Read the rest of Ton-Ton's Journey: Vancouver 2007.
You can read about another of our trips to Garry Point here. There are some great shots of the sunset.)
As it's already 2008, I decided I should try to finish off the rest of Ton-Ton's Journey: Vancouver 2007. There are four more articles after this. Given the current weakness of the US dollar, I'm not sure when Ton-Ton's next trip to Canada will be, although I'm fairly certain it will be sometime this year.
(Cue Jaws music.)
While there are a few locations in Richmond's scenic Steveston Fishing Village where you can find good fish and chips, family-run Pajo's Fish & Chips has been the shop of choice for Cat's family since King's Fare in Vancouver mysteriously closed. A trip to Vancouver just isn't complete for her without a visit to Pajo's summer stand in Garry Point
Started in 1985, Pajo's boasts two locations in Steveston and two others in the Lower Mainland. While the location on the Steveston Wharf is larger and actually on the water, we prefer the one in Garry Point for its scenic splendor. Since the weather is very much a factor in that part of the world, the Garry Point Pajo's is usually only open during the relatively sunny summer and autumn months.
(Ton-Ton takes in the view.)
Part of the fun is sitting at one of the heavy wooden picnic benches that have holes already cut into the tabletops to help hold your hefty cones of deep-fried loveliness. The ocean is just a few yards away. The wind coming down the coast can be quite chilly, but the fresh salt air really helps to stimulate the appetite.
Of course, there are a few drawbacks. Obstreperous volunteer dining companions like this one are cute and annoying. Their leftover-scavenging skills have been honed by generations of picnicking visitors, and their honking squawks can be difficult to ignore.
Pajo's dishes up its fried filets of crispy goodness in heart-cloggingly large portions. Customers have their choice of traditional cod, ubiquitous salmon, or extravagant halibut. For indecisive people like me, they thankfully offer a One of Each special. All of their fish are perfectly fried. The batter is light and airy, and the fish is moist and tender. The stand offers an array of condiments and seasoned salts so customers can spice up their orders any which way they choose. If you've never had salmon in fish and chips and are considering it, I'd also suggest getting the One of Each. Deep-fried salmon can take some getting used to.
Poutine, a disturbing French-Canadian concoction of French fries, beef gravy, and cheese curds, is another dish I'm fond of getting. Think of them as Quebecois nachos. Although the Pajo's version is strictly barebones, it's enough to satisfy my cravings. For the really good stuff, you need to go to Quebec.
Ever mindful of our disapproving mothers, Cat always orders the Mushy Peas, which are reminiscent of split pea soup. Made with dried peas, this thick and hearty dish somehow manages to sooth stomachs upset by too much grease and starch. If you're wondering how there could ever be too much grease and starch, you've never eaten at Pajo's.
Leftovers are never something to be worried about. While the human stomach wasn't designed to hold that much food, the feathery locals are more than happy to help you tidy up. They'll even put on an airshow, catching fries in midair.
(Enough to make a panda smile.)
Pajo's Fish & Chips in Garry Point - It's a little pricey, even by Canadian standards. But, the quality and the portion sizes make it well worth the money. Just the thing for a sunny day on the beach.
Steveston Fisherman's Memorial
Flavor: B+
Ambience: A
Service: B
ROI: C
Overall: B
Bill (in Canadian dollars):
One of Each Fish & Chips - 11.99
Poutine - 4.79
Mushy Peas - 0.99
Small Drinks - 1.49 (per)
Pajo's Fish & Chips
Chatham Street in Garry Point Park
Richmond, BC V6Y
1-604-469-2289
Pajos.com
Other Locations:
The Wharf (Corner of Bayview and Third Avenue)
Richmond, BC V6Y
1-604-272-1588
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6 comments:
You did go to Pajo's huh? It is just 4 blocks from my house. Come to think of it, we only go to the Steveston Village in summer -- for fish, and the parks ... and of course, fish and chips.
Ben
I love fish and chips for now Union Jack in FV will satisfied my cravings.
CP! Poutine is the best Canadian thing ever! (Even better than Celine Dion, Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, and Pamela Anderson.) Like you, I too am also immensely fond of gravy and fries--I think living in the South has started to really affect my eating choices!
That looks sooooo good! Mike and I have yet to find good fish and chips in POrtland. All have been disappointing or at best 'decent' and incredibly over priced. How about here at home? Anythign you can recommend..and DO NOT SAY Long John Silvers! ;)
Ben,
Wow. I'm so hitting you up for good Steveston restaurants the next time I'm up there.
Bill,
The one in Costa Mesa is my watering hole of choice.
PE,
There's certainly nothing wrong with Southern food. =)
Deb,
Try Union Jack on 17th in Costa Mesa. It's in the same strip mall as the IHOP.
- Chubbypanda
ooh i read about this on are you gonna eat that?'s blog, looks delicious. I prefer plain old cod battered and fried when given the choice. I love gravy on everything.
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