Nightlife

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You Are Here: Old Strathcona

Image courtesy of Noel Zinger

With over 600 eclectic, independent and alternative shops and services to explore, it’s little wonder Old Strathcona is regarded as the place to experience Edmonton’s finest live theatre and music, boutique shopping, dining and nightlife. Read on for some of our top spots in this historical district and then visit www.oldstrathcona.ca for even more.

CHIANTI CAFE Housed in the historic Old Strathcona post office building and featuring super affordable made from scratch Italian fare — including over two dozen pasta dishes — it’s little wonder this charming eatery has been voted one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants and is popular with everyone from university students to young professionals to families. 10501 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-9829.

WHEN PIGS FLY This quaint gift shop brims with intriguing and unusual trinkets, jewelry, stained glass, home accessories and more. Chances are, you won’t walk out empty handed, as it caters to any aesthetic taste, covering rustic wares, vintage inspired décor, sleek, modern finds and even children’s toys and accessories. 10470 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-9127.

Image courtesy of Laura Byrnes Photography

ROWENA Lovers of pin-up couture will revel in this fashion boutique where you’ll not only find the sweetest selection of 1940’s and 50’s inspired pin-up dresses, but also rockabilly, gothic and other alternative cultures clothing and accessories. The shop offers a wide array of lines for both guys and dolls including Lucky 13, Dirty Devil, Deadly Dames, Trashy Diva and Lip Service. 10762 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-5445.

BLUES ON WHYTE Featuring top local, national and international blues talent, Blues on Whyte in the legendary Commercial Hotel is the place to enjoy live blues music from soulful Mississippi Delta to finger-snapping Chicago style. The easy-going atmosphere and standout musicians are second to none, and with live music seven days a week, the place is almost always bustling. 10329 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-3981.

BLOCK 1912 An eclectic European style café with vintage ambiance, Block 1912 is a trusty Whyte Avenue staple offering specialty coffees, wine and beer, an assortment of in-house made desserts, sandwiches and gelato. This is a casual, inviting spot, perfect to stop in at and unwind after an afternoon of shopping. 10361 Whyte (83) Ave., 780-433-6575.

Image courtesy of Wee Book Inn

WEE BOOK INN This locally owned and operated second hand bookshop includes two floor levels of fiction and non-fiction finds including a sizable selection of antique and collectible literature. Look for their resident cat who you’ll find purring away contentedly in one of the shop’s cosy corners. 10310 Whyte (82) Ave., 780 432-7230.

PRINCESS THEATRE For a dose of history and entertainment, watch a film at the Princess Theatre, Edmonton’s oldest surviving cinema, which screened its first film in 1915. The ornate building still features the original auditorium and balcony, and has remained much the same as when it was built nearly 100 years ago. Today, the theatre screens an interesting mix of independent, foreign and alternative films. 10337 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-0728

Winter Warm-Ups in Whistler

Baby, it’s cold outside. After a chilly day on the slopes, Whistler offers lots of activities to get your mercury rising

By Kristina Urquhart

The outdoor fire pit at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler's Mallard Lounge and Terrace. Photo by Randy Lincks courtesy Tourism British Columbia

HOT
Whether you’ve been slaloming down a black-diamond ski run or shopping in Whistler Village, duck into a coffee shop for a reprieve from the cold air. Locals love the beans at Lift Coffee Company and Moguls Coffee House, as well as the brews at DavidsTea—which stocks a wood-smoke-scented tea for those determined to warm up.

HOTTER
When a hot cuppa won’t cut it, try a roaring fire to warm your tootsies. Two fire pits at The Mallard Lounge and Terrace add a romantic ambience to live entertainment, and the leather chairs flanking the fireplace at Dubh Linn Gate make for cozy rest stops. Still feeling chilly? A heavenly spa treatment might do the trick. At Scandinave Spa, immerse yourself in warm soaking pools, sweltering saunas and steam baths. Or go for a hot stone massage, which is also offered at several village spots including Vida Spa. (more…)

You Are Here: Hamilton Street

Find an eclectic mix of dining, shopping and places for pampering on this stretch in historic Yaletown

By Jill Von Sprecken

Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by KK Law

SPLURGE ON STYLE
The bold graphic prints at iconic Finnish company Marimekko pack a punch on bright handbags, home accessories and fashions for the whole family. Or try the Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, a brand established in 1895, on for size. The stylish boutique carries a selection of toppers for men and women, ranging from classic to creative.

BEAUTY-FULL
In an area brimming with salons, Noir Lash Lounge has the niche market covered. Eyelash extensions, the only service offered, make peepers pop with styles ranging from au naturel to high drama. At Blo, a bombshell blowout is only a hairdryer away. There’s nary a pair of scissors nor a bottle of dye to be found, just salon-worthy locks in a snap. Guilt-free indulgence can be found at Frilly Lilly, where dessert-inspired beauty products, such as the “bathcake,” are (almost) good enough to eat.

SPOT-ON SEAFOOD
A converted brick-and-beam warehouse space is the backdrop for Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, where innovative offerings, such as jellyfish and sea urchin, are always local and sustainable as well as beautifully prepared. Drop anchor at casual Rodney’s Oyster House for raw oysters and chowders that are sure to make a splash.

Society. Photo by KK Law

TOP TASTES
For a new take on small plates, visit Hapa Izakaya to sample Japanese tapas, sake and cocktails. At Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, the extensive wine cellar is second only to the fresh ingredients and traditional flavours, which take centre stage. Try Hamilton Street Grill for steaks or the famous burger, served with aged cheddar and truffle mayonnaise. Sip cool cocktails and nosh on pad thai on Charm Modern Thai’s trendy patio. For other South Asian bites, try Simply Thai or Urban Thai Bistro. Hot spot Society serves creative comfort food with a twist, from spiked milkshakes to lobster shepherd’s pie.

DRINK UP
For inspired cocktails that will get your creativity flowing, check out Raw Canvas. An extensive menu of beer, wine and mixed drinks is served alongside the “painting pit.” Purchase a canvas and unleash your inner artist. If a caffeine buzz is what you’re after, try Argo Cafe for that perfect cup. Fair trade beans are roasted in-house and complemented with soups, sandwiches and baked goods.

BY NIGHT
DJs set the scene at George Ultra Lounge, the perfect spot to sip a classic martini. Built on a foundation of food, drink and graffiti art, 100 Nights is a lively venue with plenty of glitz and glamour. Trendy Afterglow Lounge combines sultry decor, beautiful people and libations—certainly a potent cocktail.

Hamilton Street is a 10-minute walk from downtown. Or take the Canada Line SkyTrain to the Yaletown-Roundhouse stop.

Vancouver Life: Pride of Davie Street

Rainbow flags and pink bus stops decorate the streets of gay-friendly Davie Street, known for its vibrant collection of bars and restaurants, in the heart of the culturally diverse West End

By Dylan Martin

Davie Street is awash with rainblow flags during the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival. Photo courtesy Vancouver Pride Society

Casual Cuisine

Chock-full of delicious dining spots, Davie Street offers plenty of places to find an inexpensive meal at any hour of the day. Hamburger Mary’s provides a retro diner experience, while Denny’s serves an all-day-breakfast. Joe’s Grill is a local favourite, as is Vera’s Burger Shack, known for its toppings.

International Eats

With a variety of ethnic restaurants, Davie Street has something for every palate. Satisfy cravings for savoury Korean barbecue at Dan Sung Sa or for fresh Italian pasta at Café Luxy. Japanese food fans have their pick between Kadoya, Samurai and Downtown Sushi Bar, while Indian lovers indulge in tandoori and curry dishes at India Bistro. Further down the road, folks wanting inexpensive Greek food line up at the ever-popular Stepho’s, known for its heaping portions.

Colourful costumes are a highlight at the Vancouver Pride Festival. Photo courtesy Vancouver Pride Society

Party Places

Those seeking sophisticated sips turn to the cool cocktail bars 1181 Lounge and Oasis Ultra Lounge. While sports fans cheer on their favourite team at Score on Davie, friends share brews at The Fountainhead Pub. Dance enthusiasts converge on Celebrities, where international DJs get the crowd on their feet.

Pride Week

Every summer, thousands of spectators flock to the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival (Jul. 31) for the 150 flashy floats, the colourful marching bands and the festival on Sunset Beach featuring local performers. All are celebrating the queer community in over-the-top style. Concerts, street parties, lectures, boat cruises, art exhibitions and other similarly enticing events take place during the days leading up to the parade and festival, meaning there is lots to see and do.

Davie Street is an easy walk or a short taxi ride from all downtown hotels. Or hop on the Canada Line SkyTrain and get off at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Station, at the foot of Davie Street.

Nightlife: St. Patrick’s Day Hot Spots

• Durty Nelly’s on Argyle Street: Traditional pub, serving Irish grub and imported beers.
• The Red Stag on Lower Water Street: Friendly vibe, wide selection of beer on tap, located in historic Brewery Market building.
• The Split Crow on Granville Mall: One of the city’s most beloved pubs, live music, rollicking atmosphere.
• The Old Triangle on Prince Street: Owned by folk-music legend Brian Doherty, live music, Irish beers aplenty.
• Pogue Fado on Barrington Street: Hip young bar, party atmosphere, live music.

Hot Dining: Cocktail Culture

Nic Tickner pours a Ruby Tuesday at The Refinery. Photo by KK Law

Looking for a serious drink in Vancouver? You don’t have to go far.
1 Master-mixer Lauren Mote is always up to something new at The Refinery (pictured). Go for a Tea Collins or Charred Bourbon Sour.
2 The Keefer Bar’s apothecary-infused recipes are the brainchild of Giffard International Cocktail Challenge champion Danielle Tatarin. Try the Milk & Honey with loa han gao, or the Tiger’s Tail with astragalus.
3 L’ Abattoir, one of several Gastown rooms with a buzz, has Shaun Layton behind the wood crafting the Hanky Panky, Old Fashioned and a Beefeater 24-Primed Spot of Tea.
4 Fairmont Pacific Rim’s stylish Lobby Lounge wows with technical wizard Jacob Sweetapple’s trendy twists such as the Maker’s Plan, the El Capone and the Valid Victoria, made with local Victoria Gin.—Tim Pawsey

The Foodie’s Delight

Discover the best of Nova Scotian cuisine at Savour Food & Wine

By Trevor J. Adams

You’d have to spend a year touring to have all the great culinary experiences you can enjoy during the Savour Food & Wine festival. Running from February 1 to March 2, Savour celebrates the province’s culinary scene, with numerous special events.

The popular Dine Around program is back and this year it runs through the whole month. That’s a promotion whereby
restaurants throughout the province offer prix fixe menus that encourage diners to explore and experiment.

Event chair Joe McGuinness is particularly excited about Savour’s Decadence event at the Westin on February 3. It celebrates the art of wine and food pairing. The first hour features succulent cheese paired with different wines. Each cheese is then transformed into a beautiful dish or hors d’oeuvres, matching the paired wine again. The latter half of the evening pairs chocolate with wines, port and dessert wines.
And serious wine aficionados will want to check out the Rare & Fine Wine Tasting at Windows at the World Trade Centre on February 13. “It’s a serious wine event,” McGuinness says. “It’s the only event of its type on the East Coast.”

The tasting specializes in rare and vintage wines, most of which attendees would never otherwise have a chance to try. If features 30 wines, each of which has scored at least a 90 from a prestigious publication such as Wine Spectator. With 100 attendees (at $99 per ticket), it’s a small-scale, exclusive event. “We want to allow more opportunity for attendees to mingle with wine presenters,” McGuinness says. This year, organizers are broadening the focus to include wines from Spain and Chile. Also, Bishop’s Cellar will be selling wines on site in “very limited quantities.”

The festival culminates in the Savour Food & Wine Show on March 2. More than 100 exhibitors will share their creations at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel on Hollis Street. Exhibitors include vintners, brewers, chefs and other restaurant industry insiders, all competing to wow attendees with mouthwatering samples and eye-catching displays.

For foodies, it’s a sure thing. Haligonian Jody Rice Gallagher attends every year. “I really like learning what restaurants are in the city and the province in general and what they have to offer,” she says. “It is a great way to sample some of their best dishes.”

Exhibitors share food and drink in sample-sized portions but with such a wealth to choose from, you need to be strategic to make sure you have the best experience. “Go with an empty stomach,” advises Gallagher. “There is a tremendous amount of food and you will find at the end that you want try more but just can’t find the room for more. Pick the places that you are really curious about and try those first… But don’t limit yourself. It is a great place to try new things since they are small bites.”

While exhibitors come and go, there are some that fans know to watch. “The Hamachi House (page 106) always is a standout because of their amazing display of sushi, as well as hot food,” Gallagher says.

Knowledgeable, engaging and a champion of local flavours, Chef Dennis Johnston of Fid Resto on Dresden Row is another fan favourite. He’s returning for his third year. “I’ll absolutely be there,” he says. “It’s great exposure and a great experience. I love the chance to mingle… Savour is becoming something that everyone wants to tick off on their social calendar in Halifax.”

Hot Dining: Cheers!

Durty Nelly's

• Durty Nelly’s, Sackville Street: Irish pub, imported beers like Harp and Smithwick’s, plus local microbrews.

• Split Crow, Granville Street: The quintessential Maritime pub: historic setting, daily live music, friendly crowds, daily beer specials.

• Fife & Drum), Upper Water Street: Smart-casual Scottish-style pub; Stella Artois, Guinness and Heineken on tap.

• Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie), Granville Street: Belgian cuisine; huge imported beer selection: Leffe Bruin, Chimay Première Red Label, Mort Subite Kriek Lambic and many others.

• Old Triangle, Prince Street: Irish pub, co-owned by singer Brian Doherty, “Guinness & Oysters” special on Wednesdays.

Hot Dining: Raising the Bar

Danielle Tatarin of The Keefer Bar. Photo by KK Law

A cool crowd hangs out late at The Keefer Bar (pictured), a recent arrival on Chinatown’s edge. Bar manager Danielle Tatarin wows the locals just as she did the judges at this year’s Giffard International Cocktail Challenge in France, at which she beat out bartenders from around the world to scoop first place. The mood is funky, with Asian small plates and considered concoctions, often tweaked with traditional tinctures, teas and other uncommon ingredients. Find more cool sippin’ next door at Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie and at Gastown’s Pourhouse, The Diamond at Maple Tree Square and Boneta.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: 5 Dream Decors

Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel. Photo by KK Law

In a nod to Vancouver Fashion Week (Nov. 3 to 7), check out these stylin’ rooms.
1 Market (pictured) Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Vancouver destination yields a soothing, gently traditional feel that combines contemporary and classic themes.
2 La Terrazza Soaring ceilings, striking frescoes, swags and swaths define an exuberant Italian personality at this Yaletown flagship with its lounge bar and elegant private cellar room.
3 Lift Bar-Grill-View This Coal Harbour destination blends elegant interior lines, expansive glass and sweeping harbour views with plush leather seating and an edgy, contemporary, onyx backlit bar.
4 The Shore Club Elegant curves of warm wood, dramatic chandeliers and an expansive staircase that links downstairs lounge to upstairs dining room and open kitchen all combine for a luxurious experience.
5 Yew Natural light, wood, granite and a giant sandstone fireplace reflect BC’s natural beauty and artfully complement the West Coast–focused fare.—Tim Pawsey

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: September

Historic Burnaby Art Gallery

1 Watching Antony and Cleopatra (to Sep. 24) at Bard on the Beach.
2 Sara Canning. The actress wasn’t born here, but we still claim her as a local.
3 Shakin’ your groove thang at the city’s most popular nightclubs.
4 Burnaby Art Gallery and all the other sights in Deer Lake Park.
5 Eating at any of the local cooking schools, such as Bistro 101 at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Culinaria at The Art Institute of Vancouver, and JJ’s Restaurant at Vancouver Community College.
6 The annual Terry Fox Run (Sep. 19), raising money for cancer research.
7 Local wineries.
8 Taking the first ferry to Victoria or Nanaimo and watching the sun rise.

Perch on "Echoes" by Michael Goulet. Photo by KK Law

9 “Echoes” by Michel Goulet, an art installation on Kits Beach and part of the Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale.
10 Dining at Earls.
11 Robert Bateman. The Canadian painter is visiting Vancouver to meet fans and sign copies of his new book, Bateman: New Works, at Chapters on South Granville (Sep. 25, 2 p.m.).
12 Reading reminiscences of a month’s eating in Paris in Cooking for Me and Sometimes You: A Parisienne Romance with Recipes (French Apple Press, $29.95) by Barbara-Jo McIntosh, owner of Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, which stocks every tome a budding chef could ever need.
13 The Superdogs at the PNE (to Sep. 6).
14 Indulging our sweet tooth at Stuart’s Bakery.
15 Dropping by The Granville Island Brewing Tap Room for a pint of Brockton IPA—and picking up some small-batch beers to take home after.

Hot Entertainment: Shake Your Groove Thing

Granville Street photo by Caroline Toth

There’s nothing laid-back about Vancouver’s nightlife scene. Downtown Granville Street (pictured) lights up the night with Vegas-esque neon signs outside everything from dance halls to live-music venues. In Gastown, old-world charm is abundant in the pubs, while world-class DJs spin in tucked-away clubs. Davie Village shows its true colours with numerous gay- and lesbian-friendly hot spots. There’s no excuse not to dance the night away.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Wicked Watering Holes

Enjoy Vancouver's nightlife to the fullest with this handy guide

Author John Lee sacrificed shoe leather and liver to come up with his list of favourite Vancouver bars: The Alibi Room, Au Petit Chavignol, Brickhouse, The Cascade Room, Corduroy Restaurant, The Diamond, Narrow Lounge, Railway Club, Six Acres, Stella’s, Three Lions Cafe and The Yale. Discover these hotspots and more in Drinking Vancouver: 100+ Great Bars in the City and Beyond (TouchWood Editions, $19.95), available at local bookstores.—Tim Pawsey

Holiday Happenings: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Whether you’re looking to take in a stage show, indulge in a culinary celebration, or dance into the wee hours—we’ve got plenty of party ideas to help you ring in 2010.

Scottish Traditions
Step back in time on December 28 for an evening of Scottish food and music during Hogmanay (the Scots word for “new year”) celebrations at Mackenzie House . The decorated 19th-century row house will be illuminated with gaslight while traditional musical group Gin Lane performs popular tunes, including a musical rendition of Auld Lang Syne, the famed verse by Scottish poet Robbie Burns. 82 Bond St., 7 to 9 p.m. $20 per person; call 416-392-6915 to reserve.

On December 29, bring the family to Gibson House for a candlelit evening celebrating the Scottish New Year at the Hogmanay Party for Families. Visitors are greeted at the door by the legendary “First Footer” and are soon immersed in Hogmanay customs through hands-on crafts, stories and sing-alongs. On December 30, enjoy a scrumptious meal at a traditional Hogmanay dinner party. Wine and dine by the fireside while watching a dramatic re-creation of a New Year from a bygone time. 5172 Yonge St. Hogmanay family party 7 to 9 p.m. Adults $20, children $12.50. Hogmanay Dinner 7:30 to 10 p.m. $50; call 416-395-7432 to pre-register for either event.

Stage Performances
Stand up and cheer for some of the most passionate operatic music ever written as Bravissimo! Opera’s Greatest Hits returns to Toronto for a spectacular New Year’s Eve concert at Roy Thomson Hall. Delight in dazzling performances of beloved arias, duets and more from Carmen, Madama Butterfly, La bohème and other classics from opera’s golden age. 60 Simcoe St. 7 p.m., $75 to $155; call 416-872-4255 or click here to buy.

Laugh, cry, and kiss the New Year goodbye as Yuk Yuk’s founder Mark Breslin presents the annual New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravaganza at Massey Hall. Hilarious host Gerry Dee is joined on stage by the city’s funniest stand up and improv artists. Special guest performers include Nikki Payne and “That Canadian Guy” Glen Foster. 178 Victoria St.
7:30 p.m. $39.50 to $59.50; call 416-872-4255 or visit here to purchase tickets.

The Toronto Operetta Theatre‘s New Year’s Eve Gala features dinner, dancing and a rousing performance of Countess Maritza, an operetta known the world over for its combination of Viennese elegance and Hungarian passion. This fundraising event, which has sold out for 12 years in a row, includes a pre-performance sit-down dinner and a late-night reception and dance party to benefit the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. 27 Front St. E.
5:30 p.m., $145 and up; call 416-366-7723 or click here to buy.

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Hot Entertainment: Party Time

Whistler nightlife is lively, with a range of places offering cool cocktails and tasty bites. Photo copyright EVGENYB/Fotolia

The après-ski scene here is almost as well-known as the stellar skiing and snowboarding. Locals and visitors alike flock to hot nightspots such as Buffalo Bills Bar and Grill, Garfinkel’s Whistler, Maxx Fish and Garibaldi Lift Company. Most years, a smattering of accents from around the world can be heard on the dance floor. Now, with the 2010 Winter Games here, foreign accents are guaranteed to be more plentiful than Canadian ones. Party on.—Sheri Radford

New in Nightlife: Dolce Social Ballroom

In Toronto, it seems that everything hip migrates west. The latest example: Dolce Social Ballroom, which slings up a velvet rope along the increasingly trendy strip of King Street between Bathurst and Spadina. However, unlike neighbouring resto-lounge-club hybrids (especially those in the downtown clubbing district), this venue caters exclusively to a mature crowd—think late-20s and older—that seeks high-end glamour and is willing to pay for it.

The result of an ambitious collaboration between 28-year-old nightlife impresario Travis Agresti and Charles Doell of California-based design firm Mr. Important, the stylish space features gold-plated pillars, sumptuously textured walls and glowing origami lanterns suspended from the ceiling. Those looking for a seriously swank night out can reserve a private booth in the multi-tiered seating area, where the VIP experience comes complete with a personal hostess for the table and such up-market finger foods as gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches and gold-leaf chocolate cupcakes.

Inspired by Las Vegas’s renowned night spots, Agresti describes his new multi-million dollar venture as “a luxurious playground for adults,” a destination spot where party-loving professionals can let loose to the eclectic sounds of classic rock, house music and live special-guest DJs. Dress to impress as a fashionably chic style code is in effect.

Thu.-Sat. (Fri.: Ladies only before midnight). Cover $20. 647 King St. W., 416-361-9111.

Banff’s Best After Hours Fun

St James's Gate has live music Fri-Sat

Why limit evening activities to dinner and conversation? Kate Hutchison, front desk supervisor at Banff Caribou Lodge, recommends these activities for a fun night out:

Gather your friends at Cascade Ponds picnic site for a moonlit fire in the designated fire boxes. Bring marshmallows and roasting sticks!
Go for an evening dip at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Open until 11 pm (last admission at 10:30 pm), the springs are more mystic and serene at night.
Live band aficionados appreciate Wild Bill’s and Rose & Crown where local and touring groups play. Sing your heart out Tuesdays from 10 pm during karaoke night at Wild Bill’s.
Catch a show at The Banff Centre, a globally respected venue for the performing arts. Enjoy dance, classical and popular music, theatre, opera, film, new media, literary readings and more.
Dance the night away at Aurora or Hoodoo. DJs mix everything from top 40 to old school and hip hop. Hoodoo’s hosts ladies night Tuesdays. —RM

Wining and Dining in Toronto’s Little Italy

For a romantic dinner—or a chic spot for any evening—Little Italy is the perfect place. Try our picks to find out why it’s College Street’s hippest strip. (more…)