Mates on Crates Feat. Tommy Shorthouse

G’day,

Those in the know, know where to go.

We’re excited to have just launched our latest episode of Mates on Crates, featuring Tommy Shorthouse, Head Chef at Banter Room in Yaletown. Approaching its 10th anniversary in 2027, Banter Room has established itself as a lively destination for shareable plates, creative cocktails, and memorable nights out. With a menu of international flavours made with locally sourced ingredients, guests can enjoy everything from lunch and weekend brunch to happy hour, dinner, and evenings accompanied by live DJs. Tommy recently joined the kitchen, bringing experience from some of Vancouver’s most notable restaurants, including Fairmont Pacific Rim, Joe Fortes, Boulevard, Homer Street Cafe, and Tableau Bar Bistro. Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking from an early age, Tommy has developed his craft under respected chefs including Ned Bell, Alex Chen, and Ryan Green. Now working alongside Executive Chef Mike Rose, he is helping build on Banter Room’s established food program with seasonal updates and a continued focus on hospitality.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Tommy to chat about his culinary journey, the menu and atmosphere at Banter Room, his favourite dishes, and all of his favourite spots around Vancouver and beyond.

Each time we do a Mates on Crates interview, our guests share up to twenty of their favourites with us. For each episode, only a handful of those favourites make it into the final two minute cut. In order to highlight all of our guest’s favourites, we are happy to share the full list of favourites right here.

Tommy’S favourites at Banter Room:

• Main: Eight-hour braised short ribs served with truffle mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and red wine demi-glace

• Pairing: Nota Bene Cabernet Sauvignon

• Happy Hour: Korean Fried Chicken

The FULL LIST of Tommy’s Local Favourites:

• Burger: Pourhouse

• Cocktail Bar: Pourhouse

• Coffee: Elysian Coffee

• Comfort Food: Instant noodles

• Cuisine: French

• Dying to Try: AnnaLena

• Food Neighbourhood: Yaletown

• French: St. Lawrence or Chez Céline

• Fried Chicken: DownLow Chicken Shack

• Hidden Gem: Is That French

• Last Meal That Blew Them Away: Published on Main

• Neighbourhood Favourites (Yaletown): Rodneys Oyster Bar, The Greek, Elisa Steak, The Parlour

• Outside of Vancouver: The Port Moody Brewery District, including Twin Sails Brewing, Parkside Brewery, and Moody Ales

• Pizza: AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza

• Ramen: Ramen Danbo

• Sandwich: Banter Room’s Roast Turkey Club

• Sushi: Sushi Hil

• Taiwanese Cuisine: Din Tai Fung

• Take an Out of Town Guest: Ucluelet or Tofino

Thanks for joining us, Tommy!

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Watch Tommy’s full Mates on Crates Episode below.

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