Ever since Richard Chew opened Chewie’s Biscuit Company near the corner of West 4th and Macdonald a couple of weeks back, the local Instagram foodie set’s been snapping – and gobbling – down these massively delicious filled biscuits.
Chew was inspired by a visit down south; he enjoyed biscuits so much that he decided it was time to open a biscuit shop closer to home “like three blocks away”. Of all the food scenes, Vancouver had yet to have its own specialty biscuit shop, so the time was right to open one.
There’s about 10 entrée biscuits to choose from, my new favourite being the Moose (fried chicken breast, sausage gravy, cheese, double-smoked bacon, egg), lovingly named after the owner’s dog. It’s the quintessential comfort food item and is ideal for enjoying at weekend brunch (opening hours are currently Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm).
Sunrise is made with homemade sausage patty (or double-smoked bacon), cheese, egg and zingy sauces. There’s even a vegetarian creation that includes a Beyond Meat patty.
Save room for desserts (grab a fork and share!): the Inside Outside Cinnamon Roll Thingy can be ordered with bacon or simply glazed.
Biscuit & Berries comes toped with berry compote and whipped cream, and don’t forget to order a Bonut (glazed, chocolate, or mystery) to go!
What’s a bonut, you might ask? Think hot-glazed biscuit/doughnut, made using a biscuit batter in place of traditional yeast dough.
As for drinks, there’s local craft beer (currently on tap: Parkside Brewery, Whistler Brewing Company), cider, Philips soda, Happy Planet Juice plus coffee drinks featuring local coffee roasters Agro.
We checked out the newly-vamped, 1,400-square-foot space (taken over from long-standing Raviolino) last week and were impressed by what’s changed (just about everything!).
The counter now sports a bright orange, retro, bold capital C near the till, there’s large whisks hung up on the white-tiled wall near the kitchen (and suspended above the communal table in front), and a large menu on the other wall as you enter the restaurant.
The room is bright and airy with a row of counter seats both at the front window and near the kitchen. Several tables with white chairs (with a long wooden bench along the wall) make it easy to accommodate about 30 to 40 diners, though many devotees order take out in the morning and at lunch hour.
I spoke with Richard Chew during a fun, Insta-snappy media gathering where he divulged his plans for expansion. And judging by their Instagram account and busy days feeding biscuit-loving customers, I’m sure we’ll see more of Chewie’s Biscuits around town in the future.
[L to R: C-Biscuit, Dirty Fries]
Note Chew has moved on from Chewie’s Oyster Steam and Oyster Bar in Kitsilano and Coal Harbour (he’s franchised the name “Chewie’s” to the current owners).
Chewie’s has a social media contest going and are giving away a $25 GC for the best photo.
Just snap a pic of one of their biscuit sandwiches or homemade goodies and tag them on either IG, FB or Twitter using @chewiesbiscuits and hashtags #BetterInABiscuit #ChewiesBiscuitCo. A winner will be announced via social media on November 1.
As Chewie’s saying goes, “It’s Better in a Biscuit”. Indeed!
Chewie’s Biscuit Company can be found at 2822 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver.