diners — Vancouver Is Awesome

Vancouver Was Awesome: The Lost Neighbourhood

February 2, 2011

It’s Chinese New Year this week and while there will be dragon dances, sales, special menus, and hoopla in many Vancouver neighbourhoods — Victoria Square (at 41st) and Chinatown (near Main and Keefer) are just two — one neighbourhood seems to have been left off the invite list.

The area some of us think as “The Chicken District” (or home of The Chair Factory) was slated to become Chinatown II. In about 1910, the city made some attempt to move Chinatown over to the area near Franklin and Woodland. A number of businesses did move, and buildings investments were made — of particular note is a $15,000 Buddhist temple and rooming house (no longer standing) and an apartment building on the SE corner of Franklin and Woodland (still standing).

The building is memorable to some for its recent history as a notorious “Vancouver waterfront” bar, but it is particularly notable because it was designed by W.H. Chow, a Chinese-Canadian architect whose other projects can still be found in Chinatown. …READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

Written by: Rhiannon Coppin |
Category: Architecture, Our History, Vancouver Was Awesome Series

The Veggie Option: The Templeton

November 17, 2010

There are some really great vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vancouver, and as a vegetarian, I love them. My meat loving friends, not so much.

As the veggie, a lot of times when eating out you have to suck it up and hope that there’s more than a lame iceberg salad on the menu. If you’re a meat eater, it may be annoying to worry about the vegetarian in the bunch. So, let myself and my carnivorous friends eat out for you!

With the veggie option, my hope is to give you a review of the meat free options available at restaurants around the city. A meat lover will weigh in on their dishes as well. Then we can be happy and eat together in harmony, give peas a chance, blah blah nom nom.

Please note, I am a food enthusiast, not a trained chef. I also may have a drink or 4 while eating these meals. User discretion is advised.

Restaurant: The Templeton 1087 Granville Street http://thetempleton.ca/

Eaters: Josh, an emphatic meat lover and vegetarian experimenter. He is going vegan for a month.
Lana, a vegetarian who would like to write a menu of food & music mash-ups (ex. Chicken CacciaToriAmos)
Amanda, the type of person who eats to live, but still appreciates a good tasting dish..
Lizzy, a vegetarian born to a bacon loving Jew and roast adoring Canadian. She kisses boys who devour Alberta beef.

If you enjoy a good diner, then you must go to The Templeton. Their authentic décor is still kitschy retro, though their menu has kept up with the times. They have a great list of vegetarian and vegan options. If you’re a veg who misses gravy or bacon with a wild passion, they use mushroom gravy and have veggie bacon, so go to town! Meat eaters should be pleased to know they feature organic and free range meats.

The Templeton is a small diner, so expect a little wait during dinner hours and especially on weekends. They serve breakfast daily until 3pm, and are fully licensed (in case you crave a spiked milkshake at 2pm).

What we ate:

Amanda: Poutine, house chipped fries, aged white cheddar topped with vegan mushroom gravy

Josh: Vegan Lentil Loaf, lentils, veggies and nuts with a hint of curry, with fries a side of mushroom gravy

Lizzy: Asian Noodle Salad …READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

Written by: Lana Gay |
Category: Food and Drink, The Veggie Option

Posts tagged with “diners”

Vancouver Was Awesome: The Lost Neighbourhood

The Veggie Option: The Templeton