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It Hits the Spot: My Top Five Lunch Places Across Canada

18 August 2009 by Victoria Revay

You can go by the size of the line up outside, but wouldn’t it be easier just to take my word instead? I’ve travelled the country this summer and ate– a lot. I’ve scoped out those awesome lunch spots that we all wish we would’ve known about at the time we were hungry enough to eat enough for two. 

Stop lining up. Just read my recommendations and get your lunch on, fast. Whether you’re on the East Coast or the West Coast, this list is sure to satisfy the most discerning palate.
 
1. Vancouver, British Columbia: So.Cial Butcher Shop
 
Gastown’s best kept secret is the back room of So.Cial Le Magasin. The unassuming butcher shop serves up the meanest-and-thickest homemade sandwiches in Vancouver. The variety of meats is astounding (they get their batch from Oyama Sausage and Co. on Granville Island) and the crispy house chips will leave the most salt deprived human begging for more.
 
2. Winnipeg, Manitoba: VJ’s Drive-In
 
Walk or drive, this is not only a burger joint, but an establishment.  People in suits, moms in fitness gear and anyone needing to fix a craving for a sloppy overloaded burger will go to get messy. Worth it? I guess you’ll have to visit Winnipeg to find out. The piping hot fries make this meal-deal a steal.
 

3. Darnley, Prince Edward Island: Ship to Shore Lounge

The small town has a big city invader, sort of. John Bil, the local oyster shucker celebrity hired a friend from New York to master the kitchen. Sunday brunch is deep-fried fish and chips, fresh mussel stew and chowders–don’t expect eggs and sausage here.   Get there because the locals are hungry. The doors open at noon and the cue starts a good half-hour before.
 
4. Inuvik, Northwest Territories: Café Gallery

When in the North, go where the locals go. And that road leads to Café Gallery’s counter. The sandwiches, wraps, homemade soups and coffees are fresh, fresh and fresh, and so good.  Being a big city girl, I was blown away by the professional service and the deliciousness of the food that we ate. The daily soups are filled with all the goodness–made that morning. The sandwiches are made-to-order. I picked a turkey, cheese and tomato on whole-wheat toast variety. It melts in your mouth, kind of like butter. On Mackenzie Road by the Northmart.

5. Anytown, Canada: Farmers’ Market Picnics
 
From Wolfville to Squamish, the summer time is the time to hit the local farmers’ markets and just nosh. Everything from hot fresh breads and ready made foods to go, to organic peel-and-eat vegetables and fruits, there is really no better way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine then with an outdoors picnic and a basket of goods.
 
Why not tweet me your favourite lunch spots @bigplaceblog? 

 

 

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