EAT! Vancouver 2010

Every year in May, a little event called Eat!Vancouver unites foodies from all over the Lower Mainland. For three delicious days, attendees can shop for unique ingredients and tools, sample new products, and watch cooking demonstrations. Iron Chef winner Rob Feenie was in attendance, as was Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi," Larry Thomas. This year the expo was held in the new Vancouver Convention Center instead of its usual spot at BC place, which is under renovation; I think it was a combination of the new venue and drizzly weather (no surprise there) that brought food fanatics out in droves.

As a regular attendant, I found the variety of exhibitors to be smaller than in past years. If you happened to be in the market for oil and vinegar, you had a lot to pick from (herb infused? fruit infused? reduced? italian? local? aged?) There were a few products that stood out for me. One was a dandelion and burdock soda from Fentiman's "Botanically Brewed" Beverages. With its earthy liquorice and herbal quality, it probably will not be my primary beverage of choice this summer, but it was one of the most interesting sodas I have tasted. (Unforunately, I never got to try Jones' Turkey and Gravy Soda).

Cheesy flowers

Another popular stand showcased Tete de Moine cheese. The Swiss raw cow's milk cheese had a strong, nutty flavour, and was served using the traditional cheese curler or girolle. This produced beautiful curls that looked more like flowers than cheese (note: great entertaining idea).

Girolle

Having left with a bag chock-full of goodies to try (acai tea, rice bran cooking oil and maple jelly!), I'd call this a successful afternoon spent.

Where to Eat: Japa Dog

New York has the mobile food concept down to a science. Its streets are spotted with those ubiquitous hot dog and pretzels stands, halal food carts, and even dessert trucks (Wafles and Dinges for thick and crisp Belgian waffles, or the Dessert Truck for all things sweet and decadent). Many of these highly successful businesses even keep their fans privy to their current location via Twitter. I had a hot dog from a street food cart today. But it wasn't in New York City.

Japa Dog is Vancouver's answer to the high quality, trendy mobile food movement. Established by a Tokyo ad salesman named Noriki Tamura, the cart has claimed its territory on the corner of Burrard and Smithe since its establishment in 2006. Having been highlighted by the local media and frequented by visiting movie stars, the cart is often surrounded by a sizeable crowd. On a cold, drizzly day like today, the wait wasn't much longer than ten minutes. Offerings include many types of sausages (turkey, beef, pork, veggie) served on a warmed bun, garnished with Japanese-style toppings. These include nori (seaweed) shreds, daikon radish, bonito flakes, and fried cabbage, to name a few. They also offer fried onions, possibly as an homage to the usual, "normal" hot dog carts (and also because that cooking onions smell is the most effective form of advertising for any sausage vendor).

I had the Edamame Terimayo hot dog. It consisted of a bratwurst sausage embedded with edamame beans, covered in teriyaki sauce, japanese mayo, nori shreds and fried onions. I also added wasabi mayo from the little squeeze bottle on the side. It was sooo juicy, flavorful, and well worth the $5. Yummmm.

I highly recommend this not-so-secret food destination. And with three locations (two in downtown Vancouver), it is easily accessible to visitors and locals alike.

Eat Here!
Japa Dog Food Cart (Look for the crowd. Or follow your nose)

Burrard and Smithe St.

Burrard and Pender St.

Coal Harbour Community Center

Where to eat: Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe

I've been going to the Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe ever since I can remember, and I can still rely on them to serve up some amazing breakfasts. This is without a doubt one of my favourite restaurants in Vancouver.
(Note: Although opened by the same proprietor, the Dutch Wooden Shoe is not the same as the De Dutch chain. It has a unique menu and frankly, the food is just much better.)



The restaurant atmosphere is very cozy and kitschy. The walls are lined with Dutch posters and prints, photos of hundreds of happy customers, and cabinets boasting an impressive collection of beer glasses from around the world. The tables are pretty small and close together, and the restaurant is always packed on weekend mornings, although that isn't a bad thing. The staff is attentive and friendly. The most important aspect though, is the food. Ahh, the food...

I usually start with their "Giant Mocha," which is, as the name suggests, a fat mug of piping hot coffee with chocolate syrup, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. This is to be sipped slowly as one peruses the extensive menu. Offerings include waffles, breakfast platters, eggs bene"dutches," but the one item I keep coming back to is their pannekoek.

Pannekoeken are large plate-sized pancakes. They are thicker than a crepe, but thinner than a buttermilk pancake, and are very well browned on both sides. They aren't fluffy, but very tender and so delicious. For 8 to 13 dollars, you can get a pannekoek with your choice from a variety of toppings, from savoury ham and eggs, to sweet grilled cinnamon bananas (one of my "usuals" as a child, and still one of my favourites). An odd but delicious combination is the pannekoek with bahmi goreng. The pancake is filled with a curry scented, stir fried egg noodle with ham and onion. The noodles are served with peanut sauce on top. Try it and you won't be disappointed.

Four Fruit Pannekoek

The Dutch Wooden Shoe is a great restaurant where you are bound to walk away satisfied. I know I will be a regular customer for many years to come (especially since I have yet to find a pannekoek recipe that even comes close to theirs).

Eat Here:

Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe
3292 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 2W4
604-874-0922

Images property of tibbidyfibbity.com, Vancouverslop.com, horcubee on flickr.com