Eat your way through meowfest 2018
What’s a festival without food? In addition to celebrity cats, speakers, entertainment, shopping and adoptable felines, meowfest visitors can look forward to the selection of mobile food options at the event. Whether you’re vegan or omnivorous, health-conscious or carb-happy, let these locally-owned food trucks give you a taste (literally) of what Vancouver has to offer. Wear your stretchiest pants, because you’ll be needing them!
Bandidas Taqueria
From every East Van resident’s favourite neighbourhood vegetarian joint comes the Bandidas Taqueria food truck, which was launched by long-time employee Bryan Jang in 2017. Like its restaurant headquarters on Commercial Drive, the truck features Mexican-inspired vegetarian fare such as burritos, burrito bowls and tacos. Vegan- and gluten-free options are available for all menu items, so all of your friends can get their burrito fix. Don’t forget the extra guac!
Say Hello Sweets
Plant-based ice cream company Say Hello Sweets was launched by owner Naomi Arnaut in 2015, when her dog, Babycakes, needed emergency surgery. Since then, you may have seen the adorable hand-painted truck parked around the city, or their pints for sale at local shops. We’re excited to be having Say Hello at meowfest, where they will be serving up mouth-watering sammies from their brand-new trike and donating 10 percent of their sales to the BSPCA. Meowjor Bonus: They will also have a selection of Johnny's Pops artistan handmade popsicles on hand!
Rolling Cashew
Thai cashew cauliflower wings, potato croquettes and homemade foccaccia sandwiches, oh my! You’ll drool over these plant-based dishes that are deceptively healthy. The menu choices may be simple, but trust me, that doesn’t make the deciding process any easier.
Reel Mac and Cheese
If you’re a comfort food fanatic, Reel’s got you covered. Whether you opt for macaroni and cheese with a twist (such as the Godzilla, which is elbow macaroni topped with nori, teriyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise) or the Main Event (classic gourmet macaroni, made with seven cheeses), all of their movie-inspired menu items are made with love, from scratch. The truck was launched by married couple Suzanne and Perry Poudrier, who have worked in the mobile food business for over ten years, running Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes and Pub Grub at the Vancouver PNE and Calgary Stampede.
Rain Bake Shop
Have a sweet tooth? Rain Bake Shop makes delicious custom cakes and cupcakes that are so cute, you’ll (almost) not want to eat them.
Catfé
Vancouver’s first and only cat café opened its doors in 2015 and has since found homes for over 400 felines through its partnership with the BCSPCA. Although they'll be leaving their kitties at the café, they will be keeping you energized at meowfest with cat-themed snacks.