10 tastes of: Vancouver

6. Vij’s Lamb Popsicles
Vij’s restaurant serves up Indian fusion cuisine in the South Granville district. The wine-marinated lamb popsicles (in image at left) in fenugreek cream curry on spinach potatoes is standard on the menu and a favourite with regulars. The lamb is perfectly cooked and succulent ,but it’s the sauce that’s the naan-scooping secret to the success of the dish. Vij’s doesn’t take reservations but don’t be deterred, you get served delicious nibbles in the lounge while you wait for your table.

7. Thomas Hass Sparkle Cookies
This cookie has been proclaimed by Vancouver Sun as the best cookie in the world. Thomas Haas is a hit on the West Coast with these ready-to-bake, decadent chocolaty cookies. Find them in the frozen food section and bake them off one at a time whenever a chocolate hit it is needed.



8. A Pairing at Salt Tasting Room
This unique restaurant/wine bar experience has its customers choosing from an array of ever changing cured meats, cheese, condiments and wines that results in a flight of flavours to savour. A tasting bible profiles every product that comes through the door to keep the staff on top of their well-honed tasting skills. Manager, Taryn O’Gorman’s current favourite combo is Cashel Blue Cheese, Similkameen Honey and a nutty Solar Oloroso Sherry.


9. Brunch at Elixir
When you are looking for a “morning after the night before” fulfilling nosh, head to Opus Hotel’s Elixir restaurant for their brunch menu. It will not disappoint. The Poached Eggs Catalan served on tomato bread with asparagus, lomo and Manchego cheese will clear away any cobwebs in your head.



10. Cocktails at West
Named Restaurant of the Year by Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards four years running, West is the hottest resto spot in Vancouver. If you can’t make or afford high-end dining, stop in for a nightcap or warm up for the best cocktails in town. Sit at the bar and enjoy the Asian-inspired ambience and David Wolowidnyk’s muddling expertise.     

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Do you have a Vancouver-area taste to share with Christine? Comment on her blog and tell her your local Vancouver favourite bites.