It’s a new year, and the holiday season is coming to a close in a way that your pants no longer will. Stuffed like a Christmas goose from your ravenous intake of carbohydrates and seasonal beverages, you’re seriously considering hibernating in a den till spring. But you’ve got bills to pay and courses to daydream through, and while the sight of leftover turkey and shortbread cookies may have temporarily lost their lustre, you’ve still gotta eat! We know you probably don’t want to spend any more time in your kitchen right now than is absolutely necessary, so we’ve compiled a list of recommendations for local bistros, cafés, restaurants, and the like, to ease your tryptophan-soaked mind. Whether you’re starving or just snacky, you can’t go wrong with these local suggestions! Bon Appetit!
By Sydney Marchand
I stumbled across this little bistro a few years ago and it has quickly become my go-to spot for a vegan treat when driving through downtown Abbotsford. While not everything on their menu is completely vegan, The Polly Fox has a great variety of plant-based goodies to indulge in any time of year. Whether you are craving spiced apple fritters, decadent cookies, or a loaded (plant-based) BLT, there are plenty of allergy friendly items to be enjoyed at this cute little bakery and cafe.
Although I am a gluten lover and enthusiast, this 100 per cent gluten free bakery is especially a great option for those who have dietary restrictions or allergies. And unlike some gluten free vegan baked goods, the products served at The Polly Fox don’t have a strange spongy, dense, or gritty texture — which is very much appreciated.
Settle down with a dairy free hot chocolate and treat yourself to a little plant-based goodness this new year. You deserve it.
By Andrea Sadowski
If you’re looking for the best pho in town, look no further than Pho Galaxy. A beloved local staple, this little eatery in downtown Chilliwack serves the biggest bowls of piping hot pho you’ve ever seen. Their pho is accompanied with Thai basil sprigs, a table full of sauces, lime wedges, and a gargantuan pile of bean sprouts for you to add to your liking. Their bánh mì’s are out of this world and go perfectly beside your pho, if you have enough room.
To be honest, their pho is so good that I haven’t tried any other main dishes on their menu. I always heed the call of this delicious, filling soup everytime I step foot into this restaurant. However, their menu is chock full of Vietnamese and Chinese-fusion dishes for you to try! For the love of all things holy, do not leave this place without trying the Vietnamese coffee. No words I write can do justice to this delicious beverage, it’s vietnamazing!
By Jayden Talvio
I went with my family to The Table Bistro for the first time in early December 2022. Located on Gladwin Road, it is within walking distance of Mill Lake. The staff were super friendly and the vibe was upbeat, with high energy music and comfortable seating. I ordered the Fraser Valley Squash and it was superb. It was fresh and vibrant, consisting of broccoli, carrots, onions, peppers, squash (of course) and more. Eating this colourful meal was a delicious way to maximise the amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients I consumed that day. Every bite tasted different than the last. I highly recommend this dish to anyone on a vegetarian diet or to anyone who is just trying to eat more plant-based in general. I also asked for this meal to be gluten-free, and they catered to my request by omitting the fried onions from it. During my visit here, I couldn’t help but think about how the subdued lighting and intimate atmosphere would be perfect for a first date. I will definitely be visiting again to try more items on their menu.
By Niusha Naderi
If you’re looking for a place to drink a nice cup of coffee, latté, or tea, work at the same time, and people watch, then Cafe Amarti in Abbotsford is your spot! This café has a variety of hot and cold beverages, small portions for a petite appetite, as well as cakes and cookies for your sweet tooth! Their drinks are delicious and so are their sandwiches!
Amarti’s generous space is filled with music and nothing but good vibes. When you first walk in, you see the spacious room and the big community table. Whether you want to sit right in the middle, a little sheltered in the back to get some work done, or cozy next to the fireplace — there’s a spot for everyone. They even have a little patio for people who enjoy their drinks underneath the open sky.
You will be welcomed at the big counter and after you order, they will bring your order right to your table. Amarti’s interior is industrial, but they warmed up the space with accents like wooden tables, a variety of chairs, bar stools, etc. You’ll find a cozy spot there for sure. They know how to make you feel comfy!
This beautiful café is a little outside of downtown Abbotsford, but it’s absolutely worth going to and enjoying the good energy, along with a cup of coffee.
By Kait Thompson
As someone who considers themselves a connoisseur of all things Mexican food, there have been limited options for too long in the Fraser Valley. So imagine my elation when I discovered El Companeros. All of the traditional favs of Mexican cuisine are there: their street tacos are affordable and tasty, their enchiladas are flavourful, and their burritos are generous in portion. They also have vegan and vegetarian options that don’t suck, and more unique fusion dishes like the chipotle pollo burger that are perfect for pickier eaters. My personal recommendation? The chicken mole is the best I’ve had east of the Port Mann bridge.
I also sometimes find with restaurants that you need to pick between good food or good cocktails, but El Companeros has both! Their jalapeño margaritas and rosemary palomas are to die for. Not to mention their pricing — as a broke university student, their cheap eats menu and happy hour specials are one of the best deals in town! You really can’t go wrong.
By Eva Davey
I heard through the grapevine that this place was opening and I was on the edge of my seat until they launched. It was worth the wait! Located right at the edge of Vedder River, this café and studio lets you enjoy a nice cup of joe with a beautiful scenic view. The place goes for a natural yet modern vibe that feels like an Instagram aesthetic come to life. The studio provides yoga classes, (the schedule can be found on their website or Instagram) where I have seen many people walk out thoroughly relaxed. The syrups are house-made, changing seasonally, and their menu is natural with vegan & non-vegan options. Each food item, from their to-go bowls to their sliced banana bread is almost too pretty to eat. The staff are incredibly friendly the minute you step up to order and the owners are on the floor chatting away to customers if they aren’t behind the espresso bar helping to craft the lattes. Their drinks are good for the soul and good for your health, which provides a fresh take on coffee shops. My advice: if you want to go here, get there quick — a line forms fast and almost out the door!
Jojo’s Fish and Chips Bana Restaurant
By Jeff Mijo-Burch
I don’t eat out a lot, but I do love having food delivered to my home, and COVID-19 restrictions made delivery even more appealing. And when I want to order some cheap, quick, comfort food, I’ve found nowhere better in Abbotsford than Jojo’s. I’ll be honest: I’ve never set foot inside the restaurant (located at George Ferguson and Gladwin in Abbotsford), but I loved every item I’ve ordered from them.
Serving fish and chips and American diner-style breakfast food as their specialities, Jojo’s is a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For breakfast (or a later-in-the-day breakfast craving) I go for the sausage and cheese crepes, which cost less than $10 for two and include a generous side of hash browns. Their seafood options are also excellent, but my favourite way to order it is the halibut burger and their amazing fries.
For the last two years, I’ve celebrated my birthday by ordering Jojo’s halibut burger, and I think that’s a tradition that’s going to stick. Even though I haven’t visited the restaurant myself yet (one of these days), they are my local favourite.
By Eva Davey
When friends say “let’s go out to eat,” I very often want to let out a sigh. While there are many places with expanding vegan options on their menus, it can still be limited within the Fraser Valley. But one day my friend found a place on Instagram that had an appetizing-looking margarita, so we drove a few minutes down the road to Hugo’s Mexican Kitchen, and wow!
From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, with friendly staff and the smell of warm food wafting through the intimate restaurant. The spot makes amazing vegan, vegetarian, and meat dishes. The first thing I tried were the tofu chorizo tacos and I instantly fell in love. Another friend convinced me to try the cauliflower tacos that melted in my mouth after a satisfying crunchy shell. A great part of the tacos is the fact that you can get them as a one or three piece, and even mix & match the different kinds! During the pandemic they had roll up panels installed so people could still eat outside (and offered great pick up options), but have since kept the panels so customers can enjoy the authentic cuisine during the cold Fraser Valley winters. When (not if) you go, make sure to end the night with a traditional coconut horchata and churros.
By Lindsey Roberts
This local ice cream shop is your spot for delicious cool treats. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by the enchanting aroma of homemade waffle cones, a must have with your scoop — or let’s be honest, scoops, plural. The buttery cone is light and crispy with a slightly sweet flavour. Banter’s decor is both understated and hip, which puts all the focus on their delicious ice cream and highlights their menu of both unique and classic flavours. While you’re waiting (and trust me it’s worth the wait) it’s time for some seriously difficult choices on which flavour to try. Once you’ve made your decision, there is seating offered both indoors and outdoors for maximum enjoyment.
Banter’s artisan ice cream is handmade in small batches using as many local ingredients as they can. They offer a regular menu of inventive flavours like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Earl Grey (my personal fav) as well as classics like sweet cream and melted chocolate. The best part in my opinion is their monthly rotating flavours, which gives an excuse to visit them regularly. They create four new flavours each month, usually correlating with the season and the ingredients available. This past December they offered flavours such as candy cane fudge and eggnog snickerdoodle. If dairy isn’t your thing don’t worry! They always have a few vegan flavours on the menu including a new one each month.
No matter the weather, it’s always a treat to visit Banter. With locations in both Abbotsford and Chilliwack you can get your local ice cream fix no matter the season. As an ice cream enthusiast I can tell you that Banter is truly one of the best ice cream shops around. The ice cream is silky smooth and creamy, and the flavours are always on point. Not only that but the staff are always upbeat and the vibes are chill (no pun intended). A favourite place to enjoy with friends in the park on a warm summer day, or on a cozy winter date night, you will never be disappointed. Check it out next time a craving hits — because there is always room for ice cream!
Eva Davey is a UFV student majoring in English Literature and minoring in Media Communications. She is a fan of poetry, oat milk lattes, and the final girl trope. Currently, her worst enemy is the Good Reads app.
Jeff was The Cascade's Editor in Chief for the latter half of 2022, having previously served as Digital Media Manager, Culture & Events Editor, and Opinion Editor. One time he held all three of those positions for a month, and he's not sure how he survived that. He started at The Cascade in 2016.
The Managing Editor is responsible for providing support to the Executive Editor in respect to editorial workflow and administration, and an educational resource for sectional editors and volunteers. The Managing Editor is also responsible for internal editorial and volunteer relations.
Jade is an English Honours: Creative Writing student. She plans on pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing after graduating from her undergraduate degree. When she’s not in class or studying, she can be found doing karaoke at a local restaurant in hopes of getting noticed and signed to a record deal.
Andrea Sadowski is working towards her BA in Global Development Studies, with a minor in anthropology and Mennonite studies. When she's not sitting in front of her computer, Andrea enjoys climbing mountains, sleeping outside, cooking delicious plant-based food, talking to animals, and dismantling the patriarchy.
Sydney is a BA English major, creative writing student, who has been a content contributor for The Cascade and is now the Opinion editor. In 7th grade, she won $100 in a writing contest but hasn’t made an earning from writing since. In the meantime, she is hoping that her half-written novels will write themselves, be published, and help pay the bills.
