Photo credit: Shannon Armishaw.
Ottawa is filled with plenty of burgeoning young artists. One such talent is Shannon Armishaw — a grad from local arts high school Canterbury and a student of the University of Ottawa’s visual arts program — whose modern works straddle the line between painting and mixed media collage. (more…)
Beautiful baubles by Jen Ellis at Portobello Petite
August 4 to 27
There’s a new pop up shop in town: Portobello Petite, a mini version of the popular Portobello West Fashion + Art Market. This cute space showcases clothing, chocolates, jewellery (including pieces by Jen Ellis, pictured) and creations for kids by talented local artists and artisans. On Aug. 27 the store closes to rejoin the main market for the final summer show.—Jennifer Patterson
Portobello Petite, 186 Kingsway.
Poached Breakfast Bistro. Photo: Penny McKinlay
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is our series highlighting the best local restaurants across Canada. Have a tip for your city? Let us know on Twitter or on Facebook. Today we are featuring top restaurant picks in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
BREAKFAST
Poached Breakfast Bistro shares a downtown location with late-night hangout Flint, and it’s got some really inventive and delicious brunch food that is beckoning line-ups out the door. Recommended by Saskatoon-based food blogger Penny McKinlay, this bistro serves up a few must-have dishes. (more…)
We love apparel from local label dace
Vancouver bursts at the seams with talented fashion designers.
>> Okanagan-born Dace Moore celebrates the 10th anniversary of her eponymous line this year. Moore’s designs (pictured) are feminine, with a focus on clean lines and attention to detail (www.dace.ca).
>> Nicole Bridger just opened up her first store to house her namesake eco-driven line. She received Canada’s first Eco Designer of the Year award in 2010 (www.nicolebridger.com).
>> Allison Smith started her line, Allison Wonderland, back in 1998. Her charming range of dresses, jackets, shorts and shirts can be found in shops across Canada (www.allisonwonderland.ca).—Jennifer Patterson
Vancouver Maritime Museum
You’ll see why our fair city is consistently ranked one of the world’s most liveable places in I Am Vancouver at the Vancouver Maritime Museum (to Oct. 14). Learn local lore starting with Captain George Vancouver’s arrival here in 1792. The interactive exhibit ends with visitors writing about their Vancouver experiences on an ever-changing wall of sticky notes (pictured). After all, there’s no place like home.—Kristina Urquhart
Lovely jewels by local designer Irit Sorokin. Photo by Tanya Clark
Imagine travelling the world to gather inspiration from different landscapes and cultures, then purchasing gems, stones and crystals to bring back home to turn into wearable art. That’s exactly what jewellery designer Irit Sorokin does. Her one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings and bracelets are made of treasures sourced from around the globe. At Fine Finds and Jeweliette.—Jennifer Patterson
"Clayoquot Sound" by Marleen Vermeulen
See the rugged landscape of British Columbia through the eyes of Dutch expat Marleen Vermeulen in New Works at Kurbatoff Art Gallery (Jun. 2 to 16). The oversized Impressionist-style oil paintings, rich in texture and colour, reflect our region’s stunning seascapes and azure skylines (“Clayoquot Sound,” pictured). Move over, Monet.—Kristina Urquhart
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.
Summer fashions from Plum Clothing
Plum Clothing, a 30-year-old Canadian company, proudly carries designed-in-house clothing and accessories, with the majority made right here in Vancouver. Whether it’s an outfit for the boardroom, a summer wedding or a trip up the coast, chances are the right fit is in store. New fashions for spring and summer are pictured above in a photo shoot done in charming Steveston Village, just 30 minutes from downtown.—Jennifer Patterson
Stuart's Bakery in Granville Island Public Market is a delicious pit stop, serving tarts, cakes, cookies and breads. Photo by KK Law
Join locals and visitors at bustling Granville Island Public Market for a day of fun-filled shopping and good eats. Find sweet treats aplenty at Stuart’s Bakery (pictured). Artfully stacked fruit sits ripe for the picking at numerous produce shops. Grab handmade ravioli for later or fresh-cut flowers to use as a thank-you gift. Souvenir-worthy items line the shelves at Edible BC, including honey, jam and chocolate, all made in British Columbia.—Jennifer Patterson
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Stay, Dine, Do
