Though she’s a seasoned leader in the Vancouver restaurant industry, Wildlight general manager Margot Baloro has called Port Moody home for the last 12 years. So it’s no surprise that she has a few suggestions for where to grab a bite next time you’re passing through her neck of the woods.
Mama Said Pizza Co. makes for an ideal post-brewery-crawl stop, with its wild and wonderful pies: think the Mama (prosciutto, pesto and a hot-honey drizzle; $25 for a 14-incher) or the Bahn Mi (what it sounds like; $27 for a 14-inch pie). Or, go wild and follow Baloro’s lead: “The meatballs are irresistible.” 3135 Murray St.
Mega Donair makes its own wraps. If you can make your way to the top of the steep, winding asphalt beast that is Clarke Street, you’ve earned your meal—and it’s a neighbourhood fave. “This place is truly the perfect casual lunch spot for great grab-and-go Turkish food,” says Baloro. “Their pita is soft and tasty.” (Wraps from $14.) 912 Clarke Rd.
Rewind Beer Co. is a trippy time warp. The ’90s nostalgia boom has come for craft beer… and Baloro couldn’t be happier. “Rewind Beer Co.’s concept warms the cockles of my Xennial heart,” she laughs. Snag a pint of Dark Crystal Dark Ale ($8 for a pint) and a Detroit-style deep-dish pizza (from $19) and relish in the neon and Turner and Hooch posters. 2809 Murray St.
Rocky Point Ice Cream is always packed for a reason. Scooping ice cream here is the go-to summer job for Port Moody teens, but the room is jammed each summer with kids and families on the other side of the counter, too. Salted caramel is a winning cone; raspberry lime mojito is fresh, fruity and dairy-free. ($6 for a single cone.) 2800 Murray St.
The One Sixty has the best wine list. The elegant, elevated space serves 25 different wines by the glass (along with small plates like duck fat potatoes, $18, or seared scallops with apple bacon jam, $27). “It’s arguably the nicest room in the city,” says Baloro. “It’s a real treat to pop in here after a show at the Evergreen for a flight of wine.” 3141 Murray St.
What to do between meals in Port Moody
People-watch from the patio
On a sunny day, grab a coffee and a prime spot on Gallagher Coffee Bar and Café’s big patio. It’s the best spot to watch people coming and going down the Newport Village shopping strip.
Hit the shops
UnMediocre Kitchen Store carries Staub and Rifle Paper Co. goodies; Olive the Best stocks jam from the Preservatory along with 25-year balsamic vinegar. The woman-owned Little Butcher is perfect for sourcing local proteins, while Vivio Flowers is packed with stunning bouquets.
Swagger ’round the swamp
Belcarra Regional Park features a ton of great hiking trails (and a gorgeous pier across from Deep Cove), but for a gentler stroll, hit the loop around Woodhaven Swamp.
Fake it till you make it
The Inlet Theatre has a roster of impersonators and cover bands on its schedule; even if the faux Shania and CCR aren’t real, the good times sure are.
