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Compassionate Culinary: Tasting Plates on the Folke Patio

Compassionate Culinary: Tasting Plates on the Folke Patio

The Folke plant-based restaurant is 1,400-square-feet of country chic in the heart of Kitsilano. The new spot offers an array of unique rustic sharing plates that highlight fresh produce and grains from BC-based farms. The interiors are gorgeous yet simple. The walls are rich deep ocean blue, the beautifully stained wood is complementary to the impressive wine wall, and the seaweed art is by local artist Dana Mulder.

folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving

The Duo Behind Folke

Founders chef-owner Colin Uyeda (Kissa Tanto, Pilgrimme), and pastry chef-owner Pricilla Deo (Queen Charlotte Lodge) offer a family-style setting with a menu that promises to change frequently. We love that there will be something new to catch your attention and try, no matter how often you visit!

folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Patrons are encouraged to sit at the kitchen to observe the owners in their element/

The beverage program features unique local BC wines, beers, spirits, ciders, and mocktails crafted with housemade sodas. Ask your server for recommendations; as we learned, Spanish-style cider is not your usual bubbly, sweet fruity beverage.

folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Make reservations during busy times to ensure your seat is waiting!

We visited for the afternoon patio service from 3pm to 5pm, which we imagine will continue until Mother Nature makes it impossible! The afternoon Snack menu was simple – five tasting style plates – and a selection of beverages.

folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Gin cocktail with apricot and sparkling wine. Not too sweet and made us lament the passing of apricot season!
folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Grilled bread stuffed with multi-grain porridge serviced with side of sunchoke miso for dipping and spreading.
folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Pickles with daikon and carrots and a touch of Kimchi. A wonderful pairing with the porridge bread.
folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Crispy chickpea tofu with gomae base and crudite. Housemade and brilliant silky inside, the chickpea tofu was a delight with a swipe of gomae.
folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Roasted corn with sourdough and maple glaze. Your server will encourage you to use your fingers to nibble these curled corn ‘fingers.’ The corn was firm and easily pulled from the cob.
folke restaurant, vegan dining, no tipping, vancouver, bc, yvr, compassionate culinary, kitsilano, helen siwak, ecoluxlifestyle, ecoluxliving
Sunflower croquettes with spring onion dip. Subbing out rice for soaked sunflower seeds, the croquettes have a nutty crunch and are smooth inside.

The restaurant’s ‘hospitality included’ style of service is unique and refreshing in a culinary scene that is already pricy and expects a 20%+ gratuity. Inspired by the European hospitality model, all staff receive a healthy salary with benefits while promoting a cohesive working environment and aims to create fairness between the front and back-of-house staff.

For those who cannot decide between all the tasty tasting plates, try the Tasting Menu which consists of the chef’s choice of courses and dessert.

Folke Restaurant is open Thursday to Monday from 3pm to 11pm.

All photography for this story by Helen Siwak.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Plantbased Food & Beverages
Helen Siwak, Plantbased Food & Beverages
Helen Siwak is passionate about plantbased culinary, promoting a vegan lifestyle, shopping secondhand, and supporting eco-activists. Her plate is full as founder and president of EcoLuxLuv Comms (Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, EcoLuxLifestyle.co). | helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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