By: Erika Preece and Zach Berman
Well, 2018 has come and gone. The end of the year is always an opportune time for reflection and contemplation for what the next year might hold. Every year we see ups and downs, changes, goodbyes and hellos, new trends and new friends. We broke down the many highlights the past year had to offer… Behold, The Juice Truck’s Best of 2018 list!
PODCASTS
Winner: The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich is one of our all-time favourite plant-based heros. He’s an ultra athlete and has published vegan cookbooks with his wife- but the podcast is really where he shines. Aptly described as focusing on “life + performance + spirit”, Rick hosts an array of fascinating guests within the health and wellness world. He isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions, while remaining humble and aware that some of his listeners may need to have certain topics “unpacked”. Tune in!
Special Mention: Armchair Expert with Dax Sheppard, Scene on Radio, The Plant Proof Podcast
TV SHOWS
Winner: Wild Wild Country
You don’t have to be a yogi master to have heard of the name “Osho” before. As big fans of meditation and personal growth, some of our staff may even have a book or two in their bookshelf by this infamous guru. Whether or not you think that the Rajneesh were a “cult” or not- this docu-series is not to be missed. Stay tuned for gun-slinging hippies and diabolical secretaries.
Special Mention: The Good Place, Handmaid's Tale
DOCUMENTARIES
Winner: Free Solo
Quite possibly the greatest athletic feat of all time. A stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of the free soloist climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock ... the 3,000ft El Capitan in Yosemite National Park ... without a rope. This movie will leave you beyond inspired!
Special Mention: Eating Animals and Dominion
MOVIES
Winner: Black Panther
We might be Marvel nerds over here. Black Panther was everything you want in an action movie in 2018.
Special Mention: Crazy Rich Asians, Eighth Grade, Searching
SONGS
Winner: “Twilight Heat” by Ponytails
A local Vancouver favourite band released a new EP this year- hello two new songs to bounce around to! The perfect tune for cruisin’ around town.
Special Mention: “Lemon Glow” by Beach House
ALBUMS
Winner: Foxwarren by Foxwarren
If you haven’t heard of small-town Canadian folk artist Andy Shauf, you definitely should tune in. But first, listen to his new funky and folksy band consisting of his brothers and childhood pal. It’s the perfect score for long road trips and cozy nights in. I dare you to not have any feels!
Special Mention: Room 25 by Noname
INSTAGRAMMERS
Winner: Erin Ireland
If you need recipe inspo, info on the plant based lifestyle, or tips about the best non-dairy lattes in town, go check out our pal @erinireland! Erin shares even more, as one of the main trailblazers of the vegan movement in Vancouver. Follow her for vegan travel tips, workout ideas, and cute pictures of her daughter and dog.
Special Mention(s): @easyanimalfree, @jamesaspey, @earthlinged, @womensmarch, @sweetpotatosoul
HIKES
Winner: Wedgemount Lake
This hike is the one to take your most athletic and adventurous friends! Mountain switchbacks complete with some alpine scrambling all rewarded by epic views and a turquoise glacial lake at the top. Bring your bathing suit if you’re feeling brave!
Special Mention: Mount Strachan
NEW RESTAURANTS
Winner: Soil
A new luncheonette brought to you by Karen McAthy, the mastermind behind Blue Heron Creamery (which happens to be situated right next door for your vegan cheese needs). With a changing menu based on availability of local, organic produce, expect to see creative, plant based takes on classic dishes like grilled cheese and lox on toast! Soil does not disappoint!
Special Mention: Aleph Eatery
CAFES
Winner: Matchstick (Riley Park)
We’ve got mad love for our new neighbourhood, as the new Juice Truck store on Main St. is just a few blocks from Matchstick Riley Park. Definitely head there for their house made nut milks and vegan cardamom buns- heavenly!
Special Mention: The Federal Store, Nada Cafe, Elysian Coffee, Buns & Boba
FOOD TREND:
Winner: Probiotic Coconut Yogurt
Just because you don’t do dairy doesn’t mean you can’t get your good gut bacteria on. Luckily for us plant-based folks, it’s getting easier to get our hands on quality coconut yogurt that tastes great and contains super high levels of probiotics. Check out some recipes online, or pick up a batch of locally made Yoggu!
Special Mention: Oat Milk
NEW PLANT BASED BIZ:
Winner: Kula Foods
With the vegan movement gaining momentum, co-owners Jess and Asha were surprised to be unable to find many plant-based foods from their African and Caribbean heritages. Fortunately, they took that as a sign to start creating their delicious Sukuma Stew, Chapati, and Mandazi doughnuts for the public.
Special Mention: Yoggu, Blue Heron Creamery (store on Main)
LOCAL BUCKET LIST:
Winner: RBC GranFondo Whistler
This has been rated one of the best fondos in the world and for good reason. Theres not many places where you can ride up a mountain with ocean views throughout. Squamish onward is a bit of a trek, but the views almost make you forget about the hill induced struggles around each bend.
Special Mention: West Coast Trail
LOCAL GETAWAY:
Winner: Pender Island
One of the most southern of the Gulf Islands and actually made up of two islands, North and South Pender, connected by a small bridge. Pender is full of hidden gems and just far enough from the city! Check out Woods on Pender for cool Airstream accommodations, drinks at Sea Star Vineyards and Twin Island Cider. Hike Mount Norman for spectacular views of the island and follow it up with luxurious massage at Poets Cove. Heaven!Special mention: Powell River
PIZZA PIZZA:
Winner; Virtuous Pie
A classic hot spot that has now spread to Toronto and Portland, VP will forever steal the show with their delicious, creative, and insanely flavourful food. Beyond traditional pies, Virtuous also dishes out brunch, sides, and dessert that are not to be missed!
Special Mention: Vegan Cave Cafe
BEST VEGAN COOKIE:
Winner: The Garden Strathcona
It’s chewy, chocolatey, sweet, and salty. You can buy it from the brand new cafe/shop/bakery that is The Garden in Strathcona. Go check out this beautiful new space and make sure to pair your cookie with a locally brewed coffee!
Special Mention: Conscious Cookie Co, Pure Bread
GROCERY STORE:
Winner: Vegan Supply
Have no fear! Your plant-based needs will be met with one trip to the Vegan Supply store in either Chinatown or Surrey. Vegan eggs, cruelty-free beauty products and clothing, nice cream, and much more will give you hope for the future of grocery shopping.
Special Mention: Nada, Organic Acres
FAVOURITE BOOK:
Winner: Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
This book is the first of a trilogy. Think Harry Potter meshed with Indigenous lore. Son of a Trickster, based locally in Kitimat, blends humour with heartbreak in this compelling coming-of-age novel. Everyday teen existence, indigenous beliefs, crazy family dynamics, and cannibalistic river otter . . . The exciting first novel in her trickster trilogy was the best page turner we read this year! (The sequel Trickster Drift is just as highly recommended)
Special Mention: Like a Mother by Angela Garbes, Motherhood by Sheila Heti
WELLNESS TREND:
Winner: Celery Juice
As a juice company, we definitely saw the celery juice trend arrive full-on! Our staff decided to see what the fuss was about, and now most of us are chugging the stuff every morning. The benefits of the good green drink are listed as being super hydrating, anti-inflammatory, good for reducing hypertension, and high in vitamins and minerals. Drink up!
Special Mention: Intermittent Fasting
Vancouver Festival
Winner: Veg Fest Mini
The end of Summer brought the best Food Fest of the year. Veg Fest mini took place in September in collaboration with @plantbasedvancouver and westbank corp at Main Alley in Mount Pleasant. Over seven thousand people packed the park to line up for the 30 + Vegan Vendors. Grilled Cheese from Black Sheep Cheeze and plant based ribs from The Very Good Butchers highlighted the event!
Special Mention Vegan Night Market, Car Free Day, VIFF