The Morning After | New Year’s Day 2026
This base is borrowed from a Mexican classic, but the Caesar is without a doubt one of Canada’s crowning culinary / mixological achievements. Personally, I think it’s the best way to kick off a steak or seafood (or both) night, but most folks would argue it’s a breakfast drink, hence the name - Nick's Walk of Shame Caesar is a savory, umami-packed rescue mission in a glass.
Have a better Caesar recipe or Brunch spot? Let me know what I missed!
Happy New Year!
Disclaimer: The names of the drinks featured in this post are used solely for fun and thematic purposes for a holiday celebration. These recipes are intended only for adults of legal drinking age in your region. Always know your limits, and please, never drink and drive.
Nick's Walk of Shame Caesar
Ingredients (Shopping List)
2 oz Vodka
20ml Maggi Liquid Seasoning
20ml Worcestershire Sauce
30ml (1oz) Fresh Lime Juice (approx. 1 medium lime)
5 dashes Valentina Hot Sauce (optional, for the spicy version)
Top with Clamato Juice
Garnish: 1 Matt & Steve’s Pickled Bean
Preparation
Rim the Glass: Take a fresh lime wedge and run it around the edge of a Collins glass. Press the glass firmly into a plate of Matt & Steve’s Caesar Rimmer until the edge is fully coated.
The Perfect Chill: Fill your glass 1/2 to 3/4 full with ice. This specific ratio is key; it keeps the drink ice-cold without diluting the heavy seasonings too quickly.
Build the Base: Pour in the 2oz vodka, followed by the 20ml Maggi, 20ml Worcestershire, and 30ml lime juice. If you’re leaning into the "Walk of Shame" vibe, add those 5 dashes of Valentina.
Top & Mix: Fill the remainder of the glass with Clamato juice. Using a long spoon (or your pickled bean), stir gently from the bottom. You want to lift those heavy sauces up so they incorporate with the juice.
Final Touch: Drop in a Matt & Steve’s Pickled Bean and a lime wedge.
Pro Tips
REAL Lime Juice: ALWAYS use real lime juice.
Get a stainless steel lemon and lime squeezer: Most drinks you’ll make take 0.5 oz of lime Juice. How much is that? Every lime will produce approximately 1 oz of lime juice (that means squeeze half a lime into your mix).
Ice Matters: Use fresh ice. Old ice will change the flavour.
Top 10 New Year’s Day Brunch Spots
It’s probably already too late to reserve, and the lineups will be hours long, but enjoy!
(Check Before You Trek - Make sure you click the links for reservation and service times.)
(I know there is more then 10.)
The Tri-Cities (PoMo, Coquitlam & PoCo)
Port Moody: The Hard Bean Brunch Co.
The Draw: The social heart of Port Moody; high energy and a massive menu of "brunch-tails."
Link: View on Google Maps
Coquitlam: On & Off Kitchen + Bar
The Draw: A "Critic’s Darling" with a stunning interior and unique fusion dishes like Fried Chicken Benedict.
Link: View on Google Maps
Port Coquitlam: PK’s Cafe
The Draw: The ultimate local secret. Don't be fooled by the strip-mall exterior; their Smoked Duck Benny is world-class.
Link: View on Google Maps
Downtown Vancouver
ARC Restaurant (Fairmont Waterfront)
The Draw: Famous for their festive "Bottomless Brunch" with unlimited small plates and harbour views.
Link: View on Google Maps
Botanist (Fairmont Pacific Rim)
The Draw: A high-end, critic-favorite 3-course festive menu including a glass of bubbles.
Link: View on Google Maps
Carlino (Shangri-La)
The Draw: Elegant Northern Italian-inspired brunch; perfect for an upscale, refined start to the year.
Link: View on Google Maps
West Vancouver
Mèreon
The Draw: Refined French bistro vibes; critics rave about their Duck Confit Cassoulet.
Link: View on Google Maps
Cindy’s Brunch
The Draw: A top-rated neighborhood gem known for its "Fancy Benny" and Persian-inspired specials.
Link: View on Google Maps
Savary Island Pie Company
The Draw: Rustic, iconic, and cozy. Best for quiches, hearty breakfasts, and legendary soda bread.
Link: View on Google Maps
North Vancouver
BLVD Bistro
The Draw: Consistently ranked as the #1 brunch spot in North Van by local critics.
Link: View on Google Maps
Douce Diner
The Draw: A modern, chef-driven diner that is as Instagrammable as it is delicious.
Link: View on Google Maps
The Gull Bar & Kitchen
The Draw: A Shipyards staple with a sophisticated, seasonal menu and great local vibe.
Link: View on Google Maps
Ridge Meadows (Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows)
Big Feast Bistro (Maple Ridge)
The Draw: Legendary farm-to-table spot. Highest rated in the Ridge and featured on You Gotta Eat Here!
Link: View on Google Maps
Stacked Pancake House (Pitt Meadows)
The Draw: Family-friendly with massive portions and confirmed early holiday hours (7:30 AM).
Link: View on Google Maps
Browns Socialhouse (Maple Ridge)
The Draw: A reliable local favorite for a lively mid-morning meal starting at 11:00 AM.
Link: View on Google Maps
Burnaby (Brentwood / Lougheed)
OEB Breakfast Co. (Brentwood)
The Draw: Trendy, high-energy spot famous for their creative "Breakfast Poutines."
Link: View on Google Maps
Tap & Barrel (Brentwood)
The Draw: Great holiday vibe with a huge patio and reliable brunch favorites.
Link: View on Google Maps
Cactus Club Café (Lougheed)
The Draw: A polished, upbeat atmosphere for those looking for a later 11:00 AM start.
Link: View on Google Maps
Surrey
Ruex Café and Bar
The Draw: Australian-inspired gourmet brunch. Known for unique dishes like Udon Carbonara.
Link: View on Google Maps
Dominion Bar + Kitchen
The Draw: Sleek hotel vibe (Civic Hotel) with a great West Coast menu in the heart of Surrey City Centre.
Link: View on Google Maps
Langley (Willoughby & Fort Langley)
OEB Breakfast Co. (Willowbrook)
The Draw: A confirmed New Year's Day choice with their massive menu of Breakfast Poutines.
Link: View on Google Maps
The Hard Bean Brunch Co. (Willoughby)
The Draw: Lively all-day brunch with a massive menu and a very popular cocktail list.
Link: View on Google Maps
Saba Bistro (Fort Langley)
The Draw: Elegant European bistro focusing on local farm ingredients in the heart of the Fort.
Link: View on Google Maps
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