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So you didn’t get the memo that air conditioners would be sold out by this point. And you’ve been caught one too many times sneaking into the neighbour’s pool.  Thankfully there are still plenty of spots you can remain chilled at in Vancouver, without breaking any trespassing laws. These are just a handful of our favourite spots in the city that you can visit on your day in town, or if you’re just on a neighbourhood crawl in search of shade. Burdock and Co. Nestled in the garden of this Main Street fave, Burdock’s patio is perfect for right after rain clouds part and the forecast brightens up. Accompanied by the fresh scent of the greenery around you, order a martini or a glass from their impeccable wine list while you take in one of our most eclectic communities. For added photography points, the side of the building is adorned…

By Jack Chen, Chef and Co-Owner, Coquille Fine Seafood Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 1 filet of Halibut (approximately 1 lb.) Curing Salt Coarse sea salt (1 cup) Granulated sugar (1 cup) Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lime Zest of 1 orange Combine all ingredients and let it sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours. Poaching liquid Fish stock (any flavoured stock will work) (2 L) Butter (1 cup) 1 sprig tarragon 3 bay leaves 1 lemon peel Pinch salt Combine and set aside for later use. Oyster Beurre Blanc Butter, diced into 1 cm cubes (1 lb) White wine (1 cup) Heavy cream (2 cups) 3 shallots, thinly sliced 1 bay leaf Lemon juice (1/4 cup) Oysters, chopped (1 cup) Pinch salt Parsley Chives Chervil Tarragon DIRECTIONS Beurre Blanc Reduce white wine with shallots and bay leaf until you have a syrup-like liquid. Add cream and reduce…

By Joyce Chua Vancouver Foodie Tours A stroll around Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood will tell you just how much locals love their coffee. Artisan cafes mark every street corner ready to re-fuel shoppers, wanderers and to tide over diners before their reservations are ready. You won’t find coffee like this in every city, let alone the passionate purveyors in Gastown who live and breathe quality beans. Here’s some places to start: Consider Purebread. The Whistler-born bakery entices patrons with piles (literally) of fresh pastries, cakes, brownies, breads and oversized meringues. Heaven would be envious of how the little bakeshop smells. It’s one of the only places in Vancouver that you’ll find Stumptown coffee – the sweetheart success from Oregon. In Gastown’s iconic Woodward’s Building, JJ Bean Coffee Roasters is simultaneously perfecting French-pressed single-origin coffee and freshly baked goods. With 18 locations in Vancouver, this family business knows the city inside and…

By Joyce Chua, Vancouver Foodie Tours This Valentine’s Day, the only dessert-focused fine dining spot in Gastown is having their one-year anniversary. The stylish dining room of Mosquito is chic, dark, and a delightfully dramatic way to share some bubbly and sweets (or cheese and charcuterie). It was a beautiful day in Gastown when I met with Mosquito owners, Alice Wu and Johan Friedrich. As I hustled down the lively cobbled streets, I noted the many signs and sandwich boards straining to catch the attention of those passing by. There was nothing to be seen for Mosquito, but I bustled along, knowing their non-descript door would appear somewhere soon and welcome me to a quiet oasis. As Johan described the inspiration for Mosquito as an “out-of-world experience that heightened all senses,” I could not help but smile, as the idea has completely come to life. The high-ceilings, dark furnishings, sparkling…