Photograph by Joseph Saraceno
Vancouverites have come to expect the unexpected from its culinary hotspots and that’s certainly the case with Popina Canteen, an open-air restaurant serving gourmet fast food out of repurposed shipping containers at the Granville Island Public Market. The newly opened eatery is the brainchild of Robert Belcham, Hamid Salimian, Joel Watanabe and Angus An, a chef known for his modern takes on traditional dishes at Maenam, Freebird Chicken Shack and Longtail Kitchen.
Angus An.
“All four chefs have been friends for a long time and we toyed with different restaurant collaborations over the years,” An says. “The [shipping] containers pay homage to the very same ones that enter and exit the Port of Vancouver daily, bringing the foods of the world to the city.”
Popina’s menu is inspired by its waterfront location and features such reimagined favourites as crispy free-run chicken burgers and whole seafood trays that include East Coast lobster, pink scallops and more. Just in time for Thanksgiving weekend, An gathers all you need for a unique take on the traditional autumn feast.
1. Cast iron pot
“I tend to stay away from the cliché turkey dishes during Thanksgiving, but love to show off my beautiful Staub pots. For braises, stews, or pot roasts, these pots have never failed me.”
Staub 5Qt Round Cocotte, $449.99 at Hudson’s Bay.
2. Pot Roast
“I like to do a nice braised beef or pot roast instead of a turkey.”
4 pound beef blade roast, $145 at Pusateri’s.
3. Champagne
"I always start a Thanksgiving meal with some bubbles. I love going to Liberty Wine Merchant on Granville Island.”
Gaston Chiquet Grand Cru d’Aÿ Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne, $66 at LCBO.
4. Parsley chervil garlic butter
"This is Popina partner chef Robert Belcham’s recipe. When we were developing recipes for Popina, Robert [Belcham] came up with the recipe for some of the seafood dishes on our menu. It’s so good that I have to put it on everything!
Churn84 European Style Butter, $7.99 at Pusateri’s.
5. Salmon
“Salmon is a staple in my fridge. I always have smoked salmon with bagels or will add it into salads. Fresh Ideas Start Here is a great local store to get fresh sustainable seafood in Vancouver.”
Lemon dill cured salmon, $9.75 at Schmaltz Appetizing.