Kick off the weekend by grabbing some grub at one of our Notable favourites, the always popular Bao Bei, or head over to Carrall Street in Gastown and check out the newly-minted PiDGIN Restaurant for some Asian-fusion cuisine and expertly paired cocktails instead.
Post-eats, be sure to save room for one more bevy and head over to Kits to check out the almost-opened Colony Bar… we’ve been following their posts and tweets for a while now and get the feeling that the doors are set to open imminently – so add it to your must-try list. You can expect fraft beer, cocktails, a laid-back space and menu that provides more than enough of a reason to hunker down for a feast. Not to mention: they look like they’ll be the perfect spot to catch the next Canucks game too.
Come Saturday, it’s rise and shine early so you can cram as much into the day as possible. First off: head over to the Vancouver Winter Farmer’s Market taking place at Nat Bailey Stadium. Aside from being able to stock up on seasonal fixings that will more than fill your fridge for the week ahead, this weekend marks the return (and expansion) of their food truck festival (with about a half dozen new trucks joining the foodie force).
After you’ve stocked your shelves at su casa, be sure to make your way down to Yaletown’s Killjoy Barbers for the inaugural brunch to outdo all brunches: the first Veuve Clicquot Brunch Party, Vegas Style. Brunch is served at this RSVP event starting at 1pm and will feature beats courtesy of DSLPT and DJ SKLA to get you in the party mood. Enjoy a deluxe brunch, champagne and even banquette dance-offs… and so it begins. We think you should simply look at it as the continuation of the previous night’s (mis)adventures, or perhaps the start of more fun and debauchery.
On Sunday, be sure to squeeze in a bit of fresh air and cruise the seawall, or head out for a bit of a trail run or ride in Stanley Park… you’ll need to make a bit of room for the rest of the suggested activities we’ve got on our agenda for the day.
Looking to perhaps add an inch or two to your waistline? (or, perhaps not)… Nonetheless, we definitely think you ought to check out one or two of the participating restaurants who are part of the 2nd Annual Poutine Challenge courtesy of Vancouver Foodster. With 21 options awaiting discovery and indulgence, we are totally fans and think you ought to be as well. On our hit-list: 131 Water Kitchen + Bar’s Crispy Chicken and Waffle Poutine, the Darby’s Duck Poutine (from Darby’s Pub in Kits) and, rounding things out as a healthier option, Fishworks‘ own Halibut Poutine that aptly combines guilty pleasure with good-for-you grub.
Post-poutine feast, walk it off and head down to Chinatown for a bit of an early start on the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. Take advantage of the forecasted pleasant weather that is in store and pay a visit to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens and their latest installation: a 40 foot-long snake made using a combination of green willow and organic materials (it’s the year of the Snake after all). Stick around the neighbourhood and stroll around, discovering all the colourful and chaotic aspects to this culture that is ensconced within the Gastown, Downtown, Strathcona areas along Pender Street (unofficial boundaries). Check out the streetside markets along Main or Pender and pop in for a taste of Dim Sum at Kam Wai (249 East Pender Street).
With Monday as an official holiday (Family Day), we suggest you take it easy and perhaps make your way to one of the local North Shore Mountains for a bit of powder-inspired fun, be it skiing, snowshoeing or tubing. Many of the resorts are offering special Family Day discounts as an added incentive to get off the couch. Not feeling totally inclined? Channel your inner snow bunny and catch a snow-themed flick instead at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Fest that kicks off starting February 8th.
Photo courtesy PiDGiN