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Crystal "Queen of the Canadian Yelp-i-dom" H.'s Profile

Solo In Vancouver: One Can Be Just As Fun!

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A list of places I love going solo!

 1. Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas

88 W Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 6N9
(604) 806-0799

Category: Cinema

Neighbourhood: Downtown

4.0 star rating
  6/19/2009

Is it weird that I think it's weird that they didn't play commercials or music before the show? Maybe I just haven't been to a movie in a long time and this is the new rage - silence.

I know - who wants advertisements right? But the theatre felt…More »

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 2. Voya - CLOSED

1177 Melville St
Vancouver, BC V6E 0A3
(604) 639-8692

Category: French

Neighbourhood: Downtown

4.0 star rating
  11/14/2009

Wax Poetic in the Twentieth Century. No this is not the name of a song or film, these are two outstanding cocktails at Voya. Cozy, dark and comfy, this place could easily be a new neighbourhood haunt for me... if I lived within walking distance.…More »

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 3. Yaletown Gelato

1208 Homer St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y5
(604) 689-8531

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

5.0 star rating
  6/20/2009

Double scoop and a double take - gelatini..what? Like a boozy affagato? No way! Okay, so I didn't notice the option to splash a shot of liquor over my scoop until after I had paid - but this gives me the best reason to go back soon!

Seriously,…More »

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 4. The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe - CLOSED

850 Thurlow St
Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2
(604) 569-3415

Category: French

Neighbourhoods: West End, Downtown

5.0 star rating
  2/14/2010 First to Review

Step inside this enchanted neighbourhood bistro with aqua (leather?) chairs in a Queen Anne (maybe?) style set a whimsical tone. You might be thinking this review will be all about the dinner and drinks, but no, that's next time; this was all about…More »

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 5. The Diamond

6 Powell St
Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7

Categories: Canadian (New), Lounges

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

5.0 star rating
  Update - 7/19/2010

And then just when I thought they couldn't outdo themselves, I pop one of The Diamond's stuffed baby squids in my mouth. Stuffed with peanut pesto, I now know to save some room in my liquid filled tummy for yummy late night treats!

Gourmet snacks FTW!More »

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/21/2010

    Almost, without fail, if anyone needs a recommendation or I am meeting friends for a drink in… Read more »

 6. Granville Island Public Market

1661 Duranleau St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
(604) 666-6477

Categories: Grocery, Fruits & Veggies

Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek

5.0 star rating
  3/10/2010

It's what I love most about weekends.

Embarking on the aquabus, sneaking away to Granville Island, indulging in a coffee/tea and a pastry,  strolling through the market, browsing through the stalls, smelling the flowers... perhaps buying a ripe…More »

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 7. Wreck Beach

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

Category: Beaches

Neighbourhood: UBC

4.0 star rating
  7/23/2009

I don't know where to begin on this emotional roller coaster: being shocked that people break their bottles on the sand--being disgusted at the site of the old man who gave us the full backside view of his flabby butt as he bent down to pick up the…More »

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 8. Independent Flixx - CLOSED

976 Denman St
Vancouver, BC V6G 2M1
(604) 682-3344

Category: DVD & Video Game Rental

Neighbourhood: West End

5.0 star rating
  1/4/2010

Aisle upon aisle of endless entertainment. The wall of foreign films sorted according to country is an easy place to spend an evening, never mind the sheer joy of renting something to take home.

For a moment I fantasized about working here. Just…More »

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 9. Fifth Avenue Cinemas

2110 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V6J 3H6
(604) 734-8700

Category: Cinema

Neighbourhoods: Kitsilano, Fairview Slopes

4.0 star rating
  3/12/2010

Oh give me a seat, where the films are so sweet
And the popcorn is G-M-O free
Where no cell phones are heard
Many well-written words
And inde flicks are preferred.

Fifth, Fifth Avenue
Where friends and lovers can meet
Where no cell phones are heard
Many…More »

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 10. The Buzz Café & Espresso Bar

901 Homer St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2W6
(604) 732-9029

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

5.0 star rating
  Update - 7/21/2011

In the past number of months, I've found myself soaking in the speedy and free wi-fi at The Buzz on an evermore frequent basis.

I think it's because:
-that free and fast wi-fi can't be beat
-enough plugs
-49th Parallel coffee that is tasty and fresh
More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/6/2009

    Rats, I actually thought I was going to score FTR here! It's been on my list of places to try out… Read more »

 11. Mink - A Chocolate Café

863 Hastings St W
Vancouver, BC V6C 3N9
(604) 633-2451

Categories: Chocolatiers and Shops, Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Downtown

4.0 star rating
  2/7/2009

For a choco-holic, this is my paradise. Great vibe as soon as you walk in and smell the warm ganache. They give you a choice between milk or dark chocolate for your mocha and use the ganache to prepare it - no syrup here. The clover coffee machine…More »

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 12. Arbutus Coffee

2200 Arbutus St
Vancouver, BC V6J 3Y1
(604) 736-5644

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

4.0 star rating
  3/18/2010

Do children play in their backyard? Are they growing their own veggies? Does a family live upstairs? These and many other questions, like what were they filming here last week, float thru the cherry blossom air as I open the door and set myself up at…More »

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 13. Scoop!

2050 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 1M9
(604) 569-3338

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

5.0 star rating
  7/1/2009

Yes - this is where I feel like a kid again! Salvation from the heat while sitting in the back of this shop, amusing myself with board games and fooseball, and a healthy heaping of froyo, plus all of the candy-to-fruit toppings I could imagine -- say…More »

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 14. Hollyburn Mountain

6000 Cypress Bowl Rd
West Vancouver, BC V7S

Category: Hiking

5.0 star rating
  9/28/2009

A sky full of sun, alpine blueberries galore and a solid path (minus the bushwacking "shortcuts") made a hike up Hollyburn Mountain the best way to say farewell to the summertime.

The final destination makes every little slip or muddy shoe worth it.…More »

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 15. Benny's Bagels

2505 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6J 5L1
(604) 731-9730

Category: Bagels

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

4.0 star rating
  2/22/2009

Lunch time craving + an event to plan = Benny's Bagels. It isn't that these are the best bagels in town (I heart Solly's) or that its the most conducive to finding a plug in for the laptop, it is because when you are hanging out upstairs at Benny's,…More »

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 16. Keefer Bar

135 Keefer St
Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3
(604) 688-1961

Category: Lounges

Neighbourhood: Chinatown

4.0 star rating
  2/12/2010 First to Review

A little bit of mystery came upon me as I stood on the corner of Keefer and Columbia, looking for the right building. But once you lock eyes the Keefer, you'll know. Wandering in on their soft opening (aka friends and family -- looks like I crashed…More »

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 17. Pulpfiction Books

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

Category: Bookstores

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

3.0 star rating
  Update - 12/1/2009

Everything I said still stands, however, on my last visit I have to admit, I was a little put off.

When I walked in, I said that I had never sold a book before and that I had a bag full of books that I wanted to part ways with. I was told that they…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/23/2009

    The verbose selection yet simple sincerity in their friendliness makes Pulpfiction Books the poem… Read more »

 18. Pulpfiction Books

3133 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6K 2H2
(604) 873-4311

Category: Bookstores

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

4.0 star rating
  4/13/2009

Organized? With categorized, labeled shelves? It can't be a used book store -- can it?

A great little gem of a store - I entertain myself here thumbing through whatever catches my eye - never intending on staying long, but inevitably winding up…More »

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 19. Third Beach

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

Category: Beaches

Neighbourhood: West End

4.0 star rating
  11/9/2009

This is my must-rest and/or chat stop as I put the pedal to the metal and ride my cruiser through Stanley Park. At sunset, it somehow manages to feel heavenly, no matter how many times I stare out over the water. I don't even mind the hustle and…More »

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 20. Stawamus Chief Park

Highway 99
Squamish, BC V0N

5.0 star rating
  10/5/2009

Blustery, gusty and windy, baton-down-the-hatches style!

With quads a burning, I sit here safe and sound at home after what was an epic climb to summit the Chief's first peak. Just kidding, it's not as hard as the Grind, in my humble opinion, however,…More »

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 21. Grouse Grind

6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9

Category: Hiking

5.0 star rating
  7/11/2009

What the F was I thinking? Me, new Community Manager, sitting on my little rump in front of the computer all day long, chomping up a storm of backyard goodies (my backyard being Vancouver), deciding to go for my FIRST ever time up the Grind...really,…More »

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 22. Portobello West Fashion + Art Market

1 Athletes Way
Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1

Category: Arts & Crafts

Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek

4.0 star rating
  3/31/2009

The last Sunday of every month the Railway Station is home to some of the coolest designers and crafters that you can find in the city. Jewelry, clothing, art, baby attire, pottery, accessories and (yes!) they even have guys stuff too. It's a bit…More »

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 23. Granville Island Tea Company

117 - 1689 Johnston St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
(604) 683-7491

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek

4.0 star rating
  2/19/2010

A lesson in ordering tea is much like a lesson in cocktails - let the tea mixologist make a decision for you.

Without an idea of what I was craving, outside of caffeine, the barista/tea sommelier, whipped up a chai tea that was like no other. Black…More »

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 24. Cho Pain

1165 Davie St
Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2
(604) 669-4271

Category: Bakeries

Neighbourhood: West End

4.0 star rating
  3/3/2010

Almond croissant, fresh out of the oven...

Whole Wheat Oat loaf thick sliced...

49th Parallel Coffee ready for any java kick...

Space to read, space to write, space to people watch...

What is this place? Neighourhood heaven.

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 25. Burnaby Mountain Trail

Ridgeview Dr & Dalla-Tina Ave
Burnaby, BC V5A

Category: Hiking

4.0 star rating
  9/16/2009

On my way to visit family I had a wacky thought, why not go for a little hike/walk. And I could think of no better place than here! Perhaps it was the fact that I was literally driving directly towards the mountain!

I parked on the gravel area just…More »

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 26. Butter Baked Goods

4321 Dunbar St
Vancouver, BC V6S 2G2
(604) 221-4333

Category: Bakeries

Neighbourhood: Dunbar-Southlands

5.0 star rating
  12/4/2009

Sniff-sniff
Sniff-sniff
Sniff-sniff...
Like a dog who can pick up the scent of a criminal or someone in distress, I have an eagle-eye nose ;p when it comes to tracking the smell of baked goods all the way across town.

Overcome with a spicy aroma, I was…More »

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 27. City of Vancouver Archives

1150 Chestnut St
Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
(604) 736-8561

Category: Public Services & Government

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

5.0 star rating
  7/30/2009 First to Review

This is the beat the heat spot! As I sit here in a quiet reading room, surrounded by the pictorial history of our city (and looking at the front entrance of Bard on the Beach) I can't help but think, dang, we live in an amazing place!

Things you…More »

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 28. Spool of Thread

649 E 15th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6
(604) 879-3031

Categories: Fabric Stores, Sewing & Alterations

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

5.0 star rating
  11/11/2011

I can't believe I thought I wouldn't be able to sew. Under Lili's patient, steady hand, conversational tone and a supportive class full of perfectionists trying hard not to worry so much, I sewed two throw pillows. The array of classes seem to be…More »

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"Ottawa + Toronto, we're hiring: http://www.yelp.c..."

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Review votes:
3846 Useful, 2688 Funny, and 3302 Cool

Location

Vancouver, BC

Yelping Since

October 2008

Things I Love

friendly neighbours, home decor, DIY, loose teas, sushi, craft beer, bands in small clubs, independent bookstores, cooking, chocolate, reading, films, coffee, nerds, writing, eco-chic, environmental causes

Find Me In

Hunters, somewhere snowy, getting my Americano on

My Hometown

Vancouver, BC

My Blog Or Website

http://www.twitter.com...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm off exploring a city near, or far away.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

My tummy holds surprisingly more food than you would think!

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.theoatmeal.com

The Last Great Book I Read

Five Quarters of the Orange, Joanne Harris

My First Concert

NKOTB, age 8

My Favourite Movie

Dan in the Real Life, Juno, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing

My Last Meal On Earth

Marrow @ Daily Kitchen, Korean ribs @ Flying Tiger, stuffed tomatos @ my kitchen

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I love striking up conversations in airplanes and airports.

Most Recent Discovery

Asparagus Farm, Cobble Hill, BC http://tinyurl.com/yel...

Current Crush

More like obsession: browsing real estate!