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

DINER: Award-Winning “West” Restaurant Hires Quang Dang As New Executive Chef

Today, the first day of NHL free agency, we’ve so far learned that Raffi Torres is off to the Coyotes and that the Canucks have re-signed Sami Salo and Chris Higgins. Not to be outdone, our local restaurant trade is making moves as well, beginning with the looming departure of first line center executive chef David Gunawan from South Granville’s venerable West to Belgium (in exchange for future considerations). To fill the captaincy, owner Jack Evrensel has booked the services of talented 1st round draft pick chef Quang Dang, who has successfully quarterbacked the powerplay at Diva in the Metropolitan Hotel for a little over a year now. No news as of yet on his replacement, but there’s no rush. Apparently, this deal doesn’t go through until the end of August. If that’s true, then there’s plenty of time for Diva to exploit free agency. There are several heavyweights currently available, and not many fine dining joints buying.

Villa Lobos: Skate Kids, Sharp Knives, Sold-Out Dinners

A group of skate kids from King George started cooking for each other and ended up building something bigger than they expected. Now they’re running sold-out dinners, with strong community backing.

Vancouver’s Best Japanese Curries, Our Favourites Mapped

Japanese curry doesn’t chase the spotlight the way ramen or gyoza do, but it has always been one of Japan’s most reliable comfort meals: hot, filling, and easy on the wallet. With Vancouver’s cooler weather still lingering, it’s exactly the kind of satisfying bowl that hits the spot.

AnnaLena’s Long Game

Most restaurants leave well enough alone. AnnaLena doesn’t. Whether bold or subtle, the changes they make carry weight. Here’s what shifted during the annual closure and why it matters.

Gujarati Jalso: The Burnaby Restaurant Giving Gujarati Food Top Billing

Edmonds Street in Burnaby is home to Gujarati Jalso, where the focus is entirely on vegetarian food from India’s western coast.