[twitter]The Flying Pig
102 Water St, Vancouver
605-559-7968

The gas in Gastown refers to Gassy Jack, a famous district resident, but in the modern era it could easily be because the district is a gastronomes delight.

After the WordCamp Vancouver conference downtown, my colleague implored that we take a walk to the tacky tourist shops and cobbled streets to find something to eat. While the shops selling tshirts with all sorts of stereotypical Canadiana may bring a furrow to your brow, the restaurants will not.

There is Pourhouse, Salt Tasting Room, Alibi Room, Irish Heather, and Boneta to name a few. Our choice was to stop in to The Flying Pig at 102 Water St.

According to Scout Magazine, the space has been home to no fewer than 6 restaurants since it was the lobby of the old Winters Hotel, but this sister location to a Yaletown original may be the winner.

The menu is simple, comfort food. The room is bright and open. The staff friendly and timely. We sat upstairs with a quieter spot to have a conversation, the bar area below was bustling.

Craving some west coast seafood, I had a salmon plate and a lobster risotto, while my colleague dug in to some short ribs. From small plates to full meals, you can do a little bit of everything at The Flying Pig.