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109 McPhillips Ave
Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2T6
(250) 537-0825

Salt Spring Coffee  

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
5/31/2011 First to Review
Salt Spring's flagship location has a lot less 'rah' than one would expect: it's large, rather plain and bustling with locals. Without the famed name, there would be no way that I'd suspect this was the birthplace of one of BC's most well known coffee businesses.

And that is what I like about it.

The funny part? Well, it turns out that the beans are no longer roasted on the island due to complaints about the smell (umm), so now the famed Salt Spring beans are roasted in--wait for it--Richmond BC!

My iced coffee was great and I'm looking forward to tasting an even fresher sample from the beans in my back yard. Who knew! : )

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524 Main St.
Vancouver, BC V6A 2T9

China Cloud  

Category: Music Venues
Neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Strathcona

5.0 star rating
4/21/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here
China Cloud feels like the secret clubhouse you wanted in college. Hidden behind a nondescript door, up a few plain flights of stairs and filled with funky art, a handmade wooden bar and cozy furniture. The room is small and intimate... perfect for a little indie show. The crowd is hipster but the friendly type--and it seems like they all know each other there. I can dig it.

I highly recommend it for small (50-150 people) artsy events!

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3772 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5V 3N7
(604) 879-8431

Front & Company  

Categories: Used, Vintage & Consignment, Accessories, Women's Clothing
Neighbourhood: Riley Park

5.0 star rating
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hip, modern, chic with an appreciation for vintage: there's nothing this boutique/consignment store can't do. With new stuff for those on the cutting edge and great pre-loved pieces for those with vintage appreciation or smaller budgets, the store has the bases covered. Need jewelry? Shoes? Lip balm with funny slogans? Look no further.

Whenever I've come it's slammed full of femmes while the nearby stores are dead-quiet. Clearly Front is doing something right.

The fab floral-print scarf that I bought for $16 is one of my faves. Thanks Front!

Listed in: Pimp your closet!, Girly Catchups, Main St

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2310 Ash St
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3C2
(604) 568-5909

Caffe Cittadella  

Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes

5.0 star rating
4/12/2011
Dude. Could this place be any cuter? A charming character home-turned coffee shop. The coffee is beautiful: 49th Parallel beans and latte art. The space just oozes 'we know coffee'. Big fan of that.

Upstairs (yes, two levels) is a lovely hidden floor. Okay, perhaps not hidden, but it was empty of guests when I was there. I could have read and drank up there all day. Or danced around in my underwear. I wouldn't, but you know, sometimes it's nice to know that it could be an option. Points for that : ) .

If you're looking for an inspiring and quiet space to have your java, Cittadella is a great option! It's not hipster like the uber modern Innocent Coffee (my all-time fave) but it's a classy-cozy version that I love just the same.

Listed in: Vancity Java!, The Coffee that stole my…, Private Rooms/Spaces For…

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2608 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V6K 2G3
(604) 739-2009

Semperviva Yoga Centre & Store  

Category: Yoga
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

4.0 star rating
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Can I just say that this place is simply magical at 7pm in springtime. MAGICAL.

Picture this: you're chilling on a mat, the sun is setting, candles are lit, pink crystals are glowing.

Ohm...

I'm no hippie but boy was I having some kind of 'I am at one with the universe' moment. Not bad for a redneck girl!

I loved that the yoga instructor wasn't fully decked out in Lululemon. She was... so positive peaceful and natural. Her accent lulled as I stretched like I've never stretched before. After the session I had the best sleep I've had in months. Kudos to them.

It was a bonus that yoga mats are provided since I don't have one. Nice!

Now I will say that if you're living the high life the space might not be fancy-pants enough for you. The yoga room is quite plain, with a few support beams in the middle of the space. Do I need fancy though? Hells no!  At $20 I found the visit to be pricey, but I s'pose that's just what the cool kids are paying these days. In the end it was worth it. I was sooo beyond relaxed. Yeah baby.  

Food tip: If you're hungry after the stretch grab some healthy vittles at the restaurant down the hall.

Listed in: Best Atmosphere, Places you can wear sweatpants…, Excercise Sucks!

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3913 Knight Street
Vancouver, BC V5N 3L8
(604) 568-6101

Deli Nippon  

Category: Japanese
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage

3.0 star rating
Update - 4/8/2011 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here
This place has mediocre food but still I can't help but love it. A lot.

During my last visit my sister and I were feeling snacky so we decided to share a ramen.  The owner (it's a one-man operation) split it into two generous servings. We *love* this man. He is so peaceful, kind and hospitable.

A side story though, because apparently it happens a lot:

While I was eating a dude popped his head into the restaurant, asked the owner if he wanted his windows cleaned (he politely declined) and then squeegey guy flung dirty water all over the storefront windows and smudged it around. Talk about blackmail. The owner said that this man does it all the time. I asked him if he wanted to call the police but he said no and that he didn't think it would help. I got on my phone and popped my head out the door to see if he was still there. He was, and he was soliciting the business next door. He looked me in the eye and I glared at him, moving back inside. Then... my phone died. Argh. I would have told him off myself but he disappeared after that. If I see him again...I don't know. I don't like seeing anyone bully anyone--and especially not my favourite hard working Japanese man. Seriously, there's something about him that just makes me want to take care of him!

Listed in: Pikachu friendly, Kensington-Cedar Cottage: The…, Quick Eats

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  • 3.0 star rating
    1/28/2011

    I love East Van hole in the walls, and, despite some sub-par sashimi, I love this one too. The little joint is often empty. Last week, I decided on impulse to come in. The man who works there is a stocky, weathered Japanese fellow who is quiet, while seeming somehow like a lumberjack or a mountain man. How he ended up in a kitchen I would love to know because something about him just doesn't suit it. I could picture him wrestling bears but making okonomiaki? Not so much. And I love that.

    The house roll was great (BBQ salmon with 2 prawn tempura, roe, veggies...), but the sashimi did not taste fresh. I ate it all though because I felt strangely at home (and because--let's be honest--I'm a finisher). He refilled our tea as Japanese ballads played on. This was as close to opera as one can get, without actually being opera. Fabulous.

    The place is simple and spotless, with computer printouts of sushi pictures on the walls. Mr. Owner sat quietly behind the counter as we ate, watching Japanese films from his laptop. So cute. I could see him through the crack between two pictures of flowery fields on the clear counter.  Yes, I spy.

    I will be back. I look forward to being back. I'll try the ramen. I really hope to find something amazing here.

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#102-1184 Denman St
Vancouver, BC V6G 2M9
(604) 568-0881

The Beaver & Mullet Canadian Bistro  

Categories: Canadian (Traditional), Gastropubs
Neighbourhood: West End

3.0 star rating
4/5/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here
I'd like to come back here another time as I feel like I hit B&M on an off night. We waited for what felt like a long time before being greeted or offered menu's. Perhaps because there is only one guy on the floor and another behind the bar. A greeting would have been nice though.

We ordered potato wedges: minimally topped and plain. I think I was expecting something more cheesy like potato skins so I was disappointed--my  bad though. The grilled cheese sandwich was great. With a variety of ingredients to choose from we were able to order a custom sandwich: chicken, roasted pepper and cheddar on whole-grain bread. It hit the spot with it's crispy outer layer. Yeah baby.

The restaurant itself is small-ish and plain. I don't remember there being very much to the decor, but the picturesque sight of English Bay may have distracted me. A good thing.

When you go: nab a table by the window and enjoy the ocean view.

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1223 Pacific Blvd
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R6
(604) 408-4228

Salsa & Agave Mexican Grill  

Category: Mexican
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

4.0 star rating
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
My Mexican friend Javier has been raving about S&A for ages so I figured it was time that I give it a go. I mean, if he is the real thing (you should hear him speak Spanish...beautiful) then his love for S&A's authentic eats make it legit. I was definitely not let down by his high praise--Salsa and Agave lives up to the hype!

Now, if you're expecting Yaletown swank then let's set the story straight: the space is simple. I'd go so far to call it a hole-in-the-wall but it's too polished for that title. It's a cute little find.

If you come here for lunch on a weekday expect a packed space. Everyone and their (purse-sized) dog is here... okay, no dogs, but you get the idea. It's one busy joint.

The service is great and pairs well with the complimentary fresh salsa and chips--I love to nibble while I wait. I also got my virgin strawberry margarita-on. Sweet treat on a Friday afternoon. Yay for the weekend!

My meal was solid, healthy and satisfying and I left with a full and happy tummy.

Thanks Javier! : )

Listed in: Friendliest place to hang your…, Taste of Mayheeco!, Yaletown

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4208 Village Sq RR 4
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 932-4845

Moguls Coffee House  

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Latte art - check
GIANT cinnamon buns - check
Filling and tasty mexi-breakfast wrap - check

Count on Moguls for a solid snack in Whistler village. The small shop is narrow and generally filled with people waiting for food. Once your order is ready beeline for the door and eat on the patio (there are chairs and tables) or walk around the village with food in hand. The offerings aren't fancy, but it's portable and perfect for some sunny window shopping...like I did today!

**Cash Only**

Listed in: Out o' town faves

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6401 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5E 1E1
(604) 438-0186

Estea Beverage Club  

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Taiwanese, Juice Bars & Smoothies

2.0 star rating
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The space is clean, bright and happy--as many HK cafe's are. The brisket was tasty (thanks for the recommendation, Trina) but my bubble tea was a zero-star. Those pearls just shouldn't have been served: mushy and old. I awkwardly tried to sip through a straw without catching the slime. No easy feat.

Come here for a quick bite with friends... but pass on the tea unless you can sample a pearl first.

*sigh* I wish Dragon Ball would release their perfect-pearl-secret to the world, then boba's everywhere could be delectable!

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"Smile, David Hasslehoff yelps you"

Review votes:
1010 Useful, 567 Funny, and 733 Cool

Location

Vancouver, BC

Yelping Since

April 2009

Things I Love

insanely gooey flavorful food, ethnic food, deals, roadtrips, pranks, guitar, adventures, craziness, friends, buttons, laughter.

Find Me In

Lulu's and a hoodie (when I can get away with it!)

My Hometown

Kamloops, BC

My Blog Or Website

http://about.me/edit/c...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm tweeting @fairlite or pulling pranks that make mom proud.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Because I have red hair and I like old people.  Esp giggly ones.

My Second Favourite Website

http://Instructables.com -- even though I've never made anything from it.

The Last Great Book I Read

Blue Like Jazz

My First Concert

Charlotte Diamond... je suis un pizza....

My Favourite Movie

Zoolander and/or the Miracle Maker

My Last Meal On Earth

Butter Chicken.  At least that's what I'm craving right now....

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

Richard Simmons melts my heart.

Most Recent Discovery

Waffle sando's at Miura!!!  Oh my gosh. And MACADAMIA BUTTER- to die for!!

Current Crush

My sweetie, Tyler S & Bangs the rapper!! http://ht.ly/313DV