Whether you’re feeling sporty, sluggish or somewhere in between, this Weekender edition has something to suit every fancy.
First off, Thursday night we suggest you hop aboard the Sidecar Trolley Tour for a post-work night of four-wheeled fun. Back for another year of shenanigans, the ‘tour’ will take you (literally) all around town. Think of it as a school bus for adults – and cooler. Meet and mingle with other young notable folks as you are hilariously hosted by The Social Concierge crew, who’ll work tirelessly to entertain you en route to various venues. Ultimately, you’ll end up at one of our faves: HouseXGuest, where the party truly gets started.
Segue into the weekend (with not too much of a hangover, we hope) by grabbing a bite at Notable favourite Rodney’s Oyster House, who’ve just opened their new Gastown location at 52 Powell. Expect all the usual goods and then some at this sweet spot. They’ve got post-work offerings guaranteed to please and, of course, staff that always keeps us coming back.
After you’ve fuelled up, head over to check out the works (and studios) of more than 300 artists as part of the Eastside Culture Crawl (takes place all weekend at various locations). This stellar event provides Vancouver’s emerging and established artists the opportunity to truly showcase their wares to the general public. By opening their studio doors, young professionals get a unique chance to see the artists at work, can purchase pieces, and help foster a sense of creative community.
Wind things down with a nightcap at the always-buzzing Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel. We love their inventive cocktails, tasty late-night bar bites and live music. You can click here to download their entertainment schedule for the month. It’s always a great place to unwind while sliding in a bit of people watching.
Saturday marks the official opening of Whistler Mountain. Enough said. We think you ought to mosey on up to this mountainside town, board in-hand, and get carving. Grab a bite on the run at Savary Island Pie Company (we crave their grilled cheese sandwiches any time of day) and make it a powder-filled day. Also open (and more local), Cypress Mountain is ready to go. Check their site for updated condition reports.
After a full day outdoors, we bet you’ll be more than ready for a relatively relaxed dinner. If you’re up to it, be sure to check out the recently opened Purple Olive Grill (850 Thurlow) for some comforting eats that won’t break the YP budget. We tried a selection of their burgers recently and were impressed by the flavours and generous portions (enough for a late-night snack). Our craving? Try the Chicken Cali Burger and the Shrimp and Avocado sandwich.
After you’ve refuelled (and if you’ve got a bit of party left in you), there are a few noteworthy things going on around town to fill up the rest of your Saturday night. First off: The James Bond Tribute Party is taking over The Vancouver Club. Tickets to this thrilling event are still available and can be purchased here. Also happening Saturday evening is the 19th Annual Art for Life Fine Art Auction and Gala at CBC Studio 40. Dress code is cocktail attire and $75 tickets will get you access to more than 80 different pieces of stunning artwork, cocktails and entertainment (not to mention prime networking opportunities). For more information visit: artforlife.net.
Stroll into a lazy Sunday by grabbing brunch at Taco Fino Commissary. They’ve just launched a new menu sure to satiate your appetite. Try their version of poached eggs on toast with pico de gallo, Masa pancakes and Pork al Pastor-style twist on traditional Bennys. Yum, enough said.
Use the remainder of your afternoon to get caught up on some pre-work week shopping by heading down to Granville Island Market, or throw a little culture into the mix and meander your way along Granville Street’s ‘Gallery Row.’ While there, be sure to stop by the Fragrant Wood Gallery and check out their newest exhibition featuring the largest curated collection of Balinese carvings in Western Canada. The gallery is open every day (including Sunday) until 6pm, and this stunning collection might just inspire you to book your next beach-bound trip to Bali.
Photo courtesy Purple Olive Grill