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NOV. 1-7, 2012 READ MORE ONLINE AT
WEVancouver.com
Also: Creative Mornings 7 The Acorn 15 The Orpheum 22 Fall weddings Part 2 24
CRUISING KITS
At the first hint of winter, snowboarders and skiers make tracks for Kitsilano to gear up 8-13 Comor’s Yves Piette
presents
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NOV 30: 8pm I DEC 01 : 2pm & 8pm
THE CENTRE IN VANCOUVER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
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DISCOVER KITSILANO
Board silly on 4th Greetings from Kitsafornia, the place to find your ride By Kate MacLennan
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Desigual Toque $19 Desigual Vest $109 Desigual Dress $74 Desigual Bag $49 Rofl Bleu Bracelet $25.20 Ugg Bailey Bow Boot $198
Vintage Havana Skull Blouse $60 Effigi Sretch Denim $47.25 Kate Mack Vest $140 Rolf Bleu Bling Slap Watch $27 Girlz Rock Toque $24 Ugg Silver Bailey Button $198
Biscotti Silver Foil Dress $132.50 Biscotti Coat $232.50 Biscotti Sequin Hat $57.50 Rolf Bleu Bracelet $30 Rockin Robin Sequin Purse $35.30
Kate Mack Poodle Vest $110 Kate Mack Top $77.50 Kate Mack Ruffle Skirt $82.50 Rockin Robin Purse $35.30 Rolf Bleu Montana Bracelet $30
2652 Arbutus St 604-742-1335 A Trendy Clothing Store Just For Girls www.girlszrockboutique.com
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ReGulaR PRiced entRee On us when a 2nd of equal or greater value is purchased.
dine in only with this ad.Valid after 5pm. not valid with other discounts.Valid november 1-21, 2012.
a west side restaurant with a downtown feel arbutus & 11th in kitsilano | 604 730 5666 gramercygrill.ca
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November 1 – 7, 2012
Snowboarders’ style isn’t just about how they ace a rail or pipe. It’s also about the clothes and equipment. As soon as the cooler temperatures have winter enthusiasts looking yearnfully towards the North Shore mountains to see if any snow as fallen, they also make the trek to West 4th to stock up on the newest gear. Raph Kowalik photo
t’s been said that Kitsilano got the moniker “Kitsafornia” from its beach and seaside proximity, because of its preponderance of Craftsman-style houses and California bungalows, and because of the area’s 1960s counter-culture days — when the rest of Vancouver hadn’t figured out the area had fabulous real estate and houses were cheap. But if you ask anyone who came of age in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the name Kitsafornia references Kitsilano’s many board shops. Snow, surf or skate(board), if you’re looking to put a plank beneath your feet, this neighbourhood is your utopia. Walk east of Burrard Street along West Fourth Avenue and you can’t miss them: Comor, Pacific Boarder, Billabong, Showcase, Quiksilver, Boardroom (plus its clearance outlet) and Sitka, which was among the most recent to join the Kits boardroom Win two Grouse barrage — though it did bend the rules Mountain lift by setting up shop just west of Burrard tickets at at Cypress. (Conspicuously absent to WEVancouver. long-standing Vancouverites is WestBeach, one of Kits’ original board shops; com/contests it closed its doors last spring.) Looking for something specific in the name of snowboarding? You’ll find it in Kits. Every big brand name and the best independent ones in the snowboard business get or have gotten front-line retail real estate on this strip, from Burton and Roxy to StepChild and Endeavour. Snowboarding is, in a word, fun. Any learner who has spent an afternoon on Grouse Mountain sitting on their ass may tell you differently, but once you figure out how to link your turns, a mountain playground — or in Vancouver’s case, three mountain playgrounds — will open up before you. It’s good exercise, super social and a fantastic way to get above the rain clouds and into the fresh air all winter long. But things have changed a lot in the snowboarding world in the last few years, not the least of which has been that skiing has become cool again. A decade ago snowboards were dominating the newest in on-mountain fun: the park. The park is the place you find pipes, rails, jibs, jumps and other fun obstacles or launch pads that earn riders either big air or big injury. Regardless, it’s big fun, and it was little surprise skiers wanted to play, too. So they started making skis fatter and shorter — requisite changes that enabled skiers to get (back) into the game. The shift got a lot of people back on skis, and even more people talking: if skis can now do everything snowboards can, and skis make traversing (crossing flat areas) and hiking (just like it sounds) so much easier, what will be the future of snowboarding? Some may say grim, and while last week’s press release from snowboard conglomerate Burton announcing it will “exit out of” its “program” snowboard brands Forum, Foursquare and Special Blend after this season is hardly a death knell for the sport, it’s hardly good news. But, if you were among the swarms on West 4th for the annual Thanksgiving sale a few weeks ago, snapping up snowboards and snowboard gear, you’d argue it’s not going anywhere soon. And with the local mountains and Whistler Blackcomb all gunning for an early start to the season, you might as well — as they say — go along for the ride.
For the bettys
for the bros
BOARD: The Roxy Eminence board is nimble, has magnetraction (a serrated-like edge that cuts through our West Coast icy conditions) and transfers easily from the park to the powder.
BOARD: Never Summer’s Proto CT is flexible and versatile with rocker and camber technology that make it almost impossible to catch an edge, while it still rides great in powder.
OUTERWEAR: It’s all about Roxy, who this season bring you the slim-fitting Everglade jacket, which is insulated, water resistant to 10,000 millimetres, and has all the requisite bells and whistles from powder skirt to chin guard to removable hood. Pair it with Roxy’s Canyon shell snow pants.
OUTERWEAR: An Orage Alaskan jacket will put you back a few dollars, but it’s worth it for 20-millimetre water protection and fully sealed seams. Additional features include a watch window, hiking suspenders, and that the coat comes in awesome colours, like a bright Kelly green. Pair it with Rossignol Mig alpine snow pants.
BOOTS: The Prion FT by 32 is comfortable, has an easy lacing system and 3-D molded tongues that wrap the foot for improved fit and heel hold. Plus it’s quilted, which means it’s also cute.
BOOTS: The JP Walker Lite by 32 is a smooth-flexing boot that’s easy to lace, flexes smoothly, and uses a special foam that provides better cushioning than traditional foams. Plus, it’s endorsed by pro snowboarder JP Walker.
WEVancouver.com
DISCOVER KITSILANO
Shop Talk: Winter gear of the year By Kelsey Klassen
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ooking to add the biggest, baddest weapons to your winter arsenal? Here are our top picks for ski and snowboard gear this season, available at Comor (1980 Burrard; 604-736-7547) in Kitsilano:
1 Ride happy.
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[1] Smith IOX Goggle - $199.99 “Never before has a goggle provided this level of peripheral visions, interchangeability, fog-free performance and seamless helmet integrations in one package. Oh, and it comes with two performance mirror lenses too.”
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Open every day for: Free Air and Oil Seawall Bike Rentals Performance Road Bikes New and Used Bikes Folding & Electric Unrelentingly Friendly Service!
[2] Salomon Man’s Board Snowboard - $579.99 “Built to handle the manliest terrain on the planet, it’s no surprise it won the Transworld Snowboarding goodwood award in its first season out. Please enjoy responsibly.” [3] Line Sir Francis Bacon Ski - $699.99 “The perfect backside assault tool — fast and smooth in the deep stuff.” [4] Volkl RTM 75 Ski and Binding System - $549.99 “An inexpensive frontside ski that can handle a variety of conditions.” [5] Men’s Arc’teryx Sabre Jacket - $559.99 “Features Gore-Tex 3L Pro fabric — top of the line in durability, waterproofing, breathability and windproofing. It also features a brushed micro-flannel bonded to the inside of the jacket for a softer feel. Available in Tungsten Grey and Sulpher Yellow.” [6] Women’s Bonfire Taylor Pant - $279.99 “Fashion and function meet in the Bonfire Taylor Pant. Featuring an extremely flattering high waistband, it’s also 20,000mm waterproof to stand up to the harshest conditions on the mountain. Just like a bib — only better.”
WEVancouver.com
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1810 Fir St • 604 731 2420 Off Granville Island
110 Davie St • 604 648 2600
6
Yaletown
www.reckless.ca
November 1 – 7, 2012
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DISCOVER KITSILANO Vancouver’s playground By Sabrina Furminger
W
MUSIC
• I love everything about Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club (3611 W. Broadway): the steps — reminiscent of jazz joints in NYC and Berlin — leading down from the sidewalk; the dark walls, provocative artwork and intimate cabaret seating; the menu (superior to what you might expect in a live music venue); and the consistently kickass lineup of local, national and international jazz superstars.
hen I ruminate on Kitsilano — my neighbourhood since 2008 — invariably my thoughts touch on the pain au chocolat baked fresh daily at Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie (2539 W. Broadway). I gobble one up every week. This indulgence is Kitsilano in a pastry shell: decadent and homey in the same unhurried moment. I’ve explored nearly every inch of Kitsilano — 16th Avenue to Kits Beach, Burrard to Alma — and I’m still unearthing new places to eat, drink, shop and play. Here are a few of my time-tested favourites:
• I regularly practise retail therapy at Stepback (3026 W. Broadway), a quirky boutique hawking vintage and reproduction bric-a-brac (favourite purchase: a Mad Men-era shoebox in mint condition).
CULTURE
DINING
• On rainy days, I duck into the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut) for a stroll through Vancouver’s tumultuous history. Highlight: a 1907 video of a streetcar ride through the unpaved streets of Vancouver (shot on one of those rare days in our city’s history when it wasn’t raining).
COMMUNITY
• My love of Kitsilano has only deepened since I gave birth to my daughter in 2010; I now appreciate the stroller-friendly sidewalks and bounty of kids’ programming. Baby and Mama enjoy spirited Music with Marnie classes at Kitsilano Community Centre (2690 Larch), playtime at West Side Family Place (2819 W. 11th), and browsing at Toy Box (3002 W. Broadway) and Kidsbooks (3083 W. Broadway).
SHOPPING
• Kitsilano is a playground for adventurous foodies. I’m currently obsessed with the tuxedo mousse cake at Sweet Obsessions Cakes & Pastries (2611 W. 16th) and the omakase (chef’s tasting menu) at Dan Sushi (2511 West Broadway). Trattoria Italian Kitchen (1850 W. 4th Avenue) lures me back time and again with its lively take on Italian menu mainstays. As a Montreal native, trust me when I proclaim that Seigel’s Bagels (1883 Cornwall Avenue) has come pretty close to matching St. Viateur’s legendary recipe. But if you’ve only got room for a single bite, make it the pain au chocolat: perfect for breakfaston-the-run or a sinful late-night dessert. Sabrina Furminger is a writer and essayist based in Vancouver. Her debut novel is The Healer, an action-packed work of sci-fi chick lit.
Author and Kitsilano resident Sabrina Furminger showcases her favourite Kits spots, such as Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie. Doug Shanks photo
YOUR LOCAL GROCERY STORE • We carry hard to find specialty organic & gluten-free products. • Enjoy lunch in our full service bistro. • We want your shopping experience to be a great one and your business is very important to us. If we don’t have what you’re looking for just ask and we will get it.
Ask us about our CUSTOMIZABLE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT PLATTERS • • •
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November 1 – 7, 2012
Antipasto Platter Bounty of the Sea Platter Imported Cheese Platter
• • •
Belgian Endive Delights Platter Deluxe Seasonal Vegetable Platter And many more....
We make it easier for you®
3515 W. 4th Ave. Vancouver 604-732-3950 FREE 2 HOUR UNDERGROUND PARKING WEVancouver.com
oh!brothers
DISCOVER KITSILANO
The perks of sheep’s clothing
ART THAT WORKS, BY CANADIAN ARTISTS
Icebreaker’s store on W. 4th fits in with Kitsilano’s appeal to the outdoor crowd. Doug Shanks photo C
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Glass
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Jewelry
Pottery
CM
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Paintings
CMY
By Christine Lyon
Woodwork
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ith its tendency to absorb water, traditional wool is not the outerwear fabric of choice for most inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest. But wool sourced from the merino sheep of New Zealand’s Southern Alps? Well, that’s a different story, says Rejean Roussy, manager of the Icebreaker TouchLab on W. 4th in Kitsilano. “When the wool is weaved in a tight knit, water will just beat off it,” he says, stroking the surprisingly soft, water-repellant sleeve of a men’s felted wool coat. This particular jacket, Roussy admits, may be more appropriate for a rainy commute than a multi-day hike — but Icebreaker carries apparel suitable for the ultra-outdoorsy as well. He gestures to another coat with a waterproof polyester exterior, lined with pure merino wool. “We’re not against synthetics, we just don’t think it should be against your skin,” Roussy says, explaining all Icebreaker garments — from socks and underwear to heavy-duty outerwear — incorporate the natural merino fibre. “Merino has been used for generations, but since the mid-’80s to ‘90s the outdoor world changed to all the synthetics, so polyesters and nylons,” he says, “but those fabrics don’t really breathe, are not that comfortable and are made of plastics, really.”
Metalwork Leather 2575 West Broadway . 604.738.6695 . www.ohbrothersbc.com
III On the five Thursday evenings in November 2012, members of four different spiritual and philosophical traditions will respond to that evening’s ethical focus. In addition to presentation time, there will be opportunity for participants to ask questions and to respond to the speakers.
“[Merino] is really breathable, it’s really warm for its weight, it also keeps you cool when you’re hot — and it doesn’t smell.” Icebreaker opened its doors at 2089 W. 4th in March 2011. (A second BC location has since opened at Park Royal Village in West Vancouver). The brand’s lifestyle, outdoor and work-out gear is also available at about 25 other apparel shops in the Lower Mainland. For those motivated by ethical shopping and sustainability, each Icebreaker garment is tagged with a unique green “baacode” allowing the buyer to trace the wool on its journey from New Zealand sheep to Vancouver retail shop. IceBreaker.com
LIVING FAITH IN EVERYDAY LIFE
CHRISTIANITY Rev. Kathryn Ransdell BUDDHISM Justin Loveless
How people of faith choose to live in a dominating secular culture, allowing their identity to be a visible part of their lives.
ISMAILI Dr. Ashnoor Nagji
Thursday, November 8, 7:00pm-9:00pm, in The Sanctuary.
HINDUISM Priti Gami Shah
For more information, please contact the church office or visit our website. Co-sponsored by
Burrard & Nelson, Vancouver 604.683.4574 www.standrewswesleychurch.bc.ca Underground parking off the lane
vital health m e d i c a l
&
a e s t h e t i c
walk-in & family practice a e s t h e t i c | w e l l n e s s | i n t e g r at e d c a r e
Medical Clinic • Walk-in • Family Medicine • Chronic Disease Mgmt • Flu Shots now in!
Solstice Medispa • BOTOX® & XEOMIN® • Dermal Fillers • Aesthetic Medicine • Healthy Weight Program
new patients welcome
mon-fri 9am-7pm | sat 10am-4pm 1855 west 4th avenue at Burrard | 604.558.4825
www.vitalwellnessgroup.com
WEVancouver.com
More than just coffee ~ Friday and Saturday: Martini Nights ~ ~ Sunday Afternoon: High Tea ~ ~ Wide selection of gluten free snacks ~ ~ Pizza ~ Soup ~ Sandwiches ~ Open ~ 5:30am Weekdays and 6:30am Weekends ~
2959 W. 4th Ave.
604-558-1302 November 1 – 7, 2012
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DISCOVER KITSILANO
French fare with environmental flair
WATERFRONT DINING AT ITS BEST.
JOIN US FOR JAZZ AND BLUES BRUNCH ON SUNDAY
Andrea Thorgilsson, general manager of Trafalgars Bistro, stands with a commercial composting machine that helped the restaurant win a recent Greenest Restaurant award. Jenn Chic photo
For more details go to www.docksidevancouver.com In the Granville Island Hotel, 1253 Jonston St, Granville Island 604-685-7070 Valet parking available
Book your company Christmas Party at
Brock House Restaurant! Special 3 Course Prix Fixe Menus starting at $30
In commemoration of Brock House’s “Centennial Celebration,” Brock House Restaurant will be offering monthly specials.
November Special 4oz Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Tail
$20
Served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
December Specials Holiday Brunch Buffet $ 3995/person & $1895/kids 6-12 years Available every Sunday in December.
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet $ 5495/person & $2495/kids 6-12 years
RESERVE YOUR TABLE NOW! To view our menus, go to www.brockhouserestaurant.com
RESERVATIONS: 604-224-3317 or catering@brockhouserestaurant.com
3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver (at Jericho Beach)
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November 1 – 7, 2012
WEVancouver.com
By Jenn Chic
T
he sunlight streams through the windows, reflecting off polished wine glasses. Edith Piaf plays in the background and a server glides by with moules-frites in hand. Trafalgars Bistro (2603 W. 16th) in Kitsilano, may appear to be a traditional French bistro, but a closer look at the menu reveals a commitment to featuring the finest organic producers from Richmond to Pemberton. “It would be crazy not to use all the local products that we have available to us in Vancouver,” says Andrea Thorgilsson, general manager. “We use only unmedicated meat and all of our seafood meets Oceanwise standards.” Trafalgars recently won Vancouver Magazine’s Greenest Restaurant in Vancouver award. Their commitment to local producers is obvious but it’s
what goes on behind the scenes, that may be the most impressive. Thorgilsson holds up a small plastic box no bigger than a loaf of bread. “This is our garbage for the restaurant.” Just outside the back door, a passageway leads to an army of recycling bins that allow the bistro and their sister bakery and neighbour, Sweet Obsession, to recycle almost everything. A small bin, not much bigger than the average household garbage can, is all that both business use to throw away a week’s worth of garbage. After five days, it’s only half full. One of the major contributors to restaurant waste is food scraps, something that Trafalgars and Sweet Obsession have avoided altogether. Thorgilsson unlatches the wooden doors to a small shed and a large commercial composter is revealed. “When food scraps go into the landfill they cannot decompose because it is an anaerobic environment and organic matter needs air flow to decompose into compost,” she explains. “With this machine we can create compost that is 85 per cent broken down. We give it to local farmers to do the rest of the curing process and use it for their operations.” Thorgilsson is very proud of her staff. Together they have created a friendly restaurant full of West Coast warmth, capable of cozying up any rainy day in Vancouver. While the food is accessible, consistent and served with professionalism and charm they are leading their industry with a commitment to the environment. “It really doesn’t take more effort and it’s easy to see what a difference we’re making.” Trafalgar’s first annual Garlic Fest is coming this January featuring a garlic-centered menu from the harvest of Vancouver’s own Inner City Farms. Trafalgars.com
DISCOVER KITSILANO
Experience the W. 4th vibe Welcome to the by Jenn Chic
neighbourhood
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cocktails. Not that there is any shortage of great food on West 4th. Top Chef Canada’s Trevor usiness is booming in Bird opened Fable at West 4th Kitsilano. Since January and Cypress this past summer 2012, 21 new storefronts and Burgoo has expanded its and services have moved celebration of the world’s best into the West 4th neighbourhood comfort food to West 4th and (see SIDEBAR). Vine. It’s an impressive array of resWith all this great food, taurants, boutique clothing stores, staying in shape is accessible, yoga studios, and coffee shops. too. Yyoga recently opened “Kitsilano really feels like a a brand new studio in the community — most people love heart of Kits at West 4th and the neighbourhood for the big Cypress. The studio offers city amenities and small town hundreds of classes to choose feel,” says Russ Davies, executive from and access to the infra director of Kitsilano’s 4th Avenue red sauna so there’s no excuse Business Improvement Associafor not dropping in to a class. tion. Different Bikes, at West 4th He loves that the residents are and Pine, opened a new locaso supportive of their neighbourtion this past spring and is one hood and that Kits has become a of Canada’s first Giant partner destination in the city for shopstores. They offer everything ping, dining or just soaking up you need to keep to two the atmosphere. wheels all year round from a Pedro Villalon, owner of O5 Tea selection of bikes, clothing, Bar, at 4th and Yew (pictured), gear and a team of skilled couldn’t have imagined opening mechanics. Pedro Villalon says he couldn’t imagine his boutique tea bar anywhere Beyond yoga gear, West 4th opening O5 Tea Bar anywhere other than on else in the city. He has personAvenue has many boutique West 4th Avenue in Kits. Jenn Chic photo ally visited many of the tea farms clothing stores to choose from from which he acquires his fine — Kate French, XO Bella and teas and loves to share their Leo Boutique all recently stories with each steaming hot cup. “I have met so many opened. Throughout the year, Kitsilano’s 4th Avenue BIA great people since we’ve opened. I love being in Kits.” has put together opportunities to enjoy shopping party Villalon also holds special events in the evenings at evenings; most recently, “Eat Shop Love for Moms” in his shop, inviting customers in for delicious food and May was a hit.
Catering for large & small events available.
Book your Christmas party today
DD
DD
PI
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B OU L
Double DD Pizza DD
ZZA
WEVancouver.com
3510 West 4th Ave 604-736-7001 www.ddpizza.ca
Licensed restaurant. Pickup/Delivery ddpizza
Double_D_Pizza
est 4th Avenue has long been a shopping destination but it’s always getting better. Here’s a list of the new stores and restaurants that have opened this year:
• Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts, 2048 W. 4th, dried fruits and nuts • Burgoo, 272 W. 4th, restaurant • Clouds & Rainbows, 1946 W. 4th, cigars and pipes • Culprit Coffee, 2028 Vine, coffee/tea • Davids Tea, 230 W. 4th, tea • Different Bikes, 1717 W. 4th, bicycles • Doner Donair, 1956 W. 4th, restaurant • Escents Aromatherapy, 2202 W. 4th, home/aromatherapy • Fable, 1944 W. 4th, restaurant • Kate French Wear, 2352 W. 4th, women’s fashion • Kits Physio & Osteo, 102-2078 West 4th, medical/wellness • Koodo Mobile, 2163 W. 4th, cellular phones • La Vita Dental Centre, 2259 West 4th, dentist • Leo Boutique, 2072 W. 4th, unisex fashion • Meuse Home & Living, 2005 W. 4th, home decor • No Frills Supermarket, 1680 W. 4th, grocery store • O5 Rare Tea Bar, 2208 W. 4th, tea • Pharmasave Home Health, 1855 W. 4th, medical/wellness • Spa On The Rocks, 2200 W. 4th, spa/esthetics • Spectus Eyewear, 2209 W. 4th, optical store • Spirit of Movement, 2076 W. 4th, children’s apparel • Stripped Wax Bar, 1990 W. 4th, waxing/esthetics • TD Canada Trust, 1911 W. 4th, financial services • Telus Mobility Retail, 2372 W. 4th, cellular phones • Urban Outfitters, 2199 W. 4th, unisex fashion • Vital Wellness, 1855 W. 4th, medical/wellness • XO Bella, 2294 W. 4th, women’s fashion • Y Yoga, 1915 W. 4th, yoga studio
Thank you for 15 years of patronage, loyalty and friendship! Join us from Monday to Saturday for:
3 course
prix fixe menu
$30
Date night feature Two 3 courses & a bottle of wine
$88
See trafalgars.com for details Proudly voted Vancouver’s greenest restaurant (VanMag Awards 2012) 2603 West 16th Avenue | 604.739.0555 | trafalgars.com | Reservations Encouraged November 1 – 7, 2012
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