| Tapioca | 06-22-2010 10:44 AM |
Vancouver's "Street Food Cart" pilot project
I haven't seen a thread on this in the food forum, but this is some pretty exciting news. Here's a feature story from the Globe and Mail: Quote:
Vancouver seeks ‘nutritious, exciting’ street food
Pilot project will see stalls in 17 locations – and not a hot dog among them
Justine Hunter
From Monday's Globe and Mail
Published on Sunday, Jun. 20, 2010 7:15PM EDT
Last updated on Sunday, Jun. 20, 2010 10:52PM EDT
The City of Vancouver is ready to make the leap beyond popcorn and hot dogs as street food fare.
“The appetite for this is huge,” said Vancouver Councillor Heather Deal. She announced Sunday that the city is taking applications for vendors to set up stalls at 17 new locations – but purveyors of unhealthy treats won’t find room on the sidewalk.
“I don’t have anything against hot dogs,” Ms. Deal said, “but bring us something else – nutritious, exciting food.” Also on the undesirable list: Packaged ice cream, popcorn, pretzels and pre-packaged items such as soft drinks, potato chips and candy bars.
James Iranzad will be at City Hall on Monday with his application for a Korean taco stand.
The chef at the Kitsalano eatery Abigail’s Party said it’s a welcome new attitude from the city.
“It’s the first step in a major change in Vancouver’s culinary scene,” Mr. Iranzad said. “It’s going to allow a lot of people that have the vision and talent to bring food to diners” without the prohibitive cost of a full restaurant startup. For those already in the restaurant business, it’s an opportunity to reach new customers. “And it’s good for the city, to be rubbing elbows in the street, the smell of food in the air.”
The pilot project will provide locations on sidewalks and curbside in high pedestrian traffic spots downtown as well as at busy urban beaches like Kits and Spanish Banks.
| Here's a map showing the locations: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...6cd35f63d&z=13
I just came back from a week in Portland and the food cart scene is pretty neat, though the prices aren't exactly cheap - a meal will set you back about 6-8 bucks. There have been some murmurs from the Downtown Business Association who think that these stands will take away business from restaurants - meh, whatever. I hope that the city will implement this program well and not let it get too bogged down in red tape like Toronto's street food program.
Btw, if you are interested in setting up a cart, the applications are 50 bucks and the licences will be granted by lottery. | 