Steveston is the next Gastown, culinarily speaking.
Gastown stole the spotlight in the last few years as a number of new dining and cocktail establishments emerged to resuscitated the historical neighbourhood. Gassy Jack would be proud of how Gastown is being polished back to its original luster. Now, the time has come to shift our focus to a lesser-known neighborhood that’s also thriving at great speeds. I’m point at Steveston Village in Richmond, BC to be exact.
Wine Maker’s Dinner at Tapenade Bistro: Hors d’œuvre, Duo of Dungeness Crab, Line Caught Albacore Tuna
Steveston is renown for its serene scenery and the quaint Fisherman’s Wharf. What was once a tranquil tourist attraction has flourished into a food lover’s paradise. Here, diners discover much more than fish ‘n chips shops (and there are some great ones). A valiant culinary scene lurks just beneath the surface. Tapenade Bistro, Zen Fine Chinese Cuisine, and Gudrun Tasting Room are three prime examples.
Enter to win a Self-Guided Steveston Food Tour Package below to dine at all three restaurants (valued at $350).
About the featured restaurants:
Tapenade Bistro
Situated in the heart of Steveston, Tapenade is the intersection of robust Mediterranean flavours, precise French cooking techniques, and the freshest local ingredients that BC can offer. Executive chef Alex Tung has worked under big industry names but he humbly allows his brilliant creations to speak on his behalf.
Local cheddar, duo of Free Range Lamb, White Pepper Panna Cotta
Tapenade’s highly-anticipated wine makers dinners are their claim to fame. Every month or so, the restaurant collaborates with a local winery to entertain a roomful of guests that are quick enough to snag tickets. On the casual, yet elegant evenings, the wine makers socialize with the diners over seamlessly paired food and wines. Be sure to sign-up for their newsletter for notification of upcoming events.
Tapenade Bistro 3711 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC. 604-275-5188. Twitter | Facebook
Zen Fine Chinese Cuisine
Richmond is a highly-regarded Chinese food mecca and Zen Fine Chinese Cuisine helped put it on the map. What sets this Chinese restaurant apart from many others is the chef’s uncompromising standard of perfection. Chef Sam Lau brings classic Chinese fare to life by introducing contemporary Western techniques (such as sous vide cooking) without forgoing time-honoured flavours. His specialties include long-simmering soups, fresh abalone in the shell, and succulent Berkshire pork belly. It is evident that the chef hand-picks local and sustainable ingredients and prepares them with care and flare.
Abalone in scallion and ginger, pork belly with napa cabbage, fresh coconut pudding
Upon entry, diners are invited into the spacious dining room that showcases a stunning walk-in glass wine cellar. The wines are hardly there for display. Each intricate dish on the set menus is paired with a wine suggestion; this is still a rare practice in Chinese restaurants but is gaining popularity.
Zen Fine Chinese Cuisine 120-12480 No.1 Rd Richmond B.C. 604 272 2777
Gudrun Tasting Room
Sneak away to Steveston’s oasis du fromage. This fromagerie’s simplistic yet chic aesthetic is a breath of fresh air from the otherwise nautical-themed village. Gorgeous design aside, their oversized chalkboard menu features a score of fine cheeses alongside an impressive wine and beer list. Combine handcrafted cheeses and charcuterie, solid drinks, and a chilled ambiance and an urbanite can’t really ask for more. Throw in some comfort food like mac ‘n cheese, fresh oysters, and even fondue and this modern sanctuary will easily become your second home.
Psst! Gudrun now offers Sunday brunch, with specialties such as velvety coddled eggs and fresh waffles. Pair them with a glass or three of their biodynamic wines to kick-start your week.
Gudrun Tasting Room 150 – 3500 Moncton street, Steveston, BC. 604 272 1991. Twitter
Win a Self-Guided Steveston Food Tour Package
Update: Thank you for all the wonderful entries! The winner is Jessica R (jessica**@shaw.ca). Congratulations! You have been contacted on how to claim your prize.
Tell us why we should choose you for this food tour package (e.g. celebrating a special occasion, your unusual connection to Steveston…). The most creative and memorable entry wins, as selected by the participating restaurants.
Twitter and Facebook entries are counted separately to increase your chances to win.
Enter through Twitter:
- Follow all 3 for updates: @VanFoodTour @TapenadeBistro and @IHeartGudrun
- Tweet your reason. Tweet must end with “@TapenadeBistro @IHeartGudrun & Zen on @VanFoodTour’s #StevestonFoodTour http://ow.ly/4aYSW “.
- e.g. I want to celebrate my mom’s 100th bday @TapenadeBistro @IHeartGudrun & Zen on @VanFoodTour’s #StevestonFoodTour http://ow.ly/4aYSW
Enter through Facebook:
- Share this post with 1 simple click. Tell your friends why they should enter too!
- Post your reason on Vancouver Food Tour’s wall
Package Includes:
- $100 gift certificate to Tapenade Bistro
- $100 gift certificate to Zen Fine Chinese Cuisine
- Cheese fondue and wine flights for 2 at Gudrun Tasting Room
Deadline to enter: March 20th (Sunday). The winner will be announced on March 21st (Monday)
The winner has 2 days to get in touch to the collect prize or another entry will be chosen. Must be 19 and over to enter.
Best of luck!
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Steveston has a special place in my heart because that’s where my boyfriend and I made things official. It started 3+ years ago when we were just friends – when we finally went out to a movie together, a feast of love, we decided to park at Steveston park to stay up late and talk. We ended up talking for over 2 hours without really knowing what our future was – we both knew we liked each other but neither one of us were brave enough to say or do anything about it. Finally after it hit about 1am, I said “you know, we’re both idiots right?”. Then we just sat there in silence for about 2 minutes and he said “I like you”. I returned his sentiments and the rest is history. We try to go back to Steveston park every year – two years ago, we went just to sit in the park again. Last year, we went for our first screamers at Danny’s market and then headed to dinner at Pajo’s. We walked through fisherman’s wharf at Steveston fish market, sampled some fresh uni and finished the night walking through Steveston village.
This prize would seriously be awesome to receive – we don’t go out too much because we’re so busy with work and have limited incomes to enjoy a night out, especially when it comes to dining out. We’ve yet to try any of these wonderful restaurants but have heard some many fantastic reviews on all three. Thanks for reading through my entry and for this fantastic contest! :)
I’ve lived in BC for 23 years and have never been to Steveston. It’s sad, I know, but now I’ll have an excuse!
I should win this very special (and delicious!) Steveston Food Tour package not because of my love of good food, but because of and for my mum.
For some time now, she has been in poor health, struggling with chronic pain and fatigue, enduring invasive sinus surgery and nasty reactions to drugs prescribed for her recovery, herniated disc, and deplorably poor medical treatment from her family doctor.
Her birthday is this month and I want to treat her to a experience that does not cost her a cent in any way, except for a full stomach and a big smile. Even if it was not her birthday, I would love the opportunity to treat her to such a wonderful night (or rather, nights!) out. She deserves it.
I’m pregnant and hungry!
I should win because I have never dined at any restaurant at Stevenson! A tour would be helpful… Food, even better!
Steveston has been my home for 15 years and I am grateful for each day that I live in this beautiful part of the world..and it would be wonderful to share the Steveston experience, food wise as well with a new love….
Steveston has a permanent place in my heart. It was my second home as a child and it was also where I learned to play the piano and violin. I took lessons at Arts Connection in Steveston and the people who run that place are like family to me. They took me in when I was just 8 years old when I lost my father and my mother was in a coma for four months. They took care of me when I was in need.
I’m happy to see Steveston developing into what it is now yet still managing to keep its old world charm. It definitely is a hidden gem in Richmond and these three places are what makes Steveston awesome.
Driving home from work is my favourite part of the day. Heading west towards Steveston, rain clouds make way for blue skies and sunshine. Our little oasis in a sea of grey. My now husband prosed one quiet spring evening as we walked along boardwalk, and for the past 4 years we have made Steveston our home. Each special event is celebrated in the village, bringing many friends and family to share the wonderful food and atmosphere offered by some of the best local restuarants around. Celebrating our upcoming anniversary with this tour package among our friends and family would be amazing!
I really think that I should win because:
I like in the heart of Steveston and truly support all the businesses there. I bought all the Groupons for the local shops, I always recommend my fave local spots to any tourists I run into. I dine out in the village at least once a week. I love Patrick and the amazing atmosphere and deliciousness at Gudrun – Vince at Tapenade makes a mean Caipirinha and Chef Alex Tung’s tweets are mouth watering. Zen is the only place in Steveston I have NEVER been to, but have been dying to go. I live a minute walk from Zen, and this gift certificate could turn me and my friends into life long customers!
Also, my birthday is on March 17th – it would be an awesome belated birthday present and I promise to take lots of friends with me to enjoy the prize with me :)
Fingers crossed!
I bought all the Groupons for the local shops, I always recommend my fave local spots to any tourists I run into. I dine out in the village at least once a week. I love Patrick and the amazing atmosphere and deliciousness at Gudrun – Vince at Tapenade makes a mean Caipirinha and Chef Alex Tung’s tweets are mouth watering. Zen is the only place in Steveston I have NEVER been to, but have been dying to go. I live a minute walk from Zen, and this gift certificate could turn me and my friends into life long customers!
Also, my birthday is on March 17th – it would be an awesome belated birthday present and I promise to take lots of friends with me to enjoy the prize with me :)
Fingers crossed!
I live in the village and support all the local shops and restaurants!! I bought all the Groupons for the local shops, I always recommend my fave local spots to any tourists I run into. I dine out in the village at least once a week. I love Patrick and the amazing atmosphere and deliciousness at Gudrun – Vince at Tapenade makes a mean Caipirinha and Chef Alex Tung’s tweets are mouth watering. Zen is the only place in Steveston I have NEVER been to, but have been dying to go. I live a minute walk from Zen, and this gift certificate could turn me and my friends into life long customers!
Also, my birthday is on March 17th – it would be an awesome belated birthday present and I promise to take lots of friends with me to enjoy the prize with me :)
Fingers crossed!
I have given myself a challenge for my 50th birthday this year and that is to combine my interest in food and love of Vancouver to create a culinary/food tour book for the lower mainland. I would like to provide information for locals and visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery and surprises of the different communities and the fresh and diverse tastes that you can find there… the quaint diverse neighbourhoods and natural beauty; the markets, stands, shops and restaurants. I would like to encourage people to be a tourist in their own city and when friends and family are in town they may venture a little further. Perhaps provide a few hidden secrets and adventures that only locals know. This prize would give me a wonderful opportunity to see some of the surprises that Steveston has to offer.
We understand these restaurants use local ingredients supporting local farmers and fishermen. We live near Steveston and fully support the idea of the 160km (100 mile) diet. In fact, we would ride our bicycles along the dyke in order to get into Steveston to enjoy this tour, lowering our carbon footprint even more! This is why my lovely wife and I should win this mouth watering food tour giveaway.
Why should I be chosen to win this amazing foodie prize? I have many reasons, so here goes a few….
Steveston has been a part of my life my entire life. As a child, our family would come out to Steveston to visit relatives and we would always go to Steveston with them. Back then, there were not as many amazing restaurants to choose from, but we would normally go to the Charthouse. After dinner, we would stroll around the village and window shop, all while digesting out stuffed bellies! The tradition of going to Steveston went on for decades and continues with the family we have now as others have passed on.
As an adult now, I live in the Steveston area and it is still my absolute favourite place to visit when I have a bit of spare time. I love taking in the farmer’s market every 2 weeks, to come home with fresh food and chatting with the growers of my food. I go to Steveston when I need a bit of time for myself, soaking in the fresh air, watching the amazing sunsets and remembering all of the wonderful memories I have had over my lifetime in the gorgeous fishing village.
Steveston is becoming more and more well known for it’s culinary delights, with amazing new restaurants popping up as well as places to grab a yummy treat, like Belle’s Bakeshop…and I heard a rumour that there may be a donut shop opening up soon too! Gudrun is like a secret gem, hidden away but those who find it are rewarded with amazing, local delights! Gudrun is the best place to go for weekend brunch too, the combinations they create are amazing! Zen is known for it’s amazing Chinese, I have heard them being described as the best Chinese food outside of China….who could beat that? Tapenade is the best for dinner, with chef Alex creating delicious meals sourcing the freshest local ingredients.
I would love to win this prize and be able to enjoy the best Steveston has to offer! I love supporting local restaurants that aim to create the freshest local dishes around! As a person who loves food, follows the local foodie scene and would thoroughly enjoy every second spent at these amazing Steveston restaurants, I would be honored if I was the chosen winner :) I have accomplished many things over the past year (and I just celebrated my birthday) so we would not have a shortage of things to celebrate at Tapenade, Zen and Gudrun!
I live downtown and rarely get out to Richmond, let alone the Steveston area. As convenient as it is to stay in town to go out to eat, I would love to win this prize to make my culinary experience into more of an adventure. I would make a day of going to Steveston and checking out all the local shops there, as opposed to just going out to eat and coming home. I’ve heard great things about this area and would love to get out there and see for myself!
I am a transplant here in BC, and have yet to meander off to Steveston for a culinary adventure. In fact, I haven’t been out for a spectacular dinner in quite sometime. I would love to share this experience with my dear family, who I never get to see, because they live 4000 miles away, on the other side of the country. They are finally coming out to visit, following my dad’s arduous, but triumphantly epic defeat over cancer…for the second time!
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in Dec ’07, and after a meriad of radiation, chemo and colostomy, we thought we were home free. Not so. In Nov ’10, he was diagnosed with lung cancer which has metastasized. He just underwent a successful lung surgery, and we feel as though we have won the lotto for the second time!
The only thing that could top this, is having the opportunity to share an evening ala Steveston with my loved ones, over great conversation and even better food, to celebrate this epic defeat over cancer! A pretty perfect evening, if I do say so myself. #effcancer!
Believe me you should pick this tweeting Tooth Fairy @toothfairycyber because she loves to celebrate fantastic occasions in Steveston. I wish to celebrate my kiddos special college graduation there soon! Facebook ID: LADYBUGCDA would certainly find me posting my delicious Steveston discoveries for all to see! CDA = Certified Dental Assistant…that’s what qualifies me to be the Tooth Fairy ☆*¨*☼.¸.★.☆*¨*☼.¸ღ.★ I’m a very chatty person… “Ladybugs” keep me feeling lucky too! I have a big TwitterMOUTH and would also love to talk with my patients to spread the winning news word of reality mouth. Really I would!! I have the advantage because when I talk they have to listen since my hands are in their mouths! LOL Joking but some twooth to it! ☺ Keeping my wings crossed that your really do find my entry most creative and memorable! I’m celebrating today anyway…Welcome Spring and Happy Happy Everything!!!
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Sweet Tweet!! If I win what a treat!!
My connection to Steveston is many years of living in the area. This has been my haunt for many years. since 1989. I have been in the Steveston area. I want to celebrate the reuniting of my group of friends for a new event since the event we normally we volunteer for went under. There’s a new event that we have been able to join and would love to celebrate that by going out to Steveston and having fun :)