Through photos, recipes, and stories, The Gastown Foodie celebrates the restaurants of Vancouver's historic 'hood

Foodie Books producer and photographer Brad Hill captures the Flying Pig, Irish Heather, Nicli Antica Pizzeria, La Mezcaleria, Purebread, and more in his latest cookbook

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      Ever since Brad Hill moved to Vancouver from his native Melbourne, Australia in 2014, he’s been kinda busy getting to know the local food scene.

      In 2015, the photographer produced The North Shore Foodie, a collection of recipes and stories from the region’s restaurants, cafes, and bars. It was the first in his Foodie Books series, which gave rise to The East Van Foodie last year (when writer Chris Dagenais came onboard).

      Now, there’s The Gastown Foodie, which features more than 100 recipes from close to 40 eateries and breweries in the historic ’hood.

      “Everyone wants to know stories about restaurants—their background,” Hill says in an interview at The Birds & the Beets (55 Powell Street). ““The sub-story of putting these books together is me just learning about my new home.

      “The books,” he adds, “are a snapshot of a moment in time.”

      Even the now-defunct Chill Winston gets a spread in The Gastown Foodie, the restaurant at 3 Alexander Street that fronted Maple Tree Square from 2006 to 2017 having been replaced by the just-opened Local Public Eatery, which is owned by the Joey Restaurant Group. CW’s writeup in the book is described as a “celebration of life, not a eulogy”.

      Having worked in hospitality Down Under before turning his attention to photography, Hill notes that partial proceeds of Gastown Foodie sales will go to three food-related organizations in the Downtown Eastside: Hives For Humanity, East Van Roasters and A Better Life Foundation.

      Among the featured restaurants—and the recipes they share—are:

      • Cuchillo (261 Powell Street): Yucca Fries and Garlic Aioli; Scallop Ceviche; Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
      • Nelson the Seagull (315 Carrall Street): Sourdough; Muesli
      • Nuba (207 West Hastings Street): Halloumi Mezze; Mjadra With Tahini Sauce; Half Chicken With Grilled Vegetable Patata Harra
      • Pidgin (350 Carrall Street): Spring Salad; Korean Rice Cake Gochujang Pork Bolognese
      • Salt Tasting Room (45 Blood Alley Square): Mostarda di Pere, Guinness Mustard and Pickled Vegetables
      • Save On Meats (43 West Hastings Street): Fried Chicken and Waffles
      • Wildebeest (120 West Hastings Street): Bone Marrow; Duck Pappardelle; Elk Loin

      The Gastown Foodie is available for purchase at participating restaurants, select bookstores, and at Foodie Books

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