With the holidays fast approaching, we’re hoping young professional readers have scored a bit of time away from the office (and perhaps out of town). If, however, you plan to stay close, there’s plenty of reasons to go on your own culinary tour with a handful of new places having recently opened around YVR. Check out our top picks for festive feasting.
Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar (1055 West Hastings Street) recently opened its second location in the heart of downtown and is the perfect spot to pop into when the hankering for good Southern-inspired bites and brew hits. It’s garnered quite the buzz already, boasts a tantalizingly good menu, plenty of ambiance, and staff that are definitely easy on the eyes (ladies, you’ll see what we mean when you go). So whether you’ve got a hankering for dirty rice and lobster, New Orleans-style gumbo, local mussels, fried chicken or shrimp and grits, Chewies has the Deep South on speed dial.
The Brighton Pub is another spot on our must-try list for the holidays. Located at 2471 East Hastings Street, it’s a great local hangout featuring upscale pub/comfort food with a twist. Don’t expect anything too fancy though… they’ve got a pretty simple cocktail and wine list, with plenty of local beer to balance it all out (and help wash down classics like bangers and mash). Want more insight about The Brighton? Head over to their Facebook page.
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to stop by Gringo located at 27 Blood Alley Square in Gastown. It’s like scoring a taste of Mexico in your backyard with authentic and delicious eats. Grab a seat at the bar for an entertaining night out, catch the game and down a micro brew, or take advantage of their daily specials (like $3.50 shots). We’d be remiss not to mention the food, though, so come with a healthy appetite. You’ll want to try their Salsacita Taco with Chorizo sausage, chipotle mayo and pickled onions coupled with their veggie chili.
Head down to Burgundy Restaurant (47 West Hastings Street) when your next snack-attack hits. Their menu is packed with tasty offerings guaranteed to perk up your taste buds. We recommend a lineup of oyster shooters, followed by an order of stuffed baby squid served with roasted pepper cream and quinoa. Also worth trying is the Shackshuka and chicken veloute. Located in the heart of Gastown, you’re in the middle of all the action and this space offers a classy setting to get your night started.
Farmers Apprentice is another new spot that’s been on our radar for a little while (located at 1529 West 6th). This veggie-based bistro is loaded with goods worth delving into. Owned by former Wildebeest Chef David Gunawan, the menu is packed with locally sourced items constantly rotating to adhere to their quest to provide in-season dishes. You’ll love being surprised by the 3 and 5-course daily dinner options like the country pate, beef tartar and hop-cured trout.
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.
Cover Photo: Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar