If you’re not already operating on holiday hours prior to Friday, we certainly hope your boss lets you loose on the early side and you’re able to call it a day by noon. Escape the seasonal office madness and head over to one of our favourite festive lounges for a bite of lunch or pre Christmas cocktail(s).
The award-winning Bluewater Cafe + Raw Bar in Yaletown is offering a special ‘Christmas’ lunch (until Friday). This hot spot has long since been on our notable radar. With some of YVR’s best selection of freshly made sushi, sashimi and west coast seafood (not to mention an inspired cocktail and wine list), we definitely dig the ambiance and overall vibe. Pick your spot at a table or be social and saddle up to a seat at the bar – you’ll meet the ‘who’s who in the zoo’ so be sure to bring those business cards.
Also on our go-to list when searching for cozy cocktail spots are the Pacific Rim Lobby Lounge (at the Fairmont) and Yew Restaurant + Bar located at the swanky Four Seasons Hotel. We love the energy embodied by the social scene at both spots – they are definitely places to see and be seen. Also making the Notable holiday cut in Vancouver’s CBD: stop by the Cactus Club’s Burrard location for a bevy and seasonal snack as you rub elbows with the city’s movers and shakers (read: traders and lawmakers). We’re notably excited for the impending opening of their newest location at Coal Harbour’s Jack Poole Plaza in early 2013.
As for the rest of your night, take a step back and check out the following festive option that’ll get you into the musical swing of things. Back for another year, the Operatic Christmas is taking place at St. James Hall and is sure to boost your holiday spirits. Take in the Christmas croonings of award-winning soprano Elizabeth Lewis Celeste and Baritone Andrew Greenwood as they sing a variety of classics. They’ll be accompanied by pianist Roger Parton, works of Mozart and Scubert’s classic Ave Maria, before heading home to unwind and ready yourself for the weekend ahead.
Start off Saturday by checking out brunch offerings at the elegant Provence Marinaside before you head out to battle the shop-happy crowds (’tis only a few days before Christmas, after all). Tuck into their baked eggs Florentine or French toast baguette. Another brunch option: head to W.4th and pop into Burgoo for a bite. They’re celebrating their 1st Anniversary this coming weekend and offering a few perks for patrons… On our must-eat radar: Eggs Ratatouille and the Croque Monsieur, s’il vous plait.
Next, gear up for a holiday feast by stopping by the Granville Island Public Market this Saturday and load up on all the festive fixings. We love the atmosphere at this time of year – the hustle and bustle just gets us amped up for Christmas Day’s eventual arrival. Take your time perusing the seasonal offerings, unique gift items and artisanal products available. Take in the final day of their Merry Market Melodies and get cozy at The Sandbar’s heated outdoor patio for a quick pick-me-up before heading home.
In need of a bite to eat between figuring out what’s next on the agenda? Head down to Yaletown and check out the newest foodie hot spot to open its doors, (just in time for the holidays, no less) The Parlour Restaurant. This funky-modern restaurant-lounge has the right touch of ‘vintage’ and has just started serving up tasty bites to hungry locals, and then some. So far, we’re loving the look of their menu and especially like the ‘wine on-tap’ options available (they feature seven on rotation).
If you’re looking to get out for a bit of late night fun Saturday night, think about heading over to Barcelona for their Bacardi White Christmas Winter Wonderland party. It’s guaranteed to be a full house with special guest performances by Destineak, the Stilettoettes, DJ Tyson V and even live bongo drumming from Zuzu. For more info visit, click here.
On Sunday Funday, we are thinking perhaps a touch of pre-Christmas panic may have set in… And you might be in dire need of a bit of last-minute shopping inspiration in the form of a Caesar – or vigorous workout, you take your pick… we’ve got both.
If you’re a slow-riser, definitely head over to one of our favourites, Local Public Eatery or Joey’s, for a first round to get you going. The staff at both locales are friendly, accommodating and laid back. Just what we’re thinking you might need after a hectic month.
If you’re feeling a bit more physically inspired, then sweat it out by taking advantage of the recent snowfall we’ve enjoyed and head to the local mountains for a bit of powder fun. There are so many options for YPs looking to get outside. Start with a bit of glade-skiing or tubing at Cypress Mountain, followed by an obligatory refuel at their Crazy Raven Bar and Grill. Still up to some action? Then head up to Grouse to finish the day off with a bit of night skiing that offers up a stunning view of our fair city. If you’ve got visitors, both of these options will put you in the good books as host through until 2020.
Take the rest of Sunday easy (shopping chaos aside) and breathe, you YPs deserve it.
Happy Holidays from Notable!
Photo courtesy The Parlour Restaurant
