Where Chef David Hawksworth finds fresh produce in Vancouver
When it comes to picking out the finest food, local chefs know all of the secret spots around the city. From busy market stalls and neighbourhood grocery-store gems, to places to try fancy treats: here are a few local shops where Chef David Hawksworth, of Hawksworth Restaurant, finds the freshest local produce in Vancouver.
The Gourmet Warehouse
1340 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S3More emporium than shop, this kitchenware store grew from a small warehouse in 1998 and now it’s a huge treasure trove for chefs and home cooks alike. I come here to pick up essential utensils and quirky kitchen gadgets. You can almost get lost amongst the walls of international food products that they have on display. You’ll find me in the imported goods section, picking up a couple of cans of tomatoes to make authentic pasta sauce at home.
Top 10 Produce
4536 10th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1Top Ten is a small, unassuming grocery store in my local neighbourhood of Point Grey. It’s a compact shop but all of the produce is fresh and they carry a wide range of produce – even things you didn’t know you needed. The team who work there are among some of the friendliest and most hardworking guys in the city. It might not look it from outside but venture inside and they have an awesome selection of fresh fruits and veggies.
Terra Breads
2380 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P1Freshly baked bread has to be one of the best smells in the world and Terra Breads is my favourite place to grab a loaf of warm pain de campagne. They make this French sourdough-style bread in the traditional way and their focus on old-fashioned slow-rise artisan methods really makes a difference to the taste. You can tell they put a lot of love into what they are doing at the bakery.
Market Meats Kitsilano
2326 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P1They know their stuff at this Kitsilano store; by far they are the best butchers for specialty cuts of fresh meat. You can also pick up meat stocks, gourmet sauces and roast chickens if you’re having people over for dinner and want to cheat a little. It’s a pleasure to talk to the team here; they’re so full of knowledge and passion for what they do. If you want an unusual cut or an exotic meat (emu, anyone?) then head here.
Oyama Sausage Co
126-1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9Granville Market crowds can get a crazy – especially around the holidays – but it’s worth taking a number and lining up to get charcuterie from Oyama Sausage Co. Anything from there is a good bet but the duck pate and local salami are some of my favourites. They have so many different flavours of sausages – it reminds me of my time living in England.
Finest At Sea Seafood Boutique
4675 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 4A3Finest at Sea, as the name suggests, is the best place to go for fresh seafood. They have a store out in Kerrisdale and also have a stall at Granville Island Market. The company started in the 70s in Victoria and all of their fish is wild and caught using sustainable fishing practices. I get my seasonal favourites like sablefish and spot prawns from here; their smoked fish is delicious as well.
Thomas Haas Patisserie
2539 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9Walking into Thomas Haas’ bakery is like walking into a gallery – his pastries are little pieces of art. They also taste delicious as well. I’m a long time fan of Thomas Haas’ baking; I go here for customized chocolate treats for special occasions or I stop by for a coffee and a double-baked almond croissant as a treat.
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