I’ve landed in Texas with a Jeep to drive and plenty of eating ahead, but there is a week’s worth of Vancouver stories to catch up on first.
The Fall cookbook feature I have been working on forever for VITA is now live, which means I can finally stop rearranging the list of 15 and think about what I actually want to cook. Back in Vancouver, there is a new reason to visit Strange Fellows before noon, a familiar tapas bar in a new home, and more November dinner plans than I could possibly fit into the calendar.
Giving back the Genesis
I loved my time with the 2027 Genesis GV80 Coupe and was more than a little sad to hand back the keys before heading to Texas. The cabin felt wonderfully luxurious, with plush seating and a stunning 27-inch OLED display stretching across the dashboard. It isn’t just about looks: the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 48-volt electric supercharger produces 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive and striking 22-inch wheels.
Hello from San Antonio
I’m in San Antonio at the start of my Texas trip. The Jeep is sorted, although my first-evening priorities were dinner and a cocktail after the flight. There will be more from San Antonio and Fredericksburg as the week unfolds. For now, consider this the hello rather than the full travel report.
Pizza from Rewind
I headed to Port Moody for COOL AF and worked in a stop at Rewind Beer Co. for pizza and a tropical sour beer. I love Yellow Dog, but thought we’d switch it up this time. The Canadian Pie wasn’t shy about the mozzarella and stacked with house marinara, bacon crumble, sliced mushrooms, and pepperoni. It made a very good addition to the outing.
At COOL AF: Antilope caught our attention
At Bevees COOL AF show, I was pouring Sea Cider’s alcohol-free Temperance collection. There was also time to try what others were pouring, and we loved Antilope by Domaine des Grottes, a sparkling alcohol-free blend of fruit juices and herbs with juniper, pine and a gentle bitter edge. I also love their L’Antidote, a sparkling alcohol-free blend of grape and apple juices with ginger, rosemary, thyme and verbena. Both are repped by Rich Massey who has some great finds in his portfolio.
On my cookbook pile: Lozhka
If you wondered what the cookbook situation looks like at home, this is it. Choosing 15 for VITA did very little to reduce the pile.
One to cook from when I’m home
One of the books already on my shelf is Alissa Timoshkina’s Lozhka: Eastern European Soups, Stews & Other Things We Eat with a Spoon. I have plenty of ambitious cooking projects waiting for me, but a book built around soups, stews and dumplings feels particularly welcome in November.
I’d like to make Tiny Dumplings with Whipped Feta and Smoky, Jammy Tomatoes. It is her variation on Slovak halušky, and the combination of potato dumplings, salty cheese and tomatoes is enough to put it near the top of my cooking list for when I’m home.
You’ll find Lozhka alongside books by Nik Sharma, Lucas Sin, Pati Jinich and more in my 15 new cookbooks to inspire your fall kitchen at VITA. There is a suggested first dish for each book, because choosing the book is only half the decision.
Still thinking about that Fairmont evening
I’ve also been revisiting my photos and video from the Dalmore dinner at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Dinner in an art gallery is a lovely change of setting, and Emma Coady was such a helpful resource throughout the evening. It is one of those experiences that deserves a little more time than a quick post between appointments.
Watch my Dalmore dinner video at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Instagram.
Watch my Dalmore dinner reel on Instagram.
If you missed it, here is my earlier VIA feature on the women making whisky more approachable in B.C..
This week at VITA and Vancouver Is Awesome
At VITA, alongside the cookbook roundup, I spoke with chef Steven Che for Inside Haisan. It is a chance to hear more about the thinking behind the restaurant and his approach to Chinese food.
For Vancouver Is Awesome, Strange Fellows’ new café and kitchen gave me several reasons to head to Clark Drive: Creatures Coffee, pastries and Roman-style pizza. I also like the refillable coffee-bean tin idea.
Pax Romana has a new entrance behind Loula’s on Commercial Drive, with a bigger kitchen and familiar faces. I want to go back and try the food.
For all the food and drink events I’ve rounded up this month, including special dinners, classes and markets, read my November events guide on Vancouver Is Awesome.
Meanwhile, on Good Life Vancouver
Published on Main’s harvest tasting menu puts B.C.’s fall ingredients at the centre of dinner. There is plenty to look at before you even pick up a fork.
The IACP cookbook finalists provided another excuse to browse the shelves, including Vancouver bartender Kaitlyn Stewart’s Three Cheers. I’ve included the dishes that caught my attention, too.
Free Spirit Vancouver returns with two evenings devoted to non-alcoholic drinks. A personal connection here: I work with Sea Cider, and its Temperance collection is part of my working life as well as my interest in what’s happening in the glass.
My November North Shore craft beer guide has more reasons to cross the harbour, from festival events to a tasting passport.
Finally, some good news to toast: Canada’s James Li won silver at the International Young Sommelier Competition.
Now, back to Texas. I’ll report back on what makes it worth the trip.
