Who says you have to hop on an international flight or journey across an ocean to sample the vast flavours of the world? At the upcoming Taste of the Tri-Cities food festival, you can embark on an epic journey of flavours, finery and finesse without leaving Metro Vancouver.
With direct accessibility via the Skytrain or other transit options, loving local while exploring new locales has never been easier. Add in the exclusive deals, mouth-watering menus, and delicious discounts, and you’re in for a fusion of flavour and savings that’s too good to miss!
From Feb. 16 to March 10, explore an eclectic mix of participating restaurants, bakeries, cafes and breweries. Treat yourself to a vibrant variety of sweet and savoury culinary creations.
Trust us, your tastebuds will thank you.
International fare with local Tri-City flair
Did you know that, for every $100 spent at an independent business, $63 is recirculated back into the local economy, while only $15 trickles down from multinationals? This money is then reinvested into the community through charitable donations, taxes, job creation and supply-chain management.
Taste of the Tri-Cities offers the ideal mix of sampling sensational international cuisine while investing in and supporting business owners in your local community.
“The Taste of the Tri-Cities Festival is about enjoying delicious food, and coming together as a community to support local businesses,” describes Chloe Wan, director of strategy at Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. “Attendees will feel good knowing that their participation directly contributes to the growth and sustainability of our economy, making it a more meaningful way to indulge in a variety of culinary delights.”
Launched in 2021 by community partners group, the Tri-Local Collective, the annual food and drink festival aims to highlight the fantastic restaurants, breweries, distilleries, pubs, cafes and eateries available in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody.
This year’s event boasts 75+ participating breweries, coffee shops, pubs, pizzerias and restaurants from a diverse collection of cultures, including Japanese, Korean, Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Western fare.
Delicious deals
On top of the vast variety of flavours, guests can also look forward to exclusive deals and offerings from participating vendors, from tasting menus to date night specials, featured items, and special discounts.
“Whether you are a foodie or just love exploring our cities, this is a chance to show some love to the mom-and-pop joints and all the other local eateries, breweries, coffee shops and much more,” Wan explains. “From the diverse culinary scene in Coquitlam to the unique charm of Port Coquitlam and the hustle and bustle of Port Moody, we invite you to savour the distinctive tastes each city has to offer.”
The event is just one of the many facilitated by the Tri-Local Collective, which was founded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic when the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce saw the massive toll the various restrictions and lockdowns were taking on local businesses.
From this unfortunate situation, the organization was formed to inspire and encourage the community to show their local businesses some love, an initiative it continues to foster to this day.
“We hope this festival will bring together residents and local businesses, and create opportunities for people to interact, build relationships and strengthen the sense of belonging within the community,” says Wan.
For more information on the Taste of Tri-Cities food and drink festival, visit trilocal.ca/taste-of-the-tricities.