By Tim Pawsey
Where’s annual salute to the brightest and best serves as a fitting culinary snapshot of Vancouver, a worthy reminder from well-travelled voting visitors as to just how blessed this city is by such diversity. Our vibrant multicultural culinary scene is fuelled increasingly by local year-round ingredients and flourishing artisan producers. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists! (more…)
Pendants and other jewellery are available at Aiktens Pewter.
Handmade pewter collectibles, décor, tableware, jewellery, ornaments and more are the specialty at Aitkens Pewter in the Historic Properties on Upper Water Street.
Close by on Lower Water Street is Amos Pewter, where you can watch pewter being cast and learn about the company’s award-winning designs. Buy a gift or something for yourself on site.
Seasonings: Flavours of the Southern Gulf Islands, by Andrea and David Spalding
So much more than a mere cookbook, Seasonings: Flavours of the Southern Gulf Islands (Harbour Publishing; $29.95) overflows with quirky info and gorgeous colour photographs, not just of food but also of chefs, farms and spectacular island scenery. Authors Andrea and David Spalding, who live on Pender Island, profile local foodie folks such as guerrilla cheese maker David Rotsztain, “bread lady” Heather Campbell, “potato man” Roger Pettit and master gardener Linda Gilkeson, whose “Sex in the Garden” workshop is always popular. (Don’t get too excited: the topic is pollination.) The Spaldings recount delightful tales about island eccentricities, including the Pizza Garden Project on Pender Island, smoked tofu sandwiches in the high school cafeteria on Salt Spring Island, and the ongoing battle between island gardeners and wild deer, who treat local gardens as all-you-can-eat buffets. (more…)
Don’t-miss dish: “canned” tuna. Photo by KK Law
It was barely a couple of days before Top Chef Canada finalist Trevor Bird’s revival of a shuttered Kitsilano spot into vibrant farm-focused Fable Kitchen became a Vancouver hotspot. What makes it tick? Short answer: just about everything, from Bird’s concise but varied menu of responsibly sourced ingredients to the well-drilled team in the open kitchen and beyond. Our faves range from “canned” tuna to potato-crusted chicken to a show-stopping cooked-rare tender duck breast to flat-iron steak with black pepper jam—plus sidekick Curtis Luk’s superb desserts. Best place to take in the action? The end seat at the open kitchen bar—right where the chef assembles and checks each plate before it goes to the table, calls for service and generally runs the show. And even finds time to chat.—Tim Pawsey
Chef Chris Whittaker with Fraser Valley beets (front), Pacific Provider salmon (middle) and apple pie (back), at Forage. Photo by KK Law
Newly unveiled Forage on Robson Street is the city’s most sustainable room, both on and off the menu. Chef Chris Whittaker’s creations highlight local ingredients, not only seasonal but also gathered and preserved year round. The feel is more contemporary gastropub than hotel dining room, with well-picked pints plus BC wines on tap. Tastes wander from crunchy pork-rind popcorn to seared albacore tuna with blackberry-and-fir jelly, not to mention a silky smooth spot prawn chowder that swept the field at the Vancouver Aquarium’s hotly contested Chowder Chowdown. Looking for more ways to balance calories with carbon credits? Check out casual and hip Commune Cafe or regional trailblazer Raincity Grill.—Tim Pawsey
Ship’s Decanter, a handmade, local item from NovaScotian Crystal.
Looking for the perfect gift? Look local at these shops specializing in Maritime-made treasures.
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market on Marginal Road: North America’s oldest farmers’ market, it recently moved to a state-of-the-art new building on the Halifax waterfront. Every Saturday, vendors from across the province share their wares.
NovaScotian Crystal on George Street: Craftsman work on site, using ancient techniques to create beautiful and functional crystal pieces.
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia on Spring Garden Road: Everything sold here is Maritime-made, including some 143 Nova Scotian creations. From clothes to jam, there’s a tremendous variety.
Wine kegs and beer taps at Tap & Barrel. Photo by KK Law
The games may be long gone but False Creek’s Olympic Village has been re-energized by the arrival of Tap & Barrel, a pub-style, two-tier emporium that dispenses 24 BC beers and 14 wines on tap. Owner Daniel Frankel says the wines are as fresh as when they leave the winery and more environmentally friendly than bottled ones—and we agree! Go for AAA Alberta beef burgers, baked pretzels, made-to-order wood-stone-fired pizzas (including a version with roasted pork belly and soft-poached eggs), “drunken” mussels, or even “sticky” yam fries with Marshmallow Fluff.—Tim Pawsey
A handmade creation at the Designer Craft Shop
Add some artistic flair to your home at the Designer Craft Shop at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design on Marginal Road. Check out handmade creations that make a statement in any room, including vibrant ceramic bowls, textiles, paintings, wood prints, jewellery and more. The shop also makes sure to showcase local artists’ work. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or something to call your own, there’s something for everyone.
Pizza at Camapagnolo Roma. Photo by KK Law
Not your average pizza joint: located in the up-and-coming East Village neighbourhood (www.eastvillagevancouver.ca), Campagnolo Roma never does things the easy way. In this Roman eatery, pizza dough, pastas and breads are made in-house. Butchery is done in-house as well. Features change constantly, showcasing local, seasonal ingredients. And the results of all the hard work are evident to your taste buds.—Sheri Radford
Fashionistas frequent local store Plenty
Locals love Plenty, a homegrown boutique filled with hip, covetable clothes. The racks are curated with a sharp eye, from in-house designs to fashion-forward international picks. The flagship store in Kitsilano opened back in 1989; now, 23 years later, there’s still plenty of style to go around. The online store just launched, so get shopping (or clicking) and support this Vancouver success story.—Karina Palmitesta
Henhouse offers creations of all shapes and sizes.
For those wanting to add some local inspiration to their home style, visit Henhouse for handcrafted furniture pieces and more. Located at The Hydrostone, the store has been around since 2001. Whether you’re going the rustic route or aiming for a modern mix, you can choose from the South Shore Collection and Oxford Collection. Already have an idea in mind? Bring a sample picture and they’ll get the job done. The store also offers a wide range of candles, crafts and, yes, even sock monkeys.
Craving a piece of the East Coast? Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia is all about creations made and inspired in Atlantic Canada. Located on Spring Garden Road, it’s a popular go-to spot for tourists and locals alike. The store showcases the work of more than 200 artists in the region. Check out the unique pottery pieces and colourful glass décor, or head over to the section of books by local authors, traditional crafts and handmade jewellery.
Drop by the Bogside Gallery at The Hydrostone for a dose of local talent. Whether you’re in the market for handmade scarves, stylish slippers, unique dishes, Maritime inspired decorations or neat gift ideas, there’s something for everyone.
Care for a bubble bath? Check out Seafoam Lavender Farm Ltd. year-round at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market for an assortment of homemade lavender creations. Based in Seafoam, N.S., this company has everything from aromatherapy, shampoos and lotions to culinary treats and household cleaning products.
T-shirt by Ole Originals
Show your true colours with a hand-printed shirt from Ole Originals. This East Van label designs cool tees that profess the wearer’s love for this great country. Bonus: for every t-shirt purchased, one is donated to the Union Gospel Mission. Shop online at www.oleoriginals.com.—Jennifer Patterson