March 18, 2024

IMBIBE | Zarak x ¿CóMO? x Tocador x Vancouver Cocktail Week 2024

¿CóMO? Taperia  | Vancouver Cocktail Week 2024 | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

Mount Pleasant—(March 5, 2024) In its third year, the annual Vancouver Cocktail Week continued its libatious celebration of the art of the cocktail through a variety of bartender-forward events, tastings, and dinner pairings across the city. Among many of the thirsty day trips offered, I was invited to one of VCW's neighbourhood jaunts, the Main Street Cocktail Crawl, visiting three of the hottest restaurants for a drink and snack at each stop.

Zarak by Afghan Kitchen | Vancouver Cocktail Week 2024 | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
Garam Masala (gin, mango liqueur, kala namak, and garam masala) + sesame cracker (with crab and mango salad)
On this early evening, thirty of us wanderers were treated to a night of Empress 1908 Gin-based beverages from Victoria Distillers as the chief ingredient of each bar's special cocktail offering, alongside a variety of elevated snacks of Middle Eastern, Spanish, and Latin American origins.

Zarak by Afghan Kitchen | Vancouver Cocktail Week 2024 | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
Band-e-Amir (gin, crème de lavende, passion fruit, lemon, and egg white) from co-owner/bartender Winnie Sun
First, we started at the popular Zarak by Afghan Kitchen (above)—hot off their visit from the cast of The Last of Us last month—for some Afghani-influenced treats that wonderfully transported us to another culture through food and drink in an approachable manner.

Tocador Cuban Restaurant | Vancouver Cocktail Week 2024 | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
La Bonobo (elderflower rose gin, passion fruit, agave, lemon, cava, and hibiscus salt) + beef birria taco
Next, we headed a couple blocks south for some Spanish flavours and happy hour charm at the Michelin-recommended ¿CóMO? Taperia (below) with its vibrant atmosphere highlighted by a fizzy libation and delectable tapas dish. Finally, we then hopped across East Broadway a couple streets down to the cozy Tocador Restaurant (above) for a tropical nightcap of enjoyed with hearty tacos in a dimly-lit, romantic setting.

¿CóMO? Taperia | Vancouver Cocktail Week 2024 | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
Rosalia (gin, triple sec liqueur, vermut rosé, and grapefruit sparkling water)
This midweek adventure drinking with strangers and craft gin enthusiasts provided a delightful fusion of local gems with international flavours in the heart of Mount Pleasant's cocktail bar scene on Main Street.


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