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Hot Entertainment: The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver

This coffee-table tome by renowned historian Chuck Davis is nearly 600 pages

“Fun, Fat & Full of Facts.” That’s how author Chuck Davis described The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver (Harbour Publishing, $49.95), which the beloved journalist and broadcaster spent more than two decades writing, right up until his death in 2010. Other writers, historians and friends then came together to finish the mammoth, almost-600-page volume, which is bursting with 125 years of history and countless archival photos. Arranged chronologically, the book covers everything from the great fire of 1886—which wiped out almost the entire city—to the Vancouver Canucks’ ill-fated Stanley Cup run of 2011. Find this one-of-a-kind souvenir at local bookstores.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Fun and Funky Holiday Gift Ideas

Now that we’ve officially hit December, the countdown is on. In just a few weeks, you’ll have tons of pretty presents under the tree. To make getting there a little easier, we’ve highlighted a few gift ideas that you can snag for someone on your list (including those out-of-towners), or use for inspiration. Happy hunting!

Black doesn't mean basic with this Empreinte bra.

Lingerie is a classic, and for good reason. Take the time to give your girl something she’ll love from Brachic (service is top-notch, so feel free to ask for help and suggestions). Along with higher-end brands like Empreinte (featured), Prima Donna, and Andres Sarda, this boutique has an extensive range of sizes (A to N with band sizes 28 to 46), as well as colours, materials, and fits. Thank us later. 433 Richmond Rd., 613-321-0401.

You Are Here: Old Strathcona

Image courtesy of Noel Zinger

With over 600 eclectic, independent and alternative shops and services to explore, it’s little wonder Old Strathcona is regarded as the place to experience Edmonton’s finest live theatre and music, boutique shopping, dining and nightlife. Read on for some of our top spots in this historical district and then visit www.oldstrathcona.ca for even more.

CHIANTI CAFE Housed in the historic Old Strathcona post office building and featuring super affordable made from scratch Italian fare — including over two dozen pasta dishes — it’s little wonder this charming eatery has been voted one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants and is popular with everyone from university students to young professionals to families. 10501 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-9829.

WHEN PIGS FLY This quaint gift shop brims with intriguing and unusual trinkets, jewelry, stained glass, home accessories and more. Chances are, you won’t walk out empty handed, as it caters to any aesthetic taste, covering rustic wares, vintage inspired décor, sleek, modern finds and even children’s toys and accessories. 10470 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-9127.

Image courtesy of Laura Byrnes Photography

ROWENA Lovers of pin-up couture will revel in this fashion boutique where you’ll not only find the sweetest selection of 1940’s and 50’s inspired pin-up dresses, but also rockabilly, gothic and other alternative cultures clothing and accessories. The shop offers a wide array of lines for both guys and dolls including Lucky 13, Dirty Devil, Deadly Dames, Trashy Diva and Lip Service. 10762 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-5445.

BLUES ON WHYTE Featuring top local, national and international blues talent, Blues on Whyte in the legendary Commercial Hotel is the place to enjoy live blues music from soulful Mississippi Delta to finger-snapping Chicago style. The easy-going atmosphere and standout musicians are second to none, and with live music seven days a week, the place is almost always bustling. 10329 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-3981.

BLOCK 1912 An eclectic European style café with vintage ambiance, Block 1912 is a trusty Whyte Avenue staple offering specialty coffees, wine and beer, an assortment of in-house made desserts, sandwiches and gelato. This is a casual, inviting spot, perfect to stop in at and unwind after an afternoon of shopping. 10361 Whyte (83) Ave., 780-433-6575.

Image courtesy of Wee Book Inn

WEE BOOK INN This locally owned and operated second hand bookshop includes two floor levels of fiction and non-fiction finds including a sizable selection of antique and collectible literature. Look for their resident cat who you’ll find purring away contentedly in one of the shop’s cosy corners. 10310 Whyte (82) Ave., 780 432-7230.

PRINCESS THEATRE For a dose of history and entertainment, watch a film at the Princess Theatre, Edmonton’s oldest surviving cinema, which screened its first film in 1915. The ornate building still features the original auditorium and balcony, and has remained much the same as when it was built nearly 100 years ago. Today, the theatre screens an interesting mix of independent, foreign and alternative films. 10337 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-0728

Hot Entertainment: Write On

David Sedaris photo by Robert Banks

His book titles alone tell you this is not your average essayist: Me Talk Pretty One Day. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. When You Are Engulfed in Flames. David Sedaris has made a career out of writing about his family, friends, boyfriend—and himself. His wry observations elicit chuckles and the odd guffaw as he analyzes everything from blind hunters to lancing a boil to guitar lessons taught by a midget. He brings his unique insights to The Centre (Nov. 5).—Sheri Radford

More information:

DAVID SEDARIS An evening of recollections and readings from the bestselling author and and regular National Public Radio contributor (Nov 5). 8 pm. $45-$57.50. The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, 777 Homer St. Tickets 1-855-985-5000. Full wheelchair access

Hot Dining: Pints & Paperbacks

The New Oxford Public House. Photo by KK Law

Yaletown’s The New Oxford serves up beer with pub-style food, all under the watchful eye of Oscar Wilde. His portrait is just one of many nods to the famous university, with vintage touring bikes and shelves of classic novels adding to the ambience.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

The New Oxford Public House, $-$$. L/D (daily). 1144 Homer St. 604-609-0901.

www.donellygroup.ca/oxford

Hot Shopping: Happy Father’s Day

This elegant watch from OMEGA makes a great gift for Dad

On Jun. 19 it’s all about Dad. Spoil him with a classic timepiece from OMEGA Boutique, such as the DeVille 41mm ($6,200, pictured). If an award-winning novel or photography book is more his speed, stop by Chapters. Help him channel his inner Wolfgang Puck with a cookbook from Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Kids Market

Kids Market photo by KK Law

Adults love Granville Island for the Public Market’s fresh produce and meats, for the artists’ studios filled with quirky art, and for the restaurants and theatres. Kids, however, love Granville Island for the Kids Market, a two-story burst of colour and noise overflowing with toys, games, costumes, books, candy and clothes—everything a tiny tot could desire.—Sheri Radford

Hot Entertainment: Man With a Plan

VANOC CEO John Furlong's new tome

It’s been more than a year since we donned our red mittens and Canadiana gear for the 2010 Winter Games. Vancouver Olympic Committee CEO John Furlong reflects on all the highs and lows of that historic time in his memoir Patriot Hearts: Inside the Olympics That Changed a Country (Douglas & McIntyre, $32.95). At local bookstores.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Entertainment: Love of the Game

The Vancouver Canucks Quizbook

True Vancouver Canucks fans test their hockey knowledge with a rousing round of trivia or a challenging crossword in The Vancouver Canucks Quizbook (Nightwood Editions, $8.95). Learn about the record-setting Sedin twins or local boy Trevor Linden. Make it a group game night and wave the white towel as teammates guess the most common last name in Canuck history, or take a shot at figuring out in which round of the 1989 draft picks Pavel Bure was chosen. Available at local bookstores.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: 5 for Readers

Atlantic News

• Bookmark, Spring Garden Road: Atlantic Canada’s largest independent bookseller; best-sellers, local works, travel books, unique gifts.

• Woozles, Birmingham Street: Canada’s oldest bookstore for children; classic picture books, educational volumes, toys and games aplenty.

• Maps & More , Lower Water Street: City maps, travel guides, road atlases, nautical charts, travel accessories and
reference books.

• Atlantic News, Morris Street: Magazines and newspapers from around the globe; same-day editions of 400 newspapers from over 60 countries printed on site.

• Veritas Catholic Books, Barrington Street: Books and devotional items from the Catholic tradition; books by recent popes, literary fiction on religious topics, prayer books, religious art and more.

2010 Where to Shop Awards

We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your top spots to shop

By Jennifer Patterson

'Tis the season for holiday chocolates at Purdys. Photo by KK Law

CHOCOLATE
Purdy’s Chocolates
For over 100 years Purdy’s has delighted sweet tooths with hazelnut truffle–filled Hedgehogs, Mint Melties and gooey Sweet Georgia Browns. Just in time for the holidays: decorative tins of assorted chocolates and peppermint bark. Yum!
Honourable Mentions
Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie;
Chocolate Arts.

SHOPPING CENTRE
Pacific Centre
Downtown’s largest shopping mall houses some of the biggest labels: H&M, Teenflo, Aritzia, Harry Rosen and Sephora. It’s also home to high-end retailer Holt Renfrew.
Honourable Mentions
Metropolis at Metrotown;
Park Royal;
Oakridge Centre.

FINE ART
Heffel Fine Art
Head to the gallery to purchase works by Canadian, American and European artists, or visit the website to bid in the online auction house.
Honourable Mentions
Inuit Gallery;
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery.

DEPARTMENT STORE
Sears
The downtown location is hard to miss thanks to its bulbous white exterior. Inside find high-end cosmetics, apparel for the whole family, and small and large home appliances. There’s also a Starbucks on the main level.
Honourable Mentions
The Bay;
Holt Renfrew.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Vancouver Architectural Antiques
VAA specializes in 19th- and 20th-century lighting. Find everything from art deco sconces to early Victorian lamps. Sculptures, furniture and paintings, too.
Honourable Mentions
Guild House Antiques;
Antique Warehouse.

EYEWEAR
Sunglass Hut
Keep those peepers protected from harmful rays with a pair of quality sunshades. Fashionistas favour Fendi, Burberry and Ray-Ban, while sporty types pick up Oakley and Bollé.
Honourable Mentions
Art Face Optical;
Eyes on Burrard.

Colourful yoga mats and apparel at Lululemon. Photo by KK Law

ATHLETIC SPORTING GOODS
Lululemon Athletica
This local success story first opened shop in Kitsilano, and the yoga-inspired athletic apparel, which ranges from hoodies and jackets to pants and bags, has become a wardrobe staple for Vancouverites.
Honourable Mentions
Mountain Equipment Co-op;
SportChek.

LINGERIE
La Jolie Madame
Opened in 1971, this ooh la la lingerie shop carries high-end European intimates as well as daywear and nightwear. Sizes range from 32A to 46H.
Honourable Mentions
Dianes Lingerie;
Scarlet.

LADIES’ APPAREL
Aritzia
Fashion-savvy women head to Vancouver’s own Aritzia for edgy designs and must-have wardrobe staples. In-house lines include Wilfred, TNA, Community, Talula, Wilfred Free and Talula Babaton.
Honourable Mentions
Roots;
Wear Else.

MEN’S APPAREL
Boys’ Co
This hip shop carries everything for the stylish man. Brands include J. Lindberg, Hugo Boss, G Star, True Religion and Justin Timberlake’s line William Rast.
Honourable Mentions
Dunn’s Tailors;
Harry Rosen.

CHILDREN’S APPAREL
The Children’s Place
Find fashionable clothing and shoes for newborns, babies and kids size four to 14.
Honourable Mentions
Dandelion Kids;
Please Mum.

FOOTWEAR
Freedman Shoes
For over 75 years this Vancouver company has been helping locals on the hunt for the perfect shoe. Brands include Calvin Klein, Sam Edelman, Michael Kors and Frye.
Honourable Mentions
Ecco;
Sterling Shoes.

Brilliant baubles line the glass cases at Blue Ruby. Photo by KK Law

BOOKS
Chapters
Spend an hour—or two—exploring this palatial, multi-level bookshop. Everything from cookbooks to self-help to art to language has a dedicated section, as do the hottest best sellers and the multitude of magazines. Great gifts ideas such as candles, calendars, blankets and music complete the space. In-store Starbucks cafe.
Honourable Mentions
Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks;
Book Warehouse.

CHINA & CRYSTAL
Atkinson’s
Find the perfect hostess gift, such as timeless Waterford Crystal and delicate Fabergé eggs, or style your own abode with dinnerware by Versace and Wedgwood. Linens, pottery, home decor and fragrances, too.
Honourable Mentions
Chintz & Company;
Herzog.

JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Blue Ruby
This local shop highlights jewellery designers from around the world but focuses on both Canadian and Vancouver talent. Find items great for gifting at a variety of price points. Pyrrha talisman necklaces and sterling silver Tashi earrings are eye-catching additions to any outfit.
Honourable Mentions
Birks;
Spence.

SPAS & SALONS
Absolute Spa
A perennial winner, Absolute Spa continues to charm locals and visitors alike at its citywide locations. Let your mind wander during the relaxing aromatherapy massage, or enjoy the toning and hydrating rose and tonic facial. It’s a hot spot for celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Janet Jackson, Chris Rock and Megan Fox, so you never know who you might run into.
Honourable Mentions
Spa Utopia;
Willow Stream Spa.

To vote for next year’s winners, please click here.

Hot Shopping: Wild Kat

Kat Von D's new book hits shelves this month

Tattoo artist, television star, author and all-around badass Kat Von D just released a new book: The Tattoo Chronicles (HarperCollins Canada, $33.99). This glimpse into the life of Von D includes diary entries, sketches and photos. Visit Chapters on Robson Street on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. for a chance to meet Miss Von D and purchase a signed copy.—Jennifer Patterson

Back to School

The University of British Columbia earns an A+ for attractions

By Jennifer Patterson & Kristina Urquhart

The Museum of Anthropology’s Great Hall nods to traditional Northwest Coast post-and-beam architecture. Photo by KK Law

School’s in session, so rally your team spirit but leave your protractors and pencils behind. Head out to the University of British Columbia (UBC), where the stunning views are not just for the 41,000-plus students.

UBC has it all. The sprawling campus is the largest in Canada, at 402 hectares (993 acres). Millionaire real-estate moguls vie for the hilltop homes. Hikers and joggers love the trails through the nearby 763-hectare (1,144-acre) Pacific Spirit Regional Park, while nudists bare it all on Wreck Beach. And if the great outdoors aren’t enough, spend a day touring these campus hot spots.

Museum of Anthropology
History buffs head to this recently renovated museum, designed by Vancouver’s own Arthur Erickson, a celebrated architect responsible for some of the city’s most recognizable buildings. Unearth British Columbia’s past with Northwest Coast First Nations artifacts, including bentwood boxes, totem poles and the magnificent Bill Reid carving “The Raven and the First Men.” Peruse 10,000 objects from around the world in the Multiversity Galleries, or discover the Great Hall’s reflection in the outdoor pond, recently filled to complete Erickson’s original vision when he designed the museum in 1971.

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Since opening in 1997, the Chan Centre has become one of the top venues in the city for the arts. Inside, the stunning Chan Shun Concert Hall serves as the main concert space with its huge acoustic canopy. The Telus Studio Theatre and Royal Bank Cinema cater to smaller performances, films and lectures. This

A concert hall, playhouse and cinema in The Chan Centre stage recitals, films and theatre productions. Photo by KK Law

month, enjoy concerts by Spanish singer Buika and Mexican songbird Lila Downs (Nov. 7), the UBC Symphonic Wind ensemble (Nov. 18) and the UBC Chamber Strings orchestra (Nov. 19).

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Science lovers, rejoice! This brand new museum opened last month. Check out the herbarium, with over half a million plant specimens; the entomological collection, with over 600,000 insect and aquatic items; the marine invertebrate collection, with an array of mollusk shells; the vertebrate collection, with over 40,000 specimens of mammals, birds and reptiles; the fish museum, with over 800,000 jarred skeletons, fossils and DNA samples; and the fossil collection, which showcases everything from recent shells to ancient blue-green algae—the oldest evidence of life on earth. This modern-day menagerie’s crown jewel: a skeleton of a blue whale, earth’s largest living animal.

UBC Botanical Garden
Step into the Land of the Rising Sun at Nitobe Memorial Garden, an authentic representation of a Japanese tea and stroll garden and part of the UBC Botanical Garden. Waterfalls, stones, lanterns, a ceremonial teahouse and lush plantings (think azaleas, cherry trees and maple trees) make this horticultural haven a tranquil place for reflection. You’ll also find other lovely escapes on the university grounds, including the David C. Lam Asian Garden, an alpine garden, a food garden and a BC native species garden.

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is home to a 26-m (85-ft) skeleton of a blue whale, found off Prince Edward Island. Photo by KK Law

Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Art aficionados adore this contemporary gallery, which highlights current emerging artists and Canadian avant-garde pieces from the 1960s and 1970s. The gallery also houses the university’s art collection of more than 2,500 items from Canada and around the globe. Past exhibitions have included pieces by Vancouverite Douglas Coupland and BC artist Jack Shadbolt. On now at the gallery: film installations by Amsterdam artist Mark Boulos (to Dec. 5).

UBC Bookstore
You don’t have to be a student to shop at this glass-walled bookstore, which sells not only textbooks but also a range of best-sellers, fiction and non-fiction. Stock up on campus gear, from coffee mugs to clocks to clothing, including pieces emblazoned with the logo of the school’s athletic team, the Thunderbirds. An official Apple boutique is located within the store, with discounts available for students. A satellite location of the UBC Bookstore can be found downtown at Robson Square.

Mahony & Sons Public House
Students and locals flock to this pub for chilled pints, hearty Irish fare and live music. The decor is cozy and traditional, with lots of wood and Celtic artwork, and the menu offers burgers, pizza and the always-popular Irish faves: bangers and mash and Irish stew. Try the best of the Emerald Isle with the sampler featuring four nearly half-pint glasses of Guinness, Kilkenny, Smithwicks and Harp. Slàinte!

Food for Thought

A Feast for All Seasons by Andrew George Jr.

In the sustainability era, where people are increasingly choosing local over international and cloth over plastic, it seems appropriate that North American food adopt a similar eco-friendly stance. Canadian First Nations chef Andrew George Jr.’s A Feast For All Seasons (Arsenal Pulp Press, $24.95), available at local bookstores, features 120 recipes about creating authentic Aboriginal cuisine with organic ingredients, such as braised bear or blueberry cookies. Bon appetit or so’h ga nec kewh dalt!—Kendra Wong

Hot Date: Book Bonanza

Jonathan Franzen appears at this year's International Festival of Authors

OCTOBER 20 TO 30 Rub shoulders with some renowned writers as they gather for the International Festival of Authors, an annual meet-and-greet of the best and brightest from contemporary literature. Boasting a number of events—from readings and roundtables to interviews and book signings—the event gives due credit to the written word. Award-winning writers including Jonathan Franzen, David Mitchell, Dionne Brand and Yann Martel are expected to attend. Harbourfront Centre, various times, $15 to $25, some events free; call 416-973-4000 or click here for tickets.

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: October

1 Stepping out in wet weather in cheery rain gear from Gumdrops to pick up a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks.
2 The fascinating figures in Body Worlds & The Brain at Science World.
3 Hiking up the Grind on Grouse Mountain.
4 The West Coast Chocolate Festival. Yum.

Fall is gorgeous at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Photo by R. Chan

5 Uncovering Canada’s history at the spectacular Museum of Anthropology.
6 Enjoying an Americano and cinnamon bun at the Public Market on Granville Island—or a pint at the Backstage Lounge.
7 Local writers, bookstores, literary festivals—anything to do with books, really.
8 Celebrating the fact that October is an “R” month by heading to Rodney’s Oyster House for fresh shucked oysters on the half shell with fresh horseradish.
9 Funky clocks such as the one behind the main London Drugs downtown.
10 Spending a rainy day getting pampered at Spruce Body Lab or Vida Spa.
11 Local boy Ryan Reynolds, who stars in the new film Buried. (Claustrophobic? You may want to skip this movie.)
12 Treating ourselves to foie gras terrine and Alsatian Riesling at Le Crocodile.
13 All the u-pick pumpkin farms in nearby Richmond (www.tourismrichmond.com). We also love checking out the amazing carvings at Ladner’s Westham Island Herb Farm (www.westhamislandherb.ca), which boasts more than 150 jack-o’-lanterns for the last 10 days of the month.
14 Shopping for cassoulet ingredients, or picking it up ready-made at Oyama Sausage Co.
15 Autumn colours on display at VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Vancouver for Book Lovers

From bookstores to author readings to a thriving literary scene, this city has everything a bibliophile could desire

By Sheri Radford

The central branch of the Vancouver Public Library fills a full city block and sports a living roof. Photo by KK Law

Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival
Name a well-known author and chances are that writer has appeared at this annual festival in the past 22 years. Among the most celebrated previous guests: JK Rowling (Harry Potter), Salman Rushdie (The Satanic Verses) and Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler’s Wife). This year’s festival (Oct. 19 to 24) showcases more than 100 authors in 67 lively events, ranging from a poetry bash to a literary cabaret to daytime events (some in French) for schoolchildren. It’s six days of heaven for readers.

A Salon with Yann Martel
Spanish-born Canadian author Yann Martel took the world by storm with Life of Pi, a novel about an Indian boy trapped on a life raft with a tiger. His new book, Beatrice & Virgil, is an allegorical tale about the Holocaust. Readers fortunate enough to snag a ticket to A Salon with Yann Martel (Oct. 24), which is a pre-event for the JCC Jewish Book Festival (www.jccgv.com/JewishBookFest), will enjoy a cocktail reception with the master storyteller in a private home. L’chayim!

Vancouver Authors
It doesn’t matter whether an author was born here, moved here or just spent a few years here—we claim them all as Vancouverites, because we know they’re all West Coasters at heart.
•   Linda Bailey, Stanley’s Party
•   Wayson Choy, The Jade Peony
•   Douglas Coupland, Generation X
•   Sarah Ellis, Pick-Up Sticks
•   William Gibson, Neuromancer
•   Nan Gregory, How Smudge Came
•   Joy Kogawa, Obasan
•   Evelyn Lau, Runaway: Diary of a Street Kid
•   Annabel Lyon, The Golden Mean
•   Kit Pearson, Awake and Dreaming
•   Al Purdy, The Cariboo Horses
•   David Suzuki, The Sacred Balance
•   Timothy Taylor, Stanley Park

Everything about Kidsbooks appeals to young readers. Photo by KK Law

Vancouver Magazines
You might already be reading local magazines without even knowing it. Adbusters (www.adbusters.org), Modern Dog (www.moderndogmagazine.com) and Nuvo (www.nuvomagazine.com) are all produced right here in Vancouver.

Vancouver Public Library
If the central branch of the library looks familiar, it may be because the distinctive building has popped up in movies and TV shows such as The Sixth Day, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Battlestar Galactica. (Or it may be because architect Moshe Safdie’s striking design evokes thoughts of the Roman Colosseum.) Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the downtown building regularly hosts free events such as book club meetings, computer workshops, film screenings and talks. This month, authors Annabel Lyon (Oct. 4), Caroline Adderson (Oct. 5) and Keith Billington (Oct. 26) all discuss their latest releases. To buy books of your own, stop by the library’s annual fall sale (Oct. 21 to 24) and search for a treasured tome among the thousands of used books. Or simply find a quiet corner on one of the library’s seven floors to relax with a novel or magazine.

Kidsbooks
Lively colours and kid-friendly decor fill all three locations of this store, inviting children into the magical world of books. The eager readers on staff each carry around at least a card catalogue’s worth of information in their heads, easily answering questions about which titles a seven-year-old reluctant reader or 11-year-old goth girl or 16-year-old sports fanatic might enjoy. This month, David Wiesner (Oct. 13) and Pseudonymous Bosch (Oct. 14) drop by the West Broadway location to entertain kids of all ages.

Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks
If your twin passions are reading and cooking, are you ever in luck. This store is crammed full of books that get mouths watering. In addition to the expected cookbooks and epicurean magazines from around the world, some hidden treasures make slow, thorough browsing a necessity: out-of-print books and other rare finds hide tucked away in the corners, carefully chosen by owner Barbara-jo McIntosh. She’s both a foodie and an author, having

Three floors of reading material galore await in Chapters on Robson. Photo by KK Law

published titles such as Tin Fish Gourmet and Cooking for Me and Sometimes You: A Parisienne Romance with Recipes. Special events in-store this month include a knife skills class (Oct. 2), slow-cooker demonstration with Erik Akis (Oct. 22) and Indian tea with Madhur Jaffrey (Oct. 24).

Chapters/Indigo
Readers flock to Canada’s largest bookstore chain for the in-store Starbucks cafes, the assortment of gift items and—above all else—the huge selection of books, magazines and newspapers. Touch-screen kiosks allow immediate access to a seemingly endless array of titles for sale on the company’s popular website (chapters.indigo .ca)—handy for those whose tastes run more to the obscure and less to the teetering stacks of Stephen King and Nora Roberts novels. Special events at the Chapters on Robson include talks by authors Robert Herjavec (Oct. 4) and R.A. Salvatore (Oct. 16).

Books About Vancouver
Forget the tacky t-shirts and snow globes—books make much better souvenirs.

Douglas Coupland’s City of Glass (Douglas & McIntyre, $24.95) is a love letter to the city, filled with insider knowledge such as how Vancouver is similar to The Simpsons, where “the nakedest place in Canada” is and why the Grouse Grind is better than a singles bar.

Compiled by the Chef’s Table Society of BC, Vancouver Cooks 2 (Douglas & McIntyre, $40) bursts with more than 100 recipes from 70 local chefs, making it an ideal memento for foodies.

Vancouver Then and Now (Thunder Bay Press, $22.95) by Francis Mansbridge explores the city through paired photographs—one old, one new—of prominent locations.

Hot Shopping: Tried and True

Charming home accessories at Gastown's Old Faithful Shop

Tucked away in Gastown sits Old Faithful, a rustic shop with loads of charm. Owners Walter Manning and Savannah Olsen gave a tip-of-the-hat to the general stores of an era gone by with a brick-walled space chock-full of cleverly crafted items. Having spent many years working in the retail industry, both Manning and Olsen decided it was time to open a place of their own and stock it with the types of products they found interesting. Rugged backpacks, handmade soaps, home-on-the-range dishware, lanterns, Opinel knives, books, cacti and candles—you name it, they’ve probably got it.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Saving the Planet

David Suzuki photo courtesy David Suzuki Foundation

Where has the time gone? Seems like only yesterday that recycling was a foreign concept and we all drank out of non-biodegradable Styrofoam cups. This month, the David Suzuki Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary. Created as a catalyst for social change in light of the world’s environmental problems, the bilingual organization is practically synonymous with tireless local activist David Suzuki, who turns 75 in the new year. To mark these major milestones, Sturla Gunnarsson’s documentary Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie and Suzuki’s book The Legacy: An Elder’s Vision for Our Sustainable Future (Greystone Books, $25; at local bookstores) are being released, and the man himself is embarking on a national lecture tour. For more information on anniversary activities and how you can go green, visit www.davidsuzuki.org. The planet will thank you.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dining: Tasty Souvenir

A delightful read for budding sommeliers

Oenophiles sip and spit their way through more than 1,000 wineries in BC, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. This burgeoning wine region is also blessed with an abundance of seafood, wild game, fruits and vegetables. Carol Frieberg and Andy Perdue’s Swirl, Sip and Savor: Northwest Wine and Small Plate Pairings (Sasquatch Books, $26.95) brings the best of local food and wine together in recipes such as a minted crab salad with chilled cucumber water paired with a Mission Hill Reserve Riesling. At local bookstores.—Sheri Radford