Popina Canteen Reopens for Take-Out, Delivery

(May 19, 2020) Today marks the start of ‘Phase 2’ in the drive to reopen BC’s pandemic stricken economy. For restaurants and bars this will prove challenging. Given the realities of distance spacing, that reduce seating capacity by 50 percent or more, many suggest the new model is far from viable. This is true, especially given the already tight margins that define the industry. Compounding the problem are some of the highest commercial rents in the country and, apparently, a remarkably high number of intractable landlords. Only time will tell…

Without doubt, any restaurant which enjoys an abundance of outdoor seating will be at an advantage. Or, at least have a chance of survival. For sure, Popina fits that bill. There’s no shortage of benches around the canteen (as well as other outside market areas). Moreover, its menu was always based on a take-away format. Any formal seating options will have to wait a while. But the situation is evolving and the plan is to open the patio as soon as safety considerations allow.

As the dining public regains confidence these are the kinds of places to which they’ll head first. However, as kitchens also are affected by distancing requirements (that will limit staff), diners should not show up expecting full menus. More than likely, restaurateurs will be offering realistic variations on the take-out menus they already have in place. Never mind, after two months in confinement the chance to leave the house for a meal will be appealing to many.

From May 20th, Popina says it’s offering “a limited menu of sandwiches and burgers, fries, Puffcream and drinks, including wine, beer and bottled cocktails. Food is available for takeout, or delivery via Door Dash and Uber Eats, from 12pm to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday.”

Right now I can think of nothing more appealing than hopping on a False Creek Ferry to enjoy a burger or bite of great local seafood—and plenty of fresh air. See you there!

Read more about Popina in my original post.

False Creek Ferries, a cool way to reach Granville Island

False Creek Ferries, a cool way to reach Popina on Granville Island

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. 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. Readers depend on the Hired Belly for his “Belly’s Best” and “Belly’s Budget Best” picks to help them find the right wine for the occasion. For several decades Tim wrote columns in the Vancouver Courier and North Shore News. He contributes to several other publications, including BCLS Taste magazine, Quench, Vitis and many 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, most recently in Burgundy, Argentina and Chile.