It's no big secret that when it comes to eating out, West Coasters love their locally sourced, organic and healthy ingredients. The explosion of farmers' markets and farm-to-table restaurants in recent years has proven that, for Vancouverites, this farm-fresh ethos isn't just a trend, its a way of life.
In late February 2016, a few hip young entrepreneurs decided that downtown Vancouver was ready for a new kind of fast food eatery. A healthy lunch-hour alternative with a menu focused solely on chef-inspired salads, a few soups and refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade and custom-blended kombucha .
“My closest friend and partner, Moe Samieian, called me while I was living in England to tell me about this concept for a specialty salad-based restaurant similar to one he saw in New York,” explains Stephen Collins, Field & Social's operations manager and co-founder. “At the time, my wife and I were en route to Australia. The more we thought about it, the more we were interested. Plus, I always wanted to start a business with Moe.”
Stephen and Moe, along with fellow partner Ali Pejman, launched Field & Social in late February 2016, and the buzz-worthy eatery has been attracting line-ups ever since. “I think people are craving more vegetables that are nutritious, unprocessed and yet filled with flavour,” says Stephen.
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Grab-and-go gourmet greens have made this downtown salad bar a lunch hour hotspot among nearby office workers. There’s no DIY-ing here though, the curated menu features eight signature salads bursting with wholesome ingredients (think purple barley, braised organic beef and brightly coloured heirloom beets). The black Kale Caesar is a customer favourite, and it’s easy to see why. A base of organic black kale leaves and warm grilled romaine is bedecked with Grana Padano, flavourful smoked paprika croutons, crispy hazelnuts and moist Applewood smoked chicken thigh. Extra hungry? Add a ramen egg on top for an extra $2.
View this Smart List“Eat well, feel good” is Field & Social’s motto – and this hip downtown salad bar clearly walks the walk. These fresh, ethically produced salads are anything but boring. Take, for example, the rustic orzo bowl, which is jam-packed with grilled chicken, Tuscan kale and crisped pancetta. With eight exciting salads to choose from, and add-ons that include chicken breast, tofu and ramen egg, Field & Social will delight your taste buds while energizing your afternoon at the office. Plus the 30-seat restaurant is an Instagrammers dream with copper pendant lights, smooth white marble surfaces and plenty of natural light.
View this Smart ListDowntown office workers can skip the sad desk salad and elevate their lunch hour at this new(ish) spot on Dunsmuir. If you haven’t seen this specialty salad bar in person, you’ve probably spotted it on Instagram. Polished white marble countertops and shiny copper light fixtures make this light-filled café a stylish backdrop for amateur food photographers. But it’s not all about the decor of course; the curated menu features eight gourmet salads and two seasonal soups, with plenty of options for gluten-free and vegetarian diners. Our fave? The black kale Caesar topped with applewood smoked chicken thigh.
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