Looking for something new and exciting to check out in Vancouver’s always-growing food and drink scene? We’ve got a look at some spots that are getting a lot of buzz lately that can help you plan your month ahead.
April in Vancouver is all about spring veggies (hello, gorgeous green things), Easter feats and treats, Cherry Blossoms, and the earliest tastes of Halibut season.
With new restaurant openings on the horizon, fresh menus, and some enduring faves, here are 15 things to eat and drink in Vancouver in April 2017.
1. New breakfast dishes at YEW seafood + bar
Good morning, sunshine! The most important meal of the day has gotten a fresh infusion of creative dishes and flavour thanks to Chef Weimar Gomez. Look for a very on-trend avocado toast with smoked salmon and a not-quite hard-boiled egg, lobster and eggs, juices and smoothies, pastries, and a fluffy gluten-free waffle.
Address: Four Seasons Vancouver – 791 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @fsvancouver
2. Everything at Botanist
Are you following Botanist on Instagram, and watching the artful progress of this space that was previously ORU at the Fairmont Pacific Rim? If you are, you’ll already know that they are prepping a polished, high concept botany-themed champagne lounge and cocktail bar and restaurant with sexy food and drink. It’s expected to open this month, and when it does, we’re going to want to head right over there.
Address: Fairmont Pacific Rim – 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver
Instagram: @botanistdining
3. Retro eats at Hendricks Resto-Lounge
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
Hendricks is a well-balanced blend of modern and retro. The restaurant inside the Westin Grand has been thoughtfully redesigned to make their bar (and some great drinks) the focal point, as well as a fun 70s vibe with contemporary flair. Go for “Superfoods” like nutrient-packed salads, serious eats like a giant fried chicken burger with kimchi, or throwback snacks like housemade Wagon Wheels and Twinkies. And drinks. Lots of drinks.
Address: Lobby Level, Westin Grand, 433 Robson Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @hendricksyvr
4. New menu items at Charlie’s Little Italian
Caprese Salad (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
The Mount Pleasant pasta and pizza joint is a great neighbourhood favourite, whether its for their killer daily special deals or their reliably excellent weekend brunch, and under new head chef Sarah Kashani the menu has gotten a sexy, art-inspired refresh. Look for a damn fine Caesar salad, beautiful fresh-made pastas and pizzas, and entrees almost too pretty to eat. Almost. You’re gonna want to eat them.
Address: 2610 Main Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @charliesvan
5. All the noodles at Sen Pad Thai
Chef Angus An (Maenam, Fat Mao, Longtail Kitchen, Freebird Chicken Shack) is headed to Granville Island, where he’s set to open a Thai noodle shop called Sen Pad Thai. On the menu will be variations on traditional Thai “dry” noodle dishes, taking their cue from food stands in Chanthaburi, Thailand. The spot is expected to open later in April.
Instagram: @senpadthai
6. Plant-based fare at TurF
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
TurF fitness studio in Kitsilano has finally opened its doors. But this 4th Avenue space isn’t just a place to work off that late night donair; once you step in you quickly realize it’s a multi-purpose place to reset, refocus, refuel, and just simply hang out. The culinary team has made every dish on the mostly-vegan menu a no-brainer in terms of health and wellness, making it easy to grab whatever you need whether you’re on the go after a class or just popping in for a leisurely bite.
Address: 2041 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @turfliving
7. Beer & Ceviche at Andina Brewing Company
Andina is a unique craft brewery that is already proving to be a colourful addition to the plethora of local spots in East Van. Opened in early March, you’ll find South American-inspired beers on tap here, along with a rotating menu of eight kinds of ceviche.
Address: 1507 Powell Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @andinabrewingco
8. Modern Mexican at El Santo in New West
Duck Carnitas (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)
Some of Metro Vancouver’s best Mexican food is being dished up, with style, at El Santo in New Westminster. Head to this hot spot for a taste of their multi-regional modern Mexican, from bubbling queso fundido to sizzling duck carnitas–and their oh-so-soft tortillas for scooping all the deliciousness up. Sure, they’ve got tacos, too.
Address: 680 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Instagram: @elsantonewwest
9. Lunch at Farmer’s Apprentice
Farmer’s Apprentice is chef Dave Gunawan’s ever-changing homage to what is local, organic, and sustainable. Now the South Granville-area dinner and brunch spot is offering lunch, which means you can sink your teeth into some of the region’s freshest dishes presented with restraint and flair. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm.
Address: 1535 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @thefarmersapprentice
10. Crepe Cakes at L’otus Cake Boutique
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
By now you have probably heard of the famous handmade 15-layer Mille Crêpe Cakes from L’otus Cake Boutique in Richmond. This creation has over a dozen light, fluffy, moist crêpes with pastry cream in between, and L’otus has several flavours of this must-try treat. You may want to call ahead to reserve your slice…or the whole cake.
Address: #103 – 8580 Cambie Road, Richmond
Instagram: @lotuscakeboutique
11. Sakura Tea at TWG Tea – Vancouver
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
If you’re up for a gastronomic experience like no other, the Always Sakura Set Tasting Menu is available at the TWG Tea salon and boutique from now until April 8. The spread includes beverages that represent company’s seasonal spring teas including Sakura! Sakura! Tea and an iced Green Beauty Tea.
Address: 1070 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @twgteaofficial
12. Meat-y dishes at Juniper
Juniper in Chinatown has had a new chef, Josh Gale (formerly of Wildebeest and Nicli’s Next Door), for a couple of months, and already he has infused the Pacific Northwest focused spot on the more meatier side of the region, along with gorgeous local seafood and produce. As spring settles in, this is your last chance to taste some of his heartier winter dishes, but also look for those fabulous greens of the season to pop into the mix.
Address: 185 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @junipervancouver
13. Boozy Donuts at BC Distilled
Caesar using Vodka from Sons of Vancouver (Photo courtesy of Lucky’s)
BC Distilled is back for its 4th annual festival celebrating regional, small batch, and local micro-distilleries. Plus, the event will feature a plethora of goodies that incorporate spirits in clever ways – like boozy Lucky’s Doughnuts that have been infused with our favourite cocktails. Hello, we’re talking a Caesar Doughnut using Vodka from Sons of Vancouver and more.
When: Saturday, April 8, 2017, Trade Tasting: 2:30 to 4:30 pm, Public Tasting: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Dr, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online
14. Giant Taiwanese fried chicken at Big G Large Fried Chicken
Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive
Richmond’s Big G uses hormone-free chicken that is insanely juicy, butterflies and flattens it, and fries it to order, with your choice of two “toppings,” which you can get one per side. Flavoured toppings come in the form of powders–like a New Orleans-style Cajun or the salty-umami bomb seaweed–or sauces–such as good ol’ fashioned ketchup or a housemade teriyaki-style BBQ sauce. Wear your stretchy pants.
Address: #1231-8338 Capstan Way, Richmond
15. Éclairs at L’Éclair de Génie
L’Éclair de Génie is planning for an April 22, 2017 opening date, and it’s time to get our tastebuds ready for Vancouver’s next French invasion. Considered the current most popular patisserie treat in France, the éclair gets haute here ; these pastries are a dazzling treat for the eyes as well as your tummy.
Address: 1210 Robson Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @leclairdegenieofficiel
With files from Hanna McLean
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