Travel Blog

2 Sep

Featured Vancouverite: Lynn Santiago

Lynn Santiago

Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia

How long have you been a Vancouverite? 26 years (since 1988)

Occupation:
Self-employed as the Director of Rubicon Food Services, which operates Boca in South Granville. This is a modest lunch spot serving Latin-inspired food to those on the go who are looking for healthy, bold flavours.

Our food is made on-site from scratch using locally sourced, sustainable and ethically raised meat. We also provide catering services and workspace food delivery options. With 15 years of food and beverage experience, as well as six years of retail management experience, Rubicon Food Services also offers consulting assistance for business owners.

What are some of the best places in the city to source Latin American ingredients and products?
I primarily use local business Horizonte Imports for our dry ingredients. There is a great selection of Latin products at Killarney Market and 88 Supermarket in East Vancouver. Fresh is Best is a great venue for those on the west side of Vancouver.

If someone is looking for a bit of Latin culture in the city, where would you suggest that they go?
For dance classes, Salsa Vancouver offers many options for the beginner to the advanced. In the summer, the Robson Square Sunday Afternoon Salsa is a great way to learn how to dance and enjoy the outdoors, as are the popular Latin cruises to enjoy our beautiful city and landscape.

There is also the Latin American Week and Carnaval del Sol, the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival, and the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival always features several Latin artists, along with Latin-inspired music. There are also Meetup groups to connect with people who share similar interests around Latin culture.

If someone who had never been to Vancouver before only had 24 hours to explore, what would you recommend that they do to get a true feel for the city?
So much to explore in just 24 hours! Breakfast or brunch at Cafe Medina or for some excellent dim sum. Bike ride or walk around Stanley Park or the Grouse Grind for those looking for more of a challenge.

Lunch on Granville Island via the Aquabus at Edible Canada Bistro, Go Fish, or take the time to snack throughout the Granville Island Market. Kayak in False Creek or check out the UBC Museum of Anthropology.

Dinner in one of our neighborhoods outside of the downtown core like Burdock Co or Chicha in Mount Pleasant, Bao Bei or The Parker in Chinatown, La Mezcaleria or Kishimoto on Commercial Drive, Bistro Wagon Rouge in Strathcona. After that, catch a hockey, soccer or football game or simply wander down Robson Street and around the Burrard Inlet waterfront and enjoy the night lights.

Top it off with dessert and a nightcap in any hotel lounge with a waterview like the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside, Fairmont Pacific Rim or Pan Pacific Hotel.

Do you know someone who would be a great featured Vancouverite? Let us know in the comment box below!

Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2014/09/02/featured-vancouverite-lynn-santiago/