Vancouver Favorites

Vancouver

Vancouver is a nostalgic city, full of life and surrounded by beauty. From the vibrant, bustling downtown, to the quaint neighborhoods full of character and fun boutiques, to the splendor of the water side, there is no shortage of things to do and enjoy in this amazing city. I will share with you my favorite places and things to do and hope you get to enjoy them as much as I have!

Coffee at its' Best



My first words to the cabbie coming from the airport were always, Hornbie and Robson for a great latte at Cafe Artigiano. The moment you walk in you feel like part of the city, as you follow the queue to the front you can smell the intoxicating aroma of the best freshly roasted coffee beans. This place wins awards every year for the best Baristas, skillfully creating the most beautiful art in your cup of bliss. If you get a heart and a wink you know the Barista has a crush on you!

A Little Piece of Heaven

L'Hermitage Hotel is my happy place. You know when you are having a bad day and you need to think of something really peaceful and relaxing? This hotel has all the luxuries you should ever want or desire. The staff are attentive and gracious, the room is beautifully decorated and the bed is absolute comfort. The rates are really reasonable and the location is perfect, steps away from the Robson Street shops, trendy Yaletown and the waterfront.

Yoga Bliss

If you are a fan of yoga, you will love this place. It is the Superstore of Yoga, offering everything from natropathic medicine, to massage treatments, life coaching and of course YOGA! YYoga is a relatively new, modern yoga and wellness environment in the heart of downtown Vancouver where you can sip tea, browse the retail eco-boutique, lounge and play in over 150 classes every week. Classes include Flow, Power, Ashtanga, YHot, Hatha, Yin, Anusara, Core, Pilates, YRide, and Restorative. There are studios all over the lower mainland and now also in Whistler. They offer a two week introductory pass which allows unlimited access to classes for $30! You can't go wrong with that...

Running The Seawall 

Running along the Vancouver Seawall is the best. Experience the true beauty of this city as you run along this picturesque designated path free of traffic. You are also guaranteed to be motivated by the countless fit people who frequent the popular route. This is what I love about Vancouver, you can be downtown in the middle of chaos one moment and on a peaceful path by the ocean surrounded by mountains the next. Might just be a great pre-retirement spot!

Kitsilano Breakfast

The best way to start the day in Vancouver is to head to Kitsilano for breakfast. Plus you will find some of the best vintage boutiques, flower shops and sea side routes to walk off your indulgences. Here are a couple of my favourites...

NAAM

Located in the heart of Kitsilano, it is an eclectic spot full of character and prided on its' vast vegetarian menu. Most everything is made on the premises, using pure and fresh ingredients. They make fabulous omelettes, breakfast quesadillas, burritos, whole wheat pancakes, homemade cashew-almond granola and the list goes on. The portions are huge so count on leaving very full!

Aphrodite's Cafe and Pie Shop

They serve local, organic foods and aim to work directly with local farms to ensure the best quality. Also located in Kitsilano, this funky spot offers a unique dining experience with clever, mouth watering daily specials. Last time I was there they were offering up pumpkin french toast - how can you possibly go wrong with that? Try the Salt Spring Frittata with spinach and feta cheese or the Roma Brie Melt with fresh basil, Roma tomatoes and brie melted on multigrain bread...mmmm. The baking is also a plenty for those of you with a weakness for flaked goods made with layers of butter!

Home Decor Shopping

Vancouver is known for it's contemporary West Coast influences in home decor. Some very popular Vancouver based designers such as Kelly Deck, are embracing these styles and putting us on the Interior Design Map. It's no wonder some amazing stores have sprouted up as a result. I am listing my favorite Vancouver born spots guaranteed to leave you in heaven!

The Cross Decor and Design

Located in the beautiful Yaletown district, in a 1914 heritage building, 5000 square feet of treasures. Many of which you couldn't even afford to dream about but hey, you can always look! The items have a timeless European elegance you can't find anywhere else. If you are looking for that Louis Chair or an intricate chandelier, this is the place for you. Find everything from furniture, lighting, bedding to bath accessories.

Parliament Interiors

Voted Gold Winner two years in a row for Best Home Furnishings, a great spot located in Gastown - Vancouver's go to fashion and design district. Fresh and modern, the palette is full statement shades of grey and white with pops of "it" colors like the aqua I love so much.  A great assortment at irresistible prices!

Nightlife

Uva Wine Bar

From the finest charcuterie, to artisinal cheeses and to hard to find wine selections, indulging in Uva Wine Bar's cosmopolitan, yet relaxed interpretation of a true Italian 'enoteca'. The building has incredible historical elements that contribute to the atmosphere and aura of its' location. A great place to mingle with friends before heading out to your favorite lounge.

George Lounge

Located in Yaletown, designed for the cocktail hour crowd - with a relaxed ambiance that will keep you there for the night (the good-looking bar tenders have nothing to do with closing down the bar...really!). If you are a fan of martinis be ready for a treat, the boys will mix you up the most incredible combinations you have ever had. A great place to end the night.

Dinner fit for a King

If you are looking for the Ultimate treat in Epicurean pleasures and you don't mind the splurge check out these two top Vancouver Spots.

Cioppinos's

Cioppino's elegant interior and open kitchen

A fabulous Italian - Mediterranean restaurant, perhaps best known for its' exceptionally light pasta dishes. Much attention is paid to the pasta itself, made in house from traditional recipes. The dinner menu is exceptionally versatile, featuring a wide variety of both large and small meat and seafood dishes that represent the very best of Pino’s extensive repertoire, always reflecting the seasonal availability of fish, game, fruits and vegetables. The food is absolutely delectable, every bite, boasts with flavor in a simple, fresh way that leaves you wanting more. The restaurant and chef have won many awards and remains ranked as one of Vancouver's top fine dining restaurants.

Lumiere

Dining at Lumiere is an experience in itself which everyone should have at least once in life. Where else do they have stools strategically placed by your chair to service your handbag? I went here with a group of girlfriends this fall and we had the time of our lives. While we were a slightly unlikely group to assemble at such a posh establishment, we managed to get through the night without being shuffled out early. It was the height of fine cuisine, the staff were at our beck and call and catered to every little request. The food matched the service and was out of this world. We experienced froth, caviar, truffles and Madelaines all in one glorious, mouth-watering night! Our taste buds would never be the same again, well worth the experience!

Enjoy!!