My Very Favourites

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A list of my 5-star reviews, where you can find me sipping, slurping, tasting, yoga-ing, relaxing and choosing to spend my dough- my favourite places in the city, hands down.

 1. Wreck Beach

University Blvd & NW Marine Dr
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

Category: Beaches

Neighbourhood: UBC

5.0 star rating
  8/16/2010

Favourite place in Vancouver. I don't know what more I can say than that! Completely relaxing, culturally diverse and about  a million stairs to keep the yahoos out. An excerpt from a piece I wrote on my blog about Wreck:

"I frequent a nude beach.

But…More »

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 2. Open Door Yoga

175 15th Ave E
Vancouver, BC V5T 2P6
(778) 371-8179

Category: Yoga

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  7/18/2010

My sanctuary, my second home and my sanity-keeper!

Open Door and its eclectic team of amazing teachers is a great, afforable studio for anyone to practice yoga, from beginners to advanced yogis. The hatha and power hatha classes are challenging,
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 3. Pin-up Perfection Photography

1455 Johnston Rd
White Rock, BC V4B 3Z4
(778) 552-3685

Category: Photographers

5.0 star rating
  5/23/2011 First to Review

Professional, creative and FUN! I have done photoshoots with Shimona Henry twice, and both times she has made me look like a major babe.

I have no modeling experience, but I didn't have to worry for one second about flailing helplessly in front of…More »

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 4. Miko Sushi Japanese Restaurant

1335 Robson St
Vancouver, BC V6E 1C6
(604) 681-0339

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

Neighbourhood: West End

5.0 star rating
  7/15/2010 ROTD 8/18/2010

Miko makes small, perfectly crafted authentic Japanese sushi. Don't expect any "caterpillar" or "rainbow" rolls dripping with mayo, this is not the place to go for Westernized food! Instead you will get incredibly fresh fish, flavourful appies and…More »

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 5. Toshi Sushi

181 E 16th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5T 4R2
(604) 874-5173

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant, Riley Park

5.0 star rating
  4/4/2011

I must add my voice to the cacophony of rave reviews. It is, simply put, really good authentic sushi. They even use the correct "Zushi" spelling in appropriate places on the menu!

We lucked out and only had to wait 15 minutes - it was worth it and I…More »

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 6. Marine Building

355 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V6C 2G8

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Neighbourhoods: Coal Harbour, Downtown

5.0 star rating
  2/19/2011

The most decorative Art Deco Building in Vancouver, this is a pure joy to visit. Most travel guides to Vancouver encourage tourists to visit this beautiful tower and marvel at it inside and out,  but few locals know that not only is it open to the…More »

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 7. Bandidas Taqueria

2781 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5
(604) 568-8224

Categories: Mexican, Vegetarian, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage

5.0 star rating
  Update - 2/13/2011 ROTD 4/11/2011

I love the supper - but the brunch is also amazeballs. AMAZEBALLS. The sweet and savoury cornbread makes me weep salty tears of joy as I use it to sop up beans and eggs and cheese and yum! Thank you, Bandidas!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/23/2010

    I consistently have a great time at Bandidas, and I feel good about supporting a vegetarian,… Read more »

 8. Alibi Room

157 Alexander St
Vancouver, BC V6A 1B8
(604) 623-3383

Categories: Pubs, Canadian (New)

5.0 star rating
  Update - 4/4/2011

The best breakfast I have had in Vancouver in a very long time - maybe even ever! I was here this morning with boyfriend and another couple, and I thought I'd died and gone to brunch heaven.

I had the brie, roasted tomato and pesto benny and it…More »

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  • 3.0 star rating
    12/29/2010

    Yeah Yeah Yeah!

    Brewsks galore, yummy food and a great space in the Downtown Eastside. My only… Read more »

 9. Mine Style Source

177 E Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5T 1W1
(604) 875-9435

Category: Hair Salons

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  5/23/2011 ROTD 9/24/2011

Chris is the undisputed hair colour champion of my world. In fact, my mum loves my multi-dimensional highlight-y dark chocolate brownish/red colour so much that she made Chris her stylist as well. Happy!

Chris has another hairgod-like talent - he does…More »

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 10. Vancouver Aquarium

845 Avison Way
Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
(604) 659-3474

Category: Aquariums

Neighbourhood: Coal Harbour

5.0 star rating
  2/6/2011

Despite the fact that I guide tours through Stanley Park, I hadn't been to the Vancouver Aquarium since I was about 10 years old and the zoo was still surrounding it! Tourism pass in hand, the boy and I decided to spend a lovely Saturday afternoon…More »

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 11. Brioche Urban Baking & Catering

401 W Cordova St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1E5
(604) 682-4037

Categories: Bakeries, Caterers, Soup

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

5.0 star rating
  5/11/2011

I am in love with Brioche - how did I only just discover this Gastown gem?! It's a little pricey, but worth it just for the cute atmosphere alone. I visited Brioche for breakfast with a pal and we had omelettes - big lovely wonderfully…More »

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 12. Les Faux Bourgeois

663 E 15th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6
(604) 873-9733

Categories: French, Cafes

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  7/18/2010

I cannot figure out how on earth Les Faux manages to keep their prices so low. This is French cooking at its finest, as good as any meal I have eaten in Paris, and it is the price of a meal at a chain restaurant!

I shouldn't complain too much -  I…More »

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 13. John Fluevog Shoes

65 Water St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1
(604) 688-6228

Category: Shoe Stores

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

5.0 star rating
  3/2/2011

I recently purchased the cutest ankle cowboy boots (on SALE from 350 to 99 bucks) at this location. I haven't worn 'vogs since my early twenties, finding their shoes a bit chunky for my taste, but the styles they have currently will make a convert…More »

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 14. Bard On the Beach Shakespeare Festival

601 Cambie St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2P1
(604) 737-0625

Category: Performing Arts

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  8/16/2010

We went to see Antony and Cleopatra on Friday night, and absolutely loved the show, the atmosphere and the laid back attitude!

It is truly a mark of humankind's appreciation for great art that a bunch of 400 year old plays can still draw large crowds…More »

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 15. Ziptrek Ecotours

4290 Mountain Sq
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 935-0001

Categories: Tours, Active Life

5.0 star rating
  12/23/2010

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!

I am still pumped up from the Eagle Tour that I took with my brother yesterday - it was an absolutely amazing experience!

Don't even hesitate - if you are visiting Whistler this MUST be on your itinerary. I know folks who…More »

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 16. Bombay Brow Bar

1056 Mainland St
Vancouver, BC V6B
(604) 683-2769

Category: Beauty and Spas

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

5.0 star rating
  10/9/2010

My BFF is getting married tomorrow, and we were lamenting the fact that she wasn't going to have time to get her brows done. She is extremely fair, and so it isn't the biggest deal if she plucks them herself, but it is always nice to get them…More »

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 17. La Taqueria

322 W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1K6
(604) 568-4406

Category: Mexican

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  10/9/2010

The best authentic tacos in the city, bar none.

People line up every day at lunch and it is no wonder - the food is lightning fast, fresh and absolutely delicious. I can't say enough about their vegetarian and fish options, and the meat choices look…More »

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 18. Spa Diva Esthetics Studio

1736 Alberni St
Vancouver, BC V6G 1B2
(604) 602-7183

Categories: Skin Care, Massage, Hair Removal

Neighbourhood: West End

5.0 star rating
  8/23/2010

Maggie, you're the bomb.

I will now forever make the journey out to Coal Harbour to see this wonderful lady, whose medical assessment, attention to detail and insane massage skills made this the best pedicure I have ever had. I nearly floated out of…More »

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 19. Bikram's Yoga Metrotown

3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
(604) 451-3473

Categories: Specialty Schools, Yoga

Neighbourhoods: Killarney, Renfrew-Collingwood

5.0 star rating
  12/29/2010

Hands down, the best Bikram's studio in the Vancouver area. Clean, great staff and teachers,  DRY (this is important!) and not smelly at all (also really important!)

I love that there are two rooms (the smaller of the two has a beautiful view of the…More »

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 20. Show Off

3712 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5V 3N7
(604) 677-5377

Category: Women's Clothing

Neighbourhood: Riley Park

5.0 star rating
  10/4/2010

When a bridesmaid's dress I was forced to order online arrived and was (predictably) terrible, I panicked and cried and hyperventilated. That is, until my good friend Fiona said "Relax, I will take you to Show Off."

We needed to find something cute…More »

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 21. La Brasserie

1091 Davie St
Vancouver, BC V6E
(604) 568-6499

Category: French

Neighbourhood: West End

5.0 star rating
  12/20/2010 ROTD 1/25/2011

Happy Dance, Happy Dance, Happy Dance.

Picture me shaking my money maker and wiggling around the room, happier than one of the delicious clams in the delicious bouillabaisse.

I have been here for lunch and supper, and it is one of my favourite places…More »

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 22. Pane Vero

952 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7
(604) 216-3338

Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  10/4/2010

Jalapeno cheese buns, Warrior Goddess green tea and free wifi, mere blocks from my mum's house? I'll take it. I'll take it and love it and come back again. Their seriously fresh baking never disappoints with its decadent glory - now I want a jalapeno…More »

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 23. Monument for East Vancouver

Clark Drive at 6th Ave
Vancouver, BC

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant, Strathcona, Grandview-Woodlands

5.0 star rating
  12/29/2010 ROTD 12/15/2011

I agree with Lex B. I think that those who think that this has to do solely with contemporary religion or gang symbols are missing the point in an astonishing way.

It's not up to me to interpret it for everyone, but I like to think it represents the…More »

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 24. The Commander

47 Hereford Road
London W2 5AH
UK
+44 20 7229 1503

Categories: Seafood, British

Neighbourhood: Bayswater

5.0 star rating
  9/6/2010

My boyfriend and I had a great meal here for my birthday in May - we are huge oyster fans and that is what led us to this particular gastro-pub.

The service (by a fellow Canadian) and the food were both spot on - we had an oyster sampler with three…More »

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 25. Campagnolo

1020 Main St
Vancouver, BC V6A
(604) 484-6018

Category: Italian

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Strathcona

5.0 star rating
  7/27/2010

For a place known for their pork, even a pesky pescetarian like me can walk away satiated beyond belief.

I firmly believe that food should be a hedonistic affair, and when my mum brought me here for my birthday supper I was excited. The menu did not…More »

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 26. Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge

151 E 8th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5T 1R8
(604) 568-2703

Categories: Canadian (New), Tapas/Small Plates, Pizza

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  Update - 8/16/2010

With a lot of consideration,  I have decided to up my previous 4 star review to a five star. After Saturday night, I was going to keep it at 4 stars, but while lazing on Wreck beach all day Sunday my pals and I couldn't stop talking about the food -…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    8/8/2010

    Yay! A new place to add to my arsenal of brunch joints!

    Me and my bf strolled in right at 11am when… Read more »

 27. Pulpfiction Books

2422 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2
(604) 876-4311

Category: Bookstores

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  8/17/2010

I have been frequenting Pulp for about 8 years - I remember when they had the tiny shop a few doors down - and they have never failed to make me happy. No other used bookstore in Vancouver manages to have shelf after shelf of books that I want to…More »

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 28. Lace Embrace Atelier

219 E 16th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5T 2T5
(604) 737-1119

Categories: Personal Shopping, Women's Clothing, Lingerie, Bridal

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant, Riley Park

5.0 star rating
  7/29/2010

I emailed Melanie about the possibility of having a bridal shower for my BFF in their shop (as she is having a custom overbust corset made for her wedding), and she was so accommodating and friendly! When I decided that I would prefer to have the…More »

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 29. Kimprints

41 Powell St
Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9
(604) 685-0443

Category: Home Decor

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

5.0 star rating
  7/30/2010 First to Review

This shop, located in the Hotel Europe building (Canada's first concrete structure, built in 1908), is packed to the brim with unique and interesting gifts, cards and prints.  The space, right at the front of this flatiron building, is a lovely place…More »

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 30. Sanitary Electric Tattoo Co.

3377 Fraser St
Vancouver, BC V5V
(778) 371-5084

Category: Tattoo

Neighbourhoods: Riley Park, Kensington-Cedar Cottage

5.0 star rating
  8/1/2010 First to Review

My go-to tattoo shop in Vancouver. With experienced, amazing artists such as Shoko Sinoda and Chad Woodley (the owner) behind the tattoo machine, how could you go wrong?

I love the collection of art, posters and memorabilia adorning the walls, and I…More »

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 31. Bin 941 Tapas Parlour

941 Davie St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B9
(604) 683-1246

Category: Tapas Bars

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  7/29/2010

Bin will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was the first real "foodie" restaurant I started frequenting, back when I was in my late teens. My mum and her gay Davie St pals made this their Friday night hangout, and I would end up popping…More »

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 32. Arbutus Laser Centre

2025 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6J 1Z6
(604) 731-5512

Categories: Doctors, Hair Removal, Skin Care

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

5.0 star rating
  8/13/2010

Agreed with Grayce E!

I am having both tattoo removal and laser hair removal and could not be happier with both.

Hair: Funny, fun and skilled ladies make this procedure easy and nearly painless. They really made me excited for the results, and…More »

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 33. Vij's Restaurant

1480 W 11th Ave
Vancouver, BC V6H 1L1
(604) 736-6664

Category: Indian

Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville

5.0 star rating
  7/16/2010

Having lived in India, I consider myself a pretty good judge of curry, but I had never braved the line-up at Vij's until recently. And oh man, I am so glad I did.

After a 2.5 hour wait (we had snacks and drinks at Barney down the street) we were…More »

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 34. Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre

555 W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6
(604) 689-0421

Categories: Tours, Venues & Event Spaces

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  8/1/2010

Wooowwwweee!

I am a lucky lady and have a tourism passport (because I work in a museum) which entitles me to free admission to pretty much any and every tourist attraction in the lower mainland.

I had never, ever been up to the Lookout (despite…More »

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 35. Burgoo Bistro

3096 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5T 3G5
(604) 873-1441

Category: Canadian (Traditional)

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  8/12/2010

So many local restaurants seem to be trying to capitalize on "modern diner classics" lately, but Burgoo is the true innovator and leader in this area. I swear it is their "gooey cheese grillers" and mac and cheese that has caused myriad copycats to…More »

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 36. Salt Tasting Room

45 Blood Alley
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4
(604) 633-1912

Categories: Wine Bars, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

5.0 star rating
  8/6/2010

Last night, before heading to a show at the Vogue, a pal and I decided that cheese and wine was exactly what we needed to be happy (isn't it always?) We were seated at a large communal table, and after ordering some red (I had a Gamay I wasn't fussy…More »

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 37. The Locus

4121 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5V 3P6
(604) 708-4121

Categories: Canadian (New), Lounges

Neighbourhood: Riley Park

5.0 star rating
  7/23/2010

I had been to Locus a few times over the years and found their food over-seasoned, overwrought and overpriced. But a few weeks ago my pals and I had brunch here before going to check out the Wu Tang art show at Little Mountain and I was blown away!…More »

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 38. The Reef

4172 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5V 3P7
(604) 874-5375

Categories: Caterers, Caribbean, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhood: Riley Park

5.0 star rating
  7/27/2010

I don't like reggae..... I love it.

There is nothing quite so amazing as sitting in the noon sun on the patio at the Reef, imbibing dangerously delicious cocktails by the pitcher as you devour an order of "Jamaica Me Crabby" (a bennie made with crab…More »

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 39. Vancouver Feline Hospital

2299 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V6J 3H9
(604) 738-5100

Category: Veterinarians

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

5.0 star rating
  8/4/2010

Hands down, Dr Nicky is the best vet I have ever taken my cats to. It's her calm demeanor, her encyclopedic knowledge and practical tips that make a visit to the vet's office an actual pleasure rather than a dreaded chore.

Dr Nicky sits on the floor…More »

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 40. The Refinery

1115 Granville St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1
(604) 687-8001

Categories: Wine Bars, Tapas Bars, Modern European

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District

5.0 star rating
  8/1/2010

oooh, grrr! I didn't want to like you, Refinery! This used to be a dark, moody coffee shop/bar when I was a goth teenager and we would come here to smoke clove cigarettes, write poetry and drink endless espresso. I wanted to hate this gentrified,…More »

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"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

Review votes:
510 Useful, 256 Funny, and 253 Cool

Location

Vancouver, BC

Yelping Since

January 2010

Things I Love

writing, yoga, reading, film, travel, celebrity gossip, sushi, my monster cats, vintage neon signs

Find Me In

The Downtown Eastside, staring at old buildings

My Hometown

Vancouver, BC

My Blog Or Website

http://www.madnessandb...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I am studying, traveling or working at the museum

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I love food and I love to write. A match made in heaven!

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.huffingtonp...

The Last Great Book I Read

Buddha Is as Buddha Does - Lama Surya Das

My First Concert

Violent Femmes when I was 10

My Favourite Movie

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

My Last Meal On Earth

Poutine dipped in curry mayo and a spicy tuna roll

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

....I am an expert on celebrity gossip

Most Recent Discovery

The Pack a.d.

Current Crush

Erik on True Blood