When it comes to Vancouver restaurants and you hear the name Chewie’s, you instantly think of oysters, so are unaware of the gem that Chewie’s chicken and biscuits really is.
Not just for breakfast or brunch, but a great destination for tasty home cook flavourites done by experts who know comfort eats and the flavours that put smiles on faces. The only negative was us not visiting sooner, so that we could share how delicious they are well before. And all of #JoyDiaggi (Joyce of @vanfoodies, Diana of @foodologyca, and myself @magmei) agreed we would bring our partners back for more and to try the rest of the menu.
In truth Chewie’s did switched from oysters to biscuits in 2018, but kept the name as is. They still like oysters, but at the time (and even now) they are hard to procure between the risk of red tide and the fact that peak season is in fall and people want chilled oysters on a hot summer patio. Therefore they decided to pivot, and I for one, am happy that they did.
The owners went to the states and were inspired by some biscuit options there. And thinking that this is where Vancouver is lacking, brought the concept home.
Today we were visiting for our first taste, and I immediately fell in love with their patio, after not being able to discern where it was. Although in hindsight it is hard to miss given how decorative the corridor to it is. A narrow walk over a painted on yellow brick road, with rainbow dots to your right and a black forest of white leaf-less trees on the left.
At the end the space opens up to reveal a back alley patio covered in AstroTurf and bathed in sun. You can grab one of four picnic tables, a couple even had golf umbrellas to keep you cooler in the shade. I found not having one a good reason to tan.
We would begin with their happy hour shareable offerings, which includes $5 Parkside Brewery tall cans.
I liked that the Panko Crusted Zucchini was sliced width-wise rather than into sticks length-wise. This made for a more whimsical presentation and a fun nibble. Panko crusted zucchini served in a miniature steamer dusted with their hot mumma spice and a side of garlic aioli for dipping. Crispy exterior and soft steamed centre, it is the sauce that has you going back for more.
The Chicken Chicharons were a fun one to pair with beer. Fried chicken skin dredged in their hot mumma spice for a chilli kick. Each chip was thin given how lean the chicken used was. Ashy in the mouth and crunchy to finish.
This has three things we liked in the title so we had to order it. The Fried Bacon Corn is exactly what you hoped for in reading it. Bacon, corn, manchego cheese, crema, hot mumma spice, and lime. This was a nice small plate, fresh and sweet, it offers a complimentary side and a palate refresher.
Their perogies also came recommended, but after learning that they are not made in house we passed and opted for more chicken instead.
There is a deal on their 2 pieces crispy chicken combo for Happy Hour, but seeing as we were a table of 4, we went for the 5 Piece Chicken combo. It comes on a platter with fries, slaw, and gravy; plus a drink on the side.
We all agreed that the chicken was fried so well and the sides a great way to add longevity in the serving. A great mix of complimentary items to mix and match with, for the perfect curated bite. Everything tasted as we expected and we enjoyed every morsel.
We then ordered a couple more dishes to be able to showcase the regular menu and some of their more handsome brunch plates.
The Hot Mumma Chicken Benny featured the same slightly tingly, spicy chilli seasoning as we have been having above, but in a Benny. Crispy chicken breast, hot mumma sauce, biscuit, 2 poached eggs, hollandaise, and hashbrowns. The mumma seasoning was more pronounced here, but it did come across more as Frank’s red hot with its acidity and mild heat.
As for the Benny as a whole, the eggs were poached perfectly, with the rich Hollandaise in excess. And best of all, all over one of Chewie’s popular chewy cheese biscuits. Akhough it would have been nice to enjoy one as is, for the intended texture and given that it is plenty flavourful.
I preferred the hashbrown above, in the Corn Beef Hash Bowl here. This is one of their more popular dishes. Hashbrowns, baked beans, corn beef, 2 poached eggs, hollandaise, and hot mumma spice. It was like a breakfast poutine with crispy potato chunks. But given a twist with the tomatoy finish of starchy baked beans, the fattier chunks of corned beef, another 2 perfectly prepared poached eggs, and enough Hollandaise to drown them if that is not the case.
For those who like a good chicken and carbs pairing, look to their Chicken French Toast. The same crispy chicken that we had been enjoying throughout, partnered with a Panko breaded and fried french toast with bacon, real canadian maple syrup, and icing sugar. We really liked the cakey crumb texture hiding chewy soft bits at the centre of each thick slice of toast. Crispy and slightly sweet, I enjoyed it as is, but did add some extra sugar by way of maple syrup in a self pour. As for the chicken it had a nice oniony seasoning to it, to balance all the sweetness.
The one I would come back for an order again is the Chicken Mash Bowl. Crispy chicken, mash potatoes, corn, and gravy. So comforting with familiar favourites that hug you from the inside out.
And save room for dessert, because they have a showcase full of over the top cookies, each soft and chewy as if fresh out of the oven. Ours was decadent with hazelnuts, Reece’s Pieces cups and cereal, and a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup. I am not a big sweets person, but was instantly a fan of this after one bite.
In closing, Chewie’s has made it to the top of my list for one of the best morning after brunches. Ideal when you want it greasy to cut into all the alcohol you had the night before. Everything we had was amazing. I can see myself craving for this again down the road.
Chewie’s
2822 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V6K 1R2
