When it comes to the Vancouver food scene, few food writers or bloggers are as dedicated as Mijune Pak. Being the youngest person (as well as the first blogger) to be invited to join the B.C. Chefs' Association Board of Directiors, having regular spots on News 1130AM radio, Follow Me Foodie column in WE Vancouver newspaper — it can't be argued that Pak doesn't know a thing or two about dining.
When she's not judging culinary competitions or getting ready to head off to a food event, Pak is out exploring Vancouver's vast edible offerings. Here's a few of her favourite picks for tasty bites or quality cocktails the next time you're spending a day (or two, or three) in her West Coast city.
Breakfast
An almond croissant at Thomas Haas, the fricasse at Café Medina, a Galettes de Sarrasin from La Bohème Crêperie Mobile Eatery, or the Breakfast Porker wrap from Pig on the Street food truck.
Lunch
It really depends on what I’m craving, but if I want Japanese, I like: Suika for izakaya, Miku for its aburi sushi, and Aki for its grilled miso black cod.
Dinner
I follow chefs instead of restaurants, and chefs tend to move around. However, any dinner cooked by Hamid Salimian (previously at Diva at the Met, now culinary instructor at Vancouver Community College), Melissa Craig (currently at Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler), Jefferson Alvarez (currently at Secret Location), Frank Pabst (currently at Blue Water Café), Dan Craig (currently at EBO Restaurant) or Nico Schuermans (chef/owner of Café Medina and Chambar) is a sure bet.
Drinks
Cocktails from David W. at West Restaurant, because he’s on another level when it comes to bartending and Lauren Mote, who is the creator of Bittered Sling (now one of the most widely used bitters in Vancouver). Both are passionate industry leaders driving Vancouver’s cocktail scene.
