Kitsilano: A Progressively Fresh and Ready Neighbourhood!

Kitsilano-or "Kits"

As the locals call it is one of Vancouver's most distinguished neighbourhoods, known for its counterculture origins and its current cosmopolitan development.

The neighbourhood's distinctive character dates back to the 1960's, when inexpensive rental property prices brought many counterculture activists together to make Kitsilano one of the most subversive spots of the time. Environmental and political crusades, such as Greenpeace and the Green Party, trace their roots back to Kitsilano. Within that progressive environment, various vegetarian restaurants, health food stores, community pubs, and alternative shops flourished in the area, some of which remain to this day.

Of course, many things have changed in Kitsilano since the 1960's, especially the property prices! The lure of the beaches, natural scenery and proximity to the city's downtown have resulted in a gentrification seen in many parts of Vancouver. The tie-dyed t-shirts of the sixties have been replaced by sleek, chic yoga-wear. Yet present development is not exactly incongruous with the neighbourhood's radical past. Rather, Kitsilano culture has evolved to accommodate activism with sophistication.

Imbedded in Kitsilano culture are tenets of conscious living, environmental concern, and social awareness. These are not mere trends of a passing era, but are still alive in the lifestyles and businesses promoted throughout the neighbourhood.

Kitsilano continues to foster creativity and a strong sense of community. This is evident with neighbourhood-hosted events such as Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Bard on the Beach, Greek Days, and Hippie Daze. While the area is very well-known for its numerous yoga and art studios, it is particularly renowned for its unique eateries, markets, family-owned stores and speciality shops.

The food establishments located in Kitsilano also reflect the active and progressive lifestyles of its inhabitants. There are many hearty organic places to be found along the main streets of West 4th and West Broadway. The most fastidious of diet practitioners - ranging from vegetarians, vegans, raw foo dists to fruitarians - is guaranteed to find something from the variety of healthy and sustainable offerings around the area.

One of the most recent food movements to have gained momentum is the drive to recognize local produce and Kitsilano is at the forefront. Given Kitsilano's environmental and political sensibilities, it comes as no surprise that the authors of the 100 Mile Diet lived in the neighbourhood when they embarked upon their adventure of eating locally.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Kitsilano is also slowly becoming home to a lot of ethnic restaurants, which are considered an integral part of the neighbourhood. These multicultural venues reflect Vancouver's increasing diversity over the years.

A welcoming space to coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts and dessert fiends, both visitors and locals hang out to unwind in the many watering holes dotted throughout the neighbourhood. What makes Kitsilano such an ideal spot to enjoy a slow cup of chai latte, a glass of Reisling, or a box of raspberry truffles is its relaxed pace and intimate atmosphere, which is markedly different from the busy buzz of downtown Vancouver.

Typified by the neighbourhood's culture and elegance, the Kitsilano dining experience is nothing less than the finest of gustatory delights, boasting some of the most renowned chefs in North America, if not the world. Not only does Kitsilano guarantee fresh and sustainable cuisines, but it also serves up the most luxurious and innovative edible creations which will satisfy even the most hedonistic of gourmands.

With this Kitsilano Cook the 'Hood edition, we hope that you can bring home some of Kitsilano's best recipes to translate in your own kitchens. And if this book inspires you to seek out more of our culinary expertise, we would be very happy for you to come visit us to enjoy all that our neighbourhood has to offer.

Written by Frances Cabahug

Photo by David Ingram