Insider Itinerary: Culinarily Curious Weekend
Wendy Underwood
There are endless culinary pursuits on offer around Vancouver; we could easily fill up every day of the year directing you to all sorts of deliciousness. Plenty of tasty excursions are mere steps from The Burrard; why don’t we go ahead and fill up the weekend first?
SATURDAY
The city’s busiest and buzziest brunch spot is Café Medina (780 Richards Street), and there are many reasons why. Incredible coffee program? Yes. Liège-style waffles with chocolate-lavender topping? Yep. Cassoulet with two sunny eggs, Medina bacon, Andouille sausage, saucisson de Paris, white beans, red wine, Roma tomatoes, and grilled focaccia? That’s a whole lot of yes for us!
Head over to Robson street and either peruse what’s on offer on one of the country’s best know shopping streets, or take in the latest exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Rest up and refuel with a stop at 1931 Gallery Bistro’s patio at the V.A.G. (750 Hornby Street) which provides a welcome urban oasis. Pop by for a cheeky Aperol spritz or tuck into a wild-caught salmon bowl while eyeing the all-B.C. wine list.
Next, burn off some of those calories with a culinary tour. Vancouver Foodie Tours are the city’s top-rated food tour company, much of that due to their ambassadors’ knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for Vancouver’s food scene. A few different guided options are available, but our pick is the Granville Island Market Tour, which makes navigating Canada’s second-most visited tourism destination (next to Niagara Falls) both a hassle-free and VIP experience. Skip the lines and taste through local cheese, charcuterie, and so many more fantastic eats while learning the stories of the people behind them.
Vancouver’s first ever Michelin Guide was launched just a couple of years ago, with 10 of the city’s restaurants earning one Michelin star each. Make tonight a night to remember by indulging in a Michelin-starred dining experience! You’ll need to book in advance, but a little planning will all be worth it when you get to sit down for dinner at a spot like St. Lawrence – known for amazing Quebecois-inspired French food, or AnnaLena – a Kitsilano restaurant with a playful, contemporary flair. On more of a budget? Check out the restaurants that received the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction as offering high quality dining at great value.
SUNDAY
Get your day going at Maxine’s Café & Bar (1325 Burrard Street) just a couple blocks down the street from The Burrard. Need a quick breakfast sandwich and an espresso before taking on the day? This is your spot. For us, we’ll take a long, leisurely brunch starting with a ‘Maximosa’ (sparkling wine, grapefruit and maraschino foam), followed by tucking into a Dutch baby pancake with fried egg, shaved back bacon, and Mornay sauce.
After a relaxing stroll along the seawall to English Bay beach, a fresh ale may be in order. Stanley Park Brewing’s Restaurant & Brewpub (8901 Stanley Park Drive), at the entrance to (you guessed it) Stanley Park should fit the bill. Get yourself a Brewer’s Choice Flight (5 oz tasters of 4 beers) so you can sample a good range. Hop-heads will love the Trailhopper IPA, while those into fruit-driven styles will enjoy the Sunsetter peach wheat ale (both also available in non-alcoholic versions!), and there are plenty more options for any other fresh beer desired. Need a little more food to soak up those brews? Keep things casual with pizzas, burgers or fish tacos.
The largest night market in North America is the Richmond Night Market (8351 River Road, Richmond), happening every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night—and long weekend Mondays—through October 13. You’ll work up quite an appetite while visiting stalls and enjoying various forms of entertainment from dance troupes to martial arts demonstrations, so the Food Fair should undoubtedly be your key destination. Think Himalayan dumplings, crab bao buns, maple bacon mochi donuts, and a seemingly endless array of other delights.
Ready to book a room to sleep off your food coma? We offer the best rates when you book direct on The Burrard‘s website!
Photo Credits:
Feature – Person at Richmond Night Market: Destination BC/Kezia Nathe
Breakfast at Cafe Medina: Cafe Medina website
Vancouver Foodie Tours: Destination BC/Hubert Kang
Brunch at Maxine’s: Maxine’s website
Richmond Night Market: Destination BC/Kezia Nathe
