The GOODS from Granville Island

Vancouver, BC | The Public Market on Granville Island is where you can find over 50 passionate experts that know just about everything there is the know about choosing the best ingredients, suggested food pairings, prep tips, and more. But with so many great artisan products to choose from, sometimes it’s helpful to get some tips.

The “experts” as they’re called on the Island, live and breathe the market. So, who better to ask for all the gems you can find there than the experts themselves? But the twist is, since everyone loves their own goods, we asked, “what’s your favourite from another shop?”

Our first stop, Laurelle, who runs Laurelle’s Fine Foods tells us she tries everything, picking up produce, coffee, and tea on the Island. But as an accomplished baker herself, she appreciates the work of other market bakers such as the pastries of Terra Breads and the smoked meat bagels at Siegel’s Bagels.

Her neighbour, Loris at Zara’s Italian Deli & Fresh Pasta also loves Terra Breads, but it’s all about their brownies. But at the top of his list are the Double-R-Ranch meats at Tenderland Meats. “The stuff doesn’t come around often so you know it’s good and exclusive.” Loris’ secret? Just sprinkle a little Montréal steak spice, dab a little grape seed oil, and it’s good for the grill.

Tenderland Meats is also a hit with Scott at Longliner Seafoods. When he’s not unloading the latest catch, he heads over there for their rack of lamb. “I love to barbecue them. They’re really good, rich, and garlicky.”

Yet things aren’t always about meat. Expert butcher Armando at Armando’s Fine Quality Meats steers instead towards organic produce. “I grab my fruits and veggies here because they’re the freshest you can get, especially the apples.”

For Brett at Benton Brothers Cheese, he wishes the Branzini Mediterranean sea bass were the catch of the day, every day. Hard-to-find fresh since it’s usually flown in. Seafood City has it fresh and at a steal.

Over at Olde World Fudge, when Marlene isn’t treating someone’s sweet tooth, she loves the award-winning Québécois cured cheeses from Dussa’s and the fresh pasta sauces at Duso’s. Her favourite is the tomato basil with just a bit of pesto to mix in.

Peter at V&J Plants loves Oyama Sausage Co. for their variety and constantly evolving selection. “You’re bound to find something new every time you go, it’s like a sausage flower shop,” he jokes.

Brian at Seafood City says he can spend an entire pay cheque at Oyama. “They’re always busy, but their original made-in-house meats like the duck prosciutto is so worth it.”

And for cheese connoisseur Brett over at Benton Brothers, it’s the Bündnerfleisch – an air-dried beef that pairs perfectly with Raclette or any cheese really.

Despite all the experts having their distinct favourites, they all agree that everyone is bound to find something that’ll treat their taste buds. So, the next time you find yourself at the Public Market on Granville Island, ask the experts. Chances are you’ll end up finding something truly unique.

Details

Granville Island Public Market
www.granvilleisland.com | Facebook | Twitter
Open 7 days a week | 9am-7pm

GALLERY

 About Granville Island

Granville Island is an urban haven spilling over with fine restaurants, theatres, galleries and studios, and of course, fresh food. For over 35 years, the Public Market has delighted Vancouverites. Some of the Market’s businesses continue to flourish after 20, 25, and even 35 years on Granville Island. Some of the newer businesses are fast becoming Vancouver traditions in their own right. You’ll find over 50 passionate experts eager to share their knowledge on everything there is to know about their offerings of fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, seafood, and more.

Granville Island’s restaurants are downright tantalizing, ranging from laid-back West Coast to elegantly gourmet. A romantic night out, a café lunch with friends, meeting the gang for patio cocktails at sunset…our places cover the waterfront. Outdoor seating extends out onto old wooden piers, providing an up close view of Vancouver’s scenic water life along with your meal.

Along with the Railspur District with handmade apparel and jewelry, The Net Loft Shops with arts and crafts, local breweries & distilleries, and annual events and festivals into the mix, Granville Island is a destination where locals and visitors come together to be inspired, entertained, or simply to relax in a truly unique atmosphere.