Born in Vancouver and raised in Jamaica, chef Andrea Alridge discovered her love for cooking as a child while living in the Caribbean. With family roots that are both Jamaican and Filipino, it's no surpise that cooking food with dynamic flavours is a skill that comes naturally to her.
Now 30 years old, the talented chef has spent time working in plenty of west coast institutions over the years including Cactus Club Cafe and the iconic Raincity Grill (now closed)–the latter while completing the Culinary Arsts program at Vancouver Community College. These days, Alridge runs the kitchen at the acclaimed wood-fired Italian eatery, CinCin Ristorante + Bar.
As one of four B.C. chefs currently competing on the new season of Top Chef Canada, we look forward to seeing how Alridge continues to inject her heritage and extensive culinary experience into her dishes in the TCC Kitchen.
Here's where the talented chef loves to eat and drink in her hometown of Vancouver.
Breakfast
Goldstone Bakery was a fundamental part of my youth. Every weekend my dad and I would drive my mom to work and we would go for walks. Somehow, we always ended up at Goldstone for Chinese-style breakfasts. Hong Kong-style coffees, pineapple buns, congee, and soy sauce chow mein were our staples.
Unfortunately, this bakery is now closed due to COVID-19, but the years of memories and great breakfasts with my dad will always be remembered.
Lunch
This place has been around for a long time and for good reason. I grew up eating at Pnom Phenh with my family on weekends and it’s still our favourite lunch spot. I’ve eaten here so many times that I can literally order off the menu by number...with my eyes closed!
It’s a family-owned-and-operated Vietnamese/Cambodian restaurant that has some killer dishes that I could honestly eat everyday if I had the chance. The beef luc lac, the fried squid, and the dry egg noodles are my all-time favourites.
Patience is very important when dining there–the food is so good there is always a lineup!
Dinner
Farmer’s Apprentice is a very quaint restaurant. It has always offered a great dining experience while supporting purely local farmers and purveyors. I have always been very grateful that this little gem of a restaurant exists in Vancouver.
Most recently, my best friend, Alden Ong, has become the chef. In the most unbiased way, I have always been a fan of his innovative mindset. He does an amazing job paying homage to the old and the new while still managing to add a surprising element to his dishes.
Whenever I want a great meal, this place is my go to!
Drinks
The Keefer Bar is hands down the best bar for cocktails in Vancouver.
I have been going there for years and much of Vancouver’s food industry has as well. It has an amazing space with an incredible atmosphere that brings people together. There is always a good time to be had at The Keefer!
