6 Vancouver foods to eat before you start your New Year's resolutions

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      The New Year is nearly upon us, and for some, it means the denouncing of holiday gluttony and a recommitment to engaging in some sort of regular physical activity. But before you hop on the resolution bandwagon, why not indulge in some of the best bad-for-you food this city has to offer? Since it ain’t over ‘til it’s over—2015, that is—here are a couple treats to enjoy before you reintroduce vegetables into your diet.

      Frites and poutine at Fritz
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      Poutine at Fritz European Fry House, 718 Davie Street

      This Davie Street joint boasts some of the best hand-cut fries in the city, with a dip selection that puts other fry spots to shame. Forget ketchup or mayo: choices like parmesan peppercorn, sundried tomato pesto, or my personal favourite, mango curry chutney, will send your taste buds into overdrive. With a list of poutine toppings that includes pulled pork, Montreal smoked meat, beef chili, and even vegan cheese, it might just be the best poutine you’ve eaten all year. 

      The Okonomi at Japadog
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      Hot dog at Japadog, Various truck locations; storefront at 530 Robson Street

      It makes sense that this Japanese-inspired hot dog spot started the city’s food truck revolution: if you’re looking for street meat with a twist, Japadog’s the place to go.  Specialty dogs like the Kobe Beef, Yakisoba, and Oroshi are favourites, but you can’t go wrong with the signature Terimayo, topped with teriyaki sauce, mayo, and seaweed. If you’d rather keep it plain, choose from seven different kinds of sausages, including the go-to Japanese Arabiki. 

      Pizza by the slice at Nat's New York Pizzeria
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      Pizza at Nat’s New York Pizzeria, 2684 West Broadway and 1080 Denman Street

      Owners Nat and Franco Bastone learned the art of making the perfect slice back in ’91 during a trip to Yonkers in New York, and they’ve been dishing out their thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizza ever since. With as many vegetarian options as meat lover’s, Nat’s doesn’t discriminate. The popular Kits Italiano combines broccoli, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and black olives for a flavourful, meat-free pizza, while omnivores can’t go wrong with specialty options like the BBQ Chicken or N.Y. Deli. 

      The Chicken and Waffle Caesar and Mac and Chaesar at The Score
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      Caesar at the Score on Davie, 1262 Davie Street

      Now known around the world for its meal-in-a-glass Caesars, The Score has completely changed the game when it comes to drink garnishes. Options include the Ain’t No Thang, loaded with chicken wings and onion rings, or the Grilled Chaesar, topped with a grilled cheese sandwich, a deep-fried pickle, and onion rings. Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Checkmate is one way to celebrate the end of the year. Topped with roasted chicken, a burger, a pulled pork slider, onion rings, chicken wings, a pulled pork mac and cheese hot dog, and a brownie, the actual Caesar will be the last thing on your mind. 

      Old-fashioned goodness at Lee's Donuts
      Yelp

      Donuts at Lee’s on Granville Island, 1689 Johnston Street in the Public Market

      If you’re looking for classic, old-fashioned donuts, look no further. This longstanding donut stand has called Granville Island’s Public Market home for more than 35 years. Made fresh daily, Lee’s offers traditional styles like jelly-filled and powdered, as well as fresh takes like chai spice and key lime. Their famous hot honey dip is a never-fail, while the coconut cream and Bavarian chocolate are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth. If donuts aren’t your thing, try a sweet crepe or a cinnamon bun. 

      Sundaes at Soft Peaks
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      Ice cream sundae at Soft Peaks, 25 Alexander Street

      Made with Avalon organic milk, the soft serve at this Gastown parlour is meant for sundaes. Choose between the original milk, dark chocolate, or combine the two flavours and then go wild with fixings. Syrup choices include honey, maple syrup, condensed milk, blueberry, chocolate, or caramel, but it doesn’t stop there: with toppings like their signature honeycomb peak, toasted coconut, sour Yuzu marmalade, matcha powder, and more, you might have trouble deciding what to pick. 

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