Like the blossoms on the trees, Vancouver is blooming from the changing seasons. With spring in full swing, this month promises a host of food related events to put on your social calendar.
Whether you plan on treating Mom to a sumptuous brunch on Mother’s Day, or want to celebrate the bounty of BC’s local produce, there’s an event that’s suited to you.
Here are five worth checking out this May:
1. The Lower Mainland is fortunate to have a wealth of local vegetables to enjoy in the spring. On Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 10am to 2pm, BC Greenhouse Veggie Days takes place, marking the spring arrival of vegetables grown in BC’s 42 Greenhouse Growers. These veggies (eg tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, cucumbers) are found in stores and restaurants across town.
To celebrate and help educate, there will be free public tours on the 5th at three local greenhouses: Westcoast Vegetables (3975 46A St., Delta), Sunnyside Produce (1133 176 St., Surrey), and Gravis Farms (4653 Bell Rd., Abbotsford).
2. Dockside Restaurant is hosting two exciting events this May. Vancouver Foodster’s latest edition of Food Talks is happening May 8, 2018 in the Lounge. The Talks bring together prominent individuals in the food community/industry for informative and productive discussion with the public. This month’s talk theme is “Crushing it in our Food Community” and features four women who have achieved considerable success and will offer their insight on how they have made a difference. The speakers will be: Barb Finley of Project CHEF (a program that educates elementary school kids about food and cooking), Chef Parinya Lopston from Ban Chok Dee, Chef Lynda Larouche from Argo Cafe, Chef Shobna Kannusamy from Soirette Pastry Boutique, and Dana Lee Harris, executive director of the BC Hospitality Foundation.
Also, on May 24, 2018, Dockside Restaurant, along with the Coal Harbour Liquor Store, are hosting a 2018 Spring Patio Tasting. Included in the $49.95 per person ticket are tastings of local and global wine, beer, and craft spirits; tasty tapas; and a voucher for $10 off at the Coal Harbour Liquor Store.
3. With Mother’s Day (May 13, 2018) fast approaching, it’s time to make a delicious choice in terms of where to treat mom this year for brunch. There are a tons of buffet brunch options at establishments that include: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar ($80 per adult; they also have a buffet dinner option), Showcase Restaurant & Bar ($65 per adult); YEW seafood + bar ($99 per adult), Oceans 999 ($99 per person), H2 Rotisserie & Bar ($70 per adult), Notch8 ($79 per person); and Copper Chimney ($49.99 per adult). At the latter, for example, the menu includes brunch classics like eggs Benny, bacon, French toast, and omelettes, as well as Indian-inspired favourites, such as butter chicken and tandoori salmon.
4. Two of the Lower Mainland’s biggest shopping and eating markets are launching this month, with the Richmond Night Market opening May 11, 2018 (runs until October 8, 2018) and the Shipyards Night Market in North Van launching May 4, 2018 (runs until September 28, 2018). Richmond’s market promises all the usual treats, like dim sum and tornado potatoes, but there’s also going to be a seafood focus this year (think Dungeness crab and lobster specials). The North Van market will have over 35 food trucks in attendance, serving everything from gelato to crepes.
5. Burdock & Co. (2702 Main Street) has just introduced a cool weekly event if you’re a fan of music from the ‘70s and dumplings (the ultimate combination). Disco Dumplings happens every Monday, starting at 8pm, with DJ Chris Allen spinning tunes, a disco ball adding to the theme, and various dumplings, such as pork and burdock with charred chili sauce, being crafted in the kitchen. Beer and wine will be sold at happy hour prices, and there’ll also be fried chicken available.