Food options in this city are going far beyond the standard dripping steak at The Keg. Vancouverites have a reputation for healthy living, and this is not limited to weekend ski trips, Grouse grinds and paddle-boarding. At the same time, living healthy in Vancouver is combined with a taste for culinary excellence. Not satisfied with placing a granola bar on a silver dish, restaurants in Vancouver have stepped up to the dining plate. More and more fine eateries that combine healthy, ethical dining with a taste of class are opening.
In the past year alone, new vegetarian/vegan restaurants are helping to break the stereotypes and create an atmosphere that a variety of diners can enjoy. These new locations are not only aimed at clientele pursuing a certain dietary lifestyle, but also provide a casually upscale atmosphere and food that meets the demand of the general connoisseur, not just the vegetarian.
For both the adventurous foodie and the neighborhood local who just wants a decent meal, establishments such as Acorn, Graze, Gorilla Raw, and Heirloom meet the call for good ambience and a menu that just happens to be health-conscious. As Michael Lyons of Graze puts it, Youre not sacrificing everything because youre on a date with a vegetarian girlfriend.
This new wave has actually helped similar restauranteurs, even though they all strive to offer unique aspects of dining. If a restaurant in Kits turns someone on to vegetarian food, they might seek more of that, said Aaron Ash of Gorilla Food. David Kenny, the manager of the comparatively more upscale Heirloom, agreed. These businesses create awareness of vegetarianism. No one is feeling the heat.
Many of these restaurants have spread that awareness via word-of-mouth, in true gourmand fashion. Other resources such as Yelp have also strengthened their reputation, as one customer tells his/her experience to a much wider audience.
Heirloom and Graze are each about a year old, but theyre already establishing roots in their neighborhoods. Were for everybody people just want to eat better food, said Kenny. Lyons at Graze echoed this: We get a range of clientele, from new foodie hipsters whos interested in new things, new ingredients, to older educated foodies with more dispensable incomes.
That doesnt stop food explorers from other parts of the Lower Mainland; both Graze and Heirloom claim to be destination locations with a clientele thats willing to travel miles in search of something different.
The trend isnt limited to fine dining. Gorilla Foods caters to counter service lunchtime crowds, and Graze intends to open their second floor to a more casual experience where customers can watch the game while enjoying healthy comfort food.
Still, the bottom line is about the ethical, healthy lifestyle that the West Coast is renowned for. The dining environment may be pleasant, but ultimately, nutrition is key. As Kenny says, People want to live longer.
Its a choice a lot of people in the city find appealing.
Check out the Metro Vancouver Veg Directory for an up-to-date listing of vegan, vegetarian and veg-friendly restaurants, retailers, services and more. There is also a free app for iPhone and Android phones, making it a handy resource for Meatless Mondays, visiting relatives and friends, date night, and for anyone looking to enjoy the benefits of a plant-based meal. Earthsave.ca/vegdirectory
