Flavours Issue 3

Food trucks are all the rage in the city. And we’re starting
to see them pop up in every community on our Coast
now, to the delight of locals and tourists. The super
tasty, reasonably priced, diverse, and portable offerings suit
our style very well.
Beloved in the Pender Harbour area is Flavour Saver!
Jesse Whitford sets up in various places in and around Pender
Harbour. He has been at it for two years now and has found a
hungry, appreciative locale for his menu of mex-inspired All
Things Yummy.
Jesse grew up in a family that loved food and was an avid
watcher of the Food Channel. Self-taught, he says, “I literally
dream of new taco ideas and recipes . . . Even when I’m not
working I’m constantly thinking of it.”
His menu focuses on satisfying. Taco in a Bag is a big
portable hit, and the Pulled Pork Taco is a local favourite, slowcooked
and then grilled. BBQ chicken and Cajun blackened cod
are other popular options. With many vegetarian friends, Jesse
happily took on the challenge of providing something unusual
and tasty for them. The result has people raving about the jack
fruit tacos. “Jack fruit has never let me down,” he says, and
it comes with the usual enhancers of sour cream/coleslaw/
arugula and chips for a nourishing, satisfying meal. He does
a breakfast wrap and hot dogs too. There are lots of sides
and extras to choose from, like extra meat, avocado, pickled
jalapenos, Doritos, and salsa.
It is a bit of a challenge to find a sufficiently busy location
in the Pender Harbour area, but Flavour Saver definitely has
fans:
“He ups the cool factor in PH by about 1000%,” says one
regular customer.
Jesse has a small family, two girls, 1½ and 7. He knows
that kids need a few items on the menu that are smaller and
plainer, so he offers kids’ tacos, cheese nachos, and a beanand-cheese
burrito that will please the small, hungry-yetpicky
ones.
“And I also like that he has young kids,” says another
customer.
Flavour Saver’s local clientele like to support young
families. They’ve seen a lot of small businesses struggle, so
it is particularly heartwarming to have a new business meet
the needs of the community so well and add young people to
the demographic mix. Jesse could not be more enthusiastic
about the chance to raise a family here. “We love the school,
principal, and the teachers. So many activities for the kids
after school, which keeps them happy, active, and busy.”
Like so many on the Coast, Jesse’s creative juices flow in a
few directions at once. He moved here ten years ago to pursue
a career as a stone and chainsaw carver, but then saw the need
for the food truck. He still loves to carve. “Being a carver,” he
says, “I worked alone for too long, and now working the food
truck, I’m out and about meeting everybody from all over,
and I just love every minute of it! My customers are so happy,
polite, and friendly. It makes me love my job more and more
every day.”
Watch for Jesse's food truck in the Pender Harbour area;
he is trying new locations and if you are lucky it could be near
you. Or hire Flavour Saver for your private party! He’ll also
be at festivals and events from Gibsons to Egmont. Check for
updates at facebook.com/flavoursaverfoodtruck.
who's
out there
E.B.'S ICE CREAM
All hail E.B.’s Ice Cream for scooping what might be the finest
location on the Sunshine Coast, right in front of the Sechelt pier.
Open noon to 9 pm every day, they serve up all the favourite
flavours (sourced locally in the Lower Mainland and containing
actual cream!) plus K9 (a light vanilla with dog kibble) for your best
friend. They also attend events up and down the Coast.
FARM TO FEAST
Sets up at the popular Persephone’s Brewing Company six days a
week, Tuesday and Wednesday 11 am to 7 pm and Thursday through
Sunday 11 am to 8 pm, with an ever-changing, surprising, and
delicious menu that focuses on wild-gathered and local. The firebrick
pizza oven is always on, with fresh, creative toppings.
JERK PAN MAN
At the Roberts Creek Hall Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noon to 6
pm, plus holidays. Authentic Jamaican menu, hot and peppery jerk
chicken, curries, authentic sides like rice and peas, patties (pastries
with savoury, often spicy fillings), coco bread, potato salad. Great
take-out option on the way to the cottage.
MANOR BORN FOODS
Sets up at Bricker Cider Company noon to 7 pm, Thursday to
Monday, and offers ploughman’s lunch, pizzas, salads, and everchanging
fresh and hearty specials, all perfect to wash down with
a crisp local cider!
NAUTI-GIRL TACO TRUCK
Feeds the hungry walkers and sunbathers in Davis Bay, at the
Chapman Creek end. Small and reasonably priced menu. Try
a “flight” of tacos for $10. Also sodas and water. Opens at noon
most days.
FLAVOURS FOOD & DRINK MAGAZINE 23