WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 1 SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION Thanks for picking the winners — again. Even after 14 years, WE’s annual BEST OF THE CITY Reader’s Choice poll continues to be our most talked about edition. After all, who doesn’t want to discover amazing new places to eat, dance or get tattooed? (Like this week’s cover girl and Best Local TV Personality winner Fiona Forbes , who had her victory immortalized by Dave Green, owner of the Best Tattoo/ Piercing Studio, Sacred Heart Tattoo.) Of course those are just a few of the categories in this year’s issue. In the pages that follow, find out about the best this city has to off er, as voted on by you, our readers. Enjoy! The WE team DINING OUT............................... 2 DINING IN ................................... 8 AFTER DARK ............................ 10 SHOPPING FOR THE HOME 12 SHOPPING FOR THE SELF.... 13 SERVICES................................... 14 HEALTH & FITNESS ................ 18 LOOKING GOOD..................... 20 LIFESTYLE & HOBBIES .......... 21 CULTURE ................................... 22 MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS .................................. 22 LIFE ............................................. 23 PEOPLE ...................................... 23 INDEX R E A D E R S ’ C H O I C E C it y of the B est 2011
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WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 1
SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION
Thanks for picking the winners — again. Even after 14 years, WE’s annual BEST OF THE CITY Reader’s Choice poll continues to be our
most talked about edition. After all, who doesn’t want to discover amazing new places to eat, dance or get tattooed? (Like this week’s
cover girl and Best Local TV Personality winner Fiona Forbes, who had her victory immortalized by Dave Green, owner of the Best Tattoo/Piercing Studio, Sacred Heart Tattoo.) Of course those are just a few
of the categories in this year’s issue. In the pages that follow, fi nd out about the best this city has to off er, as voted on by you, our readers.
Enjoy!
The WE team
DINING OUT ............................... 2DINING IN ................................... 8AFTER DARK ............................ 10SHOPPING FOR THE HOME 12SHOPPING FOR THE SELF.... 13SERVICES ................................... 14HEALTH & FITNESS ................ 18LOOKING GOOD ..................... 20LIFESTYLE & HOBBIES .......... 21CULTURE ................................... 22MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT& SPORTS .................................. 22LIFE ............................................. 23PEOPLE ...................................... 23
INDEX
READERS’ CHOICE
Cityof theBest
2011
NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN 2010)1. L’Abattoir (217 Carrall, LAbattoir.ca)2. Bao Bei (163 Keefer, Bao-Bei.ca)3. Cafeteria (2702 Main, CafeteriaVancouver.ca)
CHAIN RESTAURANT1. Cactus Club Cafe (various locations,
CactusClubCafe.com)2. Joeys (various locations, JoeysRestaurants.com)3. White Spot (various locations, WhiteSpot.com)
ONE-OF-A-KIND RESTAURANT1. Salt Tasting Room (45 Blood Alley,
SaltTastingRoom.com)2. The Eatery (3431 W. Broadway, TheEatery.ca)3. The Alibi Room (157 Alexander, Alibi.ca)
• Bin 941/Bin 942 (941 Davie, 1521 W. Broadway; Bin941.com) (tie)
CHEF (FINE DINING)1. John Bishop (Bishop’s)2. Hidekazu Tojo (Tojo’s)3. Pino Posteraro (Cioppino’s)
CHEF (CASUAL)1. Rob Feenie (Cactus Club Cafe)2. Robert Belcham (Refuel, Campagnolo)
(181 E. 16th) • Octopus Garden (1995 Corn-wall, OctopusGarden.ca) (tie)
CHINESE1. Bao Bei (see New Restaurant)2. Kirin (various locations, KirinRes-
taurants.com)3. Hon’s Wun-Tun House (various
locations, Hons.ca)
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN 2010): L’ABATTOIR“We really want to offer our guests the best aspects of a fi ne-dining restaurant in an atmosphere that’s casual and approachable,” chef Lee Cooper said to WE restaurant critic Andrew Morrison in April of last year, shortly before the opening of L’Abattoir (217 Carrall, LAbattoir.ca). At that time, no one knew what to expect of the Gastown restaurant, which would be the fi rst business to take over the former home of the original, beloved Irish Heather pub (which relocated to larger digs across the street). But from its very fi rst night, it was clear that Cooper — alongside business partners Paul Grunberg and Nin Ari — had created a winner. Cooper’s French-infl uenced West Coast cuisine is a primary draw, of course, but it’s the complete package at L’Abattoir that has made reservations a necessity virtually every night of the week: a stunning but funkily relaxed room, an exemplary (and ridiculously well-dressed) service staff, and the thirst-slaking skills of barman Shaun Layton and sommelier Jake Shakun.
Best Chinese: Bao Bei
#1 Steakhouse in Vancouver
www.kegsteakhouse.com
We take a great deal of pride in everything we do.
So the fact that you’ve recognized our efforts is
especially rewarding. Thank you. Yaletown Keg 1011 Mainland St. (604) 633-2534Thurlow Keg 742 Thurlow Street (604) 685-4388
Find us on
Jewish Baking & Deli at its fi nest. What’s not to like?
368 West 7th Ave.South end of Cambie Bridge
(at Yukon & 7th)604.675.9750
2873 West Broadway½ block W. of MacDonald
(In Kitsilano)604.738.2121
189 East 28th Ave.½ block W. of Main Street
604.872.1821
www.sollysbagelry.com
Looking for the best Jewish Deli Bakery this side of the Red Sea?
You are invited to enjoy authentic Thai food
at the original Sala Thai Restaurant.
Reservations recommended.
(On Burrard)
Thank You Vancouver for voting us Best Thai Restaurant.
Open: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30pm-10:30pm102 - 888 Burrard St 102 - 888 Burrard St 604.683.7999604.683.7999
salathai.casalathai.ca
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Traditional Oven-baked Pizza
lombardos.ca
THAI1. Sawasdee (4250 Main, SawasdeeThaiRestaurant.com)2. Thai House (various locations, ThaiHouse.com)
• Maenam (1938 W. 4th, Maenam.ca) (tie)3. Sala Thai (102-888 Burrard, SalaThai.ca)
KOREAN1. Jang Mo Jib (1719 Robson)2. Shabusen (202-755 Burrard, 2993 Granville;
Shabusen.com)3. Nor Boo (1536 Robson)
SINGAPOREAN1. Kam’s Place (1043 Davie)2. Hawker’s Delight (4127 Main)
TheTempleton.blogspot.com)2. Lucy’s Eastside Diner (see Late-
Night Dining) • Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe (2095 W. 4th, SophiesCosmicCafe.com)
3. Acme Café (51 W. Hastings, AcmeCafe.ca) • Hamburger Mary’s (see Late-Night Dining)
VEGETARIAN1. The Naam (see Late-Night Dining)2. The Foundation (2301 Main)3. Gorilla Food (436 Richards,
GorillaFood.com)
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT1. White Spot (various locations,
WhiteSpot.com)2. Little Nest (1716 Charles,
LittleNest.ca)3. Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
(1876 W. 1st, RockyMountainFlatbread.ca)
WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 5
Best Burgers: Vera’s Burger Shack
whitespot.ca
$5 OFF DINNERJoin us for dinner and receive $5 off per couple or $2.50 off for a single diner.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US
Valid from now until March 27, 2011. Valid after 4pm for dine-in only at the participating restaurants listed above. Minimum purchase of $25.00 per couple or $12.50 per single diner. Maximum discount $5.00. Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per couple per visit.
GRANVILLE & DRAKE718 Drake Street604-605-0045
GEORGIA & CARDERO1616 West Georgia Street604-681-8034
GEORGIA & SEYMOUR580 West Georgia Street604-662-3066
CAMBIE & 13TH2850 Cambie Street604-873-1252
One-of-a-kind taste is just one of the things that makes White Spot so special. Variety is another. From our award winning burgers served with fresh cut fries, to our big bowl salads, BC chicken, pastas and stir-frys, there’s truly something on the menu for everyone. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Thank you
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for Voting us the #1 Vietnamese Restaurant in Vancouver!
3388 Main St (at 18th Ave)604-874-0832
Open 7 days a week: 10am - 10pm
Enjoy a FREE Spring Roll with the purchase of one large Pho
Valid until March 31
2884 West Broadway 604.733.3002migzbbq.com
“If you want a fun atmosphere, friendly wait staff and great food, Migz is a good bet.” CCitityyof theBest
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RESTAURANT FOR A DATE1. Chambar (562 Beatty, Chambar.com)2. Bin 941/942 (see One-of-a-Kind
SecretGardenTea.com)2. Urban Tea Merchant (1070 W. Georgia,
UrbanTea.com)3. DavidsTea (2199 W. 4th,
DavidsTea.com)
WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 7
Best Coffee Shop (Independent): Melriches
Ori inal Natural eYour Original Natural Food S ore
1595 Kingsway 604-872-3019
Open 7 days a week 8am - 9pm
Thank You Thank You
for voting us for voting us
Best Independent Grocer
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115995 KKii
Thank you for voting us best dessert in the city
Sweet Tooth, meet Sweet Obsession! We believe that desserts of the highest quality must be made from fresh & natural ingredients like pure butter, seasonal fruit & Belgian chocolate. You won’t fi nd any powdered mixes, stabilizers or preservatives in our tasty treats. Be sure to leave
your will power at home, you might even want to order a second piece!
For the restaurant with the biggest dessert list in the city, join us two doors down at Trafalgars Bistro. Along with extraordinary food, service, and atmosphere (and a year-round $34 prix fi xe
menu) we offer Sweet Obsession’s entire selection of cakes & pastries. We hope to see you soon!
128-998 Harbourside Dr, North Van; ThomasHaas.com)
2. Purdy’s (various locations, Purdys.com)
3. Chocolate Arts (2037 W. 4th, ChocolateArts.com) • Daniel le Chocolat Belge (various locations, DanielChocolates.com) (tie)
8 February 24 - March 2, 2011 Best of the City 2011 WEVancouver.com
DINING IN
Best Fresh Seafood: Granville Island Market
Donald’s on Hastings 2342 East Hastings Street, Vancouver| T: 604.254.3014Donald’s on Commercial 2279 Commercial Drive, Vancouver | T: 604.255.1440 Donald’s on Quayside #130 - 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster | T: 604.525.3331
Thank you Vancouver for voting us Best Independant Grocery Store!
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HELLO I’M
Open until 7pm, 7 days a week. granvilleisland.com
Thanks for voting the Public Market as Vancouver’s Best Fresh Seafood. Seafood City, Longliner Seafood, and The Salmon Shop, are just three of over 50 passionate merchants in the Granville Island Public Market.
expert.
Hey Vancouver, we think you’re Canada Prime too!
WINDSOR PACKING CO. LTD
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4110 Main Street | Vancouver, BC V5V 3P7| 604.872.5635
Readers Choice Awards for Best Take Out Thank you for Voting our
Gelato the GOLD!
Please visit us at either of our Amato Gelato Retail Locations
t eitheerrr fffofofofof oooourururur AAAAAAAmamamamattoto Gelai h f A G l
78 E. 1st Ave (across from Olympic Vil.) Vancouver • 604-879-9011
5951 No. 3 Road, Richmond • 604-231-5885
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WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 9
1110 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC, V5L 3X2
Tel: 604-255-1744
102-2540 Mary Hill Road
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 3B2
Tel: 604-468-2500
2440 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC, V5N 4B9
Tel: 604-874-8758
1005 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1L4
Tel: 604-687-0002
820 Thurlow Street
Vancouver, BC, V6E 1W2
Tel: 604-688-2729
898 Granville Street
Vancouver BC, V6Z 1K3
Tel: 604-688-9092
1112 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC, V6E 1N1
Tel: 604-801-5150
686 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC, V6B 3K4
Tel: 604-255-6642
160-3292 Production Way
Burnaby, BC, SFU Skytrain Stn.
Tel: 604-444-4410
101-3365 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604-558-1112
Megalicious... I swear! :)“Have you tried their Spinach Rolls? What about their Specialty Pizzas?... All I can say is that this place is the ultimate for those cravings you get when you just need something to fi ll you up and satisfy you. Also, the price is perfect, nope...make that unbelievable...They should be on one of those readers choice thing-a-ma-jiggs...whatever they’re called. They defi nitely will get my vote.” – Rina
Best online delivery!“What made me curious about this place is that it is always packed even beyond 1-2am. I didn’t wan to line up so I had mine delivered. Works like a charm every time. Prices are very reasonable and they always have great promos... If you’re looking for great value and ease of use delivery online system, try Megabite Pizza.” – JoePizza
Online Specials Make This Worthwhile“As starving students with assignment deadlines at midnight, we had no time to cook. We found this wicked online deal at Megabite: 2 large specialty pizzas for $19. WHAAAT? Pizza in Vancity that isn’t a bajillion dollars???The toppings were generous for the price, and the thin crust was crunchy, not doughy. I don’t often come across places that put eggplant and whole cloves of roasted garlic on their pies. ” – m_star
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Best Home Delivery
On
*
* Offer expires Feb. 28, 2011
BARTENDER1. Jay Jones (Market by Jean-Georges)2. Lauren Mote (The Refi nery) 3. Shaun Layton (L’Abattoir) • Wendy McGuiness (Chambar) (tie)
BAR (CASUAL)1. The Alibi Room (157 Alexander, Alibi.ca) • 1181 (1181 Davie, TightLounge.com) (tie)
2. The Diamond (6 Powell, Di6mond.com)3. The Five Point (3124 Main, TheFivePoint.com) • Pourhouse (162 Water, PourhouseVancouver.com) (tie)Honourable mention: The Score (1262 Davie,scoreondavie.com)
BAR (FORMAL)1. The Diamond (see Bar — Casual)2. George (1137 Hamilton, GeorgeLounge.com)3. The Keefer (133 Keefer, TheKeefer.com) • Uva Wine Bar (900 Seymour, UvaWineBar.ca) (tie)
10 February 24 - March 2, 2011 Best of the City 2011 WEVancouver.com
AFTER DARK
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because we know:
IT’S GOOD TO BE HERE.Thank you WE readers. We’re proud to be your favourite local brewery!
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CELEBRITIESNIGHTCLUB.COM
TWITTER.COM/CELEBRITIES_VAN
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Resources for the Creative Individual
OPUS
THANK YOU VANCOUVER!
Granville Island 1360 Johnston St.
opusframing.com
Downtown Vancouver 207 W Hastings St.
VANCOUVER’S URBAN WEEKLY
NEWS • ENTERTAINMENT • LIFE
THANK YOU to our many readers
who voted in our
14th Annual
Best of the City
Winners also
available online
WEVancouver.com
WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 11
LIVE MUSIC VENUE1. Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville)2. Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward,
BiltmoreCabaret.com)3. Fortune Sound Club (147 E. Pender,
TheComedyMix.com)2. Vancouver TheatreSports League
(104-1177 West Broadway, VTSL.com)3. Lafflines (26 Fourth St., New Westmin-
ster; Laffl ines.com)
PLACE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE1. Biltmore Cabaret (see Live Music
Venue)2. The Cambie (340 Cambie,
TheCambie.com)3. The Roxy (see Dance Club)
LOCAL BAND1. Louder than Love2. Black Mountain • AK-747s (tie)3. Mother Mother
LOCAL DJ1. DJ Flipout2. DJ Pandemonium3. DJ Adam Dreaddy
BEST DANCE CLUB (GOLD)/ BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE (BRONZE): FORTUNE SOUND CLUBGarret Louie and Robert Rizk (a.k.a. promoters GMAN & Rizk, who have been bringing international DJs and hip-hop acts to Vancouver for years) refused to compromise their vision when they began conceptualizing Fortune Sound Club (147 E. Pender, FortuneSoundClub.com), which opened in August of 2009. Tired of dance clubs and live-music venues that gave little consideration to ambience or quality of sound, the duo sought to offer the best of everything. That meant transforming a neglected upstairs space in Chinatown (formerly home to Ming’s Chinese Restaurant) into the most ear-friendly, mid-sized venue in the city — thanks to a quarter-million-dollar sound system (called Funktion One) and acoustically pristine renovations that let the system sing. As Chinatown continues its transformation into one of Vancouver’s foremost ‘it’ neighbour-hoods, expect Fortune to establish itself as the gold standard other clubs will aspire to match.
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HOME FURNISHINGS (CHAIN)1. IKEA (1000 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam; 3200 Swe-
den Way, Richmond; IKEA.com/ca)2. HomeSense (493 Robson, 491 W. 8th, HomeSense.ca)3. Urban Barn (various locations, UrbanBarn.com)
• Nood (151 Water, NoodDesign.ca) (tie)
HOME FURNISHINGS (INDEPENDENT)1. Parliament Interiors (115 Water,
ParliamentInteriors.com)2. The Cross (1198 Homer, TheCrossDesign.com)3. Provide (529 Beatty, ProvideHome.com)Honourable mention: Inform Interiors (50 Water, In-
formInteriors.com) • Chintz & Company (950 Homer, Chintz.com) (tie)
HOME ACCESSORIES1. HomeSense (see Home Furnishings — Chain)2. IKEA (see Home Furnishings — Chain)3. Homewerx (1053 Davie, Homewerx.ca)
HOME ELECTRONICS1. Best Buy (2220 Cambie, BestBuy.ca)• Future Shop (various locations, FutureShop.ca) (tie)2. London Drugs (various locations, LondonDrugs.com)3. Visions (1672 S.E. Marine, Visions.ca)Honourable mention: Commercial Electronics (1335
Burrard, CommercialElectronics.ca) • Sony Style (vari-ous locations, SonyStyle.ca) (tie)
FLORIST1. The Flower Factory (3604 Main, FlowerFactory.ca)2. Get Fresh Flowers (1688 Davie, GetFreshFlowers.com)3. Hilary Miles Flowers (1854 W. 1st, HilaryMilesFlowers.com)
12 February 24 - March 2, 2011 Best of the City 2011 WEVancouver.com
SHOPPING FOR THE HOME
Best Florist: The Flower
Factory
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The Little Hardware CompanyThe only Benjamin Moore Paint and Hardware Store in the West End
serving the community since 1984
1320 Davie Street (near Jervis) I 604-687-6285
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We’re So Proudto be voted #1
Local Hardware Store
We can’t be-leaf it! Thank you Vancouver for voting us Best Gardening Source.
Your garden centre and so much more.
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1401 Hornby St. | 604-662-3303 | www.artknapps.ca
home decorgardeningfashion
URBAN GARDEN
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SSellutionellutionThe QualityConsignment Ltd.
We buy, sell and consign the best in antique, vintage and used furniture.
A Vancouver gem frequented by locals and visitors alike, The Sellution really has something for everyone!
Many thanks to our cu
stomers
for voting us #1. We Love You!
3206 Main St.Vancouver, BC(604) 876-4517
Proudly Serving our Community for Over 50 Years
Silver Winner: Vancouver’s Best
Plumber
www.milani.ca | 604-737-2603
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1849 Main St.(and 3rd)778-855-0969
ReFind Mid Century Furnishings
Thank You Vancouver
Re-UseRe-FurbishRe-PurposeRe-Sell
Re-FinishRe-ClaimRe-Cycle
ReFind
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115 Water Street, Vancouver 604-689-0800
www.parliamentinteriors.com
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14th ANNUAL Thank you for voting for us #1!Love, the Ministers of Parliament
UNIQUE GIFTS1. Fine Finds (1014 Mainland, FineFindsBoutique.com)2. Front & Company (3772 Main, FrontAndCompany.ca)3. Obsessions (101-595 Howe Street,
MEN’S APPAREL (FORMAL)1. Harry Rosen (Pacifi c Centre, HarryRosen.com)2. Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir, HoltRenfrew.com)3. Mark James Clothing (2941 W. Broadway,
LUXURIOUS waterfront townhome at the Calisto in Coal Harbour! This incredible 3 level, 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom home enjoys what is easily the best layout in the building! Corner unit with fl oor-to-ceiling, windows facing 3 directions offers unparalleled views of Coal Harbour & plenty of natural light! Features include an amazing & large custom gourmet kitchen, quality appliances, granite countertops, top of the line fi nishings, air conditioning and private elevator to all fl oors. Just steps to downtown Vancouver has to offer. Private 2 car secured garage attached. This is a unique & rarely available home that should not be missed!
65 East 3rd Avenue (3rd and Quebec)We invite you to call us with any questions regarding automotive service or repair. WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
604-681-1727 • www.ootmar.ca
includes 49 pt inspection and FREE CAR WASH
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GOLD WINNER13th ANNUAL
2010
CCitityyof theBest
16 February 24 - March 2, 2011 Best of the City 2011 WEVancouver.com
www.maddensolutions.com | 604.831.7548
Your support has really MOVED us.
moving • labour • storage
Thank you to all our customers and business partners for your support in voting us in the Best of Vancouver 2011. And a special thanks to my staff who make the business what it is. The staff and I at Madden Solutions would like to wish you all a prosperous 2011 and hope we can continue to improve the level of personal and professional service that you would expect when moving, storing or when you just need that extra hand either in your home or business.
– Max Madden
For those readers that
aren’t a Madden Solutions
customer YET... please visit
our website or give us a call.
Mention this ad for a free
bottle of wine and box of
Lamingtons with your move.
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Best Moving Company
2006-2010Thank youThank you Vancouver Vancouver
for voting usBest Auto Repair & ServicesBest Auto Repair & Services
MINIT-TUNE & BRAKE AUTO CENTRE
Coupon expires March 24, 2011. Offer may not be combined with other coupons or promotions. Coupon must be presented for discount. Surcharge may apply.
KITSILANO LOCATION: 1390 W. 4th Ave. 604-738-5590 • Open 7 Days a Week
YALETOWN LOCATION: 710 Pacific St. 604-688-9309 • Open Monday – Saturday
SPRING MAINTENANCE PACKAGE
$3688Plus env. Fees and taxes
1. OIL, LUBE & FILTER: Change the oil, install a new oil filter and lubricate the chassis
2. BRAKES: check front & rear brake systems
3. FRONT END: check shock absorbers, struts, & steering components
• Easy Around Moving & Delivery (2540 Larch) (tie)3. The Move Man (1806 Victoria,
TheMoveMan.com)
CONSTRUCTION/RENOVATION CONTRACTOR1. Klondike Contracting (300-1375 W. 6th,
KlondikeContracting.com)2. Revision Custom Home Renovations
(RevisionRenovations.com)3. Level One Renovation & Maintenance
(LevelOne.ca)
CONTINUING-EDUCATION FACILITY1. Langara (Langara.bc.ca)2. UBC (UBC.ca) • VCC (VCC.bc.ca) (tie)3. BCIT (BCIT.ca) • Vancouver School Board
(VSB.bc.ca) (tie)
Best Hotel (Independent): Opus Hotel
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P R E M I E R R E A L T Y
Susan CameronBringing you home
..susancameronrealtor.com
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6 YEARS IN A ROW!
THE SMART CHOICE!
• Moving across town, across BC or Canada
• Affordable prices• No obligation consultation• We arrange storage packing & wardrobes• Discount piano days and mid-month specials• We sell boxes, tape & paper.
NORTH SHORE604.986.2222
VANCOUVER604.327-4444
Y O U ’ L L A P P R E C I A T E O U R E X P E R I E N C E D M O V E R S !
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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$
Fast, professional service to Vancouver’s
West Side
www.dunbarplumbing.caCCitityyof theBest
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Best Prices on Cruises plusOnboard Credits for BCAA Members
Earn Aeroplan points
Holland America Alaska Cruises from: USD $799 7 night Vancouver Round-trip (Sept. 18 Zuiderdam)
Royal Caribbean Europe Cruises from: USD $599 7 night Valencia Round-trip
(Jun. 19 Adventurer of the Seas)
Downtown: 604-681-7327 or www.cruiseshipcenters.ca/paradise
Kerrisdale: 604-266-1118 or www.cruiseshipcenters.ca/kerrisdale
All Cruises shown based on double occupancy & are subject to availability,
Experience all of Alaska with a Cruise TourCruise + Land Tour = Cruise Tour
NATUROPATHIC RETAILER/CLINIC1. Finlandia (see Specialty Health Store)2. Sage Clinic (487 Davie, Sageclinic.com)3. South Granville Naturopathic Clinic (212-3195 Gran-
20 February 24 - March 2, 2011 Best of the City 2011 WEVancouver.com
Looking Good
BEST EYEWEAR: BRUCEThings didn’t always look so bright for Bruce Eyewear (219 Abbott, BruceEyewear.com). In its fi rst incarnation in 2000, the eyewear retailer was a part of fashion impresario Campbell Macdougall’s doomed, high-end Alberni Street. “anti-department store,” Bruce. When the whole shebang went into receivership in 2004, owner Nada Vuksic picked up the pieces and moved her wares to the store’s current Gastown digs. In its cozy loft-like space, Bruce has found its footing, growing from underground secret to chic avant-garde fashion destination. Its beautifully curated selection of frames and sunglasses (including exclusive-to-the-store lines like Claire Goldsmith Legacy, Lancier, Kirk Originals, and bespoke Oliver Goldsmith) has made the shop a must for fashion-lovers seeking that last, fabulous touch. Indeed, at times, Bruce seems more like a stylish salon than a retail store: A recent Thursday afternoon saw the manager of a trendy Yaletown restaurant patiently awaiting her fi tting, while a Gastown club owner and a well-known graphic artist poured over the shelves of merchandise and two stylists jostled over a very rare pair of Derome Brenners. You won’t see that at LensCrafters.
Best Hair Salon: Suki’s
Thanks for voting Ego as one of Vancouver’s Best Salons!Bring in this ad before March 10th and receive a stress-relieving hand massage and free travel-size Aveda product.*
2714 Granville Street, Vancouver 604.697.9227*While supplies last. One per person please.
TelusMobility.com)3. Bell (various locations, Bell.ca)
PERSONAL COMPUTERS1. Apple Store (Pacifi c Centre, Oakridge Centre, Apple.com) 2. NCIX (1711 W. Broadway, NCIX.com)3. Best Buy (various locations, BestBuy.ca) • Future Shop (vari-
ous locations, FutureShop.ca)Honourable mention: Mac Station (1014 Homer, MacStation.com)
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS1. Tom Lee (929 Granville, TomLeeMusic.ca)
• Long & McQuade (368 Terminal, Long-McQuade.com) (tie)2. Rufus’ Guitar Shop (2621 Alma, RufusGuitarShop.com)3. Bone Rattle Music (2012 Commercial, BoneRattle.com)
• Prussin Music (3607 W. Broadway, PussinMusic.com) (tie)
INDEPENDENT MUSIC STORE1. Red Cat (4307 Main, RedCat.ca)2. Zulu Records (1972 W. 4th, ZuluRecords.com)3. Highlife World Music (1317 Commercial,
HighlifeWorld.com)
MUSIC STORE FOR VINYL1. Red Cat (see Independent Music Store)2. Zulu (see Independent Music Store)3. Audiopile (2016 Commercial, Audiopile.com) • Scratch Re-
cords (1 E. Hastings, ScratchRecords.com) (tie)Honourable mention: Neptoon Records (3561 Main,
PET SUPPLIES1. Tisol (various locations, Tisol.ca)2. Bosley’s (various locations,
Bosleys.com)3. Mr Pet’s (1710 Commercial,
MrPets.ca)
ART SUPPLIES1. Opus (100-207 W. Hastings;
1360 Johnston, Granville Island; OpusFraming.com)
2. DeSerres (1629 Main, 1431 W. Broadway; DeSerres.ca)
3. Michaels (various loca-tions, Michaels.com)
SEX-TOY SHOP1. Womyns’ Ware (896 Com-
mercial, WomynsWare.com)
2. Little Sister’s (1238 Davie, LittleSisters.ca)
3. Honey Gifts (3448 Cambie, HoneyGifts.com) • Priape (1148 Davie, Priape.com) • The Art of Loving (1819 W. 5th, TheArtOfLoving.ca) (tie)
WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 21
LIFESTYLE
Best Independent Music Store:Red Cat
Cityof the
BestReaders’ Choice2011
14th Annual
CCitityyof theBest
Readers’ Choice2011
14th ANNUAL
Thank youVancouver
for voting HoneyBest Sex Toy Shop
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3448 Cambie Street (@ 19th Ave.), Vancouver Tel: 604.708.8065Website: www.honeygifts.com
Open Daily 11- 8pmKing Edward Canada Line Station
Gigi
PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL1. Vancouver International Fringe Festival
(VancouverFringe.com)2. PuSh Festival (PushFestival.ca)3. Bard on the Beach (BardOnTheBeach.org)
MUSIC FESTIVAL1. Vancouver International Jazz Festival
(CoastalJazz.ca)2. Vancouver Folk Music Festival
(TheFestival.bc.ca)3. MusicFest Vancouver (MusicFestVancouver.ca)
VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL1. The Drift (TheDrift.ca)2. Eastside Culture Crawl (EastsideCultureCrawl.com)3. Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF.org)Honourable mention: Vancouver Queer Film Festival
(OutOnScreen.com)
NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVAL/EVENT1. Car Free Vancouver Day (CarFreeVancouver.org)2. Eastside Culture Crawl (EastsideCultureCrawl.com)3. Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival (VancouverPride.ca)Honourable mention: Greek Day (Greek Day.com)
• Davie Day (DavieDay.com) (tie)
THEATRE COMPANY1. Arts Club (ArtsClub.com)2. Bard on the Beach (BardOnTheBeach.org)
• Vancouver Playhouse (VancouverPlayhouse.com) (tie)3. Pacific Theatre (Pacifi cTheatre.org)
• Electric Company Theatre (ElectricCompanyTheatre.com) (tie)
Honourable mention: Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society (ScreamingChicken.net)
CHORAL GROUP1. Chor Leoni (ChorLeoni.org)2. Vancouver Bach Choir (VancouverBachChoir.com)
• musica intima (MusicaIntima.org) (tie)3. Elektra Women’s Choir (Elektra.ca) • Vancouver
Men’s Chorus (VancouverMensChorus.ca) (tie)
CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP1. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
(VancouverSymphony.ca)2. Vancover Opera (VancouverOpera.ca)3. Vancouver Chamber Choir (VancouverChamberChoir.com)
ART GALLERY (PUBLIC)1. Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby,
VanArtGallery.bc.ca)2. Museum of Anthropology (6393 N.W. Marine, UBC;
MOA.UBC.ca)3. Contemporary Art Gallery (555 Nelson,
ContemporaryArtGallery.ca)
ART GALLERY (PRIVATE)1. Bau-Xi Gallery (3045 Granville, Bau-Xi.com)2. Diane Farris Gallery (1590 West 7th,
DianeFarrisGallery.com)3. AydenGallery (88 W. Pender, AydenGallery.com)Honourable mention: Buschlen-Mowatt (1445 W. Geor-
gia, BuschlenMowatt.com)
FIRST-RUN MOVIE THEATRE1. Fifth Avenue Cinemas (2110 Burrard, FestivalCinemas.ca)2. International Village (formerly Tinseltown)
(88 W. Pender, Cineplex.com)3. Scotiabank (900 Burrard, Cineplex.com)
REPERTORY/ART-HOUSE MOVIE THEATRE1. Fifth Avenue Cinemas (2110 Burrard, FestivalCinemas.ca)2. Hollywood (3123 W. Broadway, HollywoodTheatre.ca)3. Rio on Broadway (1660 E. Broadway, RioTheatre.ca)Honourable mention: Pacific Cinémathèque (1131
Howe, Cinematheque.bc.ca)
LOCAL TV NEWSCAST1. Global BC News Hour2. CTV News at 63. CBC News
22 February 24 - March 2, 2011 Best of the City 2011 WEVancouver.com
BEST FIRST-RUN MOVIE THEATRE/BEST REPERTORY OR ART-HOUSE MOVIE THEATRE: FIFTH AVENUE CINEMAS
It says much about the rare eclecticism of the programming at Fifth Avenue Cinemas (2110 Burrard, FestivalCinemas.ca) that it was chosen by WE readers as both Vancouver’s best first-run movie theatre and its best repertory or art-house theatre. This, in a nutshell, is what’s long been so appealing about the place. It does not have stadium seating, or a selection of fast-food outlets, or an arcade and a ball pit for impatient kids — and that’s the point. This is a place for serious movie lovers who are open to all manner of foreign and independent releases, but who also aren’t averse to the occasional Hollywood blockbuster (Inception, for ex-ample, had a healthy run there last year). Audiences at Fifth Avenue tend to reflect the venue’s reverence for film, too, browsing the review clippings posted in the lobby before turning off their cellphones (thank you!) and making their way inside.
CULTURE
LOCAL TV NEWS HOST1. Chris Gailus (Global)2. Tony Parsons (CBC)3. Sophie Lui (Global)
LOCAL TV SPORTSCASTER1. Squire Barnes (Global)2. Don Taylor (Sportsnet)3. Jay Janower (Global)
LOCAL TV WEATHERPERSON1. Tamara Taggart (CTV)2. Mark Madryga (Global)3. Wayne Cox (Global)
LOCAL CABLE SHOW1. Urban Rush2. Breakfast Television3. Studio 4
LOCAL TV PERSONALITY1. Fiona Forbes (Shaw Cable)2. Dawn Chubai (Citytv)3. Tamara Taggart (CTV)
LOCAL FM RADIO STATION1. CBC 88.12. The Beat 94.53. The Peak 100.5
LOCAL AM RADIO STATION1. CBC 6902. News 11303. Team 1040
LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY1. Kid Carson (The Beat 94.5)2. Rick Cluff (CBC Radio One)3. Teddy Smooth (CiTR 101.9)
LOCAL CELEBRITY YOU’D LIKE TO INVITE TO DINNER1. Michael Bublé2. Trevor Linden3. Ryan Reynolds
LOCAL BLOG1. Miss604.com2. VancityBuzz. com3. GourmetFury.com
LOCAL PODCAST1. CBC Radio 32. CabaRadio
LOCAL SPORTS TEAM1. Vancouver Canucks2. Vancouver Giants3. Vancouver Whitecaps
CANUCKS PLAYER1. Roberto Luongo2. Ryan Kesler3. Alex Burrows
WEVancouver.com Best of the City 2011 February 24 - March 2, 2011 23
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY (IN GOOD WEATHER)1. Walking2. Cycling3. Snowboarding
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY (IN BAD WEATHER)1. Walking2. Running3. Skiing
INDOOR ACTIVITY1. Yoga2. Sex3. Movies
BEST WAY TO MAKE VANCOUVER A FRIENDLIER PLACE1. Smile2. Say “Hi!” to strangers3. Talk to strangers
NEIGHBOURHOOD THAT BEST REPRESENTS VANCOUVER1. Kitsilano2. West End3. Commercial Drive
PLACE TO TAKE A TOURIST1. Stanley Park2. Granville Island3. Grouse Mountain
PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PARENT(S)1. Stanley Park2. Granville Island3. Grouse Mountain
PLACE TO TAKE YOUR KID(S)1. Vancouver Aquarium2. Stanley Park3. Science World
PLACE TO ESCAPE URBAN STRESS (WITHOUT LEAVING THE CITY)1. Stanley Park2. Queen Elizabeth Park3. Pacific Spirit Park
GREEN SPACE1. Stanley Park2. Queen Elizabeth Park3. Pacific Spirit Park
LOCAL CHARITY1. Vancouver Food Bank2. A Loving Spoonful3. Covenant House
LIFE
BEST USE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY/WORST USE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY: BIKE LANESLove ’em or hate ’em, we just can’t seem to get away from the great bike-lane debate. The more than $4 million in municipal funding that went into completing separate, dedicated bike lanes on Dunsmuir and Hornby Streets won your votes for Best and Worst Use of Taxpayers’ Money — and kept our Rant/Rave! phone line and inbox full of colourful submissions throughout last year. Whether you’re a cyclist or a driver — by the looks of things, both camps are well represented in our readership — one thing’s for sure: Those bike lanes divided more than just traffic.
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR: MELODY FURY (VANCOUVER FOOD TOUR)Cocktail ninja, culinary geisha, whatever you want to call her, Melody Fury claims this year’s top spot as best new entrepreneur for her wildly popular Vancouver Food Tours. After making a splash on NBC during last year’s Olympics, Fury launched her inside-scoop-tours of culinary offerings from Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and Yaletown to rave reviews. Both locals and tourists alike are atwitter over her self-guided or custom group adventures in eating well, while her red-hot blog and bubbly on-screen personality have only whet our appetite for more offerings from this feisty foodie. VancouverFoodTour.com.
MOST WONDERFUL VANCOUVERITE1. David Suzuki2. Trevor Linden3. Gregor Robertson
UNSUNG HERO1. Trevor Linden2. Brent Granby3. Spencer Chandra Herbert
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR1. Melody Fury (Vancouver
Food Tour)2. Jim Pattison3. Chip Wilson (lululemon)
MOST TRUSTWORTHY POLITICAN1. Gregor Robertson2. Spencer Chandra Herbert3. “None”
MOST ENTERTAINING RABBLE-ROUSER1. Bruce Allen2. Bill Vander Zalm3. Marc Emery
BEST GRASSROOTS POLITICAL ORGANIZATION1. Green Party2. Vision Vancouver 3. COPE / Work Less Party (tie)
MOST SPECTACULAR FAILURE (PERSON)1. Gordon Campbell2. Gregor Robertson3. Carole James
MOST SPECTACULAR FAILURE (THING)1. Olympic Village2. Bike lanes3. HST
BIGGEST WINDBAG1. Gordon Campbell2. Gregor Robertson3. Bill Vander Zalm
BEST USE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY1. Bike lanes2. Olympics3. Canada Line
WORST USE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY1. Bike lanes2. Olympics3. Olympic Village
PEOPLE
Most Trustworthy
Politician: Gregor
Robertson
24 February 24 - March 2, 2011 Best of the City 2011 WEVancouver.com
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EXHIBITION HALL — @ 7PM (free with one-time $3 VIDF membership)• battery opera (Vancouver)• The Source (Vancouver)• Arts Umbrella (Vancouver)• Khambatta Dance Company (USA)• T42 Dance Projects
(Switzerland/Japan)• Now or Never (Vancouver)
PERFORMANCE CENTRE — @ 8PM• EDAM (Vancouver)• Yvonne Pouget (Germany/Italy)• Trial & Eros-Deborah Dunn
(Montreal)• Cruceta Flamenco (Spain)• Marc Boivin (Montreal)/
Ichigo Ichieh (Nelson)• Kokoro Dance & Vancouver
March 1-19
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Enjoy the creative talents of dance artists from Vancouver, Nelson, Montreal, Halifax, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and the United States. Dance performances at the Roundhouse & the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. For more information or to order tickets call 604.662.4966 or visit VIDF.CA
Deborah DunnMarch 8-9, 2011 @ 8 pm
Roundhouse
SHADBOLT CENTRE FOR THE ARTS — @ 8PM • SiNS Dance (Halifax)
For this show only, purchase tickets at shaboltcentre.com or by phone at