🍽 Tonkatsu for the soul

Hey foodies!

Is that… a slight breeze in the air we feel? The sound of young children screaming and running around a school field? (Gasp!) A colourful leaf (or two, or three) daring to fall off a tree?

Though the summer seems never-ending with so many beautiful days still to come, we can’t help but start thinking of fall weather and all the delightful things that come with it. Focusing on food (as always), we’re starting to embrace the warm, fuzzy thoughts of butternut squash soup, thick, hearty stews, and comforting meals that fill our souls with joy—enough to last us through the long, cold months ahead.

This week, we’re talking about the culinary masterpiece that is tonkatsu, a Japanese deep-fried pork cutlet served with rice, cabbage, and a steamy pool of hot curry. Could there be a better meal to open up the start of a new season? Let us know at [email protected]!

😍 5 spots to try right now

🥗 The Yoga Chef: A dazzling selection of plant-based meals

🍰 CakeYa: Traditional assortments of Japanese sweets

🍜 Ding Hao Noodle House: Noodles, dumplings, and succulent meat platters

🌮 Si Senior Taqueria: A quaint and delicious Mexican takeout spot

🥐 Elmo Baking Co.: Serving the coolest croissants in the Tri-Cities

Know a great place we should add here? Reply back and let us know!

WHAT’S NEW

Where to find Coquitlam’s hottest pork cutlet

We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Saku as a new addition to the Tri-Cities food scene, a longstanding home to some of the best tonkatsu pork cutlets in Vancouver.

Serving everything from deep-fried pork, chicken, and seafood to creamy curries and udon noodles, this spot is a must-try for authentic Japanese cuisine. Laying off of meat? Try the deep-fried tofu cutlet or vegetable curry—trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Read all about our experience at Saku here.

📣 What people are talking about

• Leads for an affordable (and tasty!) steak dinner

• Review of Port Moody’s Legion Club

• Favourite spots at the Henderson Mall food court

• Where to find the best fish and chips

• New restaurant to replace Coquitlam’s Bar Nellos

Want in on the conversation? Join our Facebook group!

🗞 News

Closure of a major supermarket: IGA, a longstanding grocery store in Port Moody, is set to close this October. [Tri-City News]

World of Love Multicultural Carnival: This colourful Coquitlam carnival is scheduled for its second year, celebrating the city’s beauty and diversity. [Tri-City News]

🗓 Events

Yoga on Tap: There’s no better compliment to soothing downward dog or butterfly pose than… a flight of beer? That’s right, you can spice up your regular practice at Port Moody’s Brave Brewing Co. this weekend in a one-of-a-kind “mindful beer tasting yoga class.”

Food Truck Weekends: Be sure not to miss the food trucks scattered around Port Coquitlam’s Lion’s Park every weekend this month, making a perfect end to a long hike or soccer game. Popular vendors include Sweet Tooth Creamery and KYU Grill.

💸 Deals

Happy hour alert: St. James Well Pub in Port Moody has an excellent happy hour menu available every day of the week from 3 to 6pm. Highballs are as low as $4 and filling snacks like margarita flatbread and dry ribs cap out at $10!

Brunchy Hour: Breakfast foods are delicious, so much so that we’d have them at any time of day. If that speaks to you, Port Moody’s Hard Bean Brunch Co. offers a daily “brunchy hour” from 3 to 6pm and 9pm to close. Bennies, breakfast sandwiches, and pancakes are all offered at a discounted price.

🤝 Job postings

Mid-senior cook: Sushi Town Restaurant in Coquitlam is hiring full-time cooks with one to two years of experience working in the industry. Hourly wage goes from $18 an hour.

Food service supervisor: Westwood Plateau & Country Club in Coquitlam is looking for a part-time banquet supervisor and shift leader to help set up food events. Salary starts at $17.75 an hour.

Hiring in the Tri-Cities? Reply back and let us know and we'll feature your opening next week!

📷️ Snap of the week