RICHMOND: On the waterfront

It was overcast and a little chilly, not exactly the best West Coast day. But I had mentioned fish and chips for some reason and suddenly it was all we could think of.

I remembered fellow blogger My Dinner Table has a favourite spot in Steveston but I forgot exactly where. I only knew it was right on the water.

Steveston Village was once home to a bustling commercial fishery and 15 canneries. Those no longer exist but hundreds of boats still use the wharf, selling their catch right off their decks. Even if you don’t need a few pounds of shrimp or fresh salmon, Steveston is a good place for a leisurely wander. (It’s the southwestern corner of Richmond, B.C.)

Anyway, we knew Pajo’s was the place as soon as we saw the “Famous for fish and chips” banner. And it’s the only one floating on the water. Pajo’s is named after founding partners Patricia and Joan in 1985, and is not “Pa Jo’s” as my boyfriend kept insisting.

We ordered two large fish and chips – cod for $9.59 and halibut for $11.65 – a relative bargain compared to anywhere else in Canada.

There was a short lineup even for a winter day. As we waited, none of us could figure out what the holes in the plastic tables were for – until we noticed everyone else sticking their cones of fish and chips through them. Duh.

Pajo’s wins points with me for a light, crisp batter and extremely fresh fish. The halibut was a nice treat, much smoother and meatier than the cod. The fries are hand-cut but a tad too soggy.

Brits in Edmonton is still my favourite.

My sister also got a clam chowder and for once, the clams tasted fresh and not out of a can.

The large order (2 ½ pieces plus fries) is enough to share if you’re not too hungry but make sure you portion it out first. My sister ate her fish then proceeded to eat her boyfriend’s share too, leaving him with an empty half piece of batter and bitter resentment for the rest of the trip.

Enjoying our meal on the wharf was nice, even with our jackets zipped right up. I can only imagine what it’s like in the summer with the sun setting over the water.

Pajo’s Fish and Chips, four outdoor locations, phone ahead in the fall/winter for hours.
Directions to Steveston Village here.