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Vancouver Life: Cambie Street

Spend an afternoon exploring the sights and smells of Cambie Street between 17th and 19th avenues, a hotspot for great eats and the latest trends

By Carli Vierke

Cheese from Benton Brothers

The Local Gourmet
It’s foodies’ choice on Cambie. With both local and global fare, the restaurants, cafes and artisan shops offer a mix of flavours. Whether it’s gooey BC cheeses from the family-owned Benton Brothers or homemade tiramisu from Kreation cake shop, everything you need for the perfect epicurean feast is here. Feel like treating yourself without lifting a finger? Enjoy steak frites at the friendly French bistro Pied-à-Terre, or grab a slow-roasted pulled-pork sub to go at Las Tortas Gourmet Mexican Sandwiches.

Eye for Design
Suit up for a stylish stroll at Shop Cocoon, a boutique that features the latest trends in clothing, jewellery and handmade toiletries (think goodies such as hand-milled pomegranate soap), all crafted by local designers. For fashionable inspiration in the home and beyond, check out Walrus, a minimalist shop known for its fun, stylish lifestyle goods such as Scandinavian-designed lanterns or locally designed hot-pink rubber shoes. The space doubles as an art gallery and transforms one night a month into a packed cultural hub where Vancouver artists have their exceptional work showcased.

Ceramic birds from Shop Cocoon

Drink Up
No matter what type of buzz you’re looking for, you’re in good hands. At Beans coffee shop, grab a soy latte while getting cozy on one of the vintage couches or armchairs. For the beer connoisseur, Biercraft Bistro serves dozens of Belgian, imported and local beers. Develop your taste buds with a pint of the creamy Augustijn Blonde alongside a pound of fresh local mussels in a beer, cilantro and lime-butter broth. If you’re seeking libations to go, the Liquor Barn has a good selection of wine, beers and spirits from all over the world. Cheers.

Hot Dining: Rogue Kitchen & Wet Bar

Check out the latest rogue concept sweeping the Vancouver food scene. The aptly named Rogue Kitchen & Wet Bar is the Lower Mainland’s first pay-what-you-think-it’s-worth restaurant. This eatery offers a host of dishes from mini corn dogs to sushi stacks, salmon to steak, pizzas to pastas. The menu offers a suggested price; if you decide to pay less, leave a note explaining why the food wasn’t up to par. If you had a great meal and leave more than the suggested price, the difference is donated to charity. Liquor is not subject to this policy and servers should still be tipped. Time to go rogue!—Kendra Wong

Hot Dining: Stellar Suds

Local suds are featured during Vancouver Craft Beer Week, on from May 10 to 16

The first annual Vancouver Craft Beer Week (May 10 to 16) taps into truly local tastes with a packed program of beer-inclined events and sudsy celebrations. Organized by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the hop-fest features food-and-beer-pairing dinners across the city, as well as a blind judging of 188 entries made province-wide. Some of our favourite entrants include Central City Red Racer Lager, Granville Island Rogers Chocolate Stout, Howe Sound Three Beavers Imperial Red Ale (pictured), and Phillips Brewing Blue Buck Ale, available at most local liquor stores, as well as R&B Red Devil Pale Ale and Storm Brewing Hurricane IPA, on tap in many local restaurants.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Shopping: Local Libation

If you're looking for a super souvenir, try this limited-edition Absolut vodka

New Orleans, Los Angeles, Boston, Vancouver: our fair city recently joined this exclusive list of North American cities honoured with Absolut vodka’s city-themed bottles. Our design, created by Victoria resident Douglas Fraser, explores what it means to live, work and play in Vancouver. Don’t wait: just 120,000 bottles are available ($25.95 at local liquor stores).—Sheri Radford