As one year ends and another begins, it’s a treat to look back and reflect on the tastiest moments. I get to enjoy a wide range of delicious local eats, so I wanted to share my best bites from 2024.
Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions
Not only does MPV&P shake up some fantastic cocktails, they also serve delicious fire-grilled food like their Crackling Lechon Kawali, Teriyaki Short Ribs, and Al Pastor Tacos. Plus, this year they introduced their mouthwatering new burger which comes with a thick slice of pork belly. A raw as opposed to grilled dish, their Hand-Chopped Beef Tartare is one of the best in the city.
Savio Volpe
Savio made my birthday really special this year. It was at the end of April and I got to enjoy some delicious seasonal dishes. Their spring Triangoli were stuffed with ricotta and nettles, and the Primrose Pork Belly came with a bright and delicious green apple puree. The service at Savio Volpe is excellent. They even surprised me with a scoop of birthday ice cream.
Ramen Danbo
I only finally tried Ramen Danbo for the first time this year and it’s my new favourite ramen spot. I was late to the party because I was caught up in a longtime love affair with the now closed Yaguchiya. Spicy ramen is my favourite and Danbo’s is the best. There’s almost always a line but they’re impressively speedy — whether it comes to turning over tables or quickly serving up steaming bowls of noodles.
Chilitos Brunch
Chef Alvaro takes over Carp Sushi every other weekend as Chilitos, the Mexican brunch pop up. I am trying to be patient because Chef Alvaro is currently on a (well-deserved) vacation in Mexico and therefore I can’t visit Chilitos until he returns in February. There’s an ever changing menu of mouthwatering tacos, tamales, and tostadas, as well as aqua frescas. The saucy Chilaquiles topped with a fried egg always hit the spot.
CinCin
The Warm Molten Chocolate Cake at CinCin by pastry chef Gizelle Paré is indeed gratifyingly molten inside. Made with Guanaja chocolate, served with vanilla gelato, and finished with freshly grated nutmeg, the cake is almost secondary to the wondrous hazelnut praline it is served with. I even had the pleasure of enjoying this divine praline again at CinCin’s annual truffle dinner where it was served alongside an apple millefoglie.
Say Hey Cafe and Deli
Lina Caschetto is a gifted sandwich goddess. If you haven’t sampled what she’s serving at Say Hey, go soon. The Captain Andy Sandwich was my favourite bite at this year’s annual Spot Prawn Festival. Stuffed with poached BC spot prawns, as well as shredduce, aioli, and Hobb’s Kosher dills, its topped off with dill pickle potato chips. Watch out because Captain Andy might find his way back onto Say Hey’s menu again come spot prawn season.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard’s Chef Kenta is arguably Vancouver’s best pastry chef. He’s received numerous awards, including 2024 Pastry Chef of the Year. I got to try his Banana Mille-Feuille at a special Canadian Club dinner hosted by Boulevard. This dessert is a textural treat with crisp pastry as well as sliced banana, chestnut cream, and vanilla semifreddo.
El Gato Gab Gab
I need to go back to El Gato Gab Gab because I only tried one small dish on my first and only visit there and I’ve been craving it ever since. The Flautas Ahogadas are kind of like fancy taquitos — if that’s not blasphemous to say. The crispy fried tortillas come stuffed with Dungeness crab and the clever and creative galilo tobiko salsa adds bright, briny flavour and popping texture.
Fritz European Fry House
This poutine spot is a Vancouver institution. Too small to be called a restaurant but a bit bigger than a take out window, I firmly believe Fritz serves the best poutine in Vancouver. It’s one of my go-to comfort foods. I usually don’t even add any extras. There is a perfect peppery spice to the gravy, and I love that they layer gravy halfway through the fries so distribution is even without the fries being too drowned.
Botanist
I have been telling people about Botanist’s brunch all year. The quality of cocktails, food, and service is exquisite, making it an excellent spot to celebrate a special occasion. To mention another tartare, their Hand-Cut Beef Tartare with smoked egg yolk and parmesan cream is another favourite of mine. When brunching at Botanist, you can get three courses, plus two drinks, for $71.
