We're always surprised by the number of people we meet who still don't know about The Tomahawk Barbecue (1550 Philip Ave., North Vancouver, ph. 604-988-2612)-Vancouver's most iconic diner, and likely the region's longest-running restaurant.
The other day we were headed to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island when that wicked storm came out of nowhere and had every B.C. ferry trapped in port. Well, when the going gets tough, the tough go for breakfast. And when you're anywhere on the North Shore, there really is only one place to go-and that's the Tomahawk.
We know there are places that have hotter home fries and toast that doesn't look like it needs a visit to a tanning salon. And probably cheaper, too. But you won't find bacon and eggs like this anywhere. And no other restaurant comes close to the atmosphere of the Tomahawk, which boasts a bona fide museum of native artifacts, not to mention the full-on, family-friendly diner experience.
When you pull up in the parking lot, keep in mind people have been doing this for 85 years-except back then the road ended right here. Plus, it wasn't paved. And there was no Lions Gate Bridge, so you had to cross Second Narrows-and even then it was the first Second Narrows Bridge, not the second Second Narrows.
So what's led to the Tomahawk's longevity? First of all, it's owned by the same family who started it. And there's usually a lineup to get in, especially if you're there on the weekend.
But after 90 years, they know what they're doing. The Tomahawk is efficient, although by no means a machine. It rarely takes long to get in, and besides, there's no shortage of things to look at, starting with the rubber duckies in the foyer pond.
If you go: Get there early, and don't hold back. Forget the granola yogurt medley and go for something substantial-like the Yukon. You've never seen (or tasted) this much real bacon in your life. Or do the eggs Benny. Either way, go for the free-range option for an extra 50 cents.
Restaurants of this ilk are becoming harder and harder to find. But we're guessing, the Tomahawk should be around for another 90 years.
Beer fears allayed
We've always wondered what makes a hardcore beer lover. Not the Bud swilling kind, but the more close-to-home craft brew sleuth. You can be sure to find a few at St. Augustine's, an East Van shrine that boasts some 40 taps of serious draught at all times. And in case you might be concerned there's not enough on hand of Storm's Black Plague or Lighthouse Rip Tide, fear not. With one eye firmly on the dedicated flat screen Live Beer Menu, you can see exactly how much remains in the cask of your pint du jour-and make sure to reorder before it's gone. We also think it looks better here than above the men's urinal.
Cocktails on deck
Tales of the Cocktail on Tour rolls into Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Feb. 12 to 14 to repeat last year's highly successful inaugural show. For what adds up to a real deal if you're an aficionado (and even if you're not), $195 gets you access to a threeday whirl of samplings, seminars and schmoozes with the best and brightest spirits luminaries from home and abroad. For info and tickets, go to talesofthecocktail.com/vancouver-2012.
