Skip your daily java fix and donate coins or non-perishables to CBC’s 25th annual Open House Food Bank Day instead. Schmooze with the likes of George Stroumboulopoulos, radio hosts, Tony Parsons and Gloria Macarencko, while taking in performances by 54/40 and Notable YPDaily songstress Jill Barber. What better an excuse to ditch the desktop early? All proceeds will benefit the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Done doing good…for now? Reward yourself with a trip over to the cozy, music-fused lobby lounge at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and order a cocktail (try the tricked-out Tequila-laden, ‘Mr. Nickel’) while noshing on Pan-Asian-inspired snacks. Or scoot over to the laid-back Giovane Cafe and chow down on Italian comfort food, washed down with an ice-cold, brand-spankin’ new glass of Brùton Beer all the way from Italy. For more info and to get the full picture visit, click here.
Looking for more musically-inclined ways to unwind after a hectic week? Double-up on Jill Barber and catch her playing at North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre.
Stroll into Saturday with a lingering brunch over at long-time Kitsilano favourite Juliet’s Cafe and sink into the cozy atmosphere as much as we think you’ll sink your teeth into their succulent eggs Florentine or classic breakfasts on offer. Then stroll along the waterfront, heading East or West you’ll find Granville Island or Kits Beach and plenty of fresh air and activity.
Opt for Kits Beach and head up Yew Street to 4th Avenue shopping, or perhaps head down to the annual, classic Vancouver Christmas Market at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre’s Plaza for an authentic, German taste of seasonal celebrations named one of the 10 Most Spectacular Holiday Markets Around the World by Frommers.com.
When you’ve stocked up on all the bratwurst and sweet treats you can handle (not to mention holiday decor, handmade knitwear and old-fashioned gifts), keep the Deutsche-spirit alive and pay a visit to La Brasserie for a belly-filling meal to top off your day. We love this spot for its fabulous fusion of French and German cuisine, tucked within Davie Street’s bustling neighbourhood.
Sleep in Sunday morning, grab a quick bite-to-go and head up Cypress or Grouse Mountain for some much needed snowbound activities. Take your pick here and here for rental inquires. Thus far, our forecast on the so-called ‘wet’ coast is calling for sun, so take it all in! After exploring the trails and working up a sweat, chill out and warm up at the Village Taphouse at Park Royal for après.
Once you’ve filled up, rested and revived your energy, catch the tail-end of the Winter Craft Market taking place for one day only at Gastown’s Nouvelle Nouvelle. You’ll be sure to score unique holiday finds such as artwork, jewellery, ceramics and more for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list.
Game on: if you’re not already ensconced on the sofa for a mellow night of PVR’d reality TV programming (joking) or queued up to catch the game (not joking), score tickets for Sunday night’s game pitting our beloved Canucks against the Calgary Flames and make your way to the Rogers Arena for puck-stopping action.
Photo courtesy Vancouver Christmas Market