JOHNNY'S POPS

Do you remember the days when you could buy an ice cream from a guy with a bicycle? Well, Johnny's Pops has taken that nostalgic idea and has given it a twist, selling popsicles made from locally sourced ingredients from the front of a bicycle he retrofitted himself.

Johnny grew up in Agassiz and made the big move to Vancouver in 2010. One day, he was inspired by someone in Atlanta making popsicles with interesting flavours. So, Johnny retrofitted a bicycle to hold a cooler for 100 popsicles, found some warehouse space with a kitchen, and in May 2013, Johnny's Pops was born.

The popsicle flavours are largely a result of trial and error. What started as an attempt to recreate ice cream flavours has moved to create unique and mouth-wateringly good popsicles. Flavours include raspberry lime, coconut, apricot salted caramel, and creamy strawberry lemonade. The fruit is largely sourced from Krause Berry Farms in Langley, which has been in operation for over 40 years.

Johnny reckons he has made more than 60,000 popsicles since 2013, which have been devoured everywhere from the Food Cart Fest, to the Vancouver Farmers Market, Khatsahlano, and at private catering functions. This year, Johnny will also be at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which in itself is a good reason to go. The popsicles are also sold at retail locations including Welk's General Store (3511 Main Street), Gigi Blin and soon at the Dirty Apron (540 Beatty Street).

So the next time you're craving something good (and cold) on a hot day, use the Vancouver Street Food App to find Johnny - he'll be the guy with the striped shirt and really really good popsicles. 

See more here

YOLKS

There's nothing better than a perfectly poached egg. Thank goodness for Yolks.

Yolks first started as a food truck in 2012, easily recognizable by its bright blue exterior and the long line of Vancouverites willing to eat the perfect breakfast in the rain. Chef/owner Steve Ewing opening the Restaurant and Commissary in Strathcona two years later with the same bright blue awning, and the line up quickly formed outside. Yolks' second bricks and mortar location opened in 2015 in Fairview Slopes, again with its blue awning. And if you're sitting at work while reading this, don't despair! You can even have Yolks delivered to your office.

Yolks has all the typical breakfast / brunch / lunch offerings you might expect, but with a twist. Like the Chicken Waffles (waffles, fried chicken, gravy, and maple syrup), or the choose-your-own-breakfast-adventure, poached eggs style. Even the drinks menu is unique and delicious. 

Read and see more here

FOOD CART FEST

Back when we were growing up the only food sold out of a cart in Vancouver was hot dogs and chestnuts. Kids these days don't know how good they have it - with over 100 food trucks, carts, and vendors permitted to sell food on Vancouver's streets, the options are endless. There's even an App that locates the food truck hours and locations, allowing you to find a vendor by name, location, or food type.

And just in case you're not much of a food truck hunter, you're in luck. Food Cart Fest Vancouver gathers over 20 food trucks to the Olympic Village every Sunday through the summer. Their website lists all the participating carts - there is definitely something for every budget and taste. But be prepared to wait in line for the most popular trucks (like Tacofino). And if you're thirsty (and over 19), we've heard the beer garden is a great thirst-quencher. 

Admission is $2.50 or free for Vancity members or with a non-perishable food donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Read and see more here.