New West Spotlight Podcast

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.

New West Spotlight Podcast is a leisure podcast hosted by Carla McNeil, with 45 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Carla McNeil hosts New West Spotlight Podcast, a leisure show with 45 episodes published.

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  New West Spotlight Podcast

  Every New Westminster Resident Should Experience the Salmonbellies

  Aug 13, 20266 min

  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.

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  New West Spotlight Podcast

  Stay a While: Where to Stay in New Westminster

  Aug 6, 20267 min

  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.

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  New West Spotlight Podcast

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

  Jul 28, 20265 min

  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

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  New West Spotlight Podcast

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

  Jul 5, 20267 min

  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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  New West Spotlight Podcast

  Around the World in New West

  Jun 30, 20268 min

  Did you know you can experience Dutch, Ukrainian, Greek, Mexican, Italian, and Filipino flavors without ever leaving New Westminster? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a culinary journey through the Royal City, highlighting the diverse cultures and traditions that shape New Westminster's food scene. From hearty Dutch breakfasts at Angelina's Dutch Corner and traditional Ukrainian baking at Kozak Ukrainian Eatery to Greek specialties at Taverna Greka, Mexican favorites at Taqueria Playa Tropical, Italian dining at Piva Modern Italian, and Filipino-inspired desserts at Cake It Easy, this episode celebrates the people, stories, and heritage behind the food. More than a restaurant guide, this is a celebration of culture, community, and the way food helps bring people together. 🌎 Featured Locations 🇳🇱 Angelina's Dutch Corner Address: 810 Quayside Dr, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9 A longtime New Westminster favorite serving Dutch-inspired breakfasts, pancakes, and comfort food in a warm, family-friendly setting. 🇺🇦 Kozak Ukrainian Eatery Address: 444 6th St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3B3 Known for traditional Ukrainian baking, fresh breads, perogies, pastries, and authentic comfort foods rooted in family traditions. 🇬🇷 Taverna Greka Restaurant Address: 326 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A6, Canada A New Westminster institution serving classic Greek cuisine with Fraser River views and a welcoming atmosphere. 🇲🇽 Taqueria Playa Tropical Address: 334 6th St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3A8 Authentic Mexican street food featuring tacos, burritos, tortas, and traditional family recipes. 🇮🇹 Piva Modern Italian Address: 787 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6 Contemporary Italian dining featuring handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seasonal ingredients. 🇵🇭 Cake It Easy Address: Unit 360, 800 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3M 0G3 A Filipino-owned bakery and café known for ube cakes, ube lattes, specialty desserts, and creative drinks. 🇹🇭 Patsara Thai Restaurant Address: 528 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3L 1C4 A longtime local favorite serving authentic Thai dishes, curries, noodle specialties, and traditional flavors from Thailand. 🇹🇭 Noodles To Go Address: 360 Gifford St, New Westminster, BC V3M 6S1 A Queensborough favourite serving a variety of noodle dishes, soups, rice bowls, and Asian comfort food. Its menu reflects the diversity of flavours that have become part of everyday life in New Westminster. 🍹 Quayside Tiki Bar Address: 810 Quayside Dr, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9 A waterfront tropical-inspired destination serving island-style cocktails, shareable plates, and Fraser River views that feel like a mini vacation. 🍽️ In This Episode Travel around the world without leaving New Westminster. From Dutch breakfasts and Ukrainian baking to Greek lunches, Mexican tacos, Thai favorites, Italian dinners, Filipino desserts, and tropical waterfront cocktails, discover how the city's diverse food scene reflects the cultures, traditions, and communities that make the Royal City such a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

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