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

DINER: Local Street Food Vendor “Japadog” Lands Brick & Mortar Location In New York

There have been rumblings on this for a year, but today from EV Grieve (photo) we learn that Vancouver food cart Japadog has officially crossed the continent and found itself under construction – reminiscent of their Robson St. brick and mortar – in a New York City location on St. Mark’s Place.

The money quote:

Knowing New York’s current passion for (1) standing in line for trendy food, (2) all things Japanese, (3) adorable, artisanal sidewalk food vendors, and (4) cheap, white-trash food turned into semi-haute cuisine (burgers, cupcakes, bacon, pizza, et al.), I predict that Japadog will be immensely successful here […] When the now bigger, much more powerful Japadog announces plans for a three-story, outdoor, hot-dog and beer pleasure palace to be erected on a quiet street in “Nolita,” the community will rally against them, successfully blocking construction.

Heh.

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.