Megan Lau is the Digital and Content Strategist for YWCA Metro Vancouver. She always has 20 tabs open, searching for a great read, an inspiring idea, or compelling cause. Wherever Megan is in the world, you’ll find her on the hunt for a transcendent bite of food, a perfectly mixed cocktail, or a unique space to share a night with friends. At home, she is an enthusiastic cook and baker.
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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which is why it’s key to know where to find toast, bacon and eggs just the way you like them, seven days a week. From diners to dives to fine dining, Vancouver has plenty of weekday breakfast spots where you can start your morning with a satisfied belly. [Photo courtesy of Cafe Medina]
Things can get chilly above the 49th parallel. Thankfully, Vancouver’s restaurants and bars are heating up with flavourful cocktails inspired by South American tradition: think Cuba libres, pisco sours, caipirinhas and classic margaritas. Here are a few local venues that serve up drinks with Latin liquors and tasty food from below the equator. [Photo courtesy of Cuchillo]
Izakayas first arrived in Vancouver in the early 90s and the lively Japanese-style pubs have been a staple in the city ever since. Some joints stick to tradition, while local chains such as Guu and Hapa Izakaya serve up dishes influenced by the West Coast culinary scene. These Vancouver izakayas will have you shouting “Mou Hitotsu!” (one more!) thanks to their crowd-pleasing food and drinks. [Photo credit: everydayAnalog]
Life is sweet when you’re having a sundae. After all, why have just plain old ice cream when you can top it with sauces, whipped cream and sprinkles? A sundae says you’re going all out in the fun department – and that’s just something you’ve gotta do once in awhile. Try these Vancouver hot spots for cool treats. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Robert Ingelhart]
Sunny days on the West Coast are to be savoured. For many Vancouver locals, the perfect summer day in the city means heading to the beach to enjoy some sun, sand and surf before capping the day off with eats and a pint near the water. Here are some choice spots to grab a bite near my favourite Vancouver beaches: Jericho, English Bay, Kitsilano, Dundarave, and Third Beach. [Photo credit: iStock.com/wundervisuals]
In the Pacific Northwest, craft beer is akin to religion. We sip our porters, lagers and IPAs made with care from local brew-masters. As liquor laws have changed over the last couple of years, a different kind of craft is happening in the Lower Mainland: distilling. Small-batch distilleries are producing fine vodkas, sakes, gins and whiskeys right here in Vancouver. [Photo courtesy of Odd Society Spirits]
We take our food seriously in Vancouver, so it’s no surprise that our international airport offers several options for discerning gourmands. Restaurants at YVR reflect our multicultural city with a focus on Asian cuisine and B.C.’s bounty: think seafood and wines! Whether you’re departing after visiting, or leaving for a holiday, here’s where to fill your belly on your way to and at YVR. [Photo credit: iStock.com/aimintang]
The right candle can turn a practical bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary or a plain bedroom into an intimate Goop-worthy oasis. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable decor update, why not add the finishing touch to any room and set the mood with a beautiful candle? These Vancouver shops offer options that are sure to make you wax poetic. [Photo courtesy of Vancouver Candle Co.]
Want to step up your at-home bartending game? From small boutiques to restaurant suppliers, Vancouver is home to plenty of shops that cater to amateur mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts of all sorts. Deck out your bar cart and master the Old Fashioned by visiting these fine retailers. [Photo courtesy of Sips Cocktail Emporium]
An arrangement of fresh flowers is bound to beautify any space. Whether you’re looking for a simple bouquet to spruce up your apartment or business, or you want to bedeck your wedding with colourful centrepieces, here are some of Vancouver’s best floral designers.
In the wine world, natural wines are controversial; many dispute what makes a vino natural. Sommeliers will argue about biodynamic and organic growing techniques, and what chemicals are permitted. As for the rest of us, we know natural, local wines reflect where they come from and are a fitting companion to a farm-to-table meal. Here’s where to make the most of your conscious sipping experience in Vancouver.
It’s no secret that finding a gift for Dad can be like the search for El Dorado: you could spend a lifetime looking for it! When you’re scrambling to find that ideal gift for an upcoming birthday, Father’s Day or the holiday season, turn to these great independent stores in Vancouver to find presents for your papa.