Main Street's much&little. Photo by Tracey Ayton
Head to East Vancouver for one of the city’s newest destined-to-be-popular shops, Main Street’s much&little. This super-cool store entices visitors with an ever-evolving mix of clothing, housewares and accessories, ranging in style from old school to modern. Bird whistles? Check. Soy candles? Check. Wooden watches and hand-sewn wallets? Check and check.—Jennifer Patterson
The French Table photo by KK Law
Chef Hervé Martin, who closed his long-running Hermitage earlier this year, has resurfaced at Main and 23rd, just a short cab ride from downtown. The French Table (pictured), neighbourhood bistro in style, sports a menu hinging on classics such as coq au vin, duck confit, steak frîtes and pan-fried sweetbreads, along with an approachable wine list that still includes Martin’s family-estate Burgundy. Find more good Gallic fare at North Vancouver’s Chez Michel and at west side Mistral Bistro.—Tim Pawsey
More information:
The French Table, $$. L (M-F), D (daily), brunch (Sa-Su). 3916 Main St. 604-689-3237.
www.thefrenchtable.ca
Chez Michel Restaurant, $$. L/D (Tu-Sa). 1373 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. 604-926-4913.
www.chezmichelvancouver.com
Mistral Bistro, $$. L/D (Tu-Sa). 2585 W. Broadway. 604-733-0046.
www.mistralbistro.ca
Heritage Hall is the cornerstone of Main Street. Photo by KK Law
Built in the bustling Mount Pleasant area of Main Street in 1914, Heritage Hall is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Easily spotted thanks to its castle-like clock tower, this former post office was home to the RCMP and, later, the city’s oldest theatre troupe. It sat unoccupied for a while, then underwent an interior re-vamp—the main hall is reminiscent of a French chateau—and is now busy with private parties, craft fairs and comic shows.—Jennifer Patterson
Vancouver Special is a hip store for design divas
Design aficionados go wild for one of Main Street’s coolest shops, Vancouver Special. Named after a distinct West Coast style of architecture, this bright space stocks textbook-sized tomes that run the gamut from photography to travel to the best in condo living. Colourful clocks, notebooks and tchotchkes are perfect as take-home gifts, and the collection of furniture is just plain inspiring.—Jennifer Patterson
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