Title: Bicycling with Pamela by Krisitn Nelson
Mar 3 – Apr 9 Aceartinc. presents My Life with Pamela Anderson and Other Work (pictured) by local artist Kristin Nelson. The subject matter of this mixed media show reveals Nelson’s commitment to sustainable communities and celebration of queer culture.
Chef Ned Bell in the Tiki Bar. Photo by KK Law
Grab a cab to this East Hastings hangout, where ‘50s cool is all the rage in the city’s original bamboo-and-black-velvet-art-adorned Tiki Bar. Once long forgotten, it has re-arisen as part of the impressively restored Waldorf. Drinks range from the mai tai to the mimosa, while the all-day cafe and casual dining room—under chef Ned Bell—celebrate all things regional and sustainable. Order Latin-inspired street food such as Yucatan ribs, and local classics such as BC spot prawns.—Tim Pawsey
The eco-friendly Richmond Olympic Oval
The 2010 Winter Games athletes have since hung up their skates, but their home-away-from-home—the stylish and sustainable Richmond Olympic Oval—has become a must for workout enthusiasts. Find your inner Olympian with six hardwood gyms, two ice rinks, a running track and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.—Kristina Urquhart
Duck breast with bitter orange peel jus and duck gnocchi, at Wild Rice. Photo by KK Law
Chinese cuisine gets a modern makeover at Wild Rice, near Chinatown’s edge. Highlights range from prawn toasts to barbecued pork buns to Yarrow Meadows duck breast. A younger crowd packs into the two-tiered space for cocktails and late-evening tapas at the back-lit onyx bar. Progressive both on and off the plate, this popular haunt is also one of the first local restaurants to join Shark Truth (www.sharktruth.com), which promotes sustainable alternatives to shark fin soup.—Tim Pawsey
Enjoy an intimate dinner suspended above the waters of False Creek. Photo by Hamid Attie
If the concepts of sustainable seafood and recycling float your boat, then this is the dining experience for you. Shannon Ronalds, co-founder of the School of Fish Foundation (www.schooloffishfoundation.org), dreamed up the Plastic Dining Room as a fundraiser for the organization, which teaches young chefs about using sustainable seafood. For 60 nights, ending in late September, Ronalds and chef Robert Clark of C Restaurant are serving elegant six-course seafood dinners with wine pairings on a raft moored beside the False Creek Yacht Club, all set against the spectacular backdrop of sailboats and kayaks gliding past as the sun sets behind Burrard Street Bridge. Ronalds used renewable, recycled, reclaimed and repurposed materials to construct the raft. Built right into its frame are 1,675 plastic 2-litre pop bottles, visible through the clear floor. The bottles provide flotation and remind guests of the danger to ocean life posed by discarded plastic. This dining experience isn’t just for seafarers: even landlubbers find the ocean’s movements almost imperceptible, scarcely noticing that the chandelier overhead sways gently. The cost is $215 per person and space is limited to 12 guests per night.—Sheri Radford
This cute tote is by eco-friendly, local label Lavish & Lime
Lavish & Lime is on a mission to help everyone reduce waste and go green. Started two years ago by a husband-and-wife team, this West Vancouver-based business carries planet-friendly products for the whole family: reusable sandwich wrap, bamboo utensils, stainless steel thermoses and lunch bags—check out the too-cool-for-school monkey lunchbox for kids ($36;
pictured). Shop online at www.lavishandlime.com.—Jennifer Patterson
Sablefish with shiro miso, baby bok choy and quinoa at Blue Water Cafe. Photo by KK Law
West Coast seafood has evolved considerably from the days when planked salmon was all the rage. Just ask Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar chef Frank Pabst, whose annual “Unsung Heroes” salute to sustainable species—such as red sea urchin and sea cucumber—forms the basis for his Ocean Wise menu. Classic harbourside The Cannery Seafood House—soon to close—is renowned for salmon Wellington, while notable chef Karen Barnaby dishes faves such as flaming prawns and grilled “Pacific Provider” pink salmon at The Fish House in Stanley Park. Seafood aficionados head downtown to the giant circular bar at elegant Coast Restaurant, or hop a ferry to Monk McQueens for oysters or to Granville Island’s The Sandbar for mussels.—Tim Pawsey
Pickled beet salad at Raincity Grill. Photo by KK Law
Home of the 100-mile diet, this city has a culinary conscience firmly rooted in the “seasonal-regional” mantra. Perched on the shore of English Bay, Raincity Grill, one of the original pioneers, remains true to its locavore calling thanks to a changing menu paired with an array of Pacific Northwest wines. At South Granville’s West, Warren Geraghty focuses on local delicacies such as roasted Sydney Island venison and BC ling cod with clam and brandade fritters. On False Creek’s northern shore, C Restaurant enjoys a well-earned reputation for cutting-edge and often highly artistic but always sustainable seafood.—Tim Pawsey
TIE ONE ON
Uplifting apparel from Kaia and Me
Local company Kaia and Me uses natural bamboo to create chakra-channeling, handmade scarves. With their positive messages, and colours to enhance your well-being, they’re a vibrant way to beat the fall blues. Pick yours up at Fine Finds or online at www.kaiaandme.com. Partial proceeds benefit local homeless shelters.—Jennifer Patterson
Eco Clothes at Encounter Earth
Paul and Corey Wegenast live their “social entrepreneurship” dream at their store Encounter Earth. Here you can “clothe your soul” by purchasing ecological, fair and sustainable garments and accessories. The Wagenasts work directly with manufacturers to ensure quality products are created from non-toxic materials by third-world workers who earn a fair living wage. Drop by their store for some “no guilt retail therapy.”
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Stay, Dine, Do
