A couple of years ago, Save-On-Meats at 43 W. Hastings, in Vancouver was closed by Al Deslauriers, the sole proprietor, since 1957. He had owned it for 52 years.
Fortunately, in June 2011, Mark Brand, who owns Boneta, The Diamond and Sea Monster Sushi took over this historic building. The two pink, neon pigs with their money bags are still flying on the pole outside.
The ground floor is divided into two. On the left side is the Butcher Shop, selling steaks, chicken, deli products and their own sausages and terrines which Counter Staff Corey Rockl said were all made in-house.
There are 15% off specials everyday. Mon.15% off deli products: Tues. 15% off for seniors. Wed. 15% off for local policemen, firemen and medics. Thurs. 15% off steaks and Fri. 15% off chicken.
They even sell a chocolate chip, bacon and cashew cookie for 75cents.
On the other side is the retro-diner with booths, a shared table at the rear, and counter -seating where I joined other first-time patrons for a Saturday lunch.
Both the Manageress Amanda Becker and Megan Leung recommended the corned beef hash with their signature, cheddar, herb biscuit, rather than the toast.
A retired nurse and her husband had the All Day Breakfast of 2 eggs, ham, hashbrowns and toast and another lass had the Save-On-Meats burger with bacon and cheese.
Three children were chowing down on the Kids Breakfast of oats and honey, comprising of oatmeal, honey, bananas, walnuts and maple syrup, followed by a mini stack of 3 silver dollar pancakes served with butter and maple syrup.
We all agreed that the diner food, for the price, was adequate and their large, warm, cheddar, herb biscuits with a dab of butter were excellent.
I plan to return to their sandwich counter, during the week, for their take-out breakfast sandwich which is similar to an egg McMuffin but encased in their signature biscuit as well. Also offered are clubhouse and Reuben sandwiches, soups, salads, chicken, steaks, ribs, old fashioned milkshakes and it’s licensed for those who like something stronger.
Our thanks to Mark Brand
for rejuvenating Vancouver’s
older downtown
http://saveonmeats.ca Open 7 days a week 604-569-3568
Butcher Shop 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m. All Day Diner 7:00a.m.-10:00p.m. Sandwich Counter 7:00a.m.-10:00p.m. (summer) 7:00a.m.- 4:00p.m. (winter)
Article & photos by Lenora A. Hayman.