Finding My Happy Place

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...it's where I like to escape to.

 1. Wellcome Collection

183 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE
UK
+44 20 7611 2222

Categories: Museums, Art Galleries, Libraries

Neighbourhood: Bloomsbury

5.0 star rating
  6/24/2009

As a child, after seeing King Tut's mask in London, I thought I would grow up to be an archeologist.  I still love the study of things that are buried deep below the surface and instead have been working in forensics (research for TV).  Given that,…More »

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 2. Deception Pass State Park

5175 N Hwy 20
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
USA
(360) 675-2417

Category: Parks

5.0 star rating
  9/7/2010

Deception Pass is the gateway to the incredible island called South Whidbey.  Just 2 hours plus border cross time from Vancouver, BC, it's a great getaway, especially since you don't have to be troubled booking ferries.  The camp has sooo many spots.…More »

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 3. Cat Lake

Alice Lake Rd
Squamish, BC V0N 1H0

Category: Beaches

4.0 star rating
  7/12/2010 First to Review

Showed up Saturday with no camp spot but met some cool new friends on the lake and were welcomed into their campground. Park Ranger gave us some hassle about it but we paid our $13 per car and he let it slide.  The place was pretty packed, despite…More »

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 4. Studio Brillantine

1518 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6R 1A4
(416) 536-6521

Category: Home Decor

Neighbourhood: Parkdale

5.0 star rating
  2/20/2009

Whenever I'm lost for gift ideas SB is where I end up. I can spend an hour looking at every piece in the store - Stelton's stainless steel coffee set by Arne Jacobsen, Shiseido candies from Ginza, Toyko and minimal digital watches by Philippe Stark.…More »

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 5. Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

110 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, ON M5V 2K4
(416) 203-2155

Categories: Cinema, Festivals

Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  5/27/2009

Hot Docs' success may be a case of being in the right place at the right time, when appetite for documentary has grown so rapidly. (Hmm...do we need to thank Michael Moore for that?) But, this little festival that could has expanded because it's done…More »

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 6. Pema NY

225 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
USA
(718) 388-8814

Categories: Women's Clothing, Accessories

Neighbourhood: Williamsburg - North Side

5.0 star rating
  2/21/2009

My god I love this place.  So many great pieces and with prices across the board you'll find something you can love and afford.  The jewelry which is what makes this shop amazing is simply stunning, much of it very minimal.  Other great accessories…More »

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 7. Bowen Island Sea Kayaking

PO Box 87
Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
(604) 947-9266
5.0 star rating
  7/19/2010 ROTD 10/12/2010

I was super impressed with BISK.  They were accommodating and informative right off the bat.  No problem booking me and 3 friends for a kayak lesson a few days in advance, they just required 50% down.  Once we got there I was equally happy.  Right…More »

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 8. Ishara

38 Water St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4
(604) 264-7494

Category: Women's Clothing

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

4.0 star rating
  5/31/2011

Great place for sexy little dresses.  Bought a gorgeous royal blue silk summer dress which has been scoring me compliments all day. (:  Only odd thing I think is for $200 I feel like it should be made locally and not in China.

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 9. Hotel Frisco Colorado

308 Main St
Frisco, CO 80443
USA
(970) 668-5009

Category: Hotels

5.0 star rating
  6/2/2009

Was so happy to happen upon Hotel Frisco when traveling through Colorado on a recent snowboard trip.  The small boutique hotel, on a charming village street, felt immediately welcoming so we inquired about price.  For $89 we had a choice of two rooms…More »

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 10. Stylegarage

938 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1G8
(416) 534-4343

Category: Furniture Stores

Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  2/9/2009 First to Review

Well before ubiquitous condo signs started popping up on Queen West, modern furniture boutique Stylegarage had made its mark on the artsy neighbourhood. From its wrap-around windows lined with eye-catching lighting, the shop, on a quiet corner of…More »

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 11. Semperviva Yoga

1333 Johnston St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
(604) 739-2087

Category: Yoga

Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek

4.0 star rating
  5/31/2009 ROTD 8/28/2009

I'd seen an ad for Semperviva Yoga on facebook, geared specifically to snowboarders, so I popped my head in when I happened to pass by.  There was no specific class for those of us trying to find a way to work out our snow-less summertime angst but…More »

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 12. The Curzon

1192 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1L4
(416) 850-3650

Category: Lounges

Neighbourhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  3/24/2009 ROTD 4/14/2009

I had a great night here and would go back anytime.  A couple friends invited us, and they knew a few people, who knew a few people so it seemed like everyone in the place was my buddy somehow (I could've just been drunk though).

The place was super…More »

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 13. Holder Restaurant Bar

407, Rue McGill
Montreal, QC H2Y 2G3
(514) 849-0333

Category: French

5.0 star rating
  3/23/2011

Can't wait to go back to Montreal so I can spend another night at Holder.  Love the place.  Was a perfect night with perfect dish after dish.  Especially loved the Salmon tartare with yogourt and Mujjol caviar, great to chase with the Lobster…More »

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 14. Tejas Yoga

1133 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60605
USA
(312) 386-9642

Category: Yoga

Neighbourhood: South Loop

5.0 star rating
  1/14/2011

James is truly the best yoga teacher I've ever had the privilege of working with (from NYC to Cali, TO to VanCity).  His energy and passion for yoga and life are contagious.  Call me crazy but I could consider moving to Chicago just to spend more…More »

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 15. Heavyweight Production House

661 N Spaulding Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
USA
(323) 655-4898

Category: Art Galleries

Neighbourhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood

5.0 star rating
  4/16/2010

Was bumming around Melrose one day when the rain hit.  I'd been in nearly every vintage shop and spent too much time looking at old records when I saw the sign for HVW8.  I headed down the side street and found the gallery's frontman Max.  We had a…More »

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 16. Lunch Box

1731 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M6P 1B2
(416) 762-5239

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Vegetarian, Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: High Park

5.0 star rating
  2/28/2009 First to Review

When I'm away on weekends from Toronto it's their hollandaise I crave.  Their sauce, like so many things at the Lunch Box, is whipped up from scratch and turned into yummy wholesome perfection.  So many great things to get, either to stay or…More »

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 17. Green Dolphin Street

2200 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
USA
(773) 395-0066

Categories: Restaurants, Jazz & Blues, Venues & Event Spaces

Neighbourhood: Bucktown

4.0 star rating
  5/7/2009

I tried to make it to Chicago for a weekend since I was looking forward to hearing some good house music.  It ended up that I was there on a Monday.  My local buddy assured me Monday nights are way better nights to party in the city and took us to…More »

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 18. Sunnyside Pavilion Cafe

1755 Lake Shore Blvd W
Toronto, ON M6S 5A3
(416) 531-2233

Category: Diners

5.0 star rating
  6/24/2010

I've always been a fan of Sunnyside - the bathing pavilion was built in 1932 and is one of my fav buildings in the city.  

Yesterday I kicked back with some friends on the patio, had some interesting new beers (Keiths white for one), stellar service…More »

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 19. Third Beach

Stanley Park Dr at Ferguson Point
Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2

Category: Beaches

Neighbourhood: West End

5.0 star rating
  9/22/2010

On a nice fall day I love this beach.  Feels isolated enough so as not to be crowded....and it's so pristine - not at all like dirty Kits.  I can't even believe, when I'm here, that I'm in the middle of a metropolitan city.  It's got an amazing bike…More »

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 20. Doxa Documentary Film & Video Festival

1726 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3
(604) 646-3200

Category: Arts & Entertainment

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/27/2009 First to Review

Went to my first Doxa doc today.  Good film, preceded by a couple shorts; loved hearing the producer speak about her project "Here Are the News", 10 years in the making.  Amazing to hear people discuss something which is such a labour of love for…More »

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 21. The Boardroom Snowboard Shop

2057 Lonsdale Ave
North Vancouver, BC V7M 2K4
(604) 985-9669

Category: Sporting Goods

Neighbourhood: Central Lonsdale

5.0 star rating
  11/17/2009 First to Review

I could spend hours here, actually I think I did.  So many sections: girls, guys, skate, sale, repair.  I didn't find the snowboard jacket I was looking for but no one In Van seems to have it.  We did find skate shoes, snowboard boots, a sick helmet…More »

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 22. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

152 Grey Rd 21
Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0K8
(877) 988-8484

Category: Day Spas

5.0 star rating
  6/7/2009 First to Review

Brilliant place to get away and relax.  In true Scandinavian fashion you go through the circuit of hot and cold water outdoor baths, where your heart rate will raise and lower while toxins flush through your skin.
The picturesque spa is nestled within…More »

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 23. Bloedel Floral Conservatory

4600 Cambie St
Vancouver, BC V6J 5L1
(604) 257-8584

Category: Parks

Neighbourhood: Riley Park

5.0 star rating
  6/20/2009

If you're a bird lover Bloedel won't disappoint.  They have 3 perched birds who seem used to interacting with their fans.  They'll probably speak to you too if you're looking for a little bird love.  Though other birds are running about, chirping…More »

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 24. Mt Baker Ski Area

1420 Iowa St
Bellingham, WA 98229
USA
(360) 734-6771

Category: Ski Resorts

3.0 star rating
  9/22/2010

I love seeing the majestic mountain from Vancouver, even though it reminds me of the night I feel I could've come close to death.  Mt.  Baker is an inhospitable place, especially when you arrive unprepared as we did.  We were to meet a friend in a…More »

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 25. Burrito Bandidos

120 Peter St
Toronto, ON M5V 2G7
(416) 593-9191

Category: Tex-Mex

Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  6/18/2009

It's my birthday and all I want is a tasty burrito from the boyz and girls of Burrito Banditos (the cute blond makes it best).  I loved working nearby, calling in my burrito order and having it ready the moment I dropped in.  Sweet that they always…More »

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 26. Malibu Beach Inn

22878 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
USA
(310) 456-6444

Category: Hotels

5.0 star rating
  2/13/2010

Spent a magical night with friends on the back patio watching a full moon rise over Malibu.  It was January and we pretty much had the place to ourselves, besides a greying couple nearby who were very much in love.  The waves were wild and crashing…More »

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 27. The Circle Skate & Snowboard Shop

4369 Main St
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 905-4422
5.0 star rating
  10/25/2009 First to Review

Sweet snowboard shop, always makes me feel like kickin around for a bit.  Today some fun dudes were running the shop, we talked vids, new styles in boots & shades and had a bunch of laughs.  Picked up a great RVCA plaid shirt and my boy got a…More »

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 28. Monte Clark Gallery

55 Mill Street
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
(416) 703-1700

Category: Art Galleries

Neighbourhood: Distillery District

5.0 star rating
  6/29/2009 First to Review

I often go down to the Distillery District just to check out the Monte Clark gallery, usually bringing a friend in tow.  The exhibits rarely disappoint.  There have been a range of media displayed over the years, however it's the large format stills…More »

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 29. Cypress Community Garden

Cypress St & 6th Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 5L1

Category: Local Flavour

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

5.0 star rating
  6/9/2010

I can only dream I'll get my own little plot one day to celebrate my love of all living colour.  For now I'm content to wander the tracks and trails breathing in the beauty left there for the community to enjoy.

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 30. Lens & Shutter

1005 Broad St
Victoria, BC V8W 2A1
(250) 383-7443
5.0 star rating
  11/22/2010 First to Review

I would go here all the time if I lived in Victoria.  Went in just to look at a few things but because the service was so good I just kept learning and discussing new products...ended up with an attachable zoom mic, a fancy clamp, a tripod, some…More »

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 31. 12b

E 3rd Ave
Vancouver, BC V5T

Category: Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  5/12/2010 First to Review

So much to say about 12b...

For one, a most memorable evening, in every detail.

I'd never done something quite like this.  

Dinner was planned a few weeks ago...when an elusive email was sent out to a few co-workers about a place, 12b.  It was for our…More »

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 32. Zap Tattoos on Melrose

7353 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
USA
(323) 655-8636

Category: Tattoo

Neighbourhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood

5.0 star rating
  1/20/2010

Zap was one of the first tattoo shops on the block and the experience shows.  Shock is a great artist who takes his work seriously.  Take a wander upstairs and have a look through the artist's books to see for yourself.

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 33. Granville Island

1689 Johnston St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
(604) 685-8335

Category: Parks

Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek

5.0 star rating
  7/4/2010

I feel spoiled living so close to Granville Island.  I've gotten so used to going, a weekend doesn't seem complete without a visit.  I can get almost anything I need here.  Today I picked up art supplies, sea asparagus, had a lobster BBQ and inquired…More »

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 34. The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant

1535 Johnston St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
(604) 669-9030

Categories: Seafood, Sushi Bars

Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek

5.0 star rating
  7/2/2010

The past two times I've been the food (swordfish & oysters), the service and the ambiance have been incredible. Bartender made a mean mojito too.  

I rave about the experience of sitting on the top deck just under the Granville Bridge.  It feels a…More »

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"Giving you the phat and skinny on the city"

Review votes:
663 Useful, 311 Funny, and 386 Cool

Location

Hope, BC

Yelping Since

February 2009

Things I Love

snowboarding, brunch, burritos, edamame, photography, galleries, camping, writing, wandering the city, analyzing architecture, the beach

Find Me In

the mountains or on the ocean

My Hometown

Toronto

My Blog Or Website

http://more604.blogspo...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm snapping pictures or snowboarding.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I'm a Yelp addict.  I feed it and it feeds me.

My Second Favourite Website

http://416style.blogsp...

The Last Great Book I Read

Journals of Emily Carr

My First Concert

Lionel Ritchie and Sheila E.

My Favourite Movie

Dogtown and Z-Boyz - Peralta's doc has amazing footage!

My Last Meal On Earth

Spicy tuna sashimi

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I'm a tomboy at heart.

Most Recent Discovery

The Lobster Man.

Current Crush

John M from Toronto