Power Lunch: Waterfront Restaurant

Waterfront Restaurant | BCBusiness

A jewel in Prince Rupert’s crown

Since it opened in 1961, the Waterfront Restaurant in the Crest Hotel has seen its fair share of corporate and government patrons passing in and out of Prince Rupert. But that locals also gravitate to the establishment tells the real story about the restaurant’s alluring ambience and the consistent quality of its self-described “north coast” cuisine. Located a short hop from B.C. and Alaska ferries, VIA rail and the airline terminals, business types continually return to the Waterfront for its private meeting rooms and central location. The killer views from the 96-seat restaurant are just a bonus (cresthotel.bc.ca).

BEST TABLE Request table 16 (shown above)—that is, if the expansive panorama of Prince Rupert Harbour, Tuck Inlet and the eagles soaring on the other side of the corner window won’t distract too much from talking business and getting deals made.

MUST-TRY ORDER Fans of the Waterfront’s Crest Clam Chowder ($6.99 a bowl) have been known to drive from Terrace and Smithers to satisfy cravings. Upon request you too can take it to go. Between May and October, the Halibut Trio ($16.99) is another solid choice.

DRINK UP For a big, grapey statement, the Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($295) will wow no matter what the vintage. To impress within your stipend, however, the Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia ($76) will never let you down.

INSIDER TIP An upgrade in both the technical capabilities and the décor of the Rockwell Room, the private meeting/dining space that holds 16 people, is just one of the many improvements being made to the restaurant this summer.

Burdock & Co.

Farm-to-table dining that doesn’t break the bank

Andrea Carlson, owner of Harvest Community Foods and former chef of Raincity Grill and Bishop’s, has opened a new spot on Vancouver’s Main Street. Burdock & Co. is gaining traction in the hipster ‘hood by offering organic, locally grown food at an affordable price.

Whimsically named after a root vegetable that grows in B.C., Burdock & Co. is farm-to-table dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Rather than a traditional menu, dishes are built around share plates that range from $9 to $19. Carlson’s decades-long dedication to sustainable, local food is renowned in B.C., so it’s no surprise that most of the funding for the restaurant comes from Vancity, a credit union with a reputation for supporting sustainable pursuits.

Beyond the business loan, Vancity has partnered Burdock & Co. with Your Local Farmers Market Society (which runs Vancouver Farmers Market) in an innovative financing strategy. With the help of a Vancity grant, the non-profit society will become an equity investor in the restaurant. “I think it’s fantastic,” says Carlson. “It’s about building communities together and growing businesses together—we definitely have the same values.” (burdockandco.com) —Day Helesic