Dining

Canada > Archive by tag 'Dining'

You Are Here: Rosedale & Summerhill

Just north of busy downtown, this stretch of Yonge Street is lined with tony boutiques and chic cafés catering to residents of two of the city’s most affluent neighbourhoods.

Advice from a Caterpillar

TIMELESS FOR TOTS Inspired by author Lewis Carroll, Advice From a Caterpillar is a wonderland of clothes, books, toys and furniture for newborns to six-year-olds. The whimsically decorated boutique is the only shop in Canada to offer French brands Bonton and L’Esprit de Luna. It also has a smattering of unique vintage items, some dating to the early 1900s.

DESIGNER HUB The elegant interior of The Narwhal Boutique, complete with Persian rugs and a Victorian chandelier, contrasts nicely with the modern clothes on the racks. Though somewhat tucked away, it’s a hot spot for women seeking New York–chic labels plus designs from Scandinavia. (more…)

Hot Dining: Vancouver Food Tours with Edible Canada

Edible Canada's Granville Island Market Tour

Foodies, unite! Edible Canada takes inquisitive—and hungry—guests on tasty and informative tours around a couple of the city’s most popular areas. Reserve a spot on the Granville Island Market Tour (pictured) or book the longer Sample and Shop Tour. Check out various landmarks and food shops on the guided Chinatown walk, and be sure to stay for the optional dim sum lunch.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Dining: Vancouver Burger Bars

Max's Burgers photo by KK Law

Discerning carnivores sink their teeth into the perfect patties at Max’s Burgers (pictured), Fatburger and Romer’s Burger Bar. Locals love to order burgers and shakes at take-out shack Nimby Burger, which re-opens for the summer May 18, then eat seaside at nearby Kitsilano Beach. Talk about a picture-perfect picnic.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Dining: Make Yours Truly Your Own

It’s said that there’s no accounting for taste—especially amongst Toronto foodies, whose preferences are as diverse as the city itself. And yet, somehow, Yours Truly has quietly become the restaurant that every diner wants to call his or her own.

No surprise, really. When you want a nice evening tipple, the west-end spot is a friendly neighbourhood bar with a decent wine list and classic cocktails. After a night of partying, you’ll find comfort in its menu of late-night snacks. And if you hunger for a full meal, chef Jeff Claudio obliges with two oft-changing four-course menus ($35 and $45) that showcase local and seasonal ingredients.

Hot Dates: Richmond’s Summer Night Market

The Summer Night Market in Richmond

May 11 to September 16

Barbecued squid and bubble waffles are just a couple of the exotic eats you’ll find at the Summer Night Market (pictured), deemed one of the world’s best by Travel + Leisure magazine. Foodies and bargain hunters hop on the SkyTrain to taste Asian street food, enjoy live entertainment and haggle with retail vendors over super-cute trinkets and jewellery. The nearby Richmond Night Market (May 18 to Oct. 8) is also worth a visit for snacks, shopping and carnival rides. —Kristina Urquhart

Hot Dining: Uncommonly Good at the County General

photo by Nikki Leigh McKean

There are a lot of fun, lively eateries to be found along Queen Street West. The one that you’ll particularly want to visit on a warm spring day is The County General. Run by the owners of ritzy Splendido, the restaurant offers its predecessor’s thoughtful service and high-quality cooking in a more casual, wallet-friendly package. Here, hip locals fill the bright dining room and street-side patio for lunch, dinner, brunch and late-night nosh including a buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich ($14), pork tacos ($15) and banana bread French toast ($14, brunch only). Choose your drink from the all-Canadian wine list, or go for that Southern vibe with a glass of premium rum or bourbon.

Hot Dining: West Coast Cuisine at L’Abattoir

L'Abattoir photo by KK Law

Who’d have thought that the site of Vancouver’s first jail would go on to house one of the city’s finest food destinations? Chic L’Abattoir, which nabbed the #3 spot in enRoute’s 2011 list of the best new restaurants in Canada, keeps diners coming back thanks to the French-influenced West Coast fare and scene-stealing decor. —Jennifer Patterson

Hot Dining: Cactus Club Cafe’s New, Sustainable Location

Cactus Club Cafe's English Bay location

The newest Cactus Club location is more than just a pretty face. Sure, the restaurant is situated right on the beach, offering a stunning view of English Bay, but it’s also eco-friendly, with its living roof, organic herb garden and plentiful bike racks. The green building has been constructed to meet LEED Gold Certification. So, as you take in the spectacular scenery while nibbling on divine dishes created by Iron Chef Rob Feenie, raise a glass to Vancouver-style sustainability.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dining: Italian Opera Buffet at Cafe Pacifica

Italian Opera Buffet at Cafe Pacifica

Bring a healthy appetite for both fresh pasta and opera music to Cafe Pacifica in the Pan Pacific Hotel. Every Saturday evening, singers from the Burnaby Lyric Opera Society serenade diners during the Italian Opera Buffet. Be sure to make a reservation, as this popular event usually sells out. Added bonus: the view from the restaurant is spectacular.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dining: Mother’s Day Brunches in Vancouver

Photo copyright Fotohunter/iStockPhoto

Mom’s the word on May 13, which is Mother’s Day in North America. It also happens to be one of the most popular days of the year to go for brunch, so reserve ahead. Treat your marvellous mama to a delicious spread at Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge, Coast Restaurant, Fleuri, Horizons Restaurant or Raincity Grill. She’ll love it almost as much as she loves you.—Kristina Urquhart