Food Traveler Magazine Summer 2013 | Page 51

TOP 10 food travel destinations Vancouver, B.C. C uisine is frequently categorized by its place of origin, but in Vancouver, the latest dining trend doesn’t come from some exotic locale; it’s homegrown. Canadian cuisine — particularly in Vancouver — emphasizes ingredients that are grown, caught or raised nearby, while also nodding to Vancouver’s diverse cultural influences. Named one of Food and Wine magazine’s top 10 dining cities in North America, Vancouver’s got it all: fresh seafood plucked straight from the ocean; passionate local farmers growing a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce; a world-renowned wine region; an energetic street-food scene and a wealth of ethnic culinary talent. EAT VANCOUVER CHECK-LIST: SHOP AND EAT AT THE GRANVILLE ISLAND PUBLIC MARKET. Home to some 200 vendors, the Public Market is the ideal introduction to Vancouver’s culinary offerings. For extra insight, do a culinary market tour. EAT SOME SEAFOOD. Dungeness crab, Spot prawns, wild salmon, local oysters. BC is famous for it so make sure you eat some. RESTAURANTHOP: You’ll find some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, cocktail bars and cafes in the neighbourhoods of Gastown, Yaletown and Kitsilano. Spend some time wandering these ‘hoods and find your favourites. LUNCH AT A STREET FOOD CART: Serious foodies giving props to Vancouver’s fourwheeled restaurants. Favourites include JapaDog (Japanese-style hot dog) and Feastro the Rolling Bistro (try their fish tacos). DRINK LOCAL: Chat up your bartender and ask to try some of the local brews, wines or spirits. Vancouver produces everything from walnut wine, to Japanese sake, to beer, to experimental cocktails. Cheers! GO ASIAN: The city has some of the world’s best sushi, dim sum, curry and ramen. Tojo’s is Vancouver’s most renowned Japanese restaurant. For Indian, visit Vij’s and for noodles wander Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood. SUMMER 2013 | FOOD TRAVELER 49