Salmon, rock-grilled dishes, and beggar's chicken—experience the delightful cuisine of British Columbia

The exciting "2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Paralympics" is about to begin. In addition to the sporting events, don’t miss out on Canada’s winter snow activities and culinary experiences. British Columbia, with its blend of immigrants from around the world and the cultural colors of the indigenous First Nations, offers a diverse array of restaurants that attract food enthusiasts from far and wide.

Among Indigenous First Nations cuisine, there is a dish called birding clay, which bears a striking resemblance to China’s famous “beggar's chicken.” Clay refers to soil, and the main ingredient is a small chicken, stuffed with wild rice, then sealed entirely in clay. When it’s time to eat, a small hammer is used to break open the clay—making for a fun dining experience, and you can even take the little hammer home as a souvenir. The dish is served with a tangy berry juice infused with a hint of alcohol, giving the chicken a sweet and sour flavor that’s refreshing. Paired with vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and broccoli, it also brings a healthy touch to the meal.

There are many key factors that go into making a delicious dish, but using the finest ingredients means you can enjoy the most exquisite flavors with minimal seasoning and processing. Stonegrill Dining, a rock-grilled restaurant in Vancouver, embodies this philosophy. The restaurant uses heat-resistant volcanic rocks from Australia, seasoning the dishes with just a pinch of sea salt to bring out their natural flavors. If you dine here, be sure to try their signature steaks and seafood to enjoy classic Canadian cuisine. Dining here at night is especially romantic, as the large glass windows offer stunning views of Granville Island and False Creek. If you come in the evening, you can also admire the beautiful sight of the sunset painting the sky red.

When in Canada, you must try salmon. There are many ways to prepare salmon—smoked, grilled, or as sashimi—each method has its own unique characteristics and fans. Vancouver’s Salmon House is beloved by gourmets for its distinctive cooking method: “alderwood grilling.” The experienced chefs use locally unique alderwood to grill the salmon, giving it a special flavor. Paired with fresh vegetables such as red peppers, onions, and radishes, it’s both healthy and delicious. The restaurant’s log table and chair furnishings create a cozy and comfortable dining atmosphere. Through the restaurant’s large floor-to-ceiling windows, you can also enjoy views of English Bay, Lion Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, and the beautiful cityscape of Vancouver.

While experiencing Canada’s annual sporting event, plan a happy culinary journey as well. British Columbia’s vineyards are renowned for growing high-latitude grapes, producing a rich variety of wines including white wine, red wine, fruit wine, apple cider, and ice wine. Each winery has its own proprietary brands, and pairing these with local cuisine makes for a luxurious and delightful experience.

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