Vancouver food blog

GMO Food Crops Blog Paper: Importance and Concerns about GMOs, and a Possible New Alternative

2018-02-11T11:34:00.002-08:00

Genetically modified food crops have been at the center of one of the most important controversies of the 21^st century. As the population continues to increase, with 80 million people being added to the population each year, the need for food increases as well. The technique to produce GMOs has been discovered when searching for a way to grow more resilient crops and faster, in order to feed this increasing population. Still, this genetic engineering of food crops created a strong debate due to the lack of knowledge on the possible consequences that could come from using such a technique [1]. The major issue with GMOs that worry the public is human health, because of the possibility of creating stronger antibiotic resistance, allergies, nutritional changes as well as formation of toxins. In fact, there have already been reports of allergy increases, such as soya allergies in the US and UK in the past decade [2]. As the populations grows weary of food security and food regulators, it has pushed for the labelling of GMO products [3]. Over 60 countries have already implemented mandatory laws for the labelling of these products and many campaigns push towards this implementation in some of the remaining countries [4]. GMOs could have very negative environmental impacts as well, mostly on the surrounding ecosystems of the receiving environment. Some non-target species could go extinct in the region due to lack of prey or increase in competition. Soil microbial populations would be impacted since they regulate essential elements in the soil. And contamination to neighboring plants or fields due to pollination or through microbial transfer would also be an issue [5].

Although a large portion of the public still has doubts about GMOs, many people believe GMOs to be the best solution to future food shortages. These people have realized that humans have been farming and using plant breeding for a long time and that these were already techniques used to select genes and modify crops. These old methods are what created the staple foods that are known today, such as corn, rice and wheat. The use of plant breeding helped feed a human population that grew from a few hundred millions to a few billions [6]. However, as most of the space that is able to grow food is already in use, it seems plant breeding has reached its full capacity and a new solution to the problem is needed. In response to the debate on the unnatural aspect of GMOs, Bill Nye said in an interview for NowThis Future [7]:

‘Farming is not natural. If you stop putting energy into a farm, it will turn back into a prairie, or a forest, or a meadow, or whatever it used to be. […] Now humankind moves more rock and soil than nature does. More than erosion. […] So we are in charge of this planet.’

The concerns surrounding GMOs are substantiated, but the population is not going to stop growing so there needs to be a solution and fast since people are going to want to eat. The controversies on GMOs mostly revolves around the fact that it is a technique that would permanently alter the genetic makeup of plants. Therefore, companies like Monsanto have started developing sprays, or ‘genetic sprays’, that could penetrate plant cells and temporarily modify their genomes [8]. This would appear to be the best possible alternative to GMOs since they have been so intensely criticized and therefore haven’t been used like it was anticipated.

References

[1] Bawa, A. S.; Anilakumar K. R., Genetically Modified Foods: safety, risks, and public concerns – a review (2012) National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791249/

[2] Maghan, B.; Ardekani A. Genetically Modified Foods and Social Concerns (2011) National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3558185/

[3] Loureiro, M., GMO Food Labelling in the EU: Tracing ‘the Seeds of Dispute’ (2003) Wiley Online Library. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1746-692X.2003.tb00038.x/full

[4] Labelling (2017) Canadian Biotechnology Action Network. Retrieved from https://cban.ca/gmos/issues/labeling/

[5] FAO Information Division, Genetically Modified Organisms, Consumers, Food Safety and the Environment (2001) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/x9602e/x9602e07.htm

[6] Brown, N.; Fedoroff, N., Mendel in the Kitchen: A Scientist’s View of Genetically Modified Foods (2004) National Academy Press (Trade)

[7] NowThis Future, Bill Nye Takes On: GMOs (2017) Facebook. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/NowThisFuture/videos/1798579510183221/

[8] Regalado, A., The Next Great GMO Debate (2015) MIT Technology Review

The Tomahawk Barbeque

2013-02-02T00:12:00.001-08:00

1550 PHILIP AVENUE
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
V7P 2V8 CANADA

604.988.2612
Author: AFB Society

Rating: 8/10

Featured on You Gotta Eat Here and Diners Drive-ins and Dives, frequented by all the locals, and recommended by AFB? Must warrant a food blog review from yours truly. After a long day of inner tubing at Cypress Mountain, we descended into the North Van area to find some eats. We found Tomahawk and were greeted by a boisterous crowd of Vancouverite hipsters looking to indulge in some feel good barbeque action. Although the restaurant was packed, we were seated almost immediately and our burgers arrived soon after. Both my colleague and I ordered the highly recommended Tomahawk Burger. It was a mile high combination of beef patty, wiener, fried egg, bacon, shredded lettuce, onions, cheese, tomatoes, and their specialty sauce: a chubster's delight. The burger was definitely near the top of our list of great burgers however it did have a few faults. Our biggest complaint was an over abundance of lettuce and not enough sauce. The fries were fresh and crispy and delightful. Upon return, we would definitely order another one of the numerous menu options which all looked scrumptious. The atmosphere of the restaurant was without a doubt one of its most alluring factors. It was full of locals, tourists, regulars, and first time costumers like ourselves. Conversation filled the air and the servers were kind and welcoming. The prices were average ($10-20) for an entree.

We recommend this restaurant to anyone in the Vancouver area.

bye

Bangkok Kitchen

2013-02-01T23:56:00.002-08:00

110 - 20330 88th Avenue
Langley, BC
V1M2Y4
(778) 298-1255
Author: AFB

Rating: 8.2/10

On a frigid Monday morning in quaint Walnut Grove, my esteemed colleagues and I were enjoying a piping hot cup of dark roast. We were overlooking the regal Cascade Mountain Range when our wise old mentor Kevin Fatkin suggested we dine at the nearby Thai eatery: Bangkok Kitchen. The following weekend, 4 guys (no homo) myself and co-author included, decided to watch the theatrical masterpiece Skyfall. But, before sitting down to enjoy the latest Bond rendition, we settled on the aforementioned Bangkok Kitchen as out dining locale. Upon entering, we were surprised by the lack of customers but also extremely impressed as the hostess was wearing a Totoro shirt..who doesn't love Totoro, that fluffy ball of who knows. Speaking of theatrical masterpieces, oh boy does this japanese classic rank amongst the best of the best. But I digress, we were seated and promptly ordered. For appetizers, we chose Spring rolls (cannot go wrong with good ol' fashioned spring rolls) and Toong Tong which translated into English means chubbing goodness wrapped in light pastry. Onto the main dishes...my friend ordered the red curry and claims that I copied his selection; our two other colleagues ordered sweet and sour chicken (not very adventurous kdawg tsktsk) and Tom Yum Rice Noodle (the noodles were replaced with rice because they ran out).

Prices were pretty good considering portion size and quality. We all highly suggest this fine establishment and will be sure to frequent it again!

Snikydrol 4 lyfe #koolbyte

Empire Garden

2012-09-28T20:03:00.001-07:00

Empire Garden Chinese Restaurant
#100 20378 88th Avenue
Langley, B.C.
604-882-1111
www.empiregarden.ca
Author: AFB Society

Rating: 6.9/10

One late summer evening, my colleague and I were wandering the streets of Walnut Grove searching for some good eats. We decided to try our luck at Empire Garden. We had heard good things about this Chinese Restaurant that serves classic dim sum every day. There was no abligurition to be had this night as we immeidately noticed the food was very moderately priced. We ordered 4 Egg Rolls, Breaded Almond Chicken, Chicken Chow Mein, Sweet and Sour Pork, Special Chop Suey and Barbeque pork fried rice, all for $40.95 (there were 3 of us...we aren't that chub); we also ordered the duck lettuce wrap which turned out to be an excellent decision. In fact, the duck lettuce wraps were the tastiest, most succulent dish we ate that night. Everyone around us ordered it as well. The rest of the meal was also quite pleasant, accented by the egg rolls and the sweet and sour pork.

The service was timely and the atmosphere was inviting. The servers were friendly and obviously knew a thing or two about aristology.

We do recommend this well established, authentic dim sum restaurant and we hope that you will enjoy it as much as we did.

再見

Dunn's famous Diner

2012-09-01T22:48:00.001-07:00

Dunn's Famous
827 Seymour Street, Vancouver
604-682-8938
Author: AFB Society

Rating: 7/10

Dunn's famous Diner is an iconic Montreal Smoked meat restaurant in the heart of Vancouver; however, its name is somewhat of a misnomer. I was on Granville street with a friend looking for a quick bite to eat so I pulled out my iPhone and quickly found Dunn's on Urbanspoon. It had good reviews so we made our way over and upon arrival discovered a completely desolate, barren, empty diner. Slightly nervous about the lack of customers at 6:30pm on a busy Friday night in Vancity, we decided to risk it anyway. Our server was extremely eager to serve us(she almost seemed shocked at having customers) but she was kind and very helpful in choosing a Menu item. She recommended the Reuben and gave me the choice of lean, medium or fatty cut. The service was impigrous to say the least and the sandwich I received was ludicrously large. As soon as I took a bite I knew I had made a good choice (with a little help from my server). Even better than the sandwich were the French fries. One of the restaurants specialties is poutine and the fries served with my sandwich convinced me it would be a top notch poutine. My friend ordered the burger and complimented the barbecue sauce and although he was not overly impressed, had only good things to say.

Although serving decent quality food, the restaurant was a little on the expensive side ($20 for my Reuben and a cherry soda) but with top notch sandwiches being served, it's a wonder Dunn's famous isn't as famous as the name suggests.

Las Margaritas

2012-08-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Las Margaritas
1999 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604-734-7117
info@lasmargaritas.com
Author: AFB Society

Rating: 8.5

I have never been a big fan of Mexican cuisine... until a group of my friends and I stumbled upon Las Margaritas after a long day at the beach. The fact that the doors were overflowing with people is what made it illecebrous; after one look at the menu posted on the restaurants exterior, we knew we had found a place to eat. There was a 15 minute wait, but that quarter hour flew by as we waited anxiously to enter the eximious eatery. Once inside, we were seated and ordered promptly. My colleague and I both ordered the moderately priced Enchiladas San Blas ($14.40). How can one resist two tortillas filled until bursting with a seafood combination to die for (fresh crab, shrimp and red snapper) and, of course, one cannot forget the Mexican rice and the refried beans. Surrounded by constant hustle and bustle, it was obvious we were not the only ones who found Las Margaritas foudroyant as we waited for our meals to arrive. We enjoyed the unlimited in-house made tortilla chips and salsa and we were not unimpressed with the service. In fact, considering that the restaurant was so busy, we expected a longer wait. As far as we could tell the rest of the menu looked just as scrumptious. Also, if you are looking for a great place to enjoy a drink and a meal, the martinis being served were tempting.

All in all, Las Margarita offers great bang for your buck as the food is exquisite and the overall, authentic atmosphere only leaves you wanting more.

We plan on enjoying another meal at Las Margaritas as soon as possible.

¡Adios!

Sophie's Cosmic Cafe

2012-08-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Sophie's Cosmic Cafe
2095 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7, Canada
Author: The AFB Society

Rating: 5.2/10

The proof is in the pudding: a perfectly enjoyable, sunny day spent in Vancouver and at the beach can be marred by a poor restaurant choice. Despite the effervescent atmosphere, friendly staff, quaint setting, and great location, the food was crap. We ordered milkshakes to start off which were delicious and got us excited for the meal but when it arrived, we were very disappointed. I ordered the burger which is featured on their menu as a premium option but was overcooked and served on a slightly stale bun. The fries were average but nothing special. My colleague ordered the fried oyster burger which was "okay" but nothing to go home and rant to friends about. Our mutual comrade ordered the BLT which he enjoyed however he "[has] had better". Not much more can be said other than if you are in the Kitsilano region, we suggest you go to Las Margaritas. A deliciously fresh Mexican restaurant.

The prices were average ($10-12 per entree) however obviously not worth it.

#tipyourwaiters

Japan Sushi

2012-08-28T14:03:00.002-07:00

Japan Sushi
403 8840 210th St
Langley, BC
Author: AFB Society

Rating: 7.8/10

We like sushi. So it's only natural for another sushi restaurant to make an early appearance in our blog. Japan Sushi has a calm and modern atmosphere, but lacks authenticity. Since we are not Japanese, we may not be in a position to label it as such; however, despite it's name, the establishment is run by Koreans. That being said, the staff is very kind and the lunchtime aura is active and adrenaline inducing to say the least (the proximity of the high school makes for a very busy lunchtime hour (not really, its a half hour)). After recovering from our initial confusion over the identity conundrum, we were able to quickly order food and have it arrive in a timely manner. On the menu this particular day was a rainbow roll ($6.75), a California roll topped off with thin strips of avocado and sashimi. Personally, it turned to be a new and fresh addition to an old classic. We also ordered a spicy tuna roll ($4.75; as good as any), a calamari roll, ($4.95; did not disappoint), a dynamite roll ($4.75; not much to say here), a spicy chopped scallop roll ($4.95) which was unfortunately not as spicy as we would have liked, and finally a salmon tempura roll ($4.75) that was fresh and tasty.

We will leave you with a glowing recommendation and an open invitation to Japan Sushi.

Ciao for now.

Mazaj Best Donair

2012-08-06T15:59:00.002-07:00

Mazaj Best Donair
404 - 8840 210th St
Langley Twp, BC V1M
Author: The AFB Society

Rating: 7.2/10

Mazaj Best Donair: a classic staple of the Walnut Grove area. Fresh ingredients, timely and welcoming service, and an all around pleasant dining experience are all mainstays at this magnificent Mediterranean local. We ordered a supersized beef donair (holy chub, double the size for a few dollars more!) and a regular lamb donair. Both were impeccably prepared and tasted as good as they looked. The tzatziki sauce and hummus are both home made and perfectly round off a truly exquisite ensemble of top notch good-eats.

The prices are relatively low, approximately 10 dollars for a super sized donair. The hummus and tzatziki can be purchased individually on-site as well. Definitely an excellent choice for anyone in the Grove area.

Akane Sushi

2012-07-30T16:29:00.002-07:00

Akane Sushi

20349 88th Ave, Suite 7A
Langley, BC V1M2K5

Author: The AFB society

Rating: 8.5/10

For the inaugural entry into our food blog....a voluptuous review of Akane Sushi to stimulate the senses. As we began our journey to document the fine cuisine of the Walnut Grove area, we thought it appropriate to commence with one of the West Coast's most favoured foods: sushi. Akane has a welcoming environment with the chef's hat being a trademark and fan favourite of the restaurant (seriously check it out, it's huge). The menu is diverse, offering many succulent variations of classic Japanese sushi. We ordered two spicy chopped scallop rolls, some tuna sashimi (a personal favourite), two dynamite rolls, and an unagi roll (fresh water eel for those of you not well versed in the Japanese language). All of it was exquisite! However, the spicy chopped scallop roll topped the list having just the right amount of spice. Oh and the miso soup was good too btw. From what we could see on the menu and from our past dining experience, all the other dishes we tried were top notch as well. Overall, Akane Sushi produces Walnut Grove's best sushi: some of THE best sushi we have ever had.

Although on the slightly expensive side (approx. 6$ p/roll), it was well worth it. We strongly recommend this institution of fine cuisine and hope to see you there in the near or far future.

Fooood

2012-07-04T00:43:00.001-07:00

Vancouver has some pretty good restaurants and places to eat but where is the best? Graham Kasper and I (Ethan Wilkinson) have set out to discover the answer(mostly just for an excuse to have some good eats). Tune in as we post pictures and reviews of some Chubbin good food!