Have you ever experienced one of the collaboration dinners at Save On Meats in Vancouver? Then your missing out! Every month, Save on Meats hosts an exquisite four course meal paired with drinks, and I have to tell you, it’s out of this world! With world renowned chefs and an amazing fine-dining meal, not to mention award winning bartenders stirring up a storm some of the finest cocktails, beer & wine that pair perfectly with each course. The best part? This is all to raise money for A Better Life Foundation. I’ve been several times now, about a year and a half ago with Mark Singson of FAM Inc, last year with chef Alexandrea Fladhamer from Fiore Restaurant, Chef Lauraleigh Paul Yuxweluptun’aat from Skwachays Lodge, and a few months ago with proprietor Mark Brand, all amazing experiences I would never forget.
Last night we had Chef Wesley Young from Pidgin create a 4 course meal paired with drinks. Course 1 was Soup & Dumpling – some chicken & scallion broth with prawn & pork dumplings, they were delicious! I wanted so much more! Full bowl next time please! Course 2 was Cold Cuts – shredded wine poached chicken, pickled veg, crepes and dipping sauce. Okay this was by far my favorite. These were comparable to lettuce wraps as it tasted like some sort of hoisen sauce, and the picked veg was the perfect touch! Course 3 was the Rice Bowl – steamed rice, pork ragout, soy fudge egg yolk, furikake and scallions. Interesting flavors here, but lots to fill us up! Course 4 was Tapioca Pudding – tapioca pearls, almond milk, condensed milk, vanilla, red bean paste, green tea, compressed melon and coconut meringue. Loved the meringue and the sweetness of the dessert. For drinks we had a Pale Ale from Persephone, a Pinot Grigio from Dunavar, a cocktail with Skyy Vodka, melon liqueur, green tea and lemon which is green and sweet, then my favorite drink which I would definitely order which was Lychee infused sake, lemon and basil, yummmm!
Save on Meats partners with groups like A Better Life Foundation because they know first hand about those in need. They are located right in the hub of the downtown Eastside of Vancouver and are doing their part to help fight back against hunger and poverty. This foundation looks to increase food security for women and children who are fleeing violence, as well as provide training and employment opportunities which providing a hearty and healthy meal. They feed about 1000 Vancouverites a year, and aren’t stopping anytime soon, they’ve served over 2 million meals to date!!!!
Save on Meats has been around since 1957.
It’s moving to see all those who want to help, the generosity of the guests, providing monetary donations to give back to those in need. They provide equal employment opportunities for those who may not find employment elsewhere, such as those with mental health issues, physical disabilities, those with a criminal record and others who just aren’t given the same opportunities at a career. The restaurant itself has an affordable menu for everyone in the community. From an All Day Breakfast for only $5.95 to a a hearty burger and side for under $9.
They have served over 90,000 meals to those in need and have tons of programs giving back including 2 ways of supporting this Foundation. Firstly they have The Greasy Spoon which pairs amazing chefs from around the country and bring them in to create a diner inspired meal paired with cocktails made by award winning bartenders, as well as beer and wine. You’ll sit in social tables where you can interact and connect with like minded individuals also looking to make a difference. Each ticket helps feed and employ those in need, so open your wallets folks!
They also have Plenty of Plates which is an opportunity for you to give back by cooking and serving wholesome meals to those in need. They also have a Token program which gives warm clothing to those in need. Each token is $5 and good for a pound of clothing at The Rag Machine which is a high quality recycled clothing store where everything they sell is about $6 a lb. They even have sandwich tokens too! Just purchase a token and choose where you’d like to see it used, such as the VPD, Women’s Health Collective, Rainier’s Women Clothing or leave it up to them to allocate where the funds would go. They have a diner, sandwich window, butcher, not to mention they offer cooking classes like canning, sausage making, and even do catering for events like Weddings!
Want to learn more about the impact they’re making?
Here’s their Social Impact Report;
They are located at 43 West Hastings, Vancouver so go down and give them a visit!
Want to attend a Greasy Spoon Supper Series? Click here;
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