by Shaun Layton | Though we have an incredible cocktail culture in Vancouver, it nevertheless looks up to the more booze-seasoned cities of the world. Happy Hour – the recently made legal practice of selling discounted food and drink items during off-peak hours – just might be the kick in the ass we need. And now that it’s legit, it’s time to detail what’s out there. Today we visit Postmark Brewing and the Belgard Kitchen in The Settlement Building.

The part of the DTES where Strathcona meets Railtown really hums in the afternoons. The post-lunch rush crowds may have retreated, but the sounds of heavy machinery still come from all directions, giving the very air a special buzz. With conditions thus, enter the “Happy Afternoon” at Belgard Kitchen. Between 3pm and 6pm, Monday through Thursday, guests can enjoy $5 feature Postmark pints, $5 wines and sangria, and a 4-deep menu of bar snacks.

On my most recent visit it felt like 40 degrees outside, which is to say the ideal time for a refreshing Strawberry Blonde lager. The $5 fruity beer weighed in at 4.2% and paired just about perfectly with the goat cheese-flecked Ruby Red Beet Dip ($6), a delicious, not-at-all heavy nod to the season served with warm flat bread, marcona almonds, and fresh veggie sticks. Other Happy Afternoon snacks going at the time included hummus and freshly baked pita points, a pickled mushroom and bacon paté, and a little pizzette topped with proper San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.

Belgard Kitchen | 55 Dunlevy Ave | 604-669-1989 | Strathcona | www.belgardkitchen.com

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