Vancouver Weekender: October 7th through 10th, 2011

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. This translates into a trek back to the home-front for some of us, but not all. For those Notables staying a bit closer to home this upcoming long weekend, we’ve got plenty of low-key (or not) options to fuel your energy and appetite. Trust us, you’ll thank us later when you inevitably dip into those second servings of turkey-loving goodness!

If you’re one of the lucky few (who also happens to be a die-hard slope star), we suggest you knock off early on Friday and bee-line it up to the Whistler Blackcomb Annual Turkey Sale to score yourself a slick set of skis for the upcoming season. Each year, this sale draws in larger and larger crowds of snow bunnies and mountain enthusiasts just itching for an early start. This killer sale runs all weekend long and is the perfect excuse to ‘get outta town’ for the day!

Not feeling so hot-to-trot all the way up the Sea-to-Sky Hwy? No problem. Duck out of work and duck into the cozy, European-style space that is home to Cork & Fin and find yourself a spot at the bar for their daily ‘Happy Hour’ offerings. Wash all the culinary goodness down with a crisp glass of bubbles or buttery Chardonnay – the perfect pairing for this seafood-savvy spot. Find them at 221 Carrall Street.

After a chilled night at home, might we suggest you head out early Saturday for brunch at one of our favourites: The Flying Pig in Yaletown. Having just joined Vancouver’s unofficial ‘breakfast club’, the brunch menu is simple yet satisfying, offering everything your hung-over self might possibly crave complimented by their feel-good ambiance that’ll temper the sting. Don’t take our word for it, try them yourselves at 1168 Hamilton Street.

Next up, visit the Circle Craft Co-operative sneak peek at the Holidays and head over to the Net Loft on Granville Island. Take in the preview gallery exhibit, “Christmas Market Preview,” on display from October 7th until November 1st. This display will feature plenty of original crafty works by artists who will also be on hand at the (larger) annual Circle Craft Christmas Market – just in time to tackle that Christmas wish list. Find Net Loft on Granville Island at 1 – 1666 Johnston Street.

Hungry yet? Head down the Granville Strip and seat yourself at the Stackhouse Burger Bar (1224 Granville Street). This cozy and modern spot takes one of our all-time favourites that fits between a bun and offers up pretty much any topping your indulgent self can imagine. With a menu bulging with burger options (last trek in we counted more than 10) you’re bound to find your oh-so-worth-it greasy fix.

Dance off your dinner indulgence over at the Electric Owl Social Club and check out LA-based indie pop band the Dum Dum Girls as they set out to launch their latest release of catchy, get-off-your-butt beats. One of our favourite live music venues in Vancouver, you’ll find Electric Owl at 928 Main Street.

Laying low on Sunday or feeling a bit intimidated by turkey undertaking? We’ve got a few options to feast on that are guaranteed to grant you your Thanksgiving Fix.

Long time Yaletown favourite, the Hamilton Street Grill, is hosting a casual, communal feast starting at only $25 per person (tax and gratuity not included). This is the perfect answer for those YPs out there stuck in the city but who’ve got a hankering for some home-cooked goodness. Top your turkey with all the fixins courtesy of Chef Neil Wyles. He’ll be carving up a storm and serving up organic turkeys, gravy, yams, potatoes and more…lest we forget the grand finale: pumpkin pie. Dinner is served starting at 5pm. Find the Grill at 1009 Hamilton Street.

The Sequoia Company of Restaurants – The Teahouse, Seasons in the Park, Cardero’s, and The Sandbar – is also serving up a beauty of a $25 prix fixe Thanksgiving menu at all four locations. Brimming with favourites like harvest salad, oven roasted turkey (with all the sides we know and love), and, to top it off with extra excellence, a pumpkin brulee, this set course meal is nothing shy of drool-inducing.

Looking to fake your culinary craftiness and dine at home? The Dirty Apron is offering the perfect solution to your dilemma with its festive to-go take on Thanksgiving Dinner. This feast caters to four people for $140 total and can be ordered from their Delicatessen in advance. On the menu: orange spice rubbed roasted turkey breast with sherry and walnut braised turkey legs, sour cherry compote, butternut squash and apple puree, roasted root vegetables finished with vin cotto and caramelized onions, sauteed broccolini, kale, parmesan and truffle oil, and a festive pie (pumpkin or spiced pineapple and pecan).

Drooling yet? Find them at 540 Beatty Street. All you’ll have to do is the dishes…

So, the latest forecast here on the ‘wet’ coast is calling for a rainy holiday Monday unfortunately. We say: relish it! Do you really need a better excuse to prep for the work week and indulge in pure laziness? Satiate yourself with a late breakfast at English Bay’s Raincity Grill and enjoy farm-sourced goods from local producers within 100 Miles. Find them located at 1193 Denman, right across from the beach – the view doesn’t get much better than this.

After you’ve stuffed yourself with more hash browns than you can handle, work it off and pay a visit to one of the YMCA Athletics locations and partake in any number of calorie-crunching activities (we checked, both locations are open).

Not up for sweating it out? Might we suggest that you make use of the rest of your day by checking out the latest finds from across the pond? We’re talking about Topshop. Having recently opened its first capsule location on the 2nd floor at The Bay (674 West Georgia Street), this is the perfect spot to source the goods that’ll freshen up your wardrobe come Tuesday morning.

Now, go home, relax and gear up for the week ahead and enjoy those leftovers. Happy Thanksgiving!