Burgoo Bistro

Rated this place:

3096 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V5T 3G5

Beef bourguignon: Holy Crockpots!! This is my favourite dish for those cold and rainy days, which it appears are just around the corner. This delicious stew is served over mashed potatoes, the servings are just right and the staff are super. Finish off with a beer from Granville Island and you're off to the races (or at least a comfy couch somewhere).

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• beef bourguignon

Radha Yoga & Eatery

Rated this place:

728 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A2VP

Raw food and yoga combo: The beautiful atmosphere and delicious dishes make you feel good inside and out. It's a great way to try new vegan recipes too. I feel better just thinking about making a reservation. The dining experience is only on Thursday-Saturday. www.radhavancouver.org

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• raw food and yoga combo

Sophie's Cosmic Cafe

Rated this place:

2095 W. 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

Huevos rancheros: Yes, there is a line up anytime of day but it's certainly worth it. Be sure to have the hot sauce, made in house. Also, catch of glimpse of Sophie herself as she meets and greets. By far, a serious breakfast fave!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• huevos rancheros

Dolce Amore

Rated this place:

1590 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L3Y2

Gelato: It's all about the double scoop of coconut gelato in a waffle cone. You can't go wrong.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• gelato

Cinemark Tinseltown

Rated this place:

88 West Pender, 3rd floor, Vancouver, BC, V6B6N9

Movie seat: They recline, they're cushy, they have good slope so that you can still see the entire screen when Andre the Giant plops down in front of you. Tinseltown also shows a good variety of hollywood and independent films.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• movie seat

Cypress Community Gardens

Rated this place:

West 6th Avenue between Cypress Street and Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 5L1

Community garden: A short walk from the hustle and bustle of 4th ave. in Kits. lies a wonderful collection of this communities labours. From seasonal vegetables, to herbs to a wall of blackberry bushes, there's always something to admire (and nibble on, if you arrive at the right time for the berries!) These gardens have been popping up all over the city, even down on Hastings street. They show how strongly we value the benefits and the environmental footprint of local, organic produce.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• community garden

49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

Rated this place:

2152 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

Croissant: Buttery, buttery, heavenly goodness!! I can't say I have ever had the pleasure of such a tasty treat. This newish cafe on 4th has delicious coffee to pair with these incredible pastries so don't forget to fill your mug.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• croissant

The Commodore Ballroom

Rated this place:

868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1K3

Indoor concert venue: Get right up close, so close you can feel the wind from the lead guitarists arm swing. Or, just lounge in the back, sipping on libations. Either way, it's an experience that will have you sayin', "that was the best concert on earth!!".

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Indoor Concert Venue

Vancouver Special

Rated this place:

3612 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V5R2G7

Urban design store: You can find anything and everything here to keep up to date with art and design. From modern couches to ceramic pieces, to record players and books. A great spot for gifting or just picking up a fun gadget or gizmo for yourself. Well worth a peruse.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• urban design store

Black Dog Video

Rated this place:

1470 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3X9

Video store: All the new releases, all the old classics. This great little movie shop even has a dusty old copy of the Star Wars Christmas Special. Never disappointed.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Video store

Semperviva

Rated this place:

Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

Yoga studio: What better place to catch your shavasana then here on beautiful Granville Island. This studio looks out over False Creek and offers hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, yin, mom and baby, prenatal and kundalini. Stretch away the stress of the day at this fantastic studio.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• yoga studio

Three Bags Full Knit Shop

Rated this place:

4458 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V3R3

Yarn shop: This is an adorable little shop with wonderful staff and great classes. They have a nice selection of needles, books, and of course yarn. From wool to silk to the animal concious cottons, they have it all. Baa, baa, black sheep this is your secret stash.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• yarn shop

Yuji's Japanese Tapas

Rated this place:

2059 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J1N3

Tuna tempura roll: By far, the best tempura rolls in town. I love the atmosphere, the staff are great and they always give you a box of pocky on your birthday. How could it get any better? Delicious!! Try the sweet prawn sushi and get the tempura shrimp head. Yumm, double yumm.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Tuna Tempura roll

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Rated this place:

University of British Columbia Endowment Lands, Vancouver, BC

Regional park: A great getaway, 15 minutes from downtown. The trails are well maintained, dappled with light through the tall douglas firs and cedars. If you want to catch a glimpse of a douglas squirrel, a happy tail wagger, or just a breath of fresh forest air, check out the Sasamat trails.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Regional Park

Lolita's

Rated this place:

1326 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC

White sangria: Big Gulp glasses of tropical fruit filled goodness. This delicious drink is great to sip on while gobbling up their mouth watering tacos and spicy paella. You can't have just one, trust me.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• white sangria

Topanga Cafe

Rated this place:

2904 W 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC

Burrito: It's a casual 12 or so table restaurant with fantastic californian mexican tasties and delicious cold beers. Try the prawn burrito smothered in avocado sauce, salsa and chips and yummy rice and beans. The walls are covered in coloured menus, give your ol' crayola arm while your mouth waters or pant buttons strain to hold it together.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• burrito

SoBo

Rated this place:

311 Neill Street, Tofino, BC, V0R2Z0

Fish taco: By far the best fish taco this side of the continent. Sobo's has transformed over the years from a small truck in a parking lot in the quiet surf town of Tofino to an incredibly well designed, airy cafe with style and flair. This fish taco has a "killer" combination of tropical salsa and local fish that will send your tastebuds on their own magical journey. Pair it with their polenta fries or seafood chowder. Yumm, yumm!!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• fish taco