We traveled to Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks in Alberta and British Columbia this past winter holiday, and let me tell you, it was not easy eating vegan in bear country. For some reason, I thought National Parks = outdoorsy people = healthy eats. I'm here to tell you that they are proud of their wild west roots, so don't go in expecting West Coast flava!
That said, if you're vegetarian, you'll have no problem. The word "vegan" just hasn't caught on yet.
Not being interested in the $50/per person buffet at the hotel, we thought... where do all the Jews eat today? Of course, Chinatown! We pigged out at Silver Dragon and literally paid for it. Dim sum cost $90 for two. Yowza! The buffet would have been a better deal.
There were only two veg items on the dim sum cart: fried sesame balls filled with lotus paste and steamed bamboo skin with random Asian veggies. Verdict: the sesame balls tasted like any other place I've tried and the random veggies wrapped in wrinkly skin was gooey and bland.
Unsatisfied, I added one of my most beloved Asian greens: snow pea leaves, which I inhaled and nearly forgot to photograph. The greens were sweet and fresh. I also ordered an egg roll type thing wrapped in tofu skin which was delicious and light. The skin was nicely pan fried and filled with sweet cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots. Lastly, the shocker was the dumplings the size of fists. Filled with the usual assortment of cabbage and mushroom, similar to the previously mentioned dish, the skin was of a surprising medium thickness for such large parcels. It was mediocre at the time, but made a satisfying road snack on the way to Banff.
I always jump at the chance for dim sum, but this place was over-priced and under-delivered. Nonetheless, I look forward to spending next Christmas at another dim sum table!
