Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar, Yaletown
June 6, 2006
The problem with a lot of hip restaurants is that the food is more trendy than tasty, the service aloof instead of accommodating. But, thankfully, this is not the case with Glowbal. This is a place you can visit for both the scene and the cuisine.
As the name implies, you'll find plenty of skewered items on the menu. If you have a hard time deciding which to try (like I did), go for the satay platter. During my visit, the platter included fried oysters, mushroom tempura, ahi, a kobe meatball, scallops, shrimps, salmon, short ribs, chicken satay and lamb satay. Each bite was delicious, and I loved the trio of dipping sauces (ginger soy sauce, smoked chipotle mustard and sun-dried tomato aioli). If you're not in the mood for satays but like the sampler idea, there's also an antipasto tasting platter.
As for the main dishes, the seafood offerings are highly recommended. There's also an extensive wine list -- about 150 international labels -- to complement your meal.
After your fabulous dining experience, you don't have to go home just yet. Tucked just behind Glowbal's dining room is AFTERglow, a cool bar area with comfy sofas that are perfecting for lounging on -- with a martini in hand. (If you're still hungry, a small-plates menu is offered at AFTERglow.)
Glowbal
1079 Mainland Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5P9
(604) 602-0835
Link to this article | Written by Anh-Minh | Filed in Famished Girl , Scene Girl
April 10, 2006
If I lived in Vancouver, I would be in this store every payday. Seriously. It's one-stop shopping at its best.
On the first floor are home accessories (so many cute, affordable vases!), women's clothing, books and even food products. Caban carries its own line of clothing, as well as major labels such as Rock & Religion, Seven, Vince (love their cashmere sweaters!) and James Perse. Since the store is owned in part by Club Monaco, some items from their line can also be found here.
A trip up the stairs to the second floor brings you to the bigger furniture pieces (think mid-century modern) and men's clothing. But who knows if you'll ever even make it up there... The goods downstairs are enough to keep you busy for hours!
Caban
2912 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3J7
(604) 742-1522
Link to this article | Written by Anh-Minh | Filed in Shopping Girl
March 31, 2006
Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of! Lucky for us, best friends Lori Kliman and Heather White, two former little girls from Victoria on Vancouver Island, were also made of a sweet business idea. Otherwise, sweet-tooth Vancouverites would never have been blessed with Cupcakes, Kliman and White's haven of frosting and sprinkles on downtown's Denman Street near the beach in English Bay.
Walking through Cupcakes' front door is like entering a frosted palace of simpler times and childhood dreams. Everything is awash in pretty pinks, warm vanilla, sunshine yellow and chocolate brown. Trays upon trays of cupcakes line the shop's counters and you can see busy bakers pouring more batter into muffin tins and taking fresh cupcakes out of the oven, waiting to be topped with a thick coat of buttery icing.
With so many scrumptious choices, you will have trouble deciding whether you want one "Sweet 16" (vanilla cake with pink vanilla butter cream, topped with pastel rainbow sprinkles and $2.25), two "Mint Condition" cupcakes (chocolate cake with mint butter cream, topped with mint chocolate chips) or three dozen "Lemon Drops" (lemon cake with lemon butter cream topped with a lemon wedge candy). If you can't make up your mind but aren't looking forward to a stomachache, try a bite-sized mini cupcake for all the taste without as many calories.
The delicious genius of Cupcakes doesn't stop at tiny morsels of sweetness. Many excited brides-to-be also come to Cupcakes for a wedding cake with a personal touch. Whether it's a traditional three-layer vanilla cake topped with a miniature bride and groom or a devil's food chocolate cake smothered in blue frosting and decorated with pearls, fluffy feathers and edible daisies, Cupcakes will make the perfect cake to fit your particular tastes, wedding colours and — best of all - your budget. Remember, it's your big day, so don't forget to come with plenty of ideas, no matter how old-fashioned or zany.
Cupcakes
1116 Denman St
Vancouver, BC V6G 2M8
604-934-1300
Link to this article | Written by alex | Filed in Famished Girl
March 25, 2006
The thing about city life is that you're always in the centre of it all. The bad thing is that you're always in the centre of it all. Where can a girl stay to get well rested and keep busy? In Vancouver, the choice is easy - a stay at the Westin Grand Vancouver Hotel.
Any room in this all-suite hotel will make you feel like you're a hip local living with the best location but if you choose one of their GrandView Suites (located on the top two floors) you'll also feel like the poshest local. That might be reason enough to spend a little on upgrading but the extra's included with higher living should be tempt even the most upgrade-resistant person. With complimentary wireless (excellent for a girl who needs to surf the best places to go during her complimentary breakfast), free local calls, the best city and mountain views, spacious living areas (with sofa-bed for extra gal pals to crash on), and private access floors (perfect for a girl who's concerned about safety), these suites feel like Park Avenue flats but with the warmth of Vancouver Hospitality.
Continue reading"Westin Grand Vancouver Hotel, Downtown"
Link to this article | Written by alex | Filed in Travelin' Girl
March 20, 2006
I have had the pleasure/good fortune of dining at some exceptional places (e.g., French Laundry, Alan Ducasse) and, in my book, Lumiere ranks right up there with the best of them. The ambiance, the service and of course the excellent food made it the perfect place for my husband and me to dine on our first anniversary.
Celebrated Chef/Owner Robert Feenie -- who has worked with Charlie Trotter, Daniel Boulud and Jean Georges Vongerichten -- offers a seasonal menu at his 10-year-old restaurant. His French cuisine incorporates a plethora of local organic goods for a unique Pacific Northwest experience.
During our visit to Lumiere, we wanted to sample as much as possible, so we went for the Vegetarian Tasting Menu. It consisted of eight courses, but since each portion was just a few bites and they were well-timed, it wasn't too overwhelming. The highlights of our meal included: the Yukon gold potato gnocchi with pesto and oven-dried cherry tomatoes; the lobster mushroom risotto; and the praline tart souffle with espresso-poached pears and cocoa sorbet. (It was all as good as it sounds.)
It was a four-hour food marathon. Towards the end, after our server learned that it was our anniversary, he asked Chef Feenie to come over and meet us. I couldn't help but wonder,"Would Thomas Keller do the same?" Hmmm... I think Lumiere may earn a couple of points over French Laundry just for that!
TIP: If you want to enjoy some of Chef Feenie's creations but Lumiere's prices don't sit well with your wallet, check out Feenie's -- his casual bistro next door.
Lumiere
2551 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9
(604) 739-8185
Link to this article | Written by Anh-Minh | Filed in Famished Girl , Fancy Girl
March 12, 2006
When traveling, my husband has become accustomed to indulging in Afternoon Tea with me; it's a nice reprieve from the typical craziness of our trip itinerary. Our recent vacation in Vancouver was no exception, especially since the tea service was so convenient: We were staying at the Wedgewood Hotel, where Bacchus is located.
The rainy weather made it a perfect day for Afternoon Tea. We settled into our plush, upholstered chairs, with a view of the large fireplace. The tea is served in a press, which is a little different from most places. But the pastries and finger sandwiches themselves arrived at our table in the usual tiered server. Although neither of us was a fan of the fruit cake, we loved the rest -- especially the freshly baked scone. The savory treats included egg salad and salmon sandwiches. Yum.
That afternoon, we lingered a little longer than usual in the warm and inviting dining space. We took our time nibbling on the snacks and poured cup after cup of black tea for each other. It was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, before joining the crowds on busy Robson Street.
Bacchus (in the Wedgewood Hotel)
845 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1
(604) 608-5319
(800) 663-0666
Afternoon Tea: Saturday and Sunday, 2-4pm.
Link to this article | Written by Anh-Minh | Filed in Famished Girl , Relaxin' Girl
March 6, 2006
Maybe it's the crafter in me, but I love buying the works of small, local designers. So when I was in Vancouver, I was ecstatic to discover Plenty -- a mini-chain here that stocks a great mix of big-name brands as well as local labels.
On the first floor, right by the entrance, is where you'll find shoes by Kenzie, Fornarina, Faryl Robin, Puma, Asics and more. In the same area of the store, handbags from the likes of Matt & Nat caught my eye. Venture up one flight to the mezzanine for beauty products, including a good selection of Jaqua and bliss items.
The second floor is the main attraction: It's jam-packed with women's clothing. Just a few feet away from the stacks and stacks of Salt, Seven and Citizens of Humanity jeans are racks filled with Vancouver favorites such as dace and Gentle Fawn. Miss Sixty, Free People and Ben Sherman are also carried here. And Plenty's lovely house label, Propaganda, is scattered throughout the floor.
Prices aren't outrageous, and the sales staff is super-friendly. But the best part is, you can support a Vancouver designer and pick up an outfit that you know all the other girls won't be wearing.
TIP: In the parking lot behind the store, there are a few spots reserved for Plenty customers.
Plenty
2803 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC
(604) 736-4484
1107 Robson Street
(604) 689-4478
Richmond Center
(604) 276-9664
Metropolis at Metrotown
(604) 430-4484
Link to this article | Written by Anh-Minh | Filed in Shopping Girl
September 3, 2005
Maybe it's because of all the filming that happens here but Spa Utopia in Vancouver sure knows how to treat its clients like movie stars. The beautiful Romanesque architecture creates a peaceful environment and welcomes you in to a world of luxury. After you prepare yourself for your services in the steam room or dry sauna (if desired), melt in your fluffy white robe and relax in front of the fireplace with a magazine and a glass of wine. Fresh fruit and drinks are available for you to enjoy while you take in the waterfalls and towering ceilings, then the real magic begins.
My treatment, the Glorious Skin Facial, was a 75-minute escape. Laying on my hydraulic bed, which was adjusted for maximum comfort, I enjoyed the aromatherapy of my choice, a wonderful foot massage (or scalp), a neck massage and of course, the facial. This truly glorious facial utilizes fruit acids and a specialized treatment giving a botox-like effect, without an injection. My aesthetician walked me through the process and made me feel relaxed and totally at home (sans toddler). Afterwards, I was encouraged to return to the relaxation lounge to enjoy the effects of my spa experience and was offered a complimentary make up application in the salon.
This 11,000 square foot sanctuary offers a full range of services including massage, pedicures, manicures and hair removal, but also offers its clients hydrotherapy, body wraps, advanced skin care, a full salon and make up studio, plus so much more. Guests receive a private locker, sandals and robes and the change rooms are fully stocked with any product you could possibly need to refresh yourself. Couples or friends can enjoy the private treatment rooms, companies can book a conference room and even dine courtesy of the hotel right next door. Every need is filled in this fabulous spa and, movie star or not, it comes highly recommended.
Spa Utopia
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver (Other Locations: Langley & North Vancouver)
1001 - 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604-641-1351 | Toll Free: 1-866-700-9008
Link to this article | Written by | Filed in Relaxin' Girl
July 30, 2005
Travelling alone as a business woman, there are things I have to think about that maybe couples or men don't have to; safety, amenities geared towards my needs, eating, room comfort and ability to relax on my own after working during the day and not knowing anyone at night. Thankfully, Le Soleil Hotel has thought of this, too, and created the perfectly named female-only, Elle Suite.
These all corner suites offer a separate living room and bedroom and are filled with amenities geared towards to the female traveller such as bath salts and oils for their soaker tubs, women's magazines, personal amenities that you might have forgotten, low fat, low carb mini bar snacks and an up to date list of events around town with particular interest to female guests. However, Le Soleil has also thought of safety with security checking the Elle floors every hour from 7PM until 9AM and with only one entrance into the hotel, you can sleep a little easier knowing that the front desk is aware of who comes in and out.
In the heart of the financial district, the location can't be beat. Just a few blocks from Vancouvers Skytrain, 5 minutes to Yaletown and Robson Street shopping districts and a beautiful 20 minute walk to both Stanley Park and the beaches, staying here makes it both easy and safe to get around.
The basics are covered at this hotel but that doesn't mean they sacrifice on pampering. The warm, welcoming, cosy decor makes a girl feel stylish, weather its lounging in front of the fireplace in the lobby or snuggling under the duvet eating room service. This is a hotel where you'll be taken care of, whether its with all safety precautions, catered amenities, or an in-room massage.
HOTEL LE SOLEIL
567 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 632-3000
Toll Free: 1-877-632-3030
Link to this article | Written by alex | Filed in Travelin' Girl
July 24, 2005
A hectic couple of months called for a relaxing weekend and the very cosy boutique hotel, The Wedgewod provided the perfect escape. With its European charm, personal service and incredibly beautiful, spacious and elegant rooms this hotel helps guests to really get away from it all - even though it's right in the middle of Vancouver's downtown action.
Checking in early at the hotel allowed time to experience their small (but perfectly adequate and luxurious) spa where I was able to recevive the one-hour Lavender Body Bliss which removed days of travel and a months worth of worry. My skin glowed, my limbs were relaxed and I felt completely pampered. I even purchased a few Epicuren products to take home.
Feeling like a queen I checked into a room fit for one; fluffy duvets, a jet tub, separate living room and bedroom, fireplace and amazingly large balcony. The colours were rich, subdued and oh so relaxing, making me feel as though I'd been relaxing for days instead of just hours.
Attention to detail is what you'll notice in this hotel; everything is thought of and taken care of, especially the guests. This 89-room boutique hotel has been privately owned and operated by one woman, Eleni Skalbania, since 1984. Acting as designer, contractor and guest, she combined her personal experience of the intimate comfort, elegance and luxurious quality of hotels from her travels around the world with her own collection of antiques, art and decor from her home as well as commissioning craftsmen to build custom designed furniture to meet her specific needs. That is why the Wedgewood feels first class in a personal, intimate way and you instantly feel at home - weather you're used to pampering or not.
From start to finish this is a hotel where you'll be taken care of without breaking the budget or having to put on aires. And if that's not enough, stay just for the turndown service which includes homemade cookies or the Belgian truffles that are offered upon check in. Trust me, these alone can make a travelin' girl happy.
This is certainly one of Vancouver's best kept secrets and frequent guests like to keep it that way. After staying here for a weekend I understand - it's an urban escape that has become one of my favourites.
TIP: Their packages are the best value so indulge!
The Wedgewood Hotel
845 Hornby St., Vancouver, B.C.
604 689 7777 | 1 800 663 0666
Link to this article | Written by alex | Filed in Travelin' Girl
June 30, 2005
The challenge? De-stress a bride and her best friend before the Big Day. The challenger? Skoah Spa Vancouver. The results? Aaaaaaah.
In November 2001 hands-on managers Chris Scott and Jamie McKeough opened Skoah with the slogan, "No whale music, No bubbling cherubs, No pretentious attitudes. Just sweet skin facials and melted muscles massage." Obviously, they took a different approach to the spa atmosphere.
It's just what two friends with big stress and little time needed - no worrying, no thinking and no hassle.
Despite its location in trendy Yaletown, Skoah managed to escape the pretentious attitude found in neighbouring spas that kept us at bay. At Skoah you get in and out service, pampering without the poodle talk and no strange looks if you ask, "Do I disrobe fully?"
In the minimalist lounge - think Ikea meets Soho - we filled out paperwork, drank bottled water and relaxed in over-sized chairs. Two massage therapists who looked more like 1950s flight attendants greeted us and lead us into a double massage room.
Continue reading"Skoah Spa, Yaletown"
Link to this article | Written by alex | Filed in Relaxin' Girl