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Restaurants – November 17, 2005 – List

Thursday, November 17th, 2005

Sun

A list of restaurants recommended and anonymously visited by Sun restaurant critic Mia Stainsby. Prices are per couple for three courses, with a glass of wine each, before tip and taxes.

$ means $50 or less

$$ means $50 to $100

$$$ means more than $100

– – –

WEST COAST

Aurora Bistro The first fine dining room on Main St. Inventive food, hip spot. 2420 Main St., 604-873-9944. $$

Bishop’s Consistently one of the city’s best. Almost 100 per cent organic foods. 2183 West Fourth Ave., 604-738-2025. $$$

Bin 941 Tapas bar in tiny eclectic space. 941 Davie St., 604-683-1246. $$/$$$

Bin 942 Creative, delectable tapas dishes. 1521 West Broadway, 604-734-9421. $$/$$$

Bridges For fine dining, head upstairs, and for casual, try the downstairs bistro. 1696 Duranleau, 604-687-4400. $$/$$$

Brix Large tapas selection, 60 wines by the glass. 1138 Homer St., 604-915-9463. $$/$$$

Chartwell Beautiful food, wonderful service. Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia St. 604-689-9333. $$$

Cru Blurs the lines of fine dining, lounge and bistro. Lovely “small plates” or a four-course prix fixe. 1459 West Broadway, 604-677-4111. $$

Diva at the Met High-end food, gorgeously presented. Metropolitan Hotel, 645 Howe St., 604-602-7788. $$$

Feenie’s Comfort food with a modern tweak and quality ingredients. 2563 West Broadway, 604-739-7115. $/$$

Fiction Young crowd, great tapas dishes. 3162 West Broadway, 604-736-7576. $$

Five Sails Big view, impeccable food, conservative atmosphere. Pan Pacific Hotel, 999 Canada Place, 604-662-8111. $$$

Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar Hip, happening destination. Creative chef. 1079 Mainland St., 604-602-0835. $$

Lift Bar and Grill Gorgeously perched over Coal Harbour. Sibling to Monk McQueen’s. 333 Menchions Mews, 604-689-5438. $$$

Lucy Mae Brown Intimate space, assertive dishes. 862 Richards St., 604-899-9199. $$

Nu A sophisticated version of casual dining. Beautiful flavours, great atmosphere. 1661 Granville St., 604-646-4668. $$

Parkside Handsome room in residential West End, richly flavoured food. Great spot. 1906 Haro, 604-683-6912. $$/$$$

Raincity Grill A Vancouver moment by English Bay. Regional food. 1193 Denman St., 604-685-7337. $$$

Show Case West Coast menu that doesn’t shy from adventure. Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Hotel, 1128 West Hastings St., 604-639-4040. $$$

Watermark Stunning Kits Beach view, sexy architecture, casual food. 1305 Arbutus St., 604-738-5487. $$

West Vies for best restaurant in the city. 2881 Granville St., 604-738-8938. $$$

– ITALIAN

Adesso Neighbourhood Italian spot with light, elegant food. 2201 West First Ave., 604-738-6515. $$

Amarcord Food from the Bologna and Emilia Romagna area of Italy, elegantly presented. Clear, natural flavours. 1168 Hamilton St., 604-681-6500. $$

Borgo Antico Tuscan looks. Fine Italian food. 321 Water St., 604-683-8376. $$/$$$

Cin Cin Restaurant and Bar A well-coiffed crowd. Entrees, pasta and pizzas. Nice summer patio. 1154 Robson St., 604-688-7338. $$/$$$

Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill Fine Italian cuisine with a light touch. 1133 Hamilton St., 604-688-7466. $$$

Don Francesco Ristorante Romantic, classic Italian restaurant with heart. 860 Burrard St., 604-685-7770. $$$

Il Giardino “New Italian” food, light with exotic elements. Big on game. 1382 Hornby St., 604-669-2422. $$$.

Incendio Great wood-oven pizzas, robust lineup of pastas. 103 Columbia St., 604-688-8694. $/$$

Incendio West Same as above, but in modern digs. 2118 Burrard St., 604-736-2220. $/$$

La Terrazza Knock-out looks, intelligent and friendly staff, traditional Italian food. 1088 Cambie St., 604-899-4449. $$$

Lombardo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant Serving pizza lovers for years. 1641 Commercial Dr., 604-251-2240. $

Quattro on Fourth An Italian restaurant with flair. 2611 West Fourth Ave., 604-734-4444. $$/$$$

– CHINESE

Hon’s Wun-Tun House Slurp noodles and chomp on delicious potstickers. Huge menu. 1339 Robson St., 604-685-0871. $

Imperial Seafood Fine Cantonese food, (expensive) in the lovely Marine Building. 355 Burrard St., 604-688-8191. $$$

Kirin Seafood Exquisite Cantonese food. City Square, 555 West 12th Ave., 604-879-8038. $$$

Pink Pearl It’s been around forever and is still a going concern. 1132 East Hastings St., 604-253-4316. $

Sun Sui Wah Cantonese cuisine with light, finely tuned flavours. 3888 Main St., 604-872-8822. $$

Szechuan Chongqing An institution for those who love the incendiary fare. 2808 Commercial Dr., 604-254-7434. $$

Toko Strength in the noodle dishes — Japanese, Korean and Shanghainese as well as Chinese. 223 West Seventh Ave., 604-879-0701. $

Wild Rice Modern Chinese food in a sophisticated, hip setting. 117 West Pender St., 604-642-2882. $$

Wing Wah Shanghai Szechuan Great value food. 260 East Broadway, 604-879-9168. $

– JAPANESE

Ajisai Sushi Bar Small neighbourhood spot with sushi that sings. 2081West42nd Ave., 604-266-1428. $

Bistro Sakana Exciting Japanese food with French and Italian curve balls. 1123 Mainland St., 604-633-1280. $$

Black Tuna Tapas style Japanese dishes, sushi, lovingly cooked. 202 — 1184 Denman St., 604-408-7557. $$

Chopstick Cafe/Shiru-Bay Great atmosphere, intriguing izakaya food, budget prices. 1193 Hamilton St., 604-408-9315. $$

Dan Japanese Restaurant Fish, fresh from Japan daily. Very good sushi and other dishes. 2511 West Broadway, 604-730-0306. $/$$

En Japanese Restaurant Bucks the usual conformity of Japanese restaurants. Splendid food. 2686 Granville St., 604-730-0330. $$

Gyoza King Gyozas reign supreme. Open late. 1508 Robson St., 604-669-8278. $

Hapa Izakaya Young and stylish; great izakaya-style Japanese food. 1479 Robson St., 604-689-4272. $/$$

Japone Wonderfully inventive dishes on the ‘chef’s specials’ menu. 8269 Oak St., 604-263-6708. $$

Shijo Finely tuned flavours, some imaginative dishes. 1926 West Fourth Ave., 604-732-4676. $$

Sushi Wabi Sabi Exciting contemporary Japanese food. 4422 West 10th Ave., 604-222-8188. $$

Tojo’s Restaurant The topper in this category. Japanese food at its best. 202 — 777 West Broadway, 604-872-8050. $$$

Toshi Sushi Tiny place always packed for the fresh, tasty sushi. 181 East 16th Ave., 604-847-5173. $/$$

Umami A hybrid of Japanese and Mediterranean, the food is ambitious and creative. Good value wines. 572 Davie St., 604-696-9563. $$

Yuji’s Expect the unexpected. Food takes some creative turns. 2059 West Fourth Ave., 604-734-4990. $$

– FRENCH/BELGIAN

Bacchus Restaurant Some classics, some nouveau. Expect the best. Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby St., 604-689-7777. $$$

Cafe de Paris Traditional French bistro. Lots of character. 751 Denman St., 604-687-1418. $$

Cassis Bistro Low budget but mod interior. Delicious traditional French bistro fare. Good value. 420 West Pender St., 604-605-0420. $$

Chambar Modern Belgian food. Hot hipster scene. Chef has cooked in a three-star Michelin restaurant. 562 Beatty St., 604-879-7119. $$

Elixir French brasserie in Yaletown; bistro food, haute quality. 322 Davie St., 604-642-0557. $$/$$$

Le Crocodile Refined French with incredible wines to boot. 909 Burrard St., 604-669-4298. $$$

Le Gavroche French food in a charming old house. 1616 Alberni St., 604-685-3924. $$$

The Hermitage Beautifully controlled classic French cooking. Quiet atmosphere. 1025 Robson St., 604-689-3237. $$$

Lumiere Chef Rob Feenie redefines restaurants in Vancouver. Tasting menus. 2551 West Broadway, 604-739-8185. $$$

Pastis French bistro with a lightness of being. 2153 West Fourth Ave., 604-731-5020. $$/$$$

Salade de Fruits Very good value French country bistro. 1551 West Seventh, 604-714-5987. $$

The William Tell A Swiss-French restaurant. Service excels. Georgian Court Hotel, 773 Beatty St., 604-688-3504. $$$

– GREEK

Apollonia Well-prepared Greek food and very good pizzas. 1830 Fir St., 604-736-9559. $/$$

Bouzyos Greek Taverna Lively atmosphere, better than average Greek food. 1815 Commercial Dr., 604-254-2533. $$

Kalamata Greek Taverna A popular souvlaki stop dressed in the familiar white and blue. 478 West Broadway, 604-872-7050. $$

The Main Friendly, funky spot. Wonderful roast lamb. 4210 Main St., 604-709-8555. $$

Maria’s Taverna Friendly service. 2324 West Fourth Ave., 604-731-4722. $$

Simpatico Thirty-plus years old; traditional Greek restaurant with the addition of good pizzas. 2222 West Fourth Ave., 604733-6824. $/$$

Stepho’s Nightly lineups because of low prices. 1124 Davie St., 604-683-2555. $

– INDIAN

Akbar’s Own Mogul-style Indian cuisine. 1905 West Broadway, 604-736-8180. $$

Chutney Villa South Indian cuisine, with dosas, idli and vadas. 147 East Broadway, 604-872-2228. $/$$

Clove An alternative Indian restaurant, funky, cheap beyond belief. 2054 Commercial Dr., 604-255-5550. $

Clove Upscale sibling to Clove on Commercial. Modern Indian cuisine. 735 Denman St., 604-669-2421. $/$$

Indica Indian dishes with western tweaks. Charming. 1795 Pendrell St., 604-609-3530. $

Maurya Fine Indian food in glam surroundings. 1643 West Broadway, 604-742-0622. $$$

Rangoli Vij’s casual and take-out next-door sidekick. Impressive. 1488 West 11th Ave., 604-736-5711. $

Sami’s Progressive Indo-American food. 986 West Broadway, 604-736-8345 $

Samosa Garden Smooth sauces, lovely food, good service. 3502 Kingsway, 604-437-3502. $$

Tamarind A hip spin-off from the traditional Rubina Tandoori restaurant with modern elements. 1626 West Broadway, 604-733-5335. $$

Vij’s Dishes are a symphony of wondrous flavours. 1480 West 11th Ave., 604-736-6664. $$

Yogi’s Hip, contemporary Indian food, perfect for The Drive. 1408 Commercial Dr., 604-251-9644. $

– SOUTHEAST ASIAN

Banana Leaf Homestyle Malaysian food. 820 West Broadway, 604-731-6333 and 1096 Denman St., 604-683-3333. $$

Chi Modern take on Malaysian and Thai cuisines. 1796 Nanaimo St., 604-215-0078. $$

Ginger and Garlic Malaysian food, deftly cooked. 2106 West 41st Ave., 604-266-3666. $$

Kedah House Halal Restaurant Malaysian food with a light, nimble touch. 5750 Fraser St., 604-325-9771. $

Monsoon An “East-West” brasserie with tropical Asian dishes, loads of atmosphere. 2526 Main St., 604-879-4001. $$

Montri Thai Restaurant Some of the best Thai food in the city. 3629 West Broadway, 604-738-9888. $$

Phnom Penh Largely Cambodian but includes Chinese and Vietnamese flavours. 244 East Georgia St., 682-5777. $

Pondok Authentic Indonesian dishes, freshly cooked. 2781 Commercial Dr., 604-872-8718. $$

Salathai Thai Dishes are freshly prepared and consistent. 3364 Cambie St., 604-875-6999. $$

Sawasdee Thai Gracious service keeps the regulars hooked. 4250 Main St., 604-876-4030. $$

Simply Thai On the A-list for Thai food. 1211 Hamilton St., 604-642-0123. $$

– SEAFOOD

Bluewater Cafe and Raw Bar Handsome spot. Impressive seafood, impressive wine list. 1095 Hamilton St., 604-688-8078. $$$

C Chef Robert Clark takes seafood to a new level. 1600 Howe St., 604-681-1164. $$$

Cannery Seafood Fine dining in rustic nautical decor on working waterfront. 2205 Commissioner St., 604-254-9606 $$$

Coast Restaurant Yaletown chic, shares kinship with Glowbal Grill and Satay. Seafood emphasis. 1157 Hamilton St., 604-685-5010. $$$

Fish Cafe Unpretentious, straight-ahead seafood at bargain prices. 2053 West 41st Ave., 604-267-3474. $

Fish House in Stanley Park Bold and imaginative seafood dishes by the creative Karen Barnaby. 8901 Stanley Park Dr., 604-681-7275. $$$

Go Fish Fab fish and chips and much more, dished out of a catering truck, made with fish from the adjacent Fisherman’s Wharf. 1505 West First Ave., 604-730-5040. $

Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House Fresh shucked oysters, cedar plank salmon, grilled chops. High energy. 777 Thurlow St., 604-669-1940. $$$

Rodney’s Oyster House Specializes in very fresh shellfish and oysters. 1228 Hamilton St., 604-609-0080. $$

– AMERICAN

Memphis Blues Barbecue House Slow-cooked, southern style BBQ. Delish. 1465 West Broadway, 604-738-6806; 1342 Commercial Dr., 604-215-2599. $

– VEGETARIAN

Bo Kong Buddhist-based menu using very fresh ingredients. Mild flavours. 3068 Main St., 604-876-3088. $

Greens and Gourmet Meals priced by weight. Flavours from around the world. 2582 West Broadway, 604-737-7373. $

Habibi’s Lebanese food. Not the same old, same old. 1128 West Broadway, 604-732-7487. $

The Naam Wide variety of vegetarian fare. Quiet patio in summer. 2724 West Fourth Ave., 604-738-7151. $

Om Vegetarian Flavourful, fresh Buddhist-based vegetarian food. 3466 Cambie St., 604-873-6878. $

Raw Raw veggie and fruit dishes (preserves enzymes) as well as cooked. Food is 80 to 90 per cent organic. 1849 West First Ave., 604-737-0420. $

– LATIN AMERICAN

Banano’s No-frills Venezuelan/Colombian cafe. Delicious arepas. 1223 Pacific Boulevard, 604-408-4228. $

Baru Casually chic South American food for discerning diners. 2535 Alma St., 604-222-9171. $$

Havana Cuban food, tweaked for Commercial Drive. 1212 Commercial Dr., 604-253-9119. $

Las Margaritas Mexican food with a light touch; good seafood. 1999 West Fourth Ave., 604-734-7117. $$

Latin Quarter Mexican and Mediterranean tapas dishes as well as music in the evenings. 1305 Commercial Dr., 604-251-1144. $$

Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina Casual Mexican food with sparkle. Lots of buzz in the room. 1326 Davie St., 604-696-9996. $$

Mexico Sabroso A slice of Mexico. Very inexpensive, authentic Mexican cafe. 440 West Hastings St., 604-688-7426. $

Mouse and Bean Fresh, homey Mexican food, in a funky space. 207 West Hastings, 604-633-1781. $

Rinconcito Salvadorean Restaurant Fresh Salvadorean cuisine. Lovely pupusas. 2062 Commercial Dr., 604-879-2600. $

Tio Pepe’s Yucatan food, nicely prepared. 1134 Commercial Dr., 604-254-8999. $

MEDITERRANEAN

Circolo Italian, French, and a little bit of New York. Awesome wine list. 1116 Mainland, 604-687-1116. $$$

Provence Mediterranean Grill The menu is a marriage of French and Italian. Lovely flavours. 4473 West 10th Ave., 604-222-1980 and 1177 Marinaside Cres., 604-681-4144. $$

– EASTERN EUROPEAN, CENTRAL ASIAN

Accent Eastern European, French, Russian accents on a continental theme. 1967 West Broadway, 604-734-6660. $$

The Budapest Big doses of Hungarian comfort. Smouldering goulash soup. 3250 Main St. 604-877-1949. $

Rasputin Large selection of vodkas, wonderful live music and dishes such as grilled Georgian cornish game hen. 457 West Broadway, 604-879-6675.$$

NORTH SHORE

Beach House at Dundarave Pier Spectacular setting for brunch by Dundarave Beach. West Coast cuisine. 150 25th St., West Van, 604-922-1414. $$$

Beach Side Cafe Elegant room, summer patio, fine Italian cuisine. 1362 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-925-1945. $$$

Bravo Cucina Traditional Italian, cooked with care. 1209 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-985-3006. $$

Brown’s Restaurant and Bar Casually chic and bustling bistro with burgers, rice bowls, entrees. 1764 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-929-5401. $/$$

Dundarave Fish Market Charming spot; fabulous seafood from the adjoining fish market. 2419 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-922-1155. $

Gusto Di Quattro Cosy, warm. Italian food. 1 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-924-4444 . $$/$$$

La Regalade A truly, deeply French bistro. Wonderful atmosphere. 2232 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-921-2228. $$/$$$

Mythos Whitewashed walls, azure blue trim say “sun-drenched Greece.” 1811 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-984-7411. $$

Nobu Tiny, with just enough room to make the lovely sushi. 3197 Edgemont Blvd.,North Van., 604-988-4553. $

Palki An Indian restaurant with a good grip on the spices. Fresh ingredients. 116 East 15th St., North Van, 604-986-7555. $$

Saltaire Gorgeous roof patio. Good value West Coast food. 2nd floor – 235 15th St., West Van, 604-913-8439. $$

Zen Japanese Restaurant Creative kitchen, quality ingredients. Good sake list. 2232 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-925-0667. $$/$$$

– BURNABY/NEW WEST

Anton’s Gargantuan portions of pasta. No reservations. 4260 Hastings St., Burnaby, 604-299-6636. $$

Boat House Conservative seafood menu. Restaurant overlooks Fraser River. 900 Quayside, New Westminster, 604-525-3474. $$

Bombay Bhel Lovely Indian food. Menu features Mumbai-style snacks. 4266 Hastings St., 604-299-2500. $/$$

The Hart House In Tudor mansion. Exacting West Coast fare. 6664 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby, 604-298-4278. $$$

Orange Room Casual tapas. International flavours. 620 Sixth Ave., New Westminster, 604-520-6464. $$

Pear Tree Small menu, sublime continental food. 4120 Hastings St., Burnaby, 604-299-2772. $$$

Stefanos Restaurant Live music and dancing, Friday and Saturday nights. Mediterranean food with Greek dishes. 315 Columbia St., New Westminster, 604-520-9911. $$

Taverna Greka Greek cuisine. View of Fraser River. 326 Columbia, New Westminster, 604-526-6651. $$

Vassili Souvlaki Greek Taverna Traditional Greek foods with no reticence when it comes to portions. 6558 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-434-0626. $$

– COQUITLAM, POCO, PORT MOODY

Joey Tomato’s Mediterranean Grill Casual family retaurant. 550 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam, 604-939-3077

John B Pub Above-average pub food. 1000 Austin Ave., Coquitlam, 604-931-5115. $$

Kirin Seafood Restaurant Chinese food for the discriminating palate. 2nd floor, Henderson Place, 1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, 604-944-8833. $$/$$$

Pasta Polo Organic wheat pastas, pizzas. Family restaurant. 2754 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam, 604-464-7656. $/$$

RICHMOND

Also Lounge and Restaurant A blend of Italian/French with Asian accents and high-end presentation. 4200 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-303-9906. $$

Big River Brewing Co. Pub, serving casual food. 14200 Entertainment Blvd., Richmond, 604-271-2739. $/$$

Bo Kong Restaurant Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. No alcohol. 8100 Ackroyd Rd., Richmond, 604-278-1992. $

The Flying Beaver Bar Funky bar overlooking the Fraser River. 4760 Inglis Dr., Richmond, 604-273-0278. $/$$

Globe at YVR Impressive food, sleek contemporary decor with view of U.S. arrivals terminal. Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver Airport, Richmond, 604-248-3281. $$$

Hon’s Wun-Tun House Noodles and delicious pot stickers, panfried or steamed. 4600 No. 3 Road, Richmond, 604-273-0871. $

Quilon Restaurant Southern Indian cuisine with notably delicious dosas. 6030 No. 3 Road, Richmond, 604-303-0011. $$

The Rainbow Vegetarian Restaurant Deliciously prepared vegan and vegetarian Buddhist Chinese food. 8095 Park Road, Richmond, 604-273-7311. $

Shiang Garden Part of a successful Taiwanese restaurant chain. Impressive seafood. 2200 — 4540 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-273-8858. $$

Sun Sui Wah Impressive way with seafood. 4940 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-273-8208. $$

Zen Fine Chinese Cuisine Multi-coursed tasting menus and personalized dinners. Excellent. 2015 — 8580 Alexandra Rd., Richmond, 604-233-0077. $$$

SURREY, WHITE ROCK, DELTA, TSAWWASSEN

Big Ridge Brewing Co. A Mark James restaurant and brew-pub. Families welcome. 15133 Hwy. 10, Surrey, 604-574-2739. $$

Crescent Beach Bistro Rustic country spot. Straight ahead food. 12251 Beecher St., 604-531-1882. $$

Giraffe Charming place, eclectic West Coast menu. 15053 Marine Dr., White Rock, 604-538-6878. $$/$$$

Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club West Coast cuisine. Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club, 18150 — Eighth Ave., Surrey, 604-538-1212 $$/$$

La Belle Auberge In a heritage house in Ladner. Sublime French food. 4856 48th Ave., Ladner, 604-946-7717. $$$

Pearl on the Rock Modern Pacific Northwest cuisine with emphasis on seafood. Delicious fare. 14955 Marine Dr., White rock. 604-542-1064. $$$

Southside Grill West Coast cuisine, tasteful ambience. 1201 — 56th St., Tsawwassen, 604-948-2662. $$/$$$

Uli’s Restaurant Continental cuisine on busy restaurant strip. Water view. 15021 Marine Dr., White Rock, 604-538-9373. $$

Wolfie’s Pasta, seafood, and West Coast cuisine and does it well. 15065 Marine Dr., 604-538-1675, White Rock. $$

FRASER VALLEY

Bacchus Bistro At Domain de Chaberton Estate Winery. Limited hours. Mediterranean food. 1064 — 216th St., Langley. 604-530-9694. $$

Bravo Bistro Swish little bistro, run by former Delilah’s restaurant veterans. 46224 Yale Rd., Chilliwack. 1-604-792-7721. $$

– SQUAMISH AND WHISTLER

Araxi Restaurant & Bar Handsome Tuscan looks, regional cuisine. Outstanding wine list. 4222 Village Square, Whistler, 604-932-4540. $$/$$$

Brew House Rustic with cedar and timbers. Casual food for the family and house brews. 4355 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, 604-905-2739. $$

Ciao Thyme Small and crowded but a budget-minded jewel. Great breakfasts. 4573 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler, 604-932-7051. $

Caramba! Mostly Italian but Spanish, Asian and regional flavours sneak in. 4314 Main St., Whistler, 604-938-1879. $/$$

Fifty Two 80 Bistro Every dish a ‘wow’. Gorgeous room. Four Seasons Hotel, 4591 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, 604-935-3400. $$$

Il Caminetto di Umberto Umberto Menghi’s high-end Whistler restaurant. Features include game. 4242 Village Stroll, Whistler, 604-932-4442. $$/$$$

La Rua Refined tastes of the Mediterranean with B.C. backups. Romantic. Le Chamois Hotel, 4557 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, 604-932-5011. $$/$$$

Quattro at Whistler Contemporary Italian cuisine. 4319 Main St., Whistler, 604-905-4844. $$/$$$

Rim Rock Cafe Chalet style restaurant consistently offers exquisite food. 2117 Whistler Rd., Whistler, 604-932-5565. $$$

Trattoria di Umberto Tucked away from the throngs but always packed.Lovely affordable Italian food. 4417 Sundial Place, 604-932-5858. $$/$$$

© The Vancouver Sun 2005

Protect your key records

Monday, November 14th, 2005

Five-step plan allows you to have peace of mind

Ray Turchansky
Province

Use a safety deposit box, says Stanley Kershman. — CANWEST FILE

EDMONTON — As baby boomers enter retirement, there is much talk about protecting investments and capital preservation, but often overlooked is the importance of protecting your investment records.

If your house burns down, will you lose your stock certificates and guaranteed investment certificates?

If your car is stolen with your wallet or laptop computer in it, will you be able to access credit-card and bank-account information readily?

The hurricanes in the southeastern United States caused Ottawa lawyer Stanley Kershman, author of Put Your Debt on a Diet, to devise a five-step plan to safeguard your financial records.

“Trying to recreate your financial records after a disaster can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive,” Kershman said. “And in a lot of cases, it just simply can’t be done. If you do it now instead of in an emergency, you end up with peace of mind knowing where you’re going to find all these items.”

Here is Kershman’s five-step plan:

“First, put together a list of all your account numbers — bank accounts, investment accounts, RRSPs, credit cards, social insurance number, insurance policies. Put that list on your computer, save that to a floppy disk, put that disk in a safety deposit box.

“If your computer gets stolen, people can get into your hard drive if they get your password, but also, you don’t have your hard drive any more. And if your house burns down or floats away, you won’t have access to that information.

“Second, you have to know where the following items are: your wills, powers of attorney, property deeds, insurance policies and your safety deposit box keys. And then have a list of the valuables you’ve got and what they’re worth. Those should also be in your safety deposit box.

“Third, check your insurance policy to make sure it’s up to date and covers the concerns that may be in your area, whether it’s flooding, landslides or other possible disasters.

“The fourth thing is to make sure you’ve got an up-to-date will, power of attorney and living will, so that your wishes express what you want now. A will that’s 20 years old probably doesn’t express that. The person you had as an executor may not be alive, or may be living out of the area.

“The fifth step is to create an inventory of everything you own. All you have to do is walk around your house with a camcorder, digital camera or regular camera.

“A digital camera is better because, once you capture all those images, you can take that disk, save it to your hard drive, which can then be saved to a CD or a DVD, and you can put that in your safety deposit box as well.

“There are certain sites that allow you to save your gallery of pictures to them free. You have your own password so people can’t get into it. There are places like Picasa.com or snapfish.com or kodakgallery.com, and they’ll allow you to have access to your photographs from any computer.”

If you take the steps Kershman mentions, you should inform your spouse, executor and anyone else who may need access to the information where it all is.

Besides preserving your documents and records, the precautions will also be most helpful in the case of your death, or when you go to make insurance claims. And as for a safety deposit box, the cost is tax-deductible if the box is used to store securities or other investment items.

© The Vancouver Province 2005

 

Canadians continue unplugging home-phone lines

Wednesday, November 9th, 2005

Trend is to wireless, but at slower pace than other nations

Tamara Gignac
Province

CALGARY Canada‘s wireless market is booming as more consumers pull the plug on their home-phone lines in favour of a mobile substitute, new data released yesterday suggests.

Mobile carriers — including Telus Mobility, Rogers Wireless and Bell Mobility — added almost half a million subscribers between March and June 2005, according to Statistics Canada.

That’s a jump of 12.6 per cent over the same period last year.

At the same time, the number of business and wireline customers fell by 1.4 per cent, and revenues among landline telecom providers slipped to $5.5 billion, a decline of 2.8 per cent.

The trend is likely to continue — particularly among students and young urbanites — but at a slower pace than in other countries, said consultant Brian Sharwood of the SeaBoard Group.

“If you think about the process of buying and getting a phone, it’s often when you move,” Sharwood said. “In the States, you see that much more. Americans on average are more transitory than Canadians.”

Other contributing factors to the decline in residential phone-line use is the arrival of cable company rivals and the popularity of instant messaging, analysts said.

“While wireline is slowing down — and we expect the trend to continue — more than just wireless is replacing it,” said Jeff Leiper of the Yankee Group in Canada.

“I think there is an important role that’s being played by other technologies. E-mail, for example, has taken the place of a lot of local wireline calling.”

In the second quarter, wireless companies posted record operating revenues of $2.7 billion, up more than 16 per cent from the same quarter last year, while operating profits reached $742 million, up 12.8 per cent.

Analysts added there is still ample room for growth.

Only half of all Canadians own a cellphone, compared with virtually 100 per cent of Swedes and Italians, where prices are cheaper and there is more competition, Leiper said.

“Wireless penetration still lags far behind the other industrialized countries. The value proposition of wireless as purely a voice medium doesn’t seem to be as popular in Canada as it is elsewhere in the world.”

© The Vancouver Province 2005

 

Health Warning – wash your hands & get a flu shot – Dr’s Orders

Monday, November 7th, 2005

Dave Hepburn
Province

HEALTH
   Q: How can I differentiate a cold from the flu?
   A: A cold is not as dramatic as the flu. The flu hits hard and fast. One moment you’re dancing the macarena and the next you’re begging for a quick death, primarily because of the flu. Your fever is more intense than with a cold, your muscles and joints ache and you become light-headed. Along with this you may also get all the usual cold symptoms that everyone nose so well. With the flu you don’t want to get out of bed. With a cold you want to get out of bed and strangle the person who came to your office with a cold looking for a miraculous cure that apparently nobody but your doctor has discovered.
   : Can we catch a cold from
   spending too long in the cold?
   A: We can’t catch a cold from the cold any more than we can catch the flu from having flown.
   Q: How can I avoid contracting the flu?
   A: The best way to avoid getting sick is to not breathe. Specifically, not breathe the respiratory droplets of those who are teeming in viruses. Do not touch stuff that sick people touch, like pharmacy doorknobs, toilet levers, anything at Costco or teachers. WASH YOUR HANDS as though you suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Wash for 20 seconds at a time. And, of course, get a flu shot.
   Q: But the flu shot could possibly make me sick.
   A: The only way you can catch the flu from the flu shot is if the flu shotter has a case of the flu and then coughs and sneezes all over the flu shotee while giving the shot.
   Q: What about supplements to prevent cold and flu?
   A: Sorry. Echinacea has been a dismal failure. Cold FX works only if you are Donald $. Cherry.
   Q: What’s the best way to treat the flu/cold?
   A: Chicken soup is as good as it gets, unless you’re the chicken. The best you can do is treat the symptoms.
   So for aches in your muscles and joints: ibuprofen. For a stuffy nose: decongestants, etc.
   Antibiotics are useless for either cold or flu and end up doing nothing but giving you a yeast infection.
   If you catch the flu early there are a couple of anti-viral agents that might lessen the duration and the severity of the flu in some people.
So it may be worthwhile to see a doctor in the first hours after you have been belted by the flu.
But if you have a cold, stay away from my freakin’ office.
Get a grippe . . . OK, so you have a grippe but I do not wish to catch your cold, no I do not, Sam I am. Go see a reflexologist or Svend Robinson. I’m sure they have a cure. I have no cure.
Hey, if you’ve got a 30-pound hernia dragging off the floor or a Doberman attached to your kidneys or an aorta about to burst then great, I’d love to see you.
   But if you come with a cold then all you will do is give me the cold and I will be forced to leave the office to go and see my doctor.
   Dr. Dave is a B.C. physician and guest speaker. E-mail him probing questions at [email protected]

 

Its Baja California’s best kept secret

Sunday, November 6th, 2005

Winds of change blowing into sleepy, little Loreto

SUE FRAUSE
Province

The sun sets behind the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, a landmark in historic Loreto on the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. SUE FRAUSE — FOR THE PROVINCE

Snorkelling in the warm, azure waters of the Sea of Cortez is one of the many adventures awaiting visitors to Loreto. SUE FRAUSE — FOR THE PROVINCE

A book to consider is Loreto, Baja California: First Mission and Capital of Spanish California, by Ann and Don O’Neil (Longitude Books).

Posada de Las Flores is a 15-room boutique hotel in Loreto featuring a rooftop glass-bottom swimming pool. SUE FRAUSE — FOR THE PROVINCE

I knew Loreto was a laid-back sort of town when I arrived at the small airport after the twohour flight from Los Angeles.
   Emerging from the baggageclaim area was a surfer dude hauling a large, padded bag, probably containing his surfboard or a kite sail.
   “Nice cello!” I jokingly remarked to the sun-tanned beach boy. He didn’t miss a beat and replied, “It’s only my mom.”
   That’s Loreto. Located on the eastern shores of Baja California Sur and the
Sea of Cortez, Loreto was once a political and religious capital. It was established as California’s first settlement by explorer and Jesuit Juan Maria Salvatierra in 1697.
   Today, the Mision de Nuestra Señora de Loreto has been restored and regally rises above this city of 10,000 people.
   As I stroll through the historic district of Loreto underneath the Indian laurels that form archways (Loreto means “laurel” in Spanish), two young boys head home on their bicycles.
   Shopkeepers on the Paseo Salvatierra sit outside their stores that offer T-shirts, hats, pottery and silver. The mission bells sound at
6:45 p.m., calling people to mass. It’s Friday night in Loreto.
   But this seemingly sleepy little village has been discovered. With Alaska Airlines now flying to Loreto three times a week and a new sustainable community under construction by the Loreto Bay Company, change is a comin’ to this community.
   The Villages of Loreto Bay is a $3-billion US project to be built over 15 years, resulting in a sustainable community of nearly 6,000 homes on 3,200 hectares (more than half of the area will be a natural preserve).
   Headed by chairman David Butterfield of Victoria (developer of Shoal Point on
Victoria’s harbour, among other projects), the Loreto Bay Company is working in partnership with FONATUR, Mexico’s tourism development agency that is responsible for such resorts as Ixtapa and Cancun.
   The project will include beach and golf clubs, seven spas, an artisans’ village along with retail and entertainment venues.
   The pedestrian-oriented community will have “car-free” neighbourhoods, with bicycles and electric carts being the primary mode of transportation.
   
Hollywood has also discovered Loreto. While enjoying a sunset margarita atop the roof garden of Posada de las Flores, a 15-room boutique hotel in the heart of the city, the conversation swirled around about this year’s season finale of The Bachelor that was filmed in Loreto.
   But there was nary a trace of Charlie O’Connell who starred in the now-defunct reality TV series.
Outdoor adventures
   With its warm, azure waters, Loreto is all about outdoor adven- tures.
   After breakfast one morning, some friends and I boarded the “El Don,” a 66-foot yacht moored at El Puertos Escondidos.
   We spent the day cruising the waters of the
National Loreto Marine Park, the largest marine park in Mexico.
   Sitting in the sun at the bow of the boat we watch scissor birds dive for fish, a school of dolphins joins us for a pre-lunch frolic and all around us it’s arid and blue.
   Surrounded by the vast Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, the scenery is spectacular. I’d never before seen cactus growing so close to the water.
   The nearby islands of Coronado, Carmen, Danzante and Monserrat make for ideal day trips.
   We anchor and snorkel at a spot the captain called
Honeymoon Beach and back on the boat, sip piña coladas while listening to Mexican pop music star Luis Miguel on the CD player.
   The next day we make a pilgrimage by van to the Mision de San Francisco Javier, located 36 km west of Loreto.
   With the energetic and knowledgeable Cecelia Fischer of C&C Tours as our guide, we bounce along unpaved roads, stopping along the way to see cave paintings, a 300-year-old fig tree and the first chapel in Loreto.
   Under the hot noontime sun, we reach the Mision de San Francisco Javier, called “The Queen of the Missions,” as it’s the best-preserved mission in the area.
   Constructed of stone blocks, it was founded by Padre Francisco Maria Piccolo in 1699.
   We enjoy a casual lunch outdoors at Restaurant La Palapa San Javier, just a stone’s throw from the mission. While a lone rooster crows, we dine on enchiladas and sip on cold Mexican beer.
Back in Loreto
   After visiting the Mision of Loreto on Plaza Salvatierra (it has a store with religious souvenirs, including miracle charms or milagros), we stop by the Museo de la Misions.
   Here you’ll learn the story of the missionaries in Baja (take a guided tour as many of the information panels are only in Spanish).
   The museum’s bookstore is a good resource for the history of the
Californias and surrounding states.
   You won’t be disappointed in the cuisine of Loreto. Canipole is a fine family-run restaurant featuring yummy molé while Pachamama dishes up Argentinian food.
   Amore restaurant, located at Villas de Loreto (a resort owned by Ron Bellerive and Wendy Wilchynski, originally from
Vancouver) is a casual-dining establishment and is known for its Carne Asada Especial (along with their margaritas).
   And don’t forget the all-important siesta . . . it’s the Loreto way.
If you go
Alaska Airlines:
www.alaskaair.com, 1-800.ALASKAAIR — three weekly flights from
Los Angeles to Loreto.
Loreto: www.loreto.com
Loreto Bay Company:
www.loretobay.com, 877-865-6738.
Posada de las
Flores:
www.posadadelasflores. com, 61-135-1162.
Villas de Loreto:
www.villasdeloreto.com, 613-135-0586.
C&C Ground Services & Tours: 613-135-0525.

Trade up to more efficient furnaces to cut costs

Friday, November 4th, 2005

Victoria sets guidelines to cut energy consumption

Scott Simpson
Sun

Consumers reeling from rising home heating costs can keep more cash in their pockets by changing their behaviour and insisting on higher-efficiency furnace systems, the president of a company looking for access to the British Columbia natural gas market said Thursday.

Direct Energy Business Services president Bob Huggard told the Vancouver Board of Trade that Canadians “can no longer afford” to regard rising natural gas prices simply as an issue to be resolved by increasing gas supply.

“Statistics from Natural Resources Canada show that when it comes to consumption of energy per capita, Canada is ranked second in the world with 250 gigajoules per capita — putting us ahead of the U.S. which sits in third.”

Huggard said it’s no defence for Canada to argue that, as a northern nation experiencing severe winters, a high rate of consumption is a given.

Scandinavian nations, by contrast, consume far less energy per capita than Canadians.

Huggard said North America no longer has the in-ground resources to boost gas supply as demand rises — the most cost-effective and “sustainable” solution is to be more conservative in consuming gas.

“We believe the time has come for all Canadians to start planning and implementing sustainable energy strategies that not only help them reduce their costs but also reduce their environmental footprint.”

Direct Energy is one of a handful of companies, along with Terasen Gas, that sells natural gas to industrial and commercial customers in British Columbia.

At present, only Terasen sells gas into the residential market.

That is expected to change by 2007 as Terasen, Direct Energy and other prospective gas sellers, and the B.C. Utilities Commission work out a new business arrangement allowing competitors to use Terasen’s gas pipeline network to market gas to homeowners.

Direct already has residential customers in Ontario and Alberta.

Most existing Canadian homes have gas-fired furnaces operating at 65-per-cent efficiency — compared with new systems that can run at 95-per-cent efficiency and save about one-third compared to a typical monthly gas bill.

Huggard said it may seem “counterintuitive” for a company selling natural gas to counsel consumers to consume less of it, but over the long run, his company, consumers, the economy and the environment all benefit.

Huggard noted that B.C. Energy Minister Richard Neufeld announced in September an initiative to reduce average energy consumption in new multi-unit residential buildings by 37 per cent, in new homes by 32 per cent, and in commercial, institutional and industrial buildings by 20 per cent by 2010.

B.C. also wants to cut average energy consumption in existing buildings — led by a 17-per-cent reduction in single-family homes.

Huggard said homeowners, and home-buyers, will have to be proactive if the government hopes to reach those targets.

“We are starting to see in the marketplace builders realizing that they can create a niche that’s very competitive in the building market by identifying themselves as green or energy-efficient. Government, our utilities and people like Direct Energy can play a supporting role to those builders.”

© The Vancouver Sun 2005

 

City condo buyers are off to market

Thursday, November 3rd, 2005

Mary Frances Hill
Other

Marjad Mazaheri and Douglas Soo at Electric Avenue, a Burrard Street condo project they championed as buyer’s agents.

Somehow, the erotic allure of condo marketing floated right past Edmund Wong. In 2001, when the then-aspiring actor was renting a small downtown suite, he suddenly felt the time had come to buy his own home. Meanwhile, in glossy brochures and on websites and billboards across the city, condo developers and marketers touted the virtues of their not-yet-constructed buildings, virtually shouting messages of desire.
It’s no different today. “Good taste is everlasting,” reads an ad for Raffles on Robson. Marketers for Stella confide, “You’re always ahead of the curve and you plan to stay that way.” Bricks and mortar that have yet to materialize seem almost human and touchable: Stella. Oscar. Taylor. Brittany. It’s like lifestyle porn – giving the ego a good stroke, enticing wallets to open wide.
Wong, however, needed none of that. “All I wanted was a place for my bed, my computer, my TV,” he says.And that’s what he got four years ago, after slapping down a down payment on a West Georgia condo development called The George, which was scheduled to begin construction six months later. He lived there for a year and a half, before moving – with some nice profit from the sale of his home – into a bigger apartment in
Electric Avenue on Burrard Street, another pre-sale he purchased before builders had broken ground.
Wong seemingly refuses to stand still. In two years, he and his girlfriend will move into his largest home yet, in Raffles on Robson, a grand condo development slated to open in 2007 at Robson and Cambie. Whether he knows it or not, it’s people like Wong who are leading
Vancouver‘s greatest real-estate boom in years. According to Douglas Soo, a buyer’s agent who specializes in pre-sale projects, the market is being driven not by growing families yearning for more space, or empty-nesters trading houses for a downtown pad, but investment-minded folks like Wong. Condo investors are “astute, gentle mini-giants that set fire to our economy,” says Soo, who works with partner Marjan Mazaheri.
Sales of new homes (including pre-sale apartments) in
Vancouver brought in $2.2 billion to the local economy last year, according to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. That’s an increase of 28 per cent over 2003. Last year saw sales of 3,543 apartments -25 per cent more than were sold in 2003.
“If you buy something at these prices today, it’s a no-brainer [that you’ll make money],” says Wong. He looked at land values, rising construction costs, the lure of the Olympics, and
Vancouver‘s rapid population growth before bidding a fond adieu to life as a renter. “I’ve done my homework,” he says, “and the trend is a gradual rise for the long-term.”
Soo and Mazaheri evaluate all the pre-sale offerings in the downtown core, and make recommendations to their clients based on what they think will best suit their needs. Soo acknowledges that there’s some irony in his work; he speaks with passion about his job, buthe counsels condo buyers to keep all emotion – all their desire for the symbols of hearth and home – out of the equation when they buy. Heck, don’t even bother calling it a home. “When you buy a G.I.C., do you ask what colour it is, or if it has a good view?” Soo asks.
If the trend is to buy a home in order to make money, rather than to settle down, it runs counter to do-it-yourself home design and renovating, one of today’s most popular hobbies. A 2004 report called The Economic Impact of MLS Residential Real Estate Sales in B.C. shows that, in 2003, the average home purchaser spent about $27,915 post-sale on expenses like legal fees, moving costs, renovations, furniture, appliances and taxes. Last year, home sales across B.C. generated $2.7 billion in spending (not including the home purchase) and created 22,538 jobs.
Even with all this
reno cash circulating in the marketplace, Soo insists it’s the investors – not those who live in their homes and settle in for a Sunday afternoon with House & Garden Television – that move the economy forward. He credits the non-resident tax (a fee imposed on offshore property owners) as another reason for the city’s real-estate boom. If it’s mostly Vancouverites who keep buying and selling in their hometown, local condos will always be a good buy. “If the market is driven locally, it’ll remain strong,” says Soo. “If it’s driven by offshore investors, it will be extremely volatile. If an offshore investor doesn’t want it anymore, he’ll dump it, even at a loss. But a local person will hold onto it.”
That said, the pre-sale isn’t for everyone. As marketing lingo makes certain, small spaces and the luxury of dark hardwood and high-end faucets fit a specific lifestyle. Forget about pairing up or imagining the sound of tiny footsteps in that downtown space; the pre-sale was made for investors, and people with an urban (read: singletons flush with disposable income) lifestyle.
Speaking of which: last year, Merete (who requested that her surname not be used) moved into her first brand-new home at the Hub on
Main. That’s a big step for the 21-year-old UBC student. With condo and loft developments such as Soma, Elements and Uno nearby, the Hub on Main is part of a neighbourhood revival in the Main, Broadway and Kingsway area. The building was supposed to open to its tenants in November 2004, but it was stalled for four months due to shortfalls in construction labour – a common pitfall affecting pre-sale buyers. Today, though, Merete can’t imagine living anywhere else. “The people in this place are all young and we have [similar lifestyles]… and we all come in late at the same time, there’s no noise complaints or anything like that,” she enthuses.
“If I’m going to buy and I’m young, I want a place that [reflects that].”
The late move-in date gave Merete more time to prepare in her mind’s eye. “In a pre-sale, you definitely start from ground zero – you get to pick the cabinets, everything,” she says. “Living in an historic neighbourhood, and then to have this modern place, with bamboo floors and this modern clean look… it’s really appealing.”
She’s not alone. The Oscar development downtown sold out within seven months; after three days of lineups outside its showcase offices,
Richmond‘s Rosario Gardens sold out 90 per cent of its condo units in a matter of days. Rennie Marketing Systems, the city’s busiest condominium development marketer, rang up more than $400 million in sales last year on 21,740 units.
Buying frenzies lead to an inevitable question – one that’s almost become a cliche by now.
“Are we in a bubble?” Ken Leong, a Westside condo specialist and head of Ken Leong Marketing, asks rhetorically.
“I met people four years ago who thought that, and decided not to buy. And now they’re sitting there feeling sorry.”
What’s the worst that could happen? A dramatic rise in interest rates, a huge influx of tradespeople and contractors (an unlikely scenario, though it could increase supply and stall rising resale costs) or a change in the owner’s fortunes could affect a condo pre-sale purchase.
“The worst thing that could happen is I end up living in my apartment for a long time,” says Edmund Wong.
Douglas Soo could have written the screenplay to Wong’s life. “I tell you that nine out of ten of my clients won’t live in the unit they buy,” he says. “Your expectations will change. You might change.”
Wong definitely has changed in the last four years. His acting career has taken off (most recently with the CBC TV movie Dragon Boys, and the just-wrapped feature film Martian Child, in which he plays opposite Angelica Huston and John Cusack), and he’s settled into a long-term relationship.
While his next home at Raffles on Robson will be bigger than his current place, he won’t discount the possibility of moving up, into a larger space with more room inside and out. Right now, though, he’s just fine with his lifestyle, thanks.
“After a while living downtown, you get to want some more space, just to hang out at home,” he says.
“Still, I don’t see the house and backyard right now. For now, I’m just thinking ‘Higher and bigger.”

Lunches for those looking to linger

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2005

Joey Tomato’s finds its market niche between fine and family dining

Wendy McLellan
Province

An artist imagines what Joey Tomato’s will look like on a sunny day on West Broadway in Vancouver.

You’d think the prospect of competing for business with four similar restaurants on the same stretch of road would be enough to consider a change of location.

To Jeff Fuller, it just means he’s picked the right place to open Vancouver‘s first Joey Tomato’s. “It gives me comfort,” said Fuller, president of the Joeys brand of his family’s restaurant chains.

“There’s a large population in the area, and a lot of lunchtime customers. I definitely think there’s room for one more.”

Construction is under way for a new Joey Tomato’s on West Broadway just east of Granville on the site of the old Kit’s Pub. The restaurant, scheduled to open next April, will compete for business with an Earl’s — also a Fuller family operation — and a Cactus Club a block away, as well as another Earl’s and Cactus Club a few blocks east.

All three restaurants put themselves in the “premium casual” category. “There seems to be a niche between fine dining and family dining,” Fuller said.

“I think there’s a big push for the premium feeling, but that you don’t have to save up for.”

He defines the category as stylish restaurants with high-end finishes and quality sound systems along with a well-priced menu.

Customers linger at the tables — and you’re not likely to find crayons and high chairs available.

Plans for the new restaurant on Broadway include full-height windows, an arched cedar ceiling and rooftop patio. The ladies washroom is two levels joined by a suspended staircase and the men’s washroom has LCD screens hanging above the urinals.

Joey Tomato’s has two B.C. locations– in Coquitlam and Kelowna — and the Coquitlam-based firm is looking to expand, said Glenn Green, director of concept development for the Joeys brand, which includes the OPM Asian bistro in Edmonton and Cucina Cucina in Washington and Oregon.

Green said the company is actively looking for sites in Vancouver‘s Yaletown, Coal Harbour and in the Burrard and Robson area. It is also scouting the North Shore for future expansion.

“We feel we’re leaders in premium casual dining and it’s time we introduced what we have to the B.C. market,” he said. Fuller opened the first Joey Tomato’s in Calgary in 1992 and has since opened nine more restaurants, including one this year in Seattle.

The Fuller family also owns Earl’s restaurants and the Saltlik steak houses in Calgary and Banff. A new Saltlik, under construction on Vancouver‘s Alberni Street, is scheduled to open in December.

© The Vancouver Province 2005

 

Cambie Hostel to get $2.4m upgrade

Tuesday, November 1st, 2005

Plan to add bunks to cash in on fast-growing market

Bruce Constantineau
Sun

CREDIT: Mark Van Manen, Vancouver Sun Paul Jacobs (left) and Sam Yehia are about to redevelop the Cambie Hostel in Gastown where they are well known for one of the cheapest pints of beer in town. They say they are selling more than one million pints a year.

Owners of the Cambie Hostel in Gastown plan to raise $2.4 million to renovate the historic turn-of-the-century Victorian property so it will complement the massive redevelopment planned on the adjacent Woodward’s property.

Cambie Malone’s Group partner Paul Jacobs said the company has hired the same architect used in the proposed $280-million Woodward’s redevelopment — Gregory Henriquez — to ensure continuity along the block.

“Woodward’s is a massive development but if we don’t spruce up our little block, the area will still look like an eyesore,” he said.

CMG hopes to gain city approval by next spring to restore heritage facades, upgrade rooms, build a new lobby, expand pub seating and improve its liquor retail facilities.

Jacobs noted the Woodward’s project and the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium in Gastown will bring more people to the area and create more business for local merchants.

“These changes will help [the hostel] become a more multi-purpose facility that will make Gastown a more tourist-friendly area,” Jacobs said. “It will be used by residents, tourists and people who live down there as the area gentrifies.”

Jacobs said the Gastown hostel, at the southeast corner of Cambie and Cordova streets, is the largest purveyor of Labatts draft beer in B.C., selling more than a million pints a year.

The property currently has 42 rooms with 128 bunks but CMG wants to expand the number of bunks to about 300 to accommodate the strong demand for more facilities.

“We’re 100-per-cent full in the summer and it’s getting a lot busier during the shoulder season because there are so many ESL students in that area now,” Jacobs said.

CMG says its focus on the youth travel market makes sound business sense because it’s a $90-billion-a-year industry that’s growing by more than 10 per cent a year, accounting for about 22 per cent of world tourism.

Besides the Gastown property, CMG also owns pub/hostel operations in Esquimalt, Nanaimo and at Seymour and Pender in Vancouver (Malone’s Sports Bar & Grill). It is currently attempting to raise about $4.5 million to finance upgrades at its various facilities.

Jacobs said a public offering for investors began in earnest last month and so far, about 16 per cent of the total has been raised.

The offering memorandum says investments in the venture will provide an annual return of 12 per cent but notes investments in syndicated mortgages are speculative and “involve a high degree of risk.”

© The Vancouver Sun 2005

 

The worst intersections in BC

Sunday, October 30th, 2005

BCAA/PROVINCE SURVEY: Readers hate Vancouver intersection — and many, many others

Frank Luba
Province

Lynn Siddaway and all the drivers of B.C., we feel your pain.

Siddaway was one of the 2,569 frustrated, fuming and flummoxed motorists who responded to a B.C. Automobile Association/ Province poll about B.C.’s worst intersections.

Her complaint was about the Vancouver junction of 49th Avenue and Knight Street, which was top of the tops in the province with 54 mentions.

Siddaway admitted to being a little surprised her choice turned out to be the worst in the province, “but I guess I shouldn’t be. I’ve never personally seen an accident there but it’s an accident in the making, all the time, waiting to happen.

“I try to avoid it all costs,” she added.

Like so many other dysfunctional junctions, traffic volume and congestion afflict 49th and Knight.

But the biggest issue there was the lack of advanced left-hand turning.

“Basically, it turns into a one-lane highway because everyone stays in the right lane to avoid these people turning left at 49th,” said Siddaway.

“It slows everything down. When people get slowed down they get impatient and they do silly things.”

Similar congestion and left-turn lane issues make Cooper Road and Highway 97 in Kelowna the second-worst in the province.

The issue there is access to the Okanagan community’s Orchard Park mall. Gwen McPhee wrote that she is “tired of waiting for up to a half-hour or longer to turn.”

Third on the list is the new freeway interchange of 200th Street and Highway 1 in Langley.

“In this day and age, to design a major freeway interchange with traffic lights, no cloverleafs, and the most confusing signage I have ever encountered is ridiculous,” wrote Hal Klassen of Coquitlam.

“The person responsible for this should be drummed out of his profession,” continued Klassen, who has travelled extensively but never seen a design like 200th and the Trans-Canada.

In all, seven of the 10 worst intersections are in the Lower Mainland, with one in the Okanagan and two in Victoria — including Douglas Street at Hillside Avenue, where five roads converge.

BCAA spokesman Trace Acres said the survey is ammunition to take to the city, province or authority in charge to get changes made.

He said the plan now is to bring the 10 most complained-about intersections in each region to the politicians’ attention.

“We want to say, ‘What can you do about it, what are you doing about it or if you have no intention of doing anything about it,'” said Acres.

BCAA plans to follow up on the responses and then tell its members the result.

“This is not a scientific survey but I think it is representative,” said Acres. “We’ve seen in each of the regions people come forward and say, ‘This intersection in our community is a problem.'”