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Hot Dining: All’s New at Yew

Yew's popular Low Thai'd cocktail. Photo by KK Law

The Four Seasons’ flagship room, Yew, with its soaring ceiling and two communal tables, now features inventive marine cuisine, highlighted by a dazzling new raw bar. Top tastes include albacore tuna with Aggasiz-hazelnut granola and lime-miso aioli; scallop crudo; and roasted steelhead with bourbon-maple-squash purée. Wines are well chosen, while creative cocktails are all shook up by star bartender Justin Taylor.—Tim Pawsey

More information:

YEW Hotel Dining & Bar, Where to Dine Awards since 2008. $$-$$$. B/L/D (daily), brunch (Sa-Su). Four Seasons Hotel, 791 W. Georgia St. 604-692-4939. www.yewrestaurant.com

Hot Dining: Finny Faves

Local ling cod and chips at Go Fish. Photo by KK Law

Locals who love Gord Martin’s open-air, dockside Go Fish are already hooked by the second, more landlocked, indoor location, just arrived on Broadway near Granville. Highlights from the sustainable Ocean Wise menu: scallop ceviche with heirloom tomato and watermelon salad, oyster Po’Boys, seafood tacos with smoked chilli sauce, wild salmon with Dungeness crab potatoes, and a trio of fresh fish ’n’ chips.—Tim Pawsey

More information:

GO FISH Local seafood at its freshest. Savour authentic fish tacos with homemade soft shells and a changing selection of fresh fish on the patio at the Fisherman’s Wharf location, or get take-out to enjoy at home. $$.

Fisherman’s Wharf, 1505 W. 1st Ave. 604-730-5040. L/D (Tu-Su).

1521 W. Broadway. 604-734-9421. L/D (M-Sa).

www.bin941.com

Hot Dining: Tasteful Retreat

Clockwise from front: pizza funghi; frittata with goat cheese; and linguini with clams at CinCin. Photo by KK Law

Up a few stairs off Robson, long-running CinCin yields the ideal weekday lunchtime escape on its heated, camellia-adorned covered terrace (also open nightly for dinner), well above the busy street. Regulars go for the fresh daily-made pasta (including gluten-free choices), wood-fired pizza and fresh, local, Ocean Wise seafood, such as rare albacore tuna or grilled sea scallops, well matched with wines from a bountiful cellar.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: 5 Neighbourhood Finds

Pizza funghi at Campagnolo Roma. Photo by KK Law

Wander off the beaten track, away from downtown, to discover these hidden haunts.

1. Campagnolo Roma Italian flavours in a compact eastside space. Go for the suppli fritters, margherita pizza and olive oil–drizzled burrata cheese.
2. La Quercia Cozy westside Italian retreat yields authentic plates based on fresh ingredients and including a popular family-style menu.
3. La Régalade Venture past leafy Ambleside to discover the south of France in West Van at this family-run gem of a bistro. Don’t miss the slow-braised lamb shank, or the chicken fricassée with lemon confit—or the dessert tray.
4. Mistral French Bistro Friendly Kitsilano room specializes in Provençale and other regional tastes such as pissaladière (onion tart), Marseilles-style seafood bourride and traditional cassoulet, all served in relaxing saffron-toned surroundings.
5. The Pear Tree Cozy, award-winning North Burnaby room delights with locally sourced specialties such as twice-cooked Berkshire pork belly with spot prawns and tomato cassoulet.—Tim Pawsey

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Stratford, Ontario

Photo by Mandeep Flora

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is our series highlighting the best local restaurants across Canada. Today we are featuring top restaurant picks in Stratford, in southwestern Ontario, known for its picturesque streets, Shakespeare festival and modern-day Romeo, Justin Bieber.

Have a tip for your city? Let us know on Twitter or on Facebook.

By Waheeda Harris

Breakfast

Despite this resto’s moniker, the first meal of the day can be savoury and sweet at Let Them Eat Cake. Choose from a multitude of options such as the de rigeur eggs and toast, eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes or Stratford scrambles to make sure you get protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals in one bite. Head over to the town’s main street, Ontario Street, pick up a Balzac’s Coffee and stroll the strip of boutiques and galleries.

Let Them Eat Cake, 23 Albert Street, Stratford, 519-508-2253

Lunch

For the midday break, choose from the sustainable and tasty fish and seafood options at Simple Fish and Chips. From the traditional battered halibut or haddock, diners can also choose from Ontario lake yellow perch and lake pickerel, lobster risotto, mac ‘n’ cheese, pot pie or halibut dishes inspired by spicy Indian, Thai or Jamaican influences. Walking along the Avon River and admiring the swans will be a perfect post-lunch afternoon excursion.

Simple Fish and Chips, 118 Downie Street, Stratford, 519-275-0400

Dinner

Reward yourself before or after a visit to the Stratford Festival with a sumptuous meal at this modern French bistro. The daily menu reflects the seasonal offerings of Perth County and the inventiveness of Chef Aaron Linley, and the pretty interior and excellent service is sure to put any diner at ease. Save room for a sweet treat to finish the meal, made in-house by Chef Bronwyn Linley (Aaron’s wife).

Bijou, 105 Erie Street, Stratford, 519-273-5000

Road Trip: New Brunswick’s Acadian Coastal Drive

Photo by Tim Johnson

By Tim Johnson

As rich in culture as it is natural beauty, New Brunswick’s Acadian Coastal Drive offers a lovely mix of sun-kissed beaches, delicious roadside cuisine and the wonderful joie de vivre of the Acadiens. Although it’s just 150 kilometres from Moncton to Miramichi, you should take your time and enjoy—split the drive into two or three days to make sure you properly soak up the sun, tucking into some poutine râpée and seafood pizza along the way. (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.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Saint John, New Brunswick

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 Saint John, New Brunswick.

The patio at Saint John Ale House.

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Hot Dining: 4 Finny Faves

Salmon tacones and halibut fish 'n' chips, at Go Fish. Photo by KK Law

Look no further than fish ’n’ chips for a summertime bite. This list will have you hooked.

1 Go Fish (pictured) Fresh fish cooked in a trailer and served outside against a downtown harbour panorama. Don’t miss the fish tacones.

2 Pajo’s at the Wharf Paper-wrapped fresh halibut and cod at picnic tables on a floating dock right by the public fish sales float in Steveston.

3 Mr. Pickwick’s Fish and Chips Long-time fave puts a decidedly British spin on cod, haddock and salmon, with much-celebrated tartar sauce.

4 Raincity Grill Barely a scallop toss from English Bay, this West Coast specialist offers beach-ready fish ’n’ chips to go from its handy take-out window.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Dining: Alongside the Sea

Lobster fresh from the tank at Waterfront Warehouse.

•    Located along the harbour-side boardwalk on Lower Water Street, Waterfront Warehouse offers lobster fresh from the tank, golden fish and chips, heaping bowls of mussels and more.

•    Perched at the end of a pier on Lower Water Street, Murphy’s at the Cable Wharf boasts some of the downtown’s best harbour views, with the ocean on three sides.

•    Located in the middle of the Historic Properties, Salty’s on the Waterfront is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, with a large patio just steps from the boardwalk.