New West Spotlight Podcast

Carla McNeil

Join Carla McNeil on the New West Spotlight Podcast, your weekly guide to the vibrant food, beverage, and events scene in New Westminster, BC. Each episode highlights a local restaurant, coffee shop, brewery, or community event that makes New West a destination worth exploring—from hidden gem eateries and craft beverage makers to the festivals and happenings that bring our community together. Through careful research and local knowledge, Carla shares the highlights, insider tips, and unique details that make each featured spot special. Whether you're a foodie seeking your next favorite spot, a local looking for weekend plans, or a business owner wanting to reach engaged, community-minded customers, the New West Spotlight Podcast is your quick, essential guide to New West's thriving food and beverage scene. Discover, connect, and thrive with us—because together, we are stronger.

  1. 10h ago

    Tastes of New West: International Flavours

    In this episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a warm, flavourful tour through New Westminster’s international dining scene. From spicy Mexican dishes to comforting Ukrainian fare, this episode celebrates the city’s cultural diversity through food — highlighting how local restaurateurs bring the world’s flavours home to New West. Featured Places & Events: El Santo — 680 Columbia Street. Modern Mexican dining with creative cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. elsanto.ca Taverna Greka — 326 Columbia Street. Family-run Greek restaurant with authentic recipes and stunning river views. https://taverna.ca Stefanos Restaurant & Lounge — 315 Columbia Street. Longstanding Greek favourite known for live music, family hospitality, and Mediterranean classics. https://stefanos.ca Galbi Korean BBQ — 825 Carnarvon Street. Interactive Korean barbecue experience featuring premium meats and homemade sauces. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMTZusJhXA5/ 4 Seasons Chaat House — 420 Sixth Street. Indian street food and chaat-style snacks bursting with spice and texture. https://4seasonschaathouse.com Han Lin Noodle House — 408 Sixth Street. Comforting Chinese noodles, dumplings, and homestyle stir-fries in a cozy Uptown setting. https://hanlinnoodlehouse.com Plato Filipino — #100 – 892 Carnarvon Street. Home-style Filipino cooking including adobo, palabok, and traditional desserts. Daily Hive feature https://www.instagram.com/platofilipino/?hl=en Kozak Bakery & Cafe — 444 Sixth Street. Authentic Ukrainian comfort food — pierogies, borscht, and baked goods made from scratch. https://www.kozakeatery.ca/kozak-menu Be sure to subscribe to the New West Spotlight Daily Digital newsletter and keep up to date of all thing New West! https://www.newwestspotlight.com/subscribe

  2. Aug 14

    Every New Westminster Resident Should Experience the Salmonbellies

    Lacrosse and New Westminster have been connected for generations, and few local traditions carry the same history as the New Westminster Salmonbellies. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores the story behind one of Canada's most unusual sports team names, the Salmonbellies' connection to New Westminster, Queen's Park Arena, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and the youth lacrosse programs helping carry the tradition into the future. But there's a personal twist: Carla has lived in New Westminster for many years and has never attended a Salmonbellies game. So rather than pretending to be a lifelong fan, she's discovering this local tradition along with listeners—and asking whether it's time for both longtime residents and newcomers to experience a game for themselves. The current Senior A Salmonbellies schedule, tickets and team information are available through the team's official website. 📍 Featured Locations & Organizations New Westminster Salmonbellies – Senior A Lacrosse 📍 Queen's Park Arena, 900–51 Third Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1L7 🌐 Official website & current schedule 🎟️ Single-game tickets Queen's Park Arena 📍 900–51 Third Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1L7 A 3,500-seat arena that becomes a dedicated lacrosse facility during the summer and hosts New Westminster's minor, junior and senior lacrosse programs. 🌐 City of New Westminster – Queen's Park Arena Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame 📍 Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC A national institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating Canada's lacrosse heritage. 🌐 Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association 🌐 Official website Providing box and field lacrosse opportunities for youth in New Westminster and helping introduce the next generation to the sport. In this episode: New Westminster Salmonbellies, lacrosse in New Westminster, Queen's Park Arena, Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, minor lacrosse, local sports, New West history, family activities, and discovering local traditions. Important: Game dates, ticket availability, schedules, admission information and visitor hours can change. Check the official websites before planning your visit.

  3. Aug 7

    Stay a While: Where to Stay in New Westminster

    Where should you stay when visiting New Westminster, BC? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores five very different accommodation options across the city—from a waterfront hotel overlooking the Fraser River and boutique accommodations in historic Downtown to apartment-style heritage suites and neighbourhood stays in Queensborough and along 12th Street. Whether you’re welcoming family from out of town, travelling for work, planning a weekend visit, or considering a local staycation, this episode offers a starting point for discovering where to stay while enjoying New Westminster’s waterfront, heritage streets, restaurants, neighbourhoods, and convenient transit connections. 🏨 Featured Hotels Inn at the Quay 📍 900 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6G1 A waterfront hotel overlooking the Fraser River, with most rooms offering riverfront balconies. Guests are steps from the boardwalk, River Market and New Westminster SkyTrain Station. Website: https://www.innatwestminsterquay.com/ The Met Hotel 📍 411 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A9 A 27-room boutique hotel inside the historic Burr Block, built in 1892. Located in Downtown New Westminster just steps from Columbia SkyTrain Station. Website: https://www.themethotel.com/ Arundel Mansions Hotel 📍 48 Begbie Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 3L9 A historic 1912 property offering apartment-style accommodations in Downtown New Westminster, close to transit, restaurants and the waterfront. Website: http://arundelmansion.com/ Queens Hotel 📍 Suite 130 – 1110 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 5E4 A smaller boutique-style accommodation in Queensborough, offering visitors a neighbourhood alternative to staying Downtown. Website: https://queenshotel.ca/ New Royal Inn 📍 379 12th Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1T8 A practical accommodation option with kitchenettes, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi and on-site parking listed among its current amenities. Website: https://newroyalinn.com/ 🧳 In This Episode Discover hotels and accommodations in New Westminster, places to stay near SkyTrain, waterfront accommodations along the Fraser River, historic Downtown hotels, and options for visiting family, couples, business travellers and local staycations. Hotel amenities, rates, policies and availability can change, so always confirm current information directly with the property before booking.

  4. Jul 30

    The Joy of Collecting: Hidden Treasures in New Westminster

    From retro video games and trading cards to comics, anime, LEGO, horror memorabilia, and tabletop games, New Westminster is home to a surprising number of specialty collectible shops. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores five local destinations where nostalgia, pop culture, and community come together. Whether you're an avid collector, a lifelong gamer, or simply looking for a unique place to browse, these shops offer something for every age and interest. 📍 Featured Locations The Trading Gallery 📍 Unit 707, 625 Fifth Avenue, Royal City Centre, New Westminster, BC Trading cards, anime figures, manga, and collectibles. Press Start Video Games 📍 734 12th Street, New Westminster, BC Retro video games, classic consoles, accessories, and gaming collectibles. Netherworld Collectibles 📍 736 12th Street, New Westminster, BC Horror, fantasy, cult-film memorabilia, action figures, props, books, and collectibles. Everything J&J's Collectible Palace 📍 255 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC Pokémon, LEGO, video games, trading cards, and a wide range of collectibles. T&N Games – Royal City Centre 📍 Unit 118, 610 Sixth Street, Royal City Centre, New Westminster, BC Trading card games, board games, comics, Funko Pops, miniatures, collectibles, and hobby supplies. I think this episode would be especially engaging because it appeals to multiple generations. Parents will remember the hobbies they grew up with, younger listeners will recognize today's collectibles, and everyone can relate to the excitement of finding something they've been searching for.

  5. Jul 28

    Fresh Flavours in New West: New Restaurants & Cafés Worth Discovering

    Looking for your next favourite restaurant in New Westminster? In this week's episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, Carla McNeil explores some of the newest restaurants and cafés to open across the Royal City. From handcrafted coffee and rich Japanese ramen to hearty sandwiches, comforting brunch favourites, authentic Indian cuisine, and Dutch-inspired comfort food, discover the latest additions bringing fresh flavours to New Westminster. Whether you're planning your next coffee date, family dinner, weekend brunch, or casual lunch, this episode is your guide to some of the city's newest dining destinations. 🍽️ Featured Restaurants & Cafés ☕ JJ Bean Coffee Roasters 📍 678 Sixth St, New Westminster, BC V3M 0R4 Freshly roasted coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods. 🌐 Website: https://jjbeancoffee.com/ 🍜 KINTON RAMEN 📍 Unit 1 – 678 Sixth St, New Westminster, BC V3M 0R4 Japanese ramen featuring pork, chicken, beef, and vegetarian broths, plus gyoza and karaage. 🌐 Website: https://kintonramen.com/ 🥪 Firehouse Subs 📍 678 Sixth St, New Westminster, BC V3M 0R4 Hot specialty submarine sandwiches served on freshly baked rolls. 🌐 Website: https://www.firehousesubs.ca/ 🍳 Proud Up Restaurant 📍 418 East Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3X5 Breakfast, brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and Canadian comfort food. 🇮🇳 Dakshin Foods 📍 800 20th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 4W6 Authentic Indian cuisine featuring dishes from South, North, and West India. 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakshinfoodscanada 🇳🇱 Dutch Anchor Restaurant 📍 211 Ewen Ave, New Westminster, BC V3M 5B3 Dutch-inspired breakfasts, pancakes, sandwiches, and European comfort food. 🎧 In This Episode Discover New Westminster's newest restaurants and cafés, learn what makes each one unique, and find inspiration for your next breakfast, lunch, dinner, or coffee stop. From Uptown to Sapperton, the West End to Queensborough, there's never been a better time to explore the Royal City's growing food scen

  6. Jul 15

    Create, Connect & Be Inspired: Discover New Westminster's Creative Side

    Think you're "not artistic"? Think again! In this week's episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the many ways you can discover your creative side right here in New Westminster. From pottery painting and Turkish mosaic lamp workshops to paint nights, fibre arts, and community art programs, this episode is packed with fun ideas for date nights, girls' nights out, family activities, and anyone looking to try something new. Whether you're painting your very first canvas, creating a one-of-a-kind mug, learning to crochet, or joining a community workshop, you'll discover that creativity isn't about perfection—it's about connection, curiosity, and having fun. Featured Creative Experiences BC Palette Art Studio 665 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A8 Pottery painting, hand-building pottery classes, canvas painting, kids' programs, art parties, and creative workshops. Website: https://bcpaletteart.com Mosaic Art Studio Unit 10 – 332 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A6 Turkish mosaic lamp workshops, ceramic painting, Ebru (water marbling), and Turkish coffee experiences. Website: https://mosaicartstudio.ca Brush Hour Paint Night Rotating venues in New Westminster, including Quayside Tiki Bar and Kelly O'Bryan's Brush Hour Paint Night Paint Nite Rotating participating venues in and around New Westminster Beginner-friendly guided paint-and-sip events hosted throughout the year. Website: https://www.paintnite.com Arrieta Art Studio 712C 12th Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 4J6 Painting workshops, community art events, and creative studio experiences. Website: https://www.arrietaartstudio.com Baaad Rabbit Fibre Arts 804 Twentieth Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 4W6 Knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning supplies, workshops, and community fibre arts events. Website: https://baaadrabbitfa.com City of New Westminster Arts Services Various community centres, parks, and public spaces throughout New Westminster Seasonal outdoor art workshops, family-friendly creative activities, festivals, and community arts programming. Website: https://www.newwestcity.ca/arts-and-heritage In This Episode Discover beginner-friendly art classes, pottery painting, mosaic workshops, paint nights, fibre arts, and seasonal outdoor creative activities that make New Westminster one of Metro Vancouver's most inspiring places to explore your creativity. Whether you're planning a unique date, a family outing, or simply looking for a new hobby, this episode will encourage you to pick up a paintbrush, learn a new skill, and create something beautiful.

  7. Jul 14

    Why Handmade Still Matters: Celebrating the Makers of New Westminster

    Behind every handcrafted table, custom cabinet, and beautifully finished piece of woodwork is a story of patience, creativity, and skill. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil celebrates the talented makers and craftspeople who help shape New Westminster through furniture making, custom woodwork, architectural millwork, and creative craftsmanship. Rather than focusing on products, this episode explores why handmade work continues to matter in an age of mass production—and why supporting local makers helps preserve skills, sustainability, and community. Whether you're furnishing a home, planning a renovation, or simply appreciate beautiful design, this episode is a reminder that the things built with care often become the things we treasure most. 🪵 Featured Local Makers Fine Art Furnishing Inc. New Westminster, BC Traditional furniture making and fine woodworking. Loxley Studio 520 Sharpe St, New Westminster, BC Handcrafted furniture and thoughtfully designed home goods. Vancity Live Edge 28–30 Capilano Way, New Westminster, BC Custom live-edge furniture crafted from locally sourced wood. Cascadia Manufacturing Ltd. 47 Braid St, New Westminster, BC Commercial booths, benches, upholstery, and custom seating solutions. Nikolai Manufacturing Inc. 407 Wood St, New Westminster, BC Architectural millwork and custom woodworking for residential and commercial spaces. Alexa Millwork Unit 16 – 30 Capilano Way, New Westminster, BC Custom cabinetry and millwork for homes and businesses. 🌟 In This Episode Discover why handmade craftsmanship still matters, how local makers contribute to the character of New Westminster, and why investing in quality, locally made pieces supports both sustainability and community. From heirloom furniture to architectural woodwork, this episode celebrates the artisans whose work quietly becomes part of our everyday lives.

  8. Jul 6

    Game On, New West! Arcades, Escape Rooms & Fun Nights Out in the Royal City

    Looking for a fun night out that's not just dinner and a movie? In this week's episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores some of New Westminster's best places to play, laugh, and connect. From classic arcade games and exciting escape rooms to billiards, board games, and hidden pinball bars, discover local destinations perfect for families, couples, friend groups, and anyone looking to unplug and enjoy a little friendly competition. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or discovering a new hobby, this episode proves that some of the best experiences in New Westminster happen when we make time to play. 📍 Featured Locations 🎮 Capital City Classic Arcade 📍 457A East Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC 🌐 https://www.capcityarcade.com Retro arcade cabinets and pinball machines offering a nostalgic gaming experience for all ages. 🕹️ Industry Arcade 📍 30 Capilano Way, New Westminster, BC 🌐 https://industryarcade.ca A spacious arcade featuring classic and modern games, perfect for groups, birthdays, and casual fun. 🔐 EXIT New Westminster 📍 Unit 251 – 800 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC 🌐 https://e-exit.ca Immersive escape rooms that challenge teams to solve puzzles before time runs out. 🎱 House of Pool 📍 Unit 200 – 430 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC 🌐 https://houseofpool.ca A relaxed billiards hall where friends can enjoy classic cue sports in a welcoming atmosphere. 🎲 Rain City Games 📍 Unit 106 – 810 Quayside Drive, New West River Market, New Westminster, BC 🌐 https://www.raincity.games A community-focused board game and hobby store featuring game nights, tournaments, and learn-to-play events. 👻 Phantom Alley 📍 527 Front Street Mews, New Westminster, BC 🌐 https://www.phantomalley.ca A hidden speakeasy-style venue combining vintage pinball, retro arcade games, craft drinks, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. 🎮 In this episode: Discover why making time to play is one of the best ways to connect with family, friends, and your community while supporting some of New Westminster's most unique local businesses.

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About

Join Carla McNeil on the New West Spotlight Podcast, your weekly guide to the vibrant food, beverage, and events scene in New Westminster, BC. Each episode highlights a local restaurant, coffee shop, brewery, or community event that makes New West a destination worth exploring—from hidden gem eateries and craft beverage makers to the festivals and happenings that bring our community together. Through careful research and local knowledge, Carla shares the highlights, insider tips, and unique details that make each featured spot special. Whether you're a foodie seeking your next favorite spot, a local looking for weekend plans, or a business owner wanting to reach engaged, community-minded customers, the New West Spotlight Podcast is your quick, essential guide to New West's thriving food and beverage scene. Discover, connect, and thrive with us—because together, we are stronger.

Information

  • Creator
    Carla McNeil
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean