Tractor Foods

Because we’d been eating so (not) healthy for the last while, we decided to try out Tractor Foods. Mell had heard good things about it from multiple sources in the Kits area so we figured we’d up our nutrient intake.

Tractor casually prides itself on dishing out delicious, simple, and local-when-possible sourced ingredients to make yummy “everyday foods.” We both found the cafeteria-style dining a welcome experience and especially enjoyed sitting outside on one of the last sunny days in Vancouver.

Mell got a housemade lemonade, while Grace decided to try Bomber’s IPA (India Pale Ale) after having met up with Adam a few days ago and getting beerducated. (Thanks bruh.)

M: I was told I need to try out this blueberry lemonade and it honestly doesn’t disappoint. It comes in a massive glass and isn’t too sweet. (I wouldn’t have said no to a shot or two of vodka but oh well…)

G: Of course you wouldn’t… Actually I wouldn’t either but beer will have to do for today. Still getting used to the hops, but this beer goes well with the food.

M: I really love getting daydrunk.

G: It’s the BEST.

M: Right? Once you sober up you’re ready to eat and do whatever.

G: Yeah. Makes your day go by so much… better.

You’ve gotten daydrunk before too and you frickin’ loved it, don’t lie.

Keeping in mind it’s summer, Grace couldn’t believe that Mell was eating stew in the heat. Could. Not. Even. However, it’s creamier than it looks and tastes great. Definitely one of the winners of the night.

M: This is my #1 right here. Hands down best stew I’ve consumed in a while. Absolutely love the mulled combination of Thai flavour. (I’m always going Asian whenever possible!) The chickpeas are soft and in general it’s a lovely dish.

G: It’s just too hot for stew.

G: Oh my God that’s good. HEY, WANT SOME PORK?

M: … No.

G: Pft fine. Love the provolone. The pork is kinda like Chinese roast pork, but it’s sliced a lot more thinly, which I appreciate because it’s easier to chew and a lot more flavourful.

M: I like more surface area, ’cause when you cut it really thinly, you get more flavour on every slice. And I also like the texture of smaller things in my mouth, not… bigger… things. (This comment actually happened. Grace has audio proof.)

G: Haaaaaaaaahahaha. This is the kind of stuff we miss when we don’t record.

We also got three salads from their (vast and diverse) selection. Livin’ large, y’know. From left to right:

• Roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, radicchio, orzo, feta cheese, kalamata olive dressing
• Swiss chard, fennel, kale, sauteed oyster and button mushrooms, roast onion dressing
• Grilled asparagus, broccoli, butternut squash, pecans, ricotta cheese

G: I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed salads so much before. Probably because the ones I make at home take all of five minutes and I just throw in whatever vegetables I have on hand… but DAT KALAMATA DRESSING. So good. Usually I’m picky with salads because they tend to err on the bland side but the flavours here are great.

M: YUM. I’m thoroughly enjoying the orzo and cauliflower one. And I’m always a lover of broccoli. Because the kale was marinating in that roasted onion dressing, it’s softened it up a bit and it’s 10x more appetizing now. 

G: Yeeees. I’m gonna have to use that technique to soften up the kale in my own salads. I think my favourite by a hair is the mushroom salad. Love the softer texture of the mushrooms and also that the onion dressing doesn’t overpower the salad.

M: I don’t really like mushrooms though.

G: Mushroom hater.

After the week of heavy food we’d had, Tractor Foods was a refreshing break. It just felt good to eat healthy—especially when the food has such rich flavours. We’re probably going to go back and try the rest of the salads. If you still need extra incentive (although you really shouldn’t, LBR), service was quick and friendly, and patios are always a plus.