Author: Stan S.

Sure, Vancouver’s seawall is the popular place to bike, but that doesn’t mean the suburbs can’t be too — with a few fixes. In the latest episode of the popular About Here video series on urban solutions (180,000 YouTube subscribers and counting), creator Uytae Lee takes a set of two wheels into the land of “cars, cul-de-sacs and Costcos.” “On the surface, it’s easy to think that cycling would just never be possible in neighbourhoods like this,” he says in the opening, “but the evidence actually suggests that might not be true.” The obvious problem is that lots of infrastructure is dedicated to cars and that the landscape is too vast. But Lee challenges us to look again. Wide roads might be built for cars, but they actually make for a roomy cycling experience. Suburbs might be monotonous, but that means everyone’s got schools and shopping close by. And looking at resident surveys from sprawling cities like Surrey, it’s not distance that’s preventing people from hopping on a bike, but worries about safety. In the video, Lee cycles routes in two cities to sample the experience: Surrey in Metro Vancouver and Saanich on Vancouver Island. The inner streets of both are lovely and calm, a kind of Spielbergian setting that would be familiar to the cycling kids of E.T. or Stranger Things. But on the main roads, with cars, buses and trucks? Separation is key to safety. Surrey’s Fraser Highway has only painted lines to protect cyclists. Lee’s commute here proved treacherous, with drivers and a giant 503 bus speeding right into his lane. (In the words of one YouTube commenter: “Uytae out here taking his life in his hands cycling Fraser Highway to deliver premium About Here content.”) In Saanich, on the other hand, cyclists on the main road are protected by a physical barrier. The path even feeds into the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, once a freight railway built during the First World War and now a green and picturesque cycling route that takes you from the suburbs into Victoria. Surrey: Eek! Screencap from the “About Here” video. Saanich: Ooh! Screencap from the “About Here” video. Paying for this infrastructure and finding the political support for it can be difficult, though, says Lee. Perhaps the biggest hurdle is to accept that there’s no such thing as a natural place for cars. A good cycling network can happen even in the suburbs, offering people another option to get around. “Our cities don’t have to look like Amsterdam or Copenhagen to be good for cycling,” says Lee. Check out the video above for About Here’s usual mix of data, snappy solutions, and Lee’s delightfully geeky passion for improving our cities. *** Christopher Cheung is a reporter at The Tyee, where this story originally appeared. The post Cycling in the Suburbs Doesn’t Have to Suck appeared first on Spacing Vancouver.

Fabric Living has submitted a rezoning application for a site at 3295-3333 Commercial Drive in East Vancouver for a new lowrise rental building. The 33,158 SF site is located on Commercial Drive near East 18th Avenue. The proposal is to allow for the development of a 5-storey residential rental building and includes: 115 market rental units; an outdoor pool; a total density of 2.15 FSR; and A building height of 67 ft. This application is being considered under the Secured Rental Policy. The full application can be viewed here: https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/3295-3333-commercial-dr The architect for the project is TKA+D. The post 115 Unit Rental Building Proposed for Commercial Drive Site appeared first on Vancouver Market.

With a crispy golden exterior and fluffy texture, these roast potatoes are prepared the traditional British way (without skins and par-boiled before roasting) and are really easy to make. Naturally vegan and the perfect side dish! There are few things in life better than a roast potato (although maybe a hasselback potato would come in close second.) But when I moved to Canada, I remember being surprised to learn that the fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside golden nuggets I’d grown up with in the UK didn’t exist here. Instead, North Americans generally make roasties by cutting up potatoes (with the skin on) and just roasting them in the oven from raw. And of course there’s nothing wrong with this at all, but as someone who is potato-OBSESSED, I would argue that isn’t a true roast potato. When made using the British cooking process in this fool-proof recipe, roast potatoes have a crunchy, golden skin and a deeply fluffy inside. Serve them with gravy and a few side dishes , or go the whole way and make an English-style Sunday roast dinner with a nut loaf , stuffing , roasted carrots , Yorkshire puddings and steamed veg. Perfect for Christmas dinner or any time you want something delicious and comforting. Why roast potatoes cooked the British way are best Bold statement I know. Here’s why I think the British way is the best: It gives the crispiest roast potatoes – By removing the skins then shaking potatoes after parboiling, the fat soaks into them and you end up with roasties that have a deliciously crunchy outside. They’re SO fluffy – I’m not exactly sure why, but I think the combination of peeling the potatoes then parboiling allows moisture to escape while they’re cooking, stopping them from going mushy inside. Love what you see? Get my once-monthly newsletter with my latest recipes straight to your inbox! Yes, I agree to the processing of my personal data to receive email marketing. /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */ Leave this field empty if you’re human: Are English roast potatoes vegan? Not always. Traditionally, people have used duck fat, goose fat or other animal fats to make roast potatoes, so they’re not always suitable for those following a plant-based diet. Nowadays, most people use some kind of oil for roasting potatoes, whether that’s olive, vegetable or avocado, so they’re often vegan. 2 simple ingredients Potatoes – I like using Yukon Golds (see note below). Use larger potatoes to make peeling them simpler! Oil – Avocado oil is my go-to option. Feel free to use your favourite unflavoured olive or vegetable oil (be sure to use one that is stable at a high temperature). Which potatoes are best for roasting? In my opinion, here in Canada Yukon Gold potatoes are the best for roasting, because they fall right in the middle of the waxy-starchy spectrum and they’re a creamy potato. Although Russet potatoes and red potatoes will work, they tend to be starchy and end up with a less creamy center than roasted Yukon potatoes. Likewise, if you use potatoes that are too waxy, they won’t fluff on the inside. If you’re in a different country, aim for a potato that sits halfway between waxy and starchy. How to make British roast potatoes Heat oven to 350℉/175℃. Peel potatoes, then cut into roughly 2-inch pieces (usually quartered or halved, depending on size of potatoes). Place in a large pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce heat and simmer potatoes for 10 minutes, until just getting soft. While cooking potatoes, add oil to a large roasting pan or baking sheet and place in oven to heat for a few minutes. Drain spuds, then place back into pot and give them a good shake for a few seconds, to fluff up the edges of the potatoes. Add to baking sheet in a single layer and toss in hot fat until well covered. Roast in hot oven for 25 minutes until edges are just starting to turn golden. Flip potatoes with spatula and roast another 25 minutes until golden all over. Serve with gravy, and your favourite main and/or side dishes! Expert tips Be sure to fluff! Don’t skip shaking potatoes in the pan after parboiling and draining – it makes their edges fluffy and means you’ll get crispy roast potatoes. Don’t overboil. This can lead to mushy potatoes that fall apart when you roast them. They’ll still taste delicious, but they won’t hold their shape so well. Storage When cooled, store any leftover roast potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can you eat cold roast potatoes? Yes! In fact, cold roast potatoes dipped in vegan gravy are one of my favourite things. How to reheat roast potatoes? Preheat oven to 400°F/205°C and spread potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover in foil (to stop them drying out) and reheat for about 15 minutes until hot all the way through. Can you freeze roast potatoes? Technically you can freeze roast potatoes, but I don’t recommend it. The texture is never the same and they really much better enjoyed fresh! Variations Roasted potatoes with rosemary – Add ½-1 teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary to potatoes before roasting for an aromatic flavour. Herb roasted

Anxiety has become a common concern in today’s fast-paced world, with millions of people looking for natural ways to manage their symptoms. Cannabis has become a potential fix in recent years since it provides a more all-encompassing way for relaxation. The  ottawa dispensary gives Ottawa citizens a natural route to wellbeing and a variety of items meant to aid with anxiety. How Cannabis Helps with Anxiety Compounds known as cannabinoids abound in cannabis; two most well-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which controls other essential activities, stress, and mood. Particularly CBD is well-known for its relaxing properties free of the “high” that THC usually generates. Because CBD can assist lower symptoms without compromising cognitive ability, it is a common choice for alleviation of anxiety. Many of the CBD-dominant items available in Ottawa come from oils and tinctures to pills and sweets. These choices allow people the freedom to select a good that most fits their comfort level and way of life. Ottawa stores fit for a daily CBD oil dosage or a soothing tasty at the end of a demanding day. Why Choose a Dispensary in Ottawa? Buying cannabis for anxiety from an ottawa dispensary offers one benefit in terms of quality assurance and direction. Reputable Ottawa cannabis stores are under stringent guidelines and control to guarantee products are safe and potent. Many of these stores feature experienced employees who can walk consumers through their options, including the possible advantages and advised dosages of every item. For people new to cannabis, particularly in addressing particular health issues like anxiety, this assistance is priceless. Types of Products Available Ottawa stores provide several choices for individuals controlling anxiety: CBD Oils and Tinctures:  Perfect for individuals with exact dose control desired. Usually taken sublingually for fastest absorption, these Capsules:  for people looking for a pre-measured dosage, a handy choice. Edibles:  Perfect for constant relief all day, great for a gradual, long-lasting impact. Vapes:  Though it may not be appropriate for everyone, vaping provides quick relief for those who want immediate effects. Cannabis offers Ottawa citizens suffering with anxiety a reasonable, natural substitute for conventional medications. Examining the products available at nearby cannabis stores helps people to choose one that supports a calm and healthy way of life. See a healthcare provider to make sure cannabis fits your wellness regimen; let Ottawa’s stores help you find natural anxiety alleviation.

We’re not sure exactly when this warehouse was built, but it was probably approved in 1909. The building didn’t exist in 1909, and had been completed by 1910 when it was owned by G H Cottrell, who leased some of it to the Alberta British Columbia Grain & Supply Co. However, a couple of references in The Province suggest Mr Cottrell acquired, rather than built the warehouse. They reported in 1908 “Designs for a new three-story brick and concrete public storage warehouse to be erected for Mr. A. C. Flumerfelt of Victoria on Railway street, near Gore avenue, have Just been completed by Mr. A. A. Cox, architect, of Montreal, who is now in the city. Construction work will be started shortly. The building will be 132×66 feet, It will be completed next May, and will cost $30,000.” By March 1909 the building had become five storeys. Mr Flumerfelt was from Markham, Ontario, and arrived in Victoria after working in Winnipeg, and held interests in valuable mines, lumber and other investments throughout BC. He lived in a big house in Victoria that he had designed by Samuel Maclure in 1896. In December 1915 he was appointed Minister of Finance and Agriculture in the BC Government. The earliest reference to the address in the press is from 1910, when there was an auction at Mr Cottrell’s address of  cases of  ‘syrup, corn starch, household starch and the finest grades of laundry starch’. The earliest permit we can find is from 1911 when Mr Cottrell spent $20,000 on repairs, hiring Baynes and Horie to carry out the work. Mr Cottrell still owned the building in 1920, and his company carried out further repairs in 1927, and in 1929 when Baynes and Horie were hired again. Mr Cottrell was in Vancouver in 1899, when he was ticket agent for the Canadian Pacific Railway, and in 1903 he was offering space in his warehouse (former Wilson Bros) on Water Street. He had an office in 139 Water in 1909, when he was offering ‘Warehouse to Rent, one or two floors on railway siding’. In 1910 his advert changed to read ‘Burnt Out, but still doing business in my other storage warehouses’. He developed another warehouse on Cambie Street in 1911, and his address switched to 349 Railway in August 1911, after the work here. While he claimed to be the architect of the repair work here in 1911, he hired Parr and Fee to design a building in 1910 on Powell, and the Cambie Street warehouse as well as designing alterations to his Water Street building in 1911 (the year after George’s mother died). In 1915 the Pacific Importing Co applied to transfer their wholesale licence from here to a Beatty Street warehouse, and a month later Henry Cheshyre Janion applied for a wholesale liquor licence for the building. Seven men were arrested that year after stealing $1,000 of goods. In the 1920s it was home to Martin and Matthews, who stocked a complete selection of Ferodo Bonded Asbestos Brake Linings (Made in England). In 1929 Mr Cottrell and four men were pumping tupentine from a tanker car on the siding behind the warehouse into drums, when there was a fire. Two men had burns serious enough to end up in hospital, and the warehouse stock suffered smoke damage. In 1930 there was break in, and $10 was stolen from the office. That year Samuel Gilfix distributed Carillon Cheese, from Ottawa, from the warehouse, ‘full of body-building goodness’. Weber and Thompson operated from here in 1931, BC and Alberta agents for Gold Dust washing powder, and also Gold Dust non-freezable shoe polish, both manufactured in Hamilton. Martin, Matthews and Hammond were still occupying space in 1932, and had added Monarch Batteries from Kingston, Ontario as well as Defiance spark plugs and the Atlas Hydro Hoist, manufactured in Esquimalt and capable of raising a car five feet into the air in one minute. In 1933 37 cases of tinned milk (worth $300) were stolen from the premises, and to add insult to injury the burglars stole a company truck to transport the goods. Two men were arrested ten days later. In 1939 two juveniles were apprehended on the premises with ‘a variety of stolen goods’. In 1947 the building was sold for $80,000 by F H and H C Cottrell and M E Dunlop to F C Myers Ltd. Cottrell’s built a new $100,000 warehouse on Terminal Avenue. Before the company could move, a light-fingered delivery driver stole six radios, while collecting generators from the warehouse. Fred C Myers ran a wholesale hardware business here, and in 1950 it was a distributor for the Astral baby refrigerator, which was made in Toronto and cost $153.50. (The Bank of Canada inflation calculator says that would be $1,947.15 in 2024!) That year there was a fire that caused minor damage. In 1960 there was a prolonged strike by warehouse workers who were members of the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union. That year the company were selling the Maxaw 727 circular saw for $59.95 ($623 in 2024 dollars) and the matching saw table for $39.95 ($415) when bought with a saw. It was a Father’s Day special – ‘Here’s what Dad needs to complete his vacation-time projects’. In 1963 the warehouse, and Myers business, was bought by the expanding McLellan McFeely & Prior Co for around a

Social cohesion, environmental health, and industrial development are paramount characteristics to sculpting a sustainable community. Yet a recent, ground-breaking report by a graduate student at Simon Fraser University found zoning restrictions are largely exacerbating British Columbia’s erratic housing costs and supply shortage.   With an interdisciplinary knowledge of geography and environmentalism, Nathan Zemp’s scholarly endeavour aims to explore how informed economic frameworks and municipal land regulations can effectively empower policy changes around purchasing an affordable property. His report on stagnant zoning bylaws across 30 cities in British Columbia combined an aggregated summary of previous data from 2016 and recent statistics to derive riveting conclusions on the province’s housing phenomenon. From height restrictions to floor area ratio and design guidelines, Nathan asserts conservative policies around housing infrastructures make it difficult to address inflated rent and growing sociodemographic demands.    “A lot of people believe that off-zoning is bad and leads to unaffordability,” says Nathan in a video call.  “But adversely, preventing gentrification to keep things affordable is the complete opposite. Of course, new buildings are more expensive than older buildings. But the cost and supply of new buildings is needed to keep up with the population growth, otherwise, rent will rise expeditiously.”  In fact, numerous existing pieces of literature examining the socioeconomic shift in gentrified neighborhoods have attested to reap significant benefits. Despite its insidious reputation as an urban ravager, redeveloping debilitated communities has enhanced long-term educational opportunities, local industrial expansion, and reduced violent crime rates. To illustrate, a 2019 study from New York University which analyzed previous data of gentrified areas between 2009 to 2015, found the process has immensely helped sustain local population growth through improved living conditions and economic growth.   As a result, Nathan asserts a major reform in Vancouver’s conservative zoning bylaws is necessary to not only meet the surging sociodemographic needs of various communities but to expand access to property ownership among youths. However, due to inflated rent, the housing market is currently monopolized by upper-class residents and those upholding longer generational status. “That is why you see houses selling for millions and millions of dollars,” says Nathan. “As a result of the housing shortage not only are the prices overinflated in Vancouver, but rent is also overinflated because not enough apartment buildings can be built to keep up with demands.”  Fortunately, in an attempt to decentralize ownership opportunities, Nathan’s riveting commentary on the zoning effect suggests housing infrastructure should be situated across broader, hyperdense patches of land to reduce property costs. “There are so many more apartments that instead of only the richest, it would go from 60 percent of people only able to afford apartments to 90 or 95 percent of people,” says Nathan. “When you get rid of this artificial constraint on housing, land becomes less expensive and that makes it more possible for organizations like BC Housing and nonprofits to build public housing for those who still can’t afford rent. So, it makes the prices go down, which makes it easier for the middle class and upper end of poor people to afford housing.” “Contribution of the Zoning Effect to Metro Vancouver House Prices Over Time” from the Housing Prices in British Columbia: Quantifying the Zoning Effect by Nathan Zemp. However, as rapid population growth and scarce housing supply continue to intensify across the province, sacred agricultural lands are under dire threat by increasing suburban expansion. Many neighborhoods across Vancouver are characterized by low-density, single-zoning regions where increased reliance on private transportation has degraded ecological health and land resources. “Our urban sprawl can only go so far and we started hitting that in a really serious way,” says Nathan. “The percentage of our land basis available for green field development today is extremely small. Much smaller than probably any other metro area in North America.”   Indeed, numerous studies on the significance of preserving arable land resources for agricultural production found promoting policies around sustainable urbanization practices can help create a robust local food supply and avoid inflated grocery costs. Nathan feels cities should be implementing policy reforms around land regulations and housing infrastructures that fulfill communal needs without environmental degradation. For instance, access to nearby transportation services is an ecological approach to addressing population growth.   However, the congested, socially enriching, and cultural vibrance of downtown regions has attracted many potential homebuyers who are outnumbering the province’s housing supply due to land restrictions. Consequently, Nathan’s astute investigation of the provincial zoning effect reveals a dire need to create flexible zoning bylaws that naturally acclimate to home ownership’s shifting sociodemographic demands. “So instead of saying this neighbourhood is for single-family homes, we can build up to the height of the tallest building within a one-block radius so that as cities grow outwards naturally, the zoning bylaws automatically allow higher buildings based on what is already in the neighborhood.”  “Contribution of the Zoning Effect to Metro Vancouver Apartments Prices Over Time” from the Housing Prices in British Columbia: Quantifying the Zoning Effect by Nathan Zemp. While this alternative solution had yet to be espoused across North American housing policies, fortunately fostering an inclusive dialogue around the importance of density around transit-oriented services has conditioned a recent provincial legislation back in March, which Nathan comments on. “It certainly won’t get rid of the zoning effect entirely, but will help reduce it.”  *** To access a downloadable version of Housing Prices in British Columbia: Quantifying the Zoning Effect

The 8th Vancouver Foodster Curry Challenge was a success featuring unique curry creations at restaurants around greater Vancouver. Each restaurant featured their creation on their menu from October 4-27, 2024 and their customers voted for their favourites daily throughout the challenge. The Winners are: 1st Place (tie): {110 points} Ban Chok Dee Thai Cuisine Southern Thai Curry with Betel leaves Price: $20 Created by: Chef A Thares  Description: Gang Graa-Ti Tai Bai-Cha-Plue – The flavourful Southern style curry with coconut milk, betel leaves and prawns served with rice noodles and fresh cilantro and ground peanut. Ingredients: Coconut milk, in-house made yellow curry paste, Chaplue leaves, Sweet chard, cilantro, palm sugar, Fish sauce, Prawns, Ground Peanut, Red pepper, green leaf, fine rice vermicelli, garlic fried and onion fried Offered: lunch and dinner Available: take out and delivery Ban Chok Dee Thai Cuisine 20395 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge Tel:(604) 459-8000 Web:https://banchokdee.com/ Instagram @banchokdeethai and @BCDThai   1st Place (tie): {110 points} Kerala Kitchen Chicken Stew and Appam Price: $18.99 Created by: Chef Sujith Raj Description: Chicken stew and appam is a delicious combination popular in South Indian cuisine, particularly in Kerala. The chicken stew is typically made with tender chicken pieces, cooked in a fragrant coconut milk base with spices like ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The stew is mild yet flavorful.Appam, on the other hand, is a type of fermented rice pancake with a soft center and crispy edges, perfect for soaking up the rich stew. Together, they create a comforting and satisfying meal. Ingredients for Chicken Stew: Chicken , Ginger, curry leaf , chilli, carrot, potato, whole gram masala, coconut milk ( gluten free , dairy free dish.) Ingredients for Appam: Coconut milk , rice flour , sugar, salt. Yeast Offered: all the time Available: for dine-in Kerala Kitchen 9386 120th Street, unit 103, Surrey Tel:  (604) 498-6919 Web:https://keralakitchen.ca/ Instagram @keralakitchensurrey 2nd Place: {104 points} Dhaliwal’s Lounge Malabar Fish & Prawn Curry  Price:$23.95 Created by: The team Description: Malabar Fish and Prawn Curry is a rich, coastal delight featuring tender fish and succulent prawns simmered in a coconut-based sauce infused with tangy tamarind, fiery green chilies, and a fragrant blend of traditional Kerala spices. This vibrant curry offers the perfect balance of heat and flavor, best enjoyed with steamed rice or flaky parathas. Ingredients: Coconut oil, Mustard seed, Fenugreek seed, Cumin seed, Curry leaves, Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Tomato, Lemon slices, Chilli powder, Turmeric powder, Coriander powder, Coconut milk, Salt and Tamarind. Offered: dine-in Available: all the time Dhaliwal’s Lounge #112 – 7938 128 Street, Surrey Tel:(604) 543-2222 Web:https://dhaliwalslounge.com/ Instagram @dhaliwalslounge 3rd Place: {102 points} Thai Ni Yom Restaurant Khao Soi Nhua Price: $24 Created by: the team Description: Authentic Northern Thailand, a rich northen Thai curry served with flat egg noodles, braising beef brisket and topped with pickles, shallots, lime cilantro and crispy noodles. Ingredients: Offered: dine-in Available: all the time Thai Ni Yom Restaurant 2953 West 4th avenue, unit 2, Vancouver Tel:(604) 736-5474 Web:https://www.thainiyom.ca/ Instagram @thainiyom.vancouver In the People’s Choice Awards category, the public who tried the Curry creations were the ones who had the opportunity to cast their vote throughout the challenge. The Winners are: 1st Place People’s Choice: Kerala Kitchen Chicken Stew and Appam Price: $18.99 Created by: Chef Sujith Raj Description: Chicken stew and appam is a delicious combination popular in South Indian cuisine, particularly in Kerala. The chicken stew is typically made with tender chicken pieces, cooked in a fragrant coconut milk base with spices like ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The stew is mild yet flavorful.Appam, on the other hand, is a type of fermented rice pancake with a soft center and crispy edges, perfect for soaking up the rich stew. Together, they create a comforting and satisfying meal. Ingredients for Chicken Stew: Chicken , Ginger, curry leaf , chilli, carrot, potato, whole gram masala, coconut milk ( gluten free , dairy free dish.) Ingredients for Appam: Coconut milk , rice flour , sugar, salt. Yeast Offered: all the time Available: for dine-in Kerala Kitchen 9386 120th Street, unit 103, Surrey Tel:  (604) 498-6919 Web:https://keralakitchen.ca/ Instagram @keralakitchensurrey 2nd Place People’s Choice: Ban Chok Dee Thai Cuisine Southern Thai Curry with Betel leaves Price: $20 Created by: Chef A Thares  Description: Gang Graa-Ti Tai Bai-Cha-Plue – The flavourful Southern style curry with coconut milk, betel leaves and prawns served with rice noodles and fresh cilantro and ground peanut. Ingredients: Coconut milk, in-house made yellow curry paste, Chaplue leaves, Sweet chard, cilantro, palm sugar, Fish sauce, Prawns, Ground Peanut, Red pepper, green leaf, fine rice vermicelli, garlic fried and onion fried Offered: lunch and dinner Available: take out and delivery Ban Chok Dee Thai Cuisine 20395 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge Tel:(604) 459-8000 Web:https://banchokdee.com/ Instagram @banchokdeethai and @BCDThai   3rd Place People’s Choice: Thai Ni Yom Restaurant Khao Soi Nhua Price: $24 Created by: the team Description: Authentic Northern Thailand, a rich northen Thai curry served with flat egg noodles, braising beef brisket and topped with pickles, shallots, lime cilantro and crispy noodles. Ingredients: Offered: dine-in Available: all the time Thai Ni Yom Restaurant 2953 West 4th avenue, unit 2, Vancouver Tel:(604) 736-5474 Web:https://www.thainiyom.ca/ Instagram @thainiyom.vancouver Our Media judges for this challenge were: Corey Lee, David Grange and Yuki No. Each media judge will have scored the creation with a maximum of 40 points as follows: Overall Taste 20 points, Originality and Uniqueness 10 points, Presentation and Appearance 10 points). The total number of points a pasta creation could earn is 120 points. Thank you to the chefs and restaurants that accepted my invitation and featured their curry on the menu for

The 10th annual Vancouver Foodster Pasta Challenge  was a success featuring creations from restaurants around greater Vancouver. Each restaurant featured their Pasta creation from October 3-27, 2024. Our media judging panel determined the ultimate winners of the challenge, and this was quite the task as each judge who tasted each creation with a rigorous process based on taste, originality/uniqueness and presentation/appearance. The Winners are: 1st Place: {112 points} Lift Bar & Grill Seafood Carbonara  Price: $45 Created by: Chris Andraza, Description: Indulge in the allure of the sea with this exquisite take on Seafood Carbonara. The journey begins with velvety squid ink Mafalda, its dark, ribbon-like strands weaving through the dish like ocean waves. Smoky bacon lardons lend a rich, savory depth, harmonizing with the briny sweetness of tender mussels and succulent clams. As you savor each bite, bursts of delicate salmon roe add a pop of freshness, while hints of seaweed evoke the essence of coastal breezes. It’s a dish where land and sea embrace, creating a symphony of flavors that linger long after the last bite. Ingredients: squid ink Mafalda, smoked bacon lardons, mussels, clams, black tiger prawns, salmon roe, and seaweed. Offered: All day, everyday Available: for dine-in only Lift Bar & Grill 333 Menchion Mews, Vancouver Tel: (604) 689-5438 Web: https://www.liftbarandgrill.com/ Instagram @liftbarandgrill 2nd Place: {104 points} Seraphina Restaurant Stop and Taste the Roses Price: $29 Created by: Chef Rory Byrne Description: Everyone is so busy in life, I wanted to create a dish that would remind people, to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life. Food has an effect on people, whether you are stopping and enjoying this on your own, or you’re sharing this bouquet with your loved ones, it was important for me to create something that would make people, Stop and Taste the Roses.   Ingredients: Caramelized red onion, truffle butter, cream, truffle infused ricotta, pasta girella. Available: Tuesday 5pm – close, Wednesday – Saturday 2pm to close. Offered: Dine-in only. Seraphina Restaurant 905 Dunsmiur Street, Vancouver Tel:604-632-4942 Web: https://www.vesperlounge.ca/about-2 Instagram @seraphinayvr 3rd Place: {102 points} Pasta Polo Scusa Mi! Pomodoro Price: $24.95 Created by: Chef/Owner  Ahyoung Baek Description: Our Pasta ‘Scusa Mi! Pomodoro’ features a base of Aglio e Olio, mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s topped with prawns and Macedonian feta cheese, served over homemade linguine. Ingredients: Garlic, Extra virgin Olive oil, Sundried tomato, Roma tomato, spinach, prawn and Macedonian Fetta Available: 12-9pm; 7 days a week Offered: take out and dine in.  Pasta Polo 2754 Barney Hwy, Coquitlam Tel:  (604) 464-7656 Web:https://pastapolo.com/ Instagram @pastapolocoquitlam In the People’s Choice Awards category, the public who tried the Pasta creations were the ones who had the opportunity to cast their vote throughout the challenge. The Winners are: 1st Place People’s Choice: Seraphina Restaurant Stop and Taste the Roses Price: $29 Created by: Chef Rory Byrne Description: Everyone is so busy in life, I wanted to create a dish that would remind people, to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life. Food has an effect on people, whether you are stopping and enjoying this on your own, or you’re sharing this bouquet with your loved ones, it was important for me to create something that would make people, Stop and Taste the Roses.   Ingredients: Caramelized red onion, truffle butter, cream, truffle infused ricotta, pasta girella. Available: Tuesday 5pm – close, Wednesday – Saturday 2pm to close. Offered: Dine-in only. Seraphina Restaurant 905 Dunsmiur Street, Vancouver Tel:604-632-4942 Web: https://www.vesperlounge.ca/about-2 Instagram @seraphinayvr 2nd Place People’s Choice: Pasta Polo Scusa Mi! Pomodoro Price: $24.95 Created by: Chef/Owner  Ahyoung Baek Description: Our Pasta ‘Scusa Mi! Pomodoro’ features a base of Aglio e Olio, mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s topped with prawns and Macedonian feta cheese, served over homemade linguine. Ingredients: Garlic, Extra virgin Olive oil, Sundried tomato, Roma tomato, spinach, prawn and Macedonian Fetta Available: 12-9pm; 7 days a week Offered: take out and dine in.  Pasta Polo 2754 Barney Hwy, Coquitlam Tel:  (604) 464-7656 Web:https://pastapolo.com/ Instagram @pastapolocoquitlam 3rd Place People’s Choice: Stanley’s Bar & Grill Short Rib Pappardelle Price: $27 Created by: Stanley’s Bar & Grill culinary team Description: Braised pulled beef short rib, marinated mushrooms, tomato red wine sauce, crispy kale, oven-dried cherry tomatoes, basil, parmigiano reggiano. Available: all the time Offered: dine-in only Stanley’s Bar & Grill 610 Pipeline Rd (inside Stanley Park), Vancouver Tel: (604) 602-3088 Web: https://stanleysbargrill.com/ Instagram @stanleysbargrill Our Media judges for this challenge were: Maggi Mei, Ray Lee and Shelley Hayashi Each media judge will have scored the creation with a maximum of 40 points as follows: Overall Taste 20 points, Originality and Uniqueness 10 points, Presentation and Appearance 10 points). The total number of points a pasta creation could earn is 120 points. Thank you to the chefs and restaurants that accepted my invitation and featured their pasta on the menu for the past few weeks during this challenge. I encourage you to visit the winning restaurants to try their pasta creations! See the  entries here. By: Richard Wolak

Specializing in the Kerala cuisine from the South Indian region in India, Chef Sujith Raj has created a menu filled with dishes you would find there using local ingredients along with spices from the region. They are one of the only restaurants in the Metro Vancouver region where you can find these dishes. 1st dish: Kerala Chicken Fry (dry on the bone) delicious flavours of the spices. 2nd dish: Fish pepper masala, it’s a spicy dish and full of flavour. 3rd dish: Chicken Stew and Appam that originates in the Kerala region of Southern India. The chicken stew is made with tender chicken pieces, cooked in a fragrant coconut milk base with spices like ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The Appam is a type of fermented rice pancake with a soft center and crispy edges, perfect for soaking up the flavourful and delicious stew. While there I also had a Fresh lime soda which was a refreshing beverage to pair with the curry dish. 4th dish: Kerala Parotta (bread) –delicate Indian flatbread that goes perfectly with the curry dishes. 5th dish: Beef Ularthiyathu (dry fry) 6th dish: Paneer masala dosa with sambar, coconut and tomato chutneys.   7th dish: Mango coconut cake Kerala Kitchen is located at 9386 120th Street, unit 103 in Surrey. You can follow them on Instagram @keralakitchensurrey By: Richard Wolak

See our Launch and Introduction about the launch of the © Urban Cartoon Syndicate and the announcement by CityHallWatch. *** Related reading: Public Hearing, Oct 22, 2024 – https://council.vancouver.ca/20241022/phea20241022ag.htm See YouTube (link here at 12:12 of 2:01:35) of Vancouver City Council standing committee meeting of 8-Oct-2024. City manager Paul Mochrie answers a question by Clr Sarah Kirby-Yung on why fewer public hearings are being scheduled lately. Excerpt: “I think we are seeing a need for fewer dates both in terms of just the process, the number of applications in queue, but also this council is quite a bit faster in processing them than the last council [under Kennedy Stewart, 2018 to 2022]. We were only able to get through three or four files per night with the previous Council. We’re seeing this Council [under Ken Sim, 2022-2026] process six and seven.” The post UCS #28: Public Hearing Supplies Arriving at City Hall appeared first on Spacing Vancouver.