In Vancouver’s Yaletown, this Pig is Still Flying High

Flying Pig Musssels clams Tim Pawsey photo1

TFP mussels and clams – the perfect wet weather foil

One spot that’s an easy lure for lunch—particularly when it’s raining cats and dogs—is Yaletown’s The Flying Pig (1168 Hamilton St, 604-568-1344).

There’s just something about this place, from its easy going ways and cosy room with a great buzz to the quality that comes out of the kitchen at very fair prices. They refer to themselves as a ‘Nouveau Canadian Bistro’, which seems to sum it up just fine …

Our review from a year ago still holds true. In fact it’s reinforced by today’s mid-day bites that included a return to the hearty three pea soup (with chick, split and sweet peas and smoked ham hock—also available in a half portion).

Next up: super fresh Quadra Island mussels and clams in a hearty bacon and caper laced white wine and tomato broth. The mussels were marvellously plump (as were the clams) and just cooked through. Nor were there any rejects. All too often with shellfish we receive unopened bivalves—which should never make the trip from kitchen to table. But not here.

Peter Lehmann Barossa Blonde: a smart, food friendly drop

Wine match: Peter Lehmann Barossa Blonde, a pretty food-friendly blend of Riesling, Chenin Blanc (44%), Riesling (26%) Semillon (15%), and Sauv-Blanc (15%). You can catch some developing Riesling “petrol” notes on the nose, with some zest, before a vibrant, lime toned palate that’s focused and zingy but not too dry. Plus, just enough acidity to take on the tomatoes and capers. It’s a Belly’s Best pick ongoing. (BCLS $15.99) 88 pts.

OK, so we passed on dessert, including the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Baileys whip and raspberry compote, and the infamous TFP drumstick … at least until next time. But they do make an excellent Americano …

TFP has been literally flying since day one, so much so that they’ve already expanded into the space next door, with a pretty smart new lounge area. Only trouble is the existing kitchen equipment (hoods and exhaust) needs to be updated to keep up with the added volume. And that will happen Dec 2-4, allowing for a brief pre-holiday hiatus. After which, you can be sure they’ll be as busy as ever.

And for good reason.

Flying Pig lands in Gastown …

UPDATED. Flying Pig’s Gastown location is now open—and already hopping! It’s a spacious, two tier eatery with a real buzz!

102 Water St., Vancouver, 604-559-7968

About the Author: Tim Pawsey

Tim has been covering the food and wine revolution for about 20 kilos. Count 15 kg alone thanks to the blossoming cuisine and wine culture of British Columbia, Canada. His awards include: BC Restaurant Assn. Hall of Fame, Okanagan Wine Festivals Harry McWatters Founder's Award, BC Wine Growers Industry Recognition Award, Vancouver International Wine Festival Spirited Industry Professional award. Tim’s hallmark is seeking out and recommending value wines from BC and around the world that offer quality at every level. He also scopes out noteworthy restaurants that live up to their promises—and often over deliver. For several decades Tim wrote columns in the Vancouver Courier and North Shore News. He currently contributes to several magazines, including BCLS Taste, Vitis and others. Tim is a frequent judge for wine competitions and was a founding judge of The BC Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Wine. He is frequently invited to judge at The BC Wine Awards, and others. Tim has traveled to taste in many of the world’s leading wine regions, across Europe, in North America, Argentina and Chile, Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa.