While we consider our food tour a great way to explore Vancouver’s restaurant scene, there are plenty of food lovers, experts, and enthusiasts among us. Every Friday, we will feature one of Vancouver’s best food bloggers that has notable taste in food, drink, and culture.

Today’s feature: Victoria of Victoria’s Food Secrets

Victoria enjoying a delicious burger beachside

In her own words: Victoria’s Food Secrets was created as a hobby while I was traveling back and forth regularly between the US and Canada for work and has become something more over the past few years. I’ve always had a great passion for food and grew up on a farm in Northern BC, and wanted to document my experiences so I wouldn’t forget them.

My reviews often tell a story of what’s happening in my life, and go beyond just the description of the food itself for restaurants in Vancouver and also during my travels throughout the world.  I also include ‘fork’ ratings for each dish and various aspects of the restaurants that I visit, to help readers get a better sense when looking for a new place to dine.

Follow her on Facebook or Twitter @victoriachemko for their most recent updates.

5 Questions for Victoria’s Food Secrets:

If you could encapsulate Vancouver in 1 restaurant dish, what would it be?

It would have to be a fusion dish for sure! With so many cuisines and cultures in this city, there is such a large variety that can be found in our beautiful city. This doesn’t just include the food and people (including my half-Asian, half-Eastern European self), but even the types of activities you can do here – from skiing on local mountains in the morning, to swimming or kayaking in the ocean in the afternoon. You can really find it all in Vancouver.

What BC food or drink product can you not live without?

Local fresh seafood. Although I haven’t spent more than 2 days in Japan so have to exclude it, in my travels over the years I still cannot find as good quality fish – particularly sockeye salmon.

If you could change 1 thing about Vancouver’s food scene, what would it be?

More quick and easy food carts. It’s great that we now have a variety of these available throughout the city, but I’d still be happy for even more, like on the streets of NYC or Bangkok. I love to be able to walk less than a block, see something that entices me and just go for it!

If you had $5 in your pocket, where would you grab lunch in Vancouver?

The only answer that comes to me right away is Vietnamese food – either banh mi (subs) or a small bowl of pho from Vancouver Vietnamese Restaurant on Main near King Edward. There’s really not a lot you can get for under $5 anymore that would fill me up!

What would be your last meal on earth before a zombie apocalypse?

Definitely a last meal of home-cooked Thai food and perogies! Growing up in a mixed family – with a Thai mother and a Ukrainian father – all of our feasts and holiday dinners would incorporate a combination of both cuisines that my mom would lovingly create.  To me, this is the epitome of comfort food.

Stay tuned for more food blogger features on Twitter or Facebook. Do you have a unique, kick butt food blog or know somebody that does? Got questions that you’d like us to ask upcoming bloggers? Let us know by emailing info [at] vancouverfoodtour [dot] com!

Maren Walker works in Communications and Relations for Vancouver Food Tour. Originally from California, living in Vancouver, BC via Texas. Lover of culinary adventures, food trucks, craft beer, travel, hiking and design.

Follow her on twitter @marenw