry Folk Describe Their Ideas of ‘Good Service’

We polled a bunch of our friends in the industry about what hospitality means to them, and asked them to give us their standout experiences as a diner in Vancouver.

Further Afield in Victoria (with Detours through Sooke) with Anna Wojtala

We're no strangers to the Victoria scene, by any means - but, all things considered (including an impressive resume in Vancouver kitchens), the Island-born now-GM at Stage in Victoria, seemed like the perfect person to turn to for a locals' perspective with a refined palate...

Picking Grapes with Ryan Mellor

One look at the extensive Gotham wine list - broken down by region, sub-region, appellation, varietal, rating and more - left us with no doubts that the restaurant's Wine Director was the perfect person to field our Picking Grapes questions...

2023 Guide to the Deliciousness of Summer in The Okanagan

From long table dinners to lake country swims, there is a lot of ground to be covered in the Okanagan this summer. We've mapped out a few events and attractions that should be on your radar.

Creative “Indies” November Pop Up Art Show is Now Accepting Submissions

Calling all BOH/FOH-industry-folk-slash-artists: this is your chance show off your creative side, at an upcoming art show slated to go up on the walls of The Irish Heather...

The Scout Book Club, Vol. 2

We like consuming words on the page almost as much as we like consuming food on the plate. Welcome to the Scout Book Club: a brief and regular rundown of what we're reading, what's staring at us from the bookshelf begging to be read next, and what we've already read and recommend.

The Best Long Table Feasts of Summer 2023

There are a lot of beautiful dining rooms in Vancouver, but this time of year none can compete with BC’s many naturally spectacular outdoor settings. From long table dinners to more casual al fresco events, we’ve compiled a list of six memorable opportunities to enjoy eating outside this summer. Let’s all go to the farm!

Venturing Further Afield in Powell River, with Cord Jarvie

A few years back, Jarvie moved to Powell River to open Supercharger - an 80s inspired pizza shop with proper pizza and a solid selection of craft beer. When we started to think about taking a trip up the Sunshine Coast, Jarvie's long history of involvement in the restaurant industry in Vancouver made him a no-brainer resource.

Best Places to Score a Kayak Rental In and Around Vancouver, 2023

When temperatures climb, keeping cool is key. With that in mind, we’ve mapped out a list of spots currently offering hourly and extended rentals (along with their summer hours and pricing).

Fourteen BC Ciders to Sip on This Spring and Summer, Mapped

Once again, we've entrusted the BC community of cider-makers and -lovers to give us their recommendations on what to sip on over the months ahead.

Ten Vancouver F&B Talents Get Real About ‘Imposter Syndrome’

We asked a bunch of our friends working in the industry to tell us whether they have ever felt like an 'imposter', and what advice they would give to others experiencing a similar sense of insecurity and fraudulence.

Prepare Your Palates (and Livers): The 8th Annual ‘BC Distilled’ Event is Right Around the Corner

British Columbia’s premier artisan distillery festival will be back in action for its eighth year on Saturday, May 13th, and this time around it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

A Quick Rundown of Vancouver’s Best DIY Resources, Mapped

Not sure what to do with your spring fever symptoms? Why not try channeling it into some new projects? Here are the resources we recommend for getting equipped with practical tools, knowledge and inspiration...

Francis Arevalo Does The Dishes

Get acquainted with the Vancouver-based, Filipino-Canadian rapper and producer - and whet your sonic and stomach appetites - via his recommendations (heavy on Filipino flavours) for eating and drinking around town.

From Chicken & Rice to Crispy ‘Pata’, Joie Alvaro Kent Schools Us on How To Eat Filipino Food

The bestselling cookbook author, writer, and Filipino food-lover takes us on a fast and furious day of eating around town, with the aim of familiarizing us with Vancouver's Filipino cuisine situation - from beginner through to extra credit.

Get In Tune with the Season, Omakase Style, at the Folke X Maest Food Dinner

The end of April is perfect timing for local plant based chef Tomoko Tahara to join forces with chefs Uyeda and Deo for a “spring field" themed Omakase style dinner.

Kate Snyder Does ‘The Dishes’

In this edition, we consult the Co-Founder and Principal at Studio Roslyn - the Vancouver-based interior design and creative consulting firm behind several of our favourite local restaurants and other spaces - not for design advice, but to find out about her favourite places for eating and drinking around town...

Picking Grapes with Ashwan Luckheenarain

This time around we hear from the Restaurant Manager and Wine Buyer at Main Street's beloved Spanish tapas spot, ¿CóMO? Tapería...

Where to Grab a Weekday Breakfast Around Vancouver

It's a weekday morning and you want to go out for breakfast - but you've got something beyond coffee and a muffin in mind. No prob. We've compiled a (non-exhaustive but selective) list of our go-to breakfast joints to share with you.

Meet Ex-Teachers, Small Business Owners and Rad Humans, Aiyana Kane & Jackie Avery

Though the signage has switched-up and the branding looks different, the menu and motivations of The Burrow (formerly Bandidas Taqueria) remain consistent: to serve up nourishing, Mexican-inspired vegetarian and vegan fare, with a side of activism and an eye to affordability, community and sustainability.

Power Of Two: Flourist’s Shira McDermott & Janna Bishop

On the heels of their flagship Commercial Street location celebrating its fourth anniversary (and just in time for International Women's Day), we talk partnership and small business with friends and Flourist co-owners Shira McDermott and Janna Bishop.

New Aburi Concept, WA! CURRY, Opening Soon in Downtown Vancouver

If all goes well, the new counter service style Japanese restaurant will be warming up bellies with wagyu beef and plant-based curries and stews, before Spring officially hits...

How to Secure Your Local Produce Summer Supply Right Now

Not only is a CSA subscription a great way to get your home cooking and eating in sync with the seasons, it’s also the easiest and most direct way of contributing to a sustainable local food system. AND it makes for happy farmers, which is always a good thing!

Mahony’s Tavern Convention Centre Re-Opening Soon at Canada Place

Brothers and owners, Pete and Gerard Mahony, want to keep the feel of the family brand but see the place become a little more contemporary and 'evolved'.

Sunja Link Does The Dishes

We already know that the local clothing designer and owner of Main Street boutique and spa, Sunja Link Body Shoppe, has discerning taste when it comes to the products and items that she puts on her body. So we're unsurprised that she's equally thoughtful about what food and drink she prefers to put into it.