This edition of our weekend guide to what’s going on around town is filled with great ideas guaranteed to have your days fully stocked. Whether it’s paying a visit to one of the last few farmers’ markets, heading to the pumpkin patch, checking out one of the new hot spots in town or gearing up for Halloween, we’ve got you covered. Read on for more details…
Reserve Friday night for a bit of culinary adventuring – there’s a smattering of new spots that have recently opened around town worth checking out. If you haven’t already had the chance to visit Gastown’s latest, Lily Mae’s Cafe, do so. It’s a casual, laid-back space fuelled by quality European-style comfort food perfect for the season. Another option on our agenda requires you to hop aboard the seabus and head over to North Vancouver’s revamped Lonsdale Quay for a touch of tapas. Beeline over to El Matador for Spanish bites and beer. The two young owners garnered hands-on education after spending a year travelling around Spain, researching authentic Andalusian cuisine. The resulting menu offers guests a true taste of tradition at their funky new location.
Still hungry? Fear not, Taste of Yaletown is back for another two weeks of foodie-infused fun with more restaurants participating than ever. It’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover one of our city’s trendiest neighbourhoods in the heart of downtown – with a high concentration of varied culinary offerings to boot. Choose your price point (starting at $25) and dig into a three-course dinner. Reservations are limited and fill up quickly – so don’t delay.
Saturday morning, take advantage of the beautiful fall day and get outside for some fresh air. The temperatures will still allow for a brisk blade or bike around the seawall, or perhaps a trail run along the Baden Powell Trail is more your style? Squeeze in a last trek up the Grouse Grind before the snowline drops – whatever it is, we know you’ll thank us for it later.
Next up, grab some brunch Parisian-style at one of our Kitsilano faves, Bistro Pastis, or head over to Granville Street and Gallery Row for brunch at Luke’s Corner Bar and Kitchen. If you’re not into a huge meal and more in the market for lighter fare, check out neighbouring Salontea and their selection of pastries, scones and tasty teas that will help get the day started.
Speaking of markets, most of our local community farmers’ markets are slowly winding down for the season, so this weekend is likely your last chance to score farm fresh items for home. Head to any one of these spots this Saturday and stock up for the winter ahead. Side note: if you opt to visit the Trout Lake Farmers Market, be sure to catch Chef Quang in the kitchen and catch a preserving demo.
Gear up for a ghoulish night and celebrate the return of Fright Nights at the PNE with its 6th new FEAR-inducing haunted house. Alternatively, you can opt to venture over to the Dunbar Haunted House instead. Whatever you do, grab some trustworthy friends to partake in the inevitable screaming that will ensue. Both run through the end of the month – and are not for the faint of heart.
On the agenda for Sunday, brunch it up beachfront at the Cactus Club at English Bay and head out for a stroll along the inlet toward Granville Island. Grab a water taxi and enjoy a lazy morning scoping out the indoor artisan marketplace for goodies. Enjoy a coffee at Notable favourite Argo Cafe (where they roast their beans in-house) and catch up on the weekend papers.
Post R&R, it might be worth heading back downtown to the newly-opened Topshop and Topman store that has officially taken over 33,000 square feet of the infamous Bay building in Vancouver. Brave the crowds of eager fashionistas and score some of this season’s top looks that will help spruce up your work wardrobe for the week ahead.
If you’re feeling up to a little fun on Sunday night (and not heading home to catch The Walking Dead), nab a ticket to noteworthy event From Farms to Forks 3 – taking place at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. It’s a charitable evening in support of Growing Chefs BC and will be full of cocktails, beer pairings and canapés. Tickets are still available for $149.
Photo courtesy Cactus Club English Bay