Vancouver Foodie Cookbook Series Releases a Delicious Gastown Edition

Gastown has evolved to become one of the most exciting destinations in the city for mouth-watering eating. The area, rich in history and cobblestone charm, has experienced a renaissance of late that has translated into a diverse array of restaurants, from unassuming cafes to fine dining establishments.

Those who would like to try making these restaurants’ dishes when they return home are in luck.

The Gastown Foodie Cookbook has now launched, with a wealth of incredible recipes collected from prominent and beloved restaurants in the neighbourhood. After the success of the North Shore and East Van Foodie Cookbooks, photographer/publisher/editor Brad Hill and writer Chris Dagenais teamed up to produce this stunningly gorgeous Gastown version.

The two local residents (Hill originally hails from Melbourne, Australia) are committed to celebrating the unique characters and food cultures of specific Vancouver neighbourhoods. This edition features over 100 recipes (eg starters, mains, sides, cocktails, baked goods, desserts) from 37 different restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, bakeries, and breweries in the area. Recipes range from simple ones that beginner cooks can easily achieve, to ones that require more specialized ingredients and more complex skills.

Notable contributors include:

Bauhaus Restaurant (1 West Cordova)
Marinated Spot Prawns
Pulp Figtion
Dry-aged Strip Loin

Guilt & Co (10-1 Alexander Street)
Team Zissou
Intergalactic

La Mezcaleria (68 East Cordova Street)
Queso Fundido with Salsa Verde
Lamb Barbacoa
Mezcal & Tequila

Nuba (207 West Hastings Street)
Halloumi Mezze
Mjadra with Tahini Sauce
Half Chicken with Patata Harra

Nicli Antica Pizzeria (62 East Cordova Street)
Burrata with Peperonata
Pizza Margherita
Lemon Panna Cotta

Pidgin (350 Carrall Street)
Spring Salad

Korean Rice Cake Gochujang Pork Bolognese

Pourhouse Restaurant (162 Water Street)
Smoked Salmon Tartare

Warm Olives

Steamworks Brewing Company (375 Water Street)
Oatmeal Stout Pulled Pork Sandwich

Wildebeest
Bone Marrow

Duck Pappardelle
Elk Loin
Cognac West
Horseradish Sour

What makes the Vancouver Foodie Cookbook Series so special is an equal devotion to the history and stories that make-up an area of town. This Gastown version celebrates the personalities and narratives of “some amazing, trail-blazing and thriving businesses in Gastown,” who have “a connection to the community that only independent local businesses can have.”

The book also examines the history and the present of Gastown, “a truly amazing place. Ask almost any visitor of their Vancouver highlights and Gastown would be in their top few responses.”

Recent snapshots of the neighbourhood are juxtaposed with archival photographs, highlighting Gastown past and present.

As well, fictionalized stories, based off of transcripts from actual interviews, are interspersed throughout the book in order to examine the complexities of an evolving neighbourhood that blends heritage with entrepreneurial spirit and a resilient local community.

Partial proceeds of book sales will benefit food-related charities and businesses who provide opportunities (education, training, employment, social connections) to individuals facing barriers to employment and training: Hives for Humanity, East Van Roasters, and A Better Life Foundation.

Overall, The Gastown Foodie is a souvenir well-worth taking home, for both visitors and locals of Vancouver. The cookbook is available at all participating restaurants, at select bookstores in the Lower Mainland, and on-line.