Jennifer Patterson

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Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Footwear from Generic Surplus

The Wellington sneaker by Generic Surplus

Summer’s just around the corner, so it’s time to invest in a pair of cool kicks for the warm weather. Generic Surplus, a Los Angeles–based brand, designs GQ-approved footwear for the modern man. Vibrant colours elevate stonewashed canvas, net mesh and linen to the perfect summer accessory that transitions easily from brunch to the beach. Styles range from the standard sneaker (including the Wellington, pictured) to posh brogues to taller deck shoes. Pick them up at The Block or Livestock.—Jennifer Patterson

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: 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 Shopping: Mother’s Day Gifts from Lush

Mother's Day gift set from Lush

Before Mother’s Day (May 13) rolls around, purchase some sweet-smelling goodies for the woman of the hour. This collectible tin from Lush comes packed with fresh bath bombs, a body scrub and the famous Dream Cream—and it’s selling out quickly. Website orders must be placed by May 10 at noon, but you can try your luck in-store, too.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Dates: BC Contestants on Top Chef Canada

Chef Mark McEwan with his newest crop of Top Chef Canada contestants

Through May

The knives? Sharpened. The pantry? Stocked. The competition? Fierce. Top Chef Canada is back in the kitchen for round two of the hit Food Network Canada show. Head judge Chef Mark McEwan has 16 new hopefuls all vying for the title of Top Chef, not to mention the $100,000 prize. Four contestants from BC are in the running, but—spoiler alert!—they don’t all make the final cut. Tune in Mondays, or watch online at www.foodnetwork.ca.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Dates: Cooking Classes at The Dirty Apron Cooking School

The Dirty Apron Cooking School

Through May

Kitchen newbies, confident gourmands and ready-to-go pros enjoy picking up new tips and tricks, not to mention stuffing themselves with tasty morsels, at downtown’s cool Dirty Apron Cooking School. Add a few West Coast recipes to your repertoire and try your hand at preparing the best of the Pacific Ocean (May 4, 5, 7, 16, 30, 31). Take a trip around the world and learn to cook Italian at the Mamma Mia classes (May 1, 9, 15, 19, 24, 28), or feel like a Parisian in French class (May 2, 10, 14). And don’t forget your mom! She’ll love the just-for-her courses (May 12, 13).—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Documentary Film Festival DOXA Comes to Vancouver

Story of BURQA: Case of a Confused Afghan, a documentary shown at DOXA

When it comes to film, it doesn’t get more real than documentaries. Enter DOXA (May 4 to 13), a documentary film festival that started in 2000 and continues to make waves. This year’s line-up runs the gamut: Story of BURQA: Case of a Confused Afghan (pictured), a timely look at how cloth has ignited controversy and fear; Bear 71, a groundbreaking mix of live performance and music alongside grizzly bear footage; and VITO, an inspiring look at AIDS activist Vito Russo.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Wonderful Wood Souvenirs

Wooden souvenirs by Signature Woodcraft

Take home a piece of the province with an engraved bookmark, luggage tag or magnet by Signature Woodcraft, all made from recycled BC lumber. Each one of these Canadian maple beauties is earth-friendly, as it uses wood left over from the construction of high-end musical instruments. Buy these long-lasting souvenirs at Circle Craft or Capilano Suspension Bridge.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Art: Reflections at Richmond Art Gallery

Artist Hua Jin exhibits her photography at Richmond Art Gallery

Explore the consequences of China’s one-child-per-family policy through photography and video by former Shanghai resident Hua Jin in her exhibit My Big Family. Jin, a first-generation “only” child, uses her own experiences to examine the repercussions of this rule on not only families, but the community and country, too. View her work at the Richmond Art Gallery (Apr. 20 to Jun. 10).—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Lifetime Collective

Shiloh dress by Lifetime Collective

Locals love the easy breezy style of Lifetime Collective, an ever-evolving company that creates casual clothes for both sexes. New for spring/summer 2012: a women’s line by Jude Feller, owner and designer of popular label lily+jae. A few highlights include the wind-ready Town trench, the super-cute Shiloh dress (pictured) and the oversize Totally tote. Shop online at www.lifetimecollective.com.—Jennifer Patterson