Yaletown has had its up and downs and people either love it or hate it.
Once an artistic and independent neighbourhood, after it got popular it was dominated with chain restaurants and party-goers. The quaint neighourhood became an overpriced destination where locals wanted to live and tourists wanted to visit.
The place where almost every yuppie wanted to be (still true today) has gone through many transformations, especially in the restaurant scene.
In the last few years Yaletown has been trying to find its roots. While some of the classics still remain, many restaurants have come and gone.
Yaletowns popularity may have peaked, but that doesnt mean it cant have a second wind. Its still a cosmopolitan area with restaurants worth trying.
The 9th Annual Taste of Yaletown (TOY) runs from October 16 to 27 and while these events might not be representable of restaurants on a regular night, its a good excuse to try some of the special TOY menus and support local businesses. Set menus are $25, $35, and $45 and range from three to seven courses.
This year, there are a record 30 participating restaurants, and for the first time they are offering a Yaletown Lunch Trolley service which transports people from the downtown area to Yaletown on Thursdays and Fridays for lunch and drops them back within the hour.
A few highlights include:
Good Wolfe: Co-owner and chef Josh Wolfe (also owner of the Fresh, Local, Wild food truck) opened his restaurant in July this year. With mains under $25, a Chefs Tasting Menu starting at $40 and affordable lunches, its become an instant hit.
La Pentola della Quercia: Sister restaurant of La Quercia, La Pentola is good use of the Opus Hotel space which has seen a few restaurants in the past. Its Sunday Supper Series (last Sunday of every month) is worth going to.
Minami: Always a favourite for me, its a Pacific Northwest take on traditional Japanese food. Sister restaurant Miku is traditional, but there are overlapping menu items.
Urban Thai Bistro: I havent been since its sexy new make over, but its new lounge-like atmosphere brings a new crowd.
West Oak: Peter Girges opened West Oak this year. A bit inconsistent with its eat local philosophy, the things Id go back for are the Triple-Cooked Fries and Brussel Sprouts & Bacon.
Find Mijune at Vancouver Aquariums Toast to the Coast on Oct. 18, judging That Barista Thing from 11 a.m. 4 p.m. at Library Square, and cooking for Social Bites #DinnerPartyYVR (Vancouvers global dinner party; tickets at SocialBites.ca.) She will be emceeing Vancouver Home & Design cooking demonstrations for Chef Makoto Ono from PiDGiN at 11:30am andChef Matsu from Miku at 4pm on Oct. 20, and judging at BC Hospitality Foundations Skills and Spills, Vancouvers very first industry games, on Oct. 20 at the Hellenic Centre. Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter @followmefoodie.
