Being a guitar player, banjo player and an award-winning singer, it's no surprise that Katie Rox is quickly becoming one of Canada's most beloved country artists.
Along with her three bandmates—Krista Wodelet (drums), Brandi Sidoryk (vocals, bass) and Tara McLeod (guitar)—Rox is best known these days as Nice Horse, an epic country band that offers up high enery live performances and catchy tunes like last year's Billboard Top 30 hot "Cowgirl", "Hot Mess" and their most recent single, "Trampoline".
Currently up for two awards at next weekend's Canadian Country Music Awards in London, ON, Nice Horse's popuarlity only continues to snowball as the months go by. Speaking on London, you can catch Katie, Brandi and Krista performing as part of the Blue Jay Sessions: Cross Country event series on Friday, November 26 at Union Ten Distilling Co.
Calling Vancouver home and being an unabashed lover of all things west coast food and drink, Rox sat down with us to share where she thinks the best eats and drinks are found in her home base.
Breakfast
The Templeton on Granville St. is an old school diner, so the menu has all of the classics. They serve more than just breakfast, but their breakfast is my favourite—try the French toast!
The place is tiny and it is always packed, so show up early. I also love that they project old cartoons on the wall and there’s a jukebox at every table.
Lunch
There are a lot of great sushi places in Vancouver, but Minato Sushi on West Broadway is my favourite. Their spicy tuna sashimi is to die for, and the Minute Roll is a must order too.
Dinner
My favourite dinner place is actually a place where you have to order several days ahead and pick up on the weekend.
It is called Hanai Family Table and they make authentic and freaking delicious Hawai’i-style food! Kalua Pork, furikake chicken, spam musubi…the menu is always changing with the seasons or whatever Tess (the chef) feels like making that week. And occasionally they make an ube cinnamon roll with coconut sauce that is to die for!
I cannot recommend this place enough. My freezer is constantly full of their food because I order as much as I can at one time!
Drinks
For craft breweries, I love 33 Acres. The vibe is great; it feels like you’re just sitting in someone’s living room. 33 Acres of Sunshine is my favourite beer that they make.
For a cozy cocktails-and-wine place, Grapes & Soda is awesome. They have a really great wine selection.
