After a long hiatus, Meg and I have decided to get back to journaling about all of our favourite foods. Much has changed since we posted last. We have moved and found some great new places that you should check out. Since it has been so long, I figured I would do a quick and dirty update:
Beast and Brine
Located at the intersection of Crescent Road and 128 st in Surrey, these purveyors of all things meat and cheese are one part hipster, one part mad scientist, one part meat dealer, and 1000 parts awesome. Already the darling of local chefs and foodies, B&B is open most days from 8am-5pm, be early or risk having to battle lines of suburban moms/dads looking for fresh, and preservative free small batch goods. Everything here is fresh made in house by the fine beast and brine folks, including their meats and locally made cheeses. Be sure to try their Elk Smokies, Buffalo Jalapeno White Cheddar Smokies, and don't forget to grab a pound of their double smoked bacon. When you cook it, the smell will linger in the house for days! They also have some very cool marketing swag going so grab a tshirt or hat with the "chipigfish" on it. Don't worry, It'll make sense when you get there.
CABIN
Located in Crescent Beach on the site of the former Beecher St. Café, the CABIN is a new offering from the same folks who brought us the WAG. The menu is not extensive, but when you are preparing food of this quality, you don't need to have a million items on the menu. Most of their entrees are between $18-$25 and are decent portions. The décor is log cabinesque and although rustic feels very modern and comfortable. The staff are very friendly and have all sorts of recommendations if you ask. I was not disappointed in any of them. If you are thinking desert, try the Peanutbutter Pie. Same thing they serve at the WAG and just as delicious.
Empire Garden
Located at #100-20378-88th Ave in Langley (Walnut Grove), Empire Garden is a great place to go for Dim Sum. Meg and I found it by chance a couple months ago and have gone back a couple of times now. Their Dim Sum is fresh and delicious and ranges in price from $2.95 to $6.95 and even as speciality dishes at more. They do all the usual Chinese food as well, but the Dim Sum is the main draw here. They open at 10:30am on the weekends and Dim Sum stops at 2pm. It gets busy quickly and from what we have heard is as authentic as one can get around here.
BackYard Vineyard/Neck of The Woods Winery
On a whim, Megan and I stopped here. Mostly, Megan was in the mood for wine at noon on a Saturday and we had tried their offerings before at a number of local wine tastings. We stopped in at their location at 3033 232nd St in Langley and tried their Cab Sav, Nosey Neighbour Red, Rose, Porch (cause it can't be a port), Pinot Gris and one other white, that while good wasn't memorable.
We ended up taking home the Rose and the Cab Sav. They also do tours and cheese/nibble platters at $30 for two people that include a glass of wine each. The people were very nice and we will certainly be back to try more of their cellar.
