Mother's Day gift set from Lush
Before Mother’s Day (May 13) rolls around, purchase some sweet-smelling goodies for the woman of the hour. This collectible tin from Lush comes packed with fresh bath bombs, a body scrub and the famous Dream Cream—and it’s selling out quickly. Website orders must be placed by May 10 at noon, but you can try your luck in-store, too.—Jennifer Patterson
"Waterfall V" by Eva Kolacz
Painting is the poetry of sight—at least that’s true for Eva Kolacz, whose love affair with words and music inspired her collection of expressive artworks. Kolacz, originally a puppeteer, uses light and shadow on canvas to create a window to a magical universe, much like the stages of her puppet shows past (“Waterfall V,” pictured). Explore Kolacz’s textured world at Kurbatoff Gallery (May 10 to 24).—Caitlin Dawson
Italian Opera Buffet at Cafe Pacifica
Bring a healthy appetite for both fresh pasta and opera music to Cafe Pacifica in the Pan Pacific Hotel. Every Saturday evening, singers from the Burnaby Lyric Opera Society serenade diners during the Italian Opera Buffet. Be sure to make a reservation, as this popular event usually sells out. Added bonus: the view from the restaurant is spectacular.—Sheri Radford
Rock of Ages photo by C. Scott Suchman
When aspiring rock star Drew meets aspiring actress Sherri, their love is as formidable as a 1980s power ballad. Rock of Ages is sweet, silly and superfluous, but it’s also one heck of a fun Broadway musical, filled with songs by the likes of Journey, Bon Jovi and Styx. Catch all the big hits—and big hair—at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (May 8 to 13).—Sheri Radford
Photo copyright Fotohunter/iStockPhoto
Mom’s the word on May 13, which is Mother’s Day in North America. It also happens to be one of the most popular days of the year to go for brunch, so reserve ahead. Treat your marvellous mama to a delicious spread at Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge, Coast Restaurant, Fleuri, Horizons Restaurant or Raincity Grill. She’ll love it almost as much as she loves you.—Kristina Urquhart
Bud Kanke
By Tim Pawsey
The restaurant biz can be precarious at the best of times. But few have enjoyed as much success as Vancouver’s Bud Kanke, who this year retired after conceiving, co-designing and nurturing no less than 11 restaurants over 41 years. A chartered accountant by trade originally, the ever-sanguine Kanke considers that, along the way, eight were successful.
Salt cellar at Black + Blue. Photo by KK Law
Glowing in the middle of Black + Blue, inside a glass-encased meat locker, sits a wall of Himalayan rock salt lit up by LED strips. This bold example of salt architecture is used to age all of the meat served in the stylish steakhouse. It’s enough to set a carnivore’s mouth a-watering.—Sheri Radford
Photo by Christian Pondella courtesy Red Bull Content Pool
Get ready to run, bike and paddle your way to glory in the Red Bull Divide and Conquer, a new multi-disciplinary endurance race taking place Jun. 16 on the North Shore. Teams of three cover 70+ km (43+ mi) by mountain running and mountain biking on Grouse Mountain and whitewater kayaking on the Capilano River. Don’t delay: registration is only open until May 15 (or whenever all 100 team spots are full), and this scenic race is sure to be popular with adrenaline junkies and weekend warriors alike.—Sheri Radford
Chef Mark McEwan with his newest crop of Top Chef Canada contestants
Through May
The knives? Sharpened. The pantry? Stocked. The competition? Fierce. Top Chef Canada is back in the kitchen for round two of the hit Food Network Canada show. Head judge Chef Mark McEwan has 16 new hopefuls all vying for the title of Top Chef, not to mention the $100,000 prize. Four contestants from BC are in the running, but—spoiler alert!—they don’t all make the final cut. Tune in Mondays, or watch online at www.foodnetwork.ca.—Jennifer Patterson
The Dirty Apron Cooking School
Through May
Kitchen newbies, confident gourmands and ready-to-go pros enjoy picking up new tips and tricks, not to mention stuffing themselves with tasty morsels, at downtown’s cool Dirty Apron Cooking School. Add a few West Coast recipes to your repertoire and try your hand at preparing the best of the Pacific Ocean (May 4, 5, 7, 16, 30, 31). Take a trip around the world and learn to cook Italian at the Mamma Mia classes (May 1, 9, 15, 19, 24, 28), or feel like a Parisian in French class (May 2, 10, 14). And don’t forget your mom! She’ll love the just-for-her courses (May 12, 13).—Jennifer Patterson
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