Living and dining in Vancouver’s Chinatown - an insider’s view

Good morning!

It seems as if the hangover from the holidays has subsided as life appears to be returning back to normal. Word on the street is that bars and restaurants are filling up, and that isn’t solely because of Dine Out. A positive revelation to learn for sure.

In addition to this reality, Chinatown saw the return of its beloved Lunar New Year parade, an event even our highest elected officials wouldn’t miss. Check out this juicy photo op. Who knew our Premier stood so tall?

In recognition of said Lunar New Year, today’s edition will focus on businesses in Chinatown and the select topics their narratives are built around. 

Let’s get to it.

— Jamie Mah, Vancity Lookout Eats food editor

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NEIGHBOURHOOD

A tale of two world's  -  living and dining in Vancouver's Chinatown

POLL

Favourite Chinatown bar to go for a hot date?

• Bao Bei

• The Keefer Bar

• Pizza Coming Soon

• Laowai

• Kissa Tanto

• Other

INTERVIEW

Interview: Alex Black on Bagheera, Laowei and speakeasies

DRINKS

Confession: I really love piña coladas

In the continuing spirit of all that is Chinatown, I am offering you this confession, one that is silly and just and all too well perfect. At the end you’ll see why and thank me I did. 

I’m not supposed to like piña coladas, yet, I love them so much. They’re absolutely delicious! I’m bringing this up today because I wish I was in Mexico or Hawaii. It’s late January and those winter traveling blues have hit. I long to be on a beach with one strapped to my hand. 

Again, this is a confession I’m struggling to understand. I’m not supposed to enjoy piña coladas as much as I do. I say this knowing full well that mojitos are good, but one is usually enough. Daiquiris are much the same. Beer when you’re by the pool just doesn’t feel right. As does wine. But a piña colada? That crushed ice dream done just right can taste so damn good, and again, having just one is not an option.

To walk away from the ocean or the pool, bloated and full from several piña coladas, is to me, the best way to enjoy the niceties of a tropical vacation.

Let’s long together. Le sigh. 

But before we do that, I’m going to offer a mighty claim. The piña colada is the greatest cocktail ever invented. Period. There’s no disputing its elite status. The old fashioned doesn’t appeal to everyone. Same goes for negronis. Martinis are for guys named James. Gin and tonics are for when you’re drunk, and even then they’re not always what you want. 

But a piña colada? 

Who in their right mind has ever said not to one? It’s never happened! And it never will. 

Each and every time one is ordered, smiles abound from ear to ear. It’s as if Saint Nick was coming to town and everyone was good this year. A piña colada is the best gift you can give yourself bar none.

So there you have it. My first confession. I love piña coladas.

Go go go!: Keefer Street's Bao Bei has been home to the best piña colada since day one. Yes, you can get one all year long. So if the winter traveling blues have you too, do go and make yourself happy with several. 

• Pro tip: They’re also offering a special Lunar New Year menu until Feb 4th.   

HISTORY

Remembering Vie's Chicken & Steaks

Chinatown has much to enjoy as the year of the Rabbit jumps into swing. But the history of this area has with it a great many originators. Vie’s Chicken & Steaks was (as word has it) a truly memorable space, and it was a mere few steps from my front door. Take a trip down memory lane with this video to learn more of one of the true food pioneers of this area.