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Restaurant: The Lift Bar & Grill
333 Menchion Mews, off Bayshore Drive, http://www.liftbarandgrill.com/
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When dining in Vancouver why not eat at a restaurant that allows you to take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, mountains and city all at the same time. Breathtaking views, fresh seafood and a vibrant atmosphere = the Lift. The food here is delicious and fresh (which justifies its slightly higher price tag), the staff is friendly (and easy on the eyes) and even the architecture of the building eye-catching. The Lift is located on the Coal Harbour waterfront just minutes from Stanley Park.
Café: Marble Slab
103-1184 Denman Street, www.marbleslab.com/
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I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! When you can't decide between ice cream, fruit and chocolate for dessert, Marble Slab may just be the answer to all your problems. Step 1: choose an ice cream flavour or 2. Let's say a scoop of cheesecake and another of cookie dough. Step 2: Select your toppings. They range from fruit, bits of chocolate bars, gummy bears and nuts. You pick the strawberries. Next, your server places your ice cream on a frozen marble slab (so it doesn't melt) and mix your toppings completely together. Step 3: Choose your cone. They come in traditional cone as well as cup shapes, and their tops are dipped in various types of chocolate. The butterfinger waffle cone is absolutely delish! Step 4: eat your heart out! The mixture of flavors is worth the wait - there is the occasional lineup at peak times. Bon appétit!
Shop: Aritzia
1110 Robson Street, several locations around the city, www.aritzia.com
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Follow any Vancouver fashionista about town and she will eventually lead you to Aritzia - the Vancouver based clothing store that carries all the youthful, popular clothing brands, such as Juicy Couture, Rock & Republic, UGG, Triple5 Soul and 7 for all Mankind. Its own labels, Talulah Babaton and TNA, offer sporty West Coast styles and chic citywear. This store has taken Canada by storm since it recently expanded from coast to coast. It is the it-store of the moment. For a taste of the Vancouver gal's style, Aritzia is a must.
Culture: Theatre Under the Stars
Stanley Park, http://www.tuts.ca/
For those of you who like a good musical, I recommend Theatre Under the Stars. Located in Stanley Park, TUTS is an open air theatre puts on hits musical productions outdoors during the summer months. Come early with friends to get a good seat and bring a picnic to eat while waiting for the show to begin. Dress warmly as it can get cool at night, or even better, cuddle with your love under a cosy blanket while you enjoy a romantic night out.
Café: The Hummingbird Bakery
133 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, www.hummingbirdbakery.com/
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What makes Notting Hill so charming and hip? It just may be the adorable Hummingbird Bakery, which makes some of the best cupcakes in Britain. Let's just say they don't skimp on the icing and the cake is moist enough to inspire waterfalls. Fill up a small box with various flavours and head to Kensington Park for a little picnic for one - trust me, you won't want to share!
Outdoor activity: Hyde Park
Central London, http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/
Should you be so lucky to actually be in London when the sun is shining, I suggest that you spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. One of my favorite things to do on a sunny day is to head to Hyde Park with a snack, good book and spend a few hours relaxing , working on my tan and people watching. Sit on the grass or rent a chaise for a few pounds. You may be in the middle of a big city but you couldn't feel more at peace.
Culture: Apsley House
149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.12679
Being the heiress (or heir) that you are, you've undoubtedly grown up in stately home
s and chateaus with frescoes, antique furniture, grand staircases and old masters on every wall. But suppose you hadn't. Where could one go to spend an afternoon to get a glimpse of this world? The answer is Apsley House, the home of the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants. Located in the centre of London, its just across the road from the Wellington Arch, on the edge of Hyde Park. Rooms after room is filled with celebrated masterpieces, old armour and brightly coloured fabric-covered walls. Stroll through the place like you own it and make yourself at home. For a day this lifestyle can be yours...just keep your hands off the furniture and don't expecnt any servants to come running when you ring that little gold bell.
Shop: Topshop
216 Oxford Street, www.topshop.co.uk/
What do socialites, movie stars, supermodels and you (of course!) have in common? A dramatic love life, a passion of couture....? Well probably, but how about the fact that you can't resist a stop a Topshop whenever you come to London. This Massive fashion sanctuary on Oxford Street carries the latest trends in apparel, shoes and accessories for both ladies and gents. Scarlett Johanson can't go i without spending at least 3 hours there and Kate Moss recently debued her own designs at the store with rave revues. They sells jeans in a large variety of styles, colours, waist sizes and let lengths, so chances are you will find a pair that fit you like a glove. Check out what all the fuss is about and visit Topshop - go on, I dare you!
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Song: Je Fais de Toi Mon Essentiel from the Roi Soleil .
Musician: Tiziano Ferro
Movie: Marie Antoinette
Book: Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
Trend: Saying no to buying diamonds
Designer: Nanette LeporeDrink: Jasmine Green Tea
Food: Grilled Salmon
City/Place: the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland
Shop: Les Néréides23 rue du Four, 75006, http://www.lesnereides.com/
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French women head to les Néréides for playful jewelry that brings out their inner little girl. With themes such as unicorns, ballerinas and cats, these pieces are inspired by our most treasured childhood fantasies. Next time the Peter Pan within you hungers to be let loose, feed his appetite with these fairytale jewels.
Café: Ladurée21 rue Bonaparte, 75006, as well as other locations, http://www.laduree.fr/
Sofia Coppola filled Marie Antoinette's Versailles with mile high towers of brightly colored cakes, pastries and macaroons that would make any sweet tooth melt. For a similar experience, Parisians and tourists gather at Ladurée for some of the most beautiful and delicious dessert the city of lights has to offer. Famous for its to-die-for macaroons, this "salon de thé" is a great place to go to for a snack on Sunday afternoons or on a rainy winters day. Filled with big comfy chairs, fireplaces and a beautifully painted dinning room reminiscent of an Italian orchard, Ladurée provides a first-rate Parisian luxury experience without the extravagant price tag.Restaurant: Chez l'Ami Jean
27 rue Malar, 75007, a useful website
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It may not look like much from the street, but this petit restaurant is as good as they come. With current chef Stéphane Jégo (left) at the helm, this little hole in the wall is packed day in and out. I will admit that this is not entirely due to Stéphane's flirtatious charm, although I do bid any women who enters this establishment fair warning - his creative dishes are simply divine. What's more, a three course a la carte meal (wine not included) can be had for about 30 euros. Be sure to make a reservation several days in advance because Paris' best kept secret is out.
Culture: Jardin de Luxembourg
Where does one go on a lazy Sunday afternoon in Paris? But of course! To the Jardin de Luxembourg, bien sure! Situated just north of Saint Germain des Pres on Paris' left bank is a breathtaking, not to mention gigantic, French-style park. With fountains, manicured lawns, flowers, tennis courts, pony rides and even a little chateau, a visit to the jardin is a quintessential part of the Parisian li
festyle. Read a book in one of the many chairs scattered around the main fountain and watch the impeccably dressed French children push their wooden boats across the water or take in a musical concert by the bandstand on a Sunday afternoon.
For those of you who like a good musical, I recommend Theatre Under the Stars. Located in Stanley Park, TUTS is an open air theatre puts on hits musical productions outdoors during the summer months. Come early with friends to get a good seat and bring a picnic to eat while waiting for the show to begin. Dress warmly as it can get cool at night, or even better, cuddle with your love under a cosy blanket while you enjoy a romantic night out.
