BC Business
Wild Rice | BCBusinessWild Rice brings metropolitan cool to the suburbs.
Quietly, steadfastly, the River Market at Westminster Quay is shedding its ’80s market vibe to become a hotbed for local businesses and business practice. Find a networking hub with rentable work and meeting space, a satellite of the Cambrian Hanson International Academy and PechaKucha New West. In the food court, Re-Up BBQ and the new Longtail Kitchen meet the mandate for strictly independent eateries. Informal networking lunches attract work-from-home folks on Thursdays in the food court—just show up. Take more formal meetings at Wild Rice, chef Andrew Wong’s second location for cuisine inspired by his Chinese heritage (rivermarket.ca).
BEST TABLE Ask to be seated by the window. There, you’re a good distance from the din of the kitchen, have natural light to work and eat by and get the river view without having to worry about seagulls that swoop in and steal your food—or worse.
DRINK UP You’ll only find local, seasonal craft beers and B.C. wines on the libations menu. If the dish you’re eating is spicy, opt for a lighter beer or sweet white wine. Set the tone for your afternoon with a glass of the 2006 Late Harvest Pinot Blanc ($7.50).
MUST-TRY ORDER Chef Wong alters much of the menu daily based on seasonal availability of ingredients. But mainstays like the tuna nicoise salad ($14) and spicy chicken kung po ($16) satisfy those watching their waistlines and those looking for a savoury fill, respectively.
INSIDER TIP Throw away notions that your food will arrive in the order you specify; the moment your dish is prepared, it will be delivered to your table. Sharing plates is recommended—a great icebreaker when dining with a new business acquaintance.