Picnic Summer 2017

summer 2017

f a m i l y, f a s h i o n , f o o d & f u n

outdoor movies page 6

day trip page 8

pedal power page 22

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contents message from the editor Welcome to Picnic

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Disco lovers rejoice On stage at the 2017 Fair at the PNE

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outdoor movies Cinema under the stars

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day trip You can get there from here

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Events Summer in the city

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i scream Best ice cream in Vancouver

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Summer reads Page-turners for the summer pool party Decking out the deck tea time So much more than Earl Grey by the glass Bubbles — a new summer fave pedal power No matter your skill level, thereʟs a bike route for that

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is produced by and is exclusive property of Glacier Media Inc. Copyright 2017.

PUBLISHER

20 22

Alvin Brouwer

DIRECTOR OF SALES Michelle

Bhatti

EDITOR Sandra

Thomas DESIGN Marina Rockey Email sales@vancourier.com to advertise in our next issue.

summer 2017

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Welcome to Picnic Vancouver has a reputation as a breathtakingly beautiful, world-class city surrounded by mountains on one side and ocean on the other.

It’s also known as having some of the most expensive real estate in the world and is a favoured destination for the sophisticated well-heeled.

But where does that leave young singles and couples or families comprised of 1.5 children, a mortgage, a dog and two working parents who spend their time shuttling kids between soccer, field hockey, dance class, swimming lessons and music school. It’s a time when many young adults are gaining a real sense of self and family and finally realizing just how important that is — making them the true heart and future of this City of Glass.

The team at Picnic knows that just because you’re an adult now — and maybe married with children — that doesn’t mean you’ve officially moved into the No Fun City zone. In fact, life is really only getting better. And while it’s unlikely you’re still hitting “the club,” chances are you do enjoy a decent glass of wine, music festivals and craft breweries. The fact that many breweries allow children and dogs makes them an obvious gathering place for bearded dads pushing strollers.

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summer 2017

On the weekends, you join like-minded friends for a Canadians baseball game or backyard barbecue — and a birthday party for a two-year-old becomes the highlight of the weekend because it’s a great excuse to get together. You’re an adult with an eye on the future, but with one foot still firmly planted in your 20s. And that’s OK. At Picnic we want to celebrate the best of Vancouver for young adults, including family, fashion, food and fun. And, of course, the dog.

Sandra Thomas | editor & writer sthomas@vancourier.com

Check us out online at vancourier.com

Disco lovers rejoice Sandra Thomas | sthomas@vancourier.com

Pointer Sisters just one of many acts booked to play the 2017 Fair at the PNE From disco to rock, pop to flamenco, this year’s musical lineup for the Pacific National Exhibition literally has something for everyone. (Yeah B-52s!)

And in celebration of Canada 150, the anniversary of this country’s Confederation, the Fair at the PNE is pulling out all the stops with the RCMP Musical Ride, family-fun events in Festival Park, entertainment for families including ToonCity, Xtreme Bugs (featuring 19 animatronic larger-than-life bugs), the Toytopia Exhibit, and Hockey Hall of Fame

— Legends of Hockey Exhibit.

At the Summer Night Concert series, every night at the PNE Amphitheatre, music lovers will enjoy all-star performances from world-renowned Canadian and international artists.

The Summer Night concerts take place every evening starting Saturday, Aug. 19, and the concerts are free with admission to the fair. For super fans, the PNE offers a limited number of reserved seats at each of the shows starting at $20. Music fans can visit PNE.ca for details. 

The Summer Night Concert series: Mother Mother Billy Currington Aug. 22 The Pointer Sisters Aug. 23 High Valley Aug. 24 ZZ Top Aug. 25 Chicago Aug. 26 Colin James Aug. 27 Huey Lewis & the News Aug. 29 Tom Cochrane with Red Rider Aug. 30 The B-52s Aug. 31 The Doobie Brothers Sept. 1 Rick Springfield Sept. 2 The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo Sept. 3 iHeartRadio Beach Ball (concert lineup to be announced shortly) Aug. 19

Aug. 20

iHeartRadio Beach Ball (concert lineup to be announced shortly)

Sept. 4

The 2017 fair runs from Saturday, Aug.19 to Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, and will be closed on Mondays Aug. 21 and 28.

PNE Half

Open Weekends AND WEEKDAYS STARTING JUNE 30!

SAVE ON PASSES AT:

outdoor

movies Sandra Thomas | sthomas@vancourier.com

Stanley Park, Canada Place and River District show movies under the stars Watching a movie in the great outdoors is a simple concept — you arrive, you sit, you watch. But there are some ways moviegoers can enhance their experience, starting with these tips: Get there early You can’t arrive just as the movie is starting and expect to find primo seating — unless you pay for it. VIP seating is available at Second Beach in Stanley Park for $20 with advance reservations.

Comfort Take a blanket or collapsible lawn chairs to ensure none of your parts fall asleep after sitting for a couple of hours.

Getting there With the exception of the River District, transit is a good option because parking can be tough to find — and expensive.

Weather If it’s raining, it’s a good idea to check online to see if the movie is still a go.

(Not all movie schedules were available

by Picnic ’s press deadline.)

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Stanley Park Summer Cinema Free outdoor movies at dusk on Tuesdays at Second Beach from early July until late August.

July 4 The Lego Batman Movie July 11 The Goonies July 18 Toy Story July 25 National Lampoonʼs Vacation aug. 1 Beauty and the Beast Sing-a-long aug. 8 Jaws aug. 15 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets aug. 22 Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 For more information, visit freshaircinema.ca.

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place Depending on the weather, Canada Place offers free movies each Thursday at dusk at the north end of the promenade deck. With national pride in mind, the organizers of this cinematic series ensure there is a Canadian connection to every movie shown. Canada Place has one of the largest outdoor movie screens in the Lower Mainland.

South Vancouver/River District These drive-in movies take place in September at 3650 East Kent Ave., which is off Southeast Marine Drive close to Boundary Road. And forget the blanket; in this case it’s the car you need to bring. 

Burnaby Golf full page

Play Today!

Burnaby Mountain Golf Course & Driving Range 7600 Halifax Street Phone: 604-280-7355

Riverway Golf Course & Driving Range 9001 Bill Fox Way Phone: 604-280-4653

Central Park Pitch & Putt 3883 Imperial Street Phone: 604-434-2727

Kensington Park Pitch & Putt 5889 Curtis Street Phone: 604-291-9525

It’s an easy drive to golf Burnaby!

golfburnaby.ca

Sandra Thomas | sthomas@vancourier.com

Don't have time for a week or even a weekend away? Consider a day trip. Families, couples and singles can find great food, fun and action by travelling just a little more than an hour outside of the city.

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Cultus Lake Cultus Lake Marina A great start to the day is renting a boat from Cultus Lake Marina. Our rental included a tube and my son and his wife climbed aboard with me at the wheel and my six-year-old grandson acting as spotter — maybe not the best idea we ever had. But, we all survived, had a lot of laughs and agreed with my grandson that it really was an “awesome” way to spend the morning. Visit cultuslakemarina.com.

Cultus Lake Waterpark Again, “awesome.” Unlike many other attractions, the water park allows you to bring a cooler, so we

packed in water, fruit, snacks, juice and treats and then bought our lunch at the concession. There are enough slides at the park to make everyone happy, but I told my grandson heʼd have to wait until heʼs a little taller to tackle the Bazooka Bowls.

Visit cultus.com.

Cultus Lake Adventure Park This ride-filled attraction is free to enter, but for $22 a person, you can ride all day. You can also buy tokens for rides, but the all-day pass is a bargain.

Visit cultusadventure.com.

summer 2017

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Squamish Whether itʼs rock climbing, hiking, white-water rafting or mountain biking, Squamish has become a world- class destination famous for offering adventure. Even the lofty New York Times has included it on a list of “must-visit” locales.

Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Restaurant and Edge Bar The gondola ride alone is a great reason to visit Squamish, but enjoying lunch or dinner 885 metres above Howe Sounds just adds to the experience.

Visit seatoskygondola.com.

Besides adventure, Squamish is also gaining a reputation as a foodie destination.

Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar This new addition to the Squamish food scene features a Pacific Northwest-inspired menu created by executive chef Jeff Park. The Salted Vine is open for happy hour and dinner service Tuesday through Saturday and features a 70-seat dining room and lounge and 20-seat patio. Visit saltedvine.ca.

Fergie's Cafe at Sunwolf The official opening of the Trailer at Fergieʼs took place in May, so now thereʼs even more room for friends and families to gather for breakfast, brunch or lunch. The thoughtful menu has a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Sunwolf was once a well-known fishing destination called Fergieʼs Lodge, but now specializes in eagle watching and white water rafting. Make sure to wander the grounds while you're there and check out the charming cottages, perfect for weekend getaways. Visit sunwolf.net.

Harbour Cruise Quarter Think

you’ve seen Vancouver?

You haVen’T...YeT.

Backcountry Brewing Squamishʼs newest local craft brewery is in an industrial park nestled among climbing gyms, indoor trampoline parks and bike retailers. Backcountry brews beers with hops straight from their farm in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. While youʼre there grab a bite

Powell Street Quarter

第41回パウエル祭

CELEBRATING JAPANESE CANADIAN ARTS & CULTURE

Nightly SuNSet DiNNer CruiSeS SpeCtaCular iNDiaN arm luNCheoN CruiSeS 4 Daily tourS of the VaNCouVer harbour

Why let tourists have all the fun this summer?

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 11:30 AM TO 7:00 PM ALL EVENTS FREE AT OPPENHEIMER PARK & SURROUNDING VENUES @POWELLSTFEST #POWELLSTFEST

WWW.POWELLSTREETFESTIVAL.COM

Famous Foods Half

Summer Savings at

at That ʼ70s Tasting Room, which specializes in wood-fired pizza, salads, chilis and stews all created in-house. Visit backcountrybrewing.com.

Sunshine Coast OK, it might take a ferry to get there, but it’s still an easy day trip. bonus: You only have to pay one way.

New to the coast is Gibsons Public Market, a short drive from the Langdale Ferry Terminal and close to the marina, making it convenient for boaters, vacation rentals, residents and campers to grab some great ingredients for whatever the day brings.

While you’re there check out: Sunshine Coast Olive Oil Company Visit Sunshine Coast Olive Oil Company for samples and recipe ideas. hint: Try some of the flavoured balsamic vinegars with soda water for a great summer drink. Visit sunshinecoastoliveoil.com.

Mike’s Place Gelato Visit Mike’s Place Gelato for some of the best gelato and ice cream on the peninsula. Visit mikesgelato.ca.

The Purple Banner Route A Purple Banner Route map is available from local visitor centres and leads to more than 100 galleries and studios, culinary artisans and performance artists. Visit deeprooted.ca.

Skookumchuck Rapids At Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, take the easy 4-km/2.5-mile trail through the forest to see where some of the world’s fastest-moving tidal rapids surge through a narrow channel. Visit hellobc.com. 

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Please note that sale Prices are in effect until sePtember 4th or while quantities last.

Mark your calendar Sandra Thomas | sthomas@vancourier.com

Summer events include festivals, horse races and a search for the perfect all-white outfit

july July 13-16 Vancouver Folk Festival Despite the name, the Folk Fest, as it’s affectionately known in Vancouver, is not all about helicopter dancing, hula hoops and acoustic guitars.

Instead, it’s an eclectic mix of events, family and music ranging from folk to hip hop to country to global to funk to, well, we just don’t have the space to name them all here.

This popular Vancouver festival is celebrating 40 years, which means it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Visit thefestival.bc.ca.

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summer 2017

the Deighton Cup

July 22 The Deighton Cup The Deighton Cup, one of the most stylish events of the summer, returns with fashion, fascinators, food and a fabulous day at the races. In celebration of the Deighton Cup’s ninth anniversary, organizers are opening up the entire event as a VIP experience, which means the day-long soirée will be more fabulous than ever, with one giant marquee and concourse playing host to 5,000 derby revelers. Visit deightoncup.com.

august

August 5-6 free Powell Street Festival This free event, the largest Japanese Canadian festival in the country and Metro Vancouver’s longest running community arts festival, is centered in and around Oppenheimer Park (400 block of Powell Street) and venues including the Firehall Arts Centre, Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall, and the Vancouver Buddhist Temple on Jackson Avenue. powell street festival

This year’s lineup is a mix of local and international talent with highlights including

performances from the duo George & Noriko — a Japanese blues cowboy and Tsugaru shamisen player from Melbourne, Australia, who will play an additional performance with local musicians Bernie Arai and Brian Minato.

Literary events include a special presentation by iconic Japanese author Haruki Murakami’s key translators Jay Rubin and Ted Goossen, the return of festival-favourite Sally Ito, who will read from her new book Are You an Echo? and performances by Joy Kogawa and Soramaru Takayama. Also at the festival will be interactive installations, children’s activities, a craft market and more than 20 food vendors.

As well, “Macro-Maki,” will allow festival attendees to don pillow-sized sushi costumes and shoot selfies on a stage thatʼs designed to look like a massive sushi tray. Food vendors will be serving authentic and delicious Japanese food along Dunlevy and Jackson avenues. Visit powellstreetfestival.com.

Le diner en blanc

August 12 Babylon The Queen Elizabeth Theatre lobby and plaza will be transformed into an indooroutdoor garden of earthly delights with an explosion of buds and blooms provided by the city’s top floral artists.

Sip herbal-infused spirits as Ballet B.C.’s entire company takes to the al fresco stage to perform highlights of recent and upcoming new works, as well as improvised movement and site-specific choreography inspired by the eveningʼs theme. Visit thesocialconcierge.com.

August 24 Le Diner En Blanc What started out as a small dinner party, during which everyone was garbed in white, has turned into the biggest event of the summer.

This year more than 6,000 male and female fashionistas will don their best white and converge on two secret locations. This is the first time in North America the dinner is being held in two spaces — the actual locations are never revealed until the day of the event. Registration is required and since this event sells out faster than a Tragically Hip concert, we recommend you check out vancouver.dinerenblanc.info/ register as soon as possible. summer 2017

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I scream Sandra Thomas | sthomas@vancourier.com

Best ice cream in Vancouver La Casa Gelato La Casa Gelato on Venables Street offers an astounding 588 flavours, with 238 available on location at any given time.

ItÕs here youÕll find your favourite flavours (salted caramel, Rocky Road), as well as some not-sofavourite flavours (roasted garlic, wasabi). The good news is, before you commit to a flavour you're welcome to a taste.

Visit lacasagelato.com.

Earnest Ice Cream A friend recently told me she had to move because she lived too close to the Fraser Street location of Earnest Ice Cream and Ògained 50 pounds.Ó And there's good reason.

This Vancouver favourite creates small batch, seasonal flavours often using foraged ingredients such as fresh spruce bud and elderflower.

But they also offer the classics including salted caramel and mint chip. Earnest was also the first ice cream shop in the city to pack pints in returnable and reusable glass jars. Visit earnesticecream.com.

Rain or Shine Now with locations on West Fourth Avenue and Cambie Street, this popular mom-and-pop shop regularly creates seasonal and unusual flavours in house, including honey/lavender, London Fog and cracked mint. Visit rainorshineicecream.com. 

Vancouver Folk Fest Half

Celebrating 40 years

JULY 13.14.15.16 JERICHO BEACH PARK Billy Bragg & Joe Henry • Shawn Colvin • Barenaked Ladies • Rhiannon Giddens The Revivalists • Bahamas • John K. Samson & The Winter Wheat • Kathleen Edwards Si Kahn • Ferron & her All Star Band • La Santa Cecilia • Mbongwana Star• Roy Forbes Marlon Williams & The Yarra Benders • Cold Specks • Jim Byrnes • Blind Pilot Emmanuel Jal • Sidestepper • Blick Bassy • Native North America • Grace Petrie Nive Nielsen & The Deer Children • Will Varley • Archie Roach • and many more!

Info and tickets : thefestival.bc.ca PMS: 2925

PMS: 3005

Summer

reads The minimalist mom Rachel Jonat Jonat doesn’t offer a guide of what to buy for baby’s first year, but instead offers ideas on how to simplify parenting.

Less stuff, more help.

The year Canadians lost their minds and Found Their Country: The centennial of 1967 Tom Hawthorn Hawthorn offers Canadians a look back at the unlikely and inspiring story of the centennial of 1967.

small homes: The right size Lloyd Kahn Kahn showcases a variety of international homes, including several in B.C., which are modest in size and eclectic in style. These homes resonate with many who fantasize about living a simpler life.

duct tape bags Richela Fabian Morgan Part art piece, part useable accessory, these duct-tape creations are fabulous.

Fabian Morgan gives simple directions for creating 40 tape-based projects for totes, clutches, messenger bags and bowlers — one manageable section at a time.

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Floating bar With pineapple cooler bigmouthinc.com Tiki Pong game Floating game floatingpong.com

Tabletop pineapple Allen & Roth accent lowes.ca

Tiki bar Swim up bar bigmouthinc.com

pool party Avocado float bigmouthinc.com

Melamine dishes Shatter resistant/vivid designs presidentschoice.ca

Flamingo float bigmouthinc.com

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summer 2017

Beach towel Sugar skull design bigmouthinc.com

summer 2017

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Teatime Sandra Thomas | sthomas@vancourier.com

So much more than Earl Grey Silk Road Tea on West Fourth Avenue offers tea tasting events where aficionados can learn to think outside the box when it comes to serving up a cuppa.

mango lemonade tea

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summer 2017

Mango Lemonade Tea Black tea, lemongrass, calendula, lemon, mango.

Mango Lemonade Black Tea makes a delicious iced tea and great base for a summer cocktail or mocktail. Serve by the pitcher for easy summer entertaining. Try these fast, fun and easy recipes.

Ingredients 3 tbsp. Silk Road Tea 1/2 cup white rum 2 tbsp. granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups chilled, freshly squeezed mandarin juice 2 cups chilled sparkling white wine or champagne Silk Road recommends

Spiked Lemonade cocktail Add 2 ounces gin, vodka or rum to every 8 oz. of iced tea.

using the following

Frozen Slush Steep 3 tbsp. tea in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes.

Strain. Add 1 tbsp. honey. Whiz tea in blender with 2 cups ice. optional: Add 2 oz. gin, vodka or rum per cup.

and Peach Paradise.

Tea Mimosa Tea and bubbles, itĘźs the best of both worlds. A tea mimosa is a creative way to greet guests as they arrive for dinner or brunch and also makes a great signature drink for a cocktail party.

dissolved. Combine infused

teas: Spicy Mandarin, Philosopher’s Brew, Herbal Chai, Earl Green, Sublime, Imperial Earl Grey, Mango Shade,

Directions Add 3 tbsp. loose tea to 1/2 cup white rum. Wait 20 minutes and then strain the tea out. Add 2 tbsp. granulated sugar to the infused rum and stir until rum with 1 1/2 cups chilled freshly squeezed mandarin or orange juice and 2 cups chilled sparkling white wine or Champagne in a pitcher or decanter. Serve in Champagne flutes.

tea mimosa

Tea-infused spirits Enjoy tea-infused spirits on their own or combine them with other ingredients to create sophisticated cocktails. Add the infused alcohol to hot or cold tea drinks or tea punch. Teainfused vodka or gin is perfect for making martinis.

24-hour method Add 2 tsp. of dry tea leaves to 2 cups of alcohol. Wait 24 hours and then strain the tea leaves out. The exception to the 24hour infusion time is green teas. Keep the infusion time for these to about 1 hour.

20-minute method Add 6 tbsp. of dry tea leaves to 2 cups of alcohol. Wait 20 minutes and then strain the tea leaves out.

Queer Arts Quarter

Holiday Combinations Gin infused with Herbal Chai, Philosopher’s Brew, Casablanca, Darjeeling, Emperor’s Keemun

UnSettled

Lemon vodka infused with Alchemist’s Brew, Herbal Chai, Philosopher’s Brew, Sour Cherry, Golden Phoenix or Imperial Earl Grey Cranberry or raspberry vodka infused with Alchemist’s Brew or Philosopher’s Brew Rum infused with Herbal Chai, Silk Road Chai or Spicy Mandarin Tequila infused with Philosopher’s Brew, Casablanca, Imperial Earl Grey Sake infused with Sour Cherry or Sencha 

Art Party! June 17 I 7PM UnSettled I June 17-28

June 17-29 at the

Curated Visual art Exhibition curator Adrian Stimson All shows at I 7pm

MSM [MEN SEEKING MEN] JUNE 20 - 21 UNSETTLING COLONIAL GENDER BOUNDARIES JUNE 23 CRIS DERKSEN’S ORCHESTRAL POWWOW JUNE 24 TECHNICAL KNOCKOUTS JUNE 26 Greed/REsolve JUNE 27 - 28 and more...

queerartsfestival.com

George Littlechild

Vodka infused with Snow Apple Spice

by the glass

Sandra Thomas | sthomas@vancourier.com

There’s no need to commit to an entire bottle of bubbly when you can buy it by the glass at these hot spots.

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summer 2017

There was a time a glass of Champagne or, for that matter any sparkling wine, was reserved for a special occasion — picture a tuxedoed father proudly toasting the bride or a New Year’s Eve party in full swing at midnight. But that is no longer the case and bubbles now play a starring role at everything from picnics to patios to house parties. And with two locations in Vancouver offering Champagne and sparkling wine by the glass, it’s never been easier to enjoy bubbly — without committing to an entire bottle.

The Botanist This flora and fauna-inspired space on the second floor of the Fairmont Pacific Rim includes a dining room where executive chef Hector Laguna’s menu showcases ingredients from the Pacific Northwest and sustainablysourced seafood and organics from backyard suppliers; the Cocktail Lab serving uniquelycrafted cocktails, including the ocean-blue Deep Cove and the tropical-red Pretty Bird; and the Champagne Lounge tucked off to the left as you enter the space. Overseeing the Champagne Lounge and the Botanist’s wine program is wine director Jill Spoor.

The lounge, which opens daily at 4 p.m., offers everything from a Barons de Rothschild by the glass, Brut, the Reims

to Krug, Clos d’Ambonnay, Reims, 1998, by the bottle; to sparkling cocktails, including the Poetry in Motion, starting at $15.

Bottles of sparkling wine start at $70. This sophisticated space is an oasis where low lighting, comfortable seating and a glass of bubbly come together to offer a reprieve from everyday life.

Provence Marinaside & the Wine Bar (TWB) 1177 Marinaside Crescent When Provence in Yaletown finished a massive renovation recently, its star attraction was the wall of wine available on tap. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also allowed customers an opportunity to try one of 140 wines by the glass.

Nirvana Restaurant Half

But apparently that wasn’t good enough for the creative minds at Provence, particularly wine director Joshua Carlson, who has now added 24 varieties of sparkling wines and Champagne to the menu. The trick was to find a way to serve one glass of sparkling wine without losing the bubbles in the remainder — and that’s where the a preservation system called Le Verre

de Vin became the hero of this story. The system allows a bottle of bubbly to maintain its fizz for about three weeks. Some of the bubbly, sparkling wines and Champagnes available include Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label, La Marca Prosecco, Mas Fi Cava, LINI 910 ‘Lambrusca’ Lambrusco Rosso, Benjamin Bridge Method Traditional Brut, Zanatta ‘Fantasia’ Brut and Louis Roederer Cristal 2009.

And at 25 per cent off on Saturdays at TWB, there is no excuse not to indulge.

pedal power

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summer 2017

courtesy tourismvancouver.com

No matter your skill level, there’s a bike route for that.

Stanley Park It can be difficult to cover all the ground in Stanley Park in one afternoon, because this sprawling urban sanctuary is packed with historic landmarks, upscale and casual restaurants, scenic gardens, sandy beaches and Canada’s largest aquarium.

Ride the 10-kilometre (six-mile) paved path along the Stanley Park Seawall, which circles the entire park and promises plenty of spectacular sightseeing, or speed things up and cut through the park, where you can coast by the rose garden, the Vancouver Rowing Club and Lost Lagoon.

Sunset Beach — False Creek — Kitsilano Beach Pedal along this seaside route to see Vancouver’s beaches and urban waterfront areas. Start at Sunset Beach on English Bay, where rollerbladers and joggers often share the path and families take advantage of the floating slide and full-time lifeguard.

Continue along the path, which circles False Creek, leading you past a number of museums, including Science World and Vancouver Maritime Museum.

Foodies might be tempted to take a detour to Granville Island, which is known for its dining options, waterfront patios and the famous Granville Island Public Market. End the ride at Kitsilano Beach, where outdoor enthusiasts gather for recreational games

along the sandy beaches and grassy areas. You can even cool off at Kits Pool, an outdoor saltwater pool with impressive views of the city and ocean.

Queen Elizabeth Park — VanDusen Botanical Gardens For a short ride through lush gardens and parks, take the Midtown/Ridgeway or Ontario Street bike route to Queen Elizabeth Park, where you’ll find the Quarry Gardens, an arboretum and the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. After checking out the various green spaces, pedal west along West 37th Avenue to reach VanDusen Botanical Garden, where plant species from around the world are on display year-round.

Jericho Beach — UBC — Pacific Spirit Regional Park Start out at Jericho Beach, where windsurfers and sailboats can be found coasting along the waters of English Bay. The bike path winds along the shoreline, past Spanish Banks, where it’s easy to spot sun seekers playing soccer and volleyball. Stop at a nearby beach concession stand and enjoy a picnic on the sandy banks or keep following the route, which leads up to the University of British Columbia. This sprawling campus is home to the renowned Museum of Anthropology, the UBC Botanical Garden, Greenheart TreeWalk and Nitobe

Memorial Garden.

End the trip at Pacific Spirit Regional Park, where unpaved bike paths cut through lushly forested areas.

Central Valley Greenway This 24-kilometre (15-mile) route connects downtown Vancouver with the nearby municipalities of Burnaby and New Westminster, leading cyclists through metropolitan neighbourhoods, along historic shopping districts and into scenic, natural areas. The route begins at Science World on False Creek and curves down through Commercial Drive, making it easy to explore nearby neighbourhoods and Trout Lake.

Continue along through Burnaby, where you can see wildlife at Burnaby Lake and pass by the Nature House, Equestrian Centre and Rowing Pavilion. Finally, the path leads to New Westminster, where you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés or browse fresh produce and locally-made goods at the River Market at New Westminster Quay.  summer 2017

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