Tagged : Vancouver

in My Videos, Wine & Food

Shaun Layton Talks Bartending and Classic Cocktails

I’ve noticed that people on top of their game tend to be quite modest. Shaun Layton, despite playing a key role in the reinvigoration of Vancouver’s cocktail scene through his work at George in Yaletown, is a shining example of modesty. We sat down with Shaun over drinks to try and get a feel for his bartending style and mantra and it became quite obvious that his success stems from his genuine connection with and interest in his guests. Combine this with an encyclopedic knowledge of cocktail recipes and history and you can’t go wrong. If you’re in Gastown stop by L’Abattoir for a drink. Ask for Shaun.

Originally posted at EatDrinkDrink.com

in Wine & Food
Solleys-Bagels

Solley’s Bagels

These are possibly the best bagels in Vancouver. I’ve been frequenting the Main & 28th location, but there are two others to choose from also. So far favourites are “The Schmear” and the Knish. Authentic Jewish baking as it’s billed.

SolleysBagelry.com

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Save on Meats Vancouver

While the old Save on Meats location in the sketchy Downtown Eastside of Vancouver may have got a new coat of paint and a slight revamp, if you listen carefully you can still hear the hum of the old neon that has so marked this famous Van City landmark.

The restauranteur Mark Brand, who may now be carrying the title of “King of Gastown” for his efforts in recoolifying the neighbourhood, stepped in to save this historic sight and breathe new life into the place — but not too much new life.

Menu items include meatloaf, mac & cheese, fried chicken, and grilled cheese sandwiches. The pricing is affordable, and aside from being much cleaner and slightly spruced up, the place feels relatively the same as it always has.

Not to be confused with fine dining, the new Save on Meats appears to be here to serve up some honest food, in a cool old space, in a way that still serves and fits the community. It’s worth checking it out if not for any other reason than just to soak up the atmosphere and wonder about all of the people that have been through this place before you. Continue Reading

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Deacon’s Corner

Deacon’s Corner is Vancouver’s original redux diner. Located on Main & Alexander on the outskirts of Gastown in the Downtown Eastside, the nouveau greasy spoon is diner to an eclectic mix of Vancouver locals including artists and the Vancouver Police Department, whose headquarters is just up the street.

The menu is classic diner and well executed. Grilled cheese, fish & chips, sometimes meatloaf, reuben sandwiches and mac & cheese. Oh, and they serve beer. Win, win. Check out the current menu at DeaconsCorner.ca.

101 Main Street
Vancouver BC
(corner of Alexander St.)
604.684.1555
email: info@deaconscorner.ca

Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm
Weekends 9am – 5pm

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Nelson the Seagull

The peculiar name comes from a hit South African folk song titled And the Seagull’s Name was Nelson, and drawing on that inspiration the owners of Nelson the Seagull, the Gastown cafe/eatery, have brought some South African flair to the eclectic collection of coffee shops and restaurants in the Gastown neighbourhood.

Over the past five years or so Gastown has undergone a reformation, and has quickly gone from tourist kitsch to Soho chic, with Nelson epitomizing that shift.

Old bricks and beams, reminiscent of a New York Soho “old meets new” architectural charm, adorn this particular cafe. The space is wide open and airy with a very relaxed vibe.

This certainly isn’t Starbucks in a hurry, nor is it a great place to work with your laptop, but it is a great place to meet and chat with friends. The Americano and poached eggs on toast from fresh baked bread were both decent, and the space was charming. Friendly, but slightly slow service, and a lack of useful seating was a bit of a downer, but otherwise I would go back. Also, my friend Kurtis Kolt scolded me for not trying the homemade lemonade, which is supposed to be delicious.

More or less if they add a few tables and chairs this place would be amazing!

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Coffee Bar Gastown

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Gastown has become a venerable stable of cool coffee shops, but Coffeebar is one of the standouts. The 49th Parallel coffee has a nice nuttiness to it and the espresso machine by the dutch maker Kees van der Westen is an amazing piece of craftsmanship, but also a nice departure from all of the La Marzocco machines that are ubiquitous around town. Located right near the Gassy Jack circle this is one of the best spots for coffee in Gastown. They also have enough space to work, and free wireless, almost a requirement these days, but I still think of it as a bonus!