FAVORITES - FEBRUARY

Song: Love Like This by Natasha Bedingfield

Musician: Dixie Chicks

Movie: The Planet Earth documentary series by the BBC

Book: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Artists: Paolo Uccello

Trend: mix and match bright colored spring clothing

Designer: Rodarte

Drink: Shirley Temple

Food: Enchiladas

City/Place: Melbourne

TV Show: Cashmere Mafia

PICKS OF THE MONTH - VANCOUVER

Cafe: Caffe Artigiano

Several locations throughout the city, www.caffeartigiano.com/
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Commonly-referred to as the best coffee makers in Vancouver, this charming chain of cafes combines Italian old-world charm with North American coffee shop culture. As a contender in the World Barista Championships, Artigiano’s friendly baristas are skilled at making lovely swirling foam designs, termed latte art, to top off your chai lattes and cappuccinos. The cafe also boasts a selection of paninis and baked goods for those with the munchies. For a special treat, try their infamous $15 coffee. It is made with a Panamanian bean, Hacienda la Esmeralda Especial, which has been crowned as the “world’s best coffee.” So forget your Vente Starbucks just this once and immerse your soul in a bit of Italian comfort, Vancouver-style. Ah bellissima!

Restaurant: Honjin

140 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, http://www.dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=2467
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Vancouver isn’t generally considered a major player on the international stage. It doesn’t dominate in world politics, big business or the arts. However there are categories with which my city dominates all others: nature and outdoor sports? No. How about Aboriginal culture and logging? Wrong again. The correct answer is Starbucks and sushi. The Arabs may have one thousand and one nights but we have 1001 sushi bars. It is true that one cannot go for more than a block or two without stumbling upon another Starbucks and sushi restaurant (or ten). Vancouver has the best, the cheapest and the most abundant supply of sushi in the world. It even beats out Japan in this category. Thanks to our healthy lifestyle, multicultural community and access to fresh, affordable seafood, sushi has become a phenomenon in Vancouver – a trend that is here to stay.

My favourite Japanese sushi restaurant in the city is Honjin in North Vancouver, just near the Sea Bus. There is a second location in Yaletown for the downtown crowd. In my opinion it is one of the very best sushi restaurants in town. Honjin serves up all the traditional Japanese food we adore, plus an assortment of their own concoctions. Try the North Shore Roll. It’s amazing! In any case, this place is an absolute must. If you want to be sure to get a table, call that same day to make reservation. I guarantee that it is worth the effort!

Shop: Chintz & Company

950 Homer Street, http://www.chintz.com/
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Every so often I discover a new shop that sends my pulse racing. Usually this occurs as a product of spectacular footwear or playful spring dresses just begging to come home with me. One discovery set itself apart, the uber fabulous Chintz & Company, a home furnishings and accessories store in Vancouver’s ultra hip Yaletown district. Filled with chic, beautiful items at reasonable places, every visit to Chintz leaves me on the verge of wanting to buy an apartment just so I have an excuse to decorate. Whether you fall head over heels for a set of dishes, an armchair or a garden statue, it is virtually impossible to part from the store empty-handed.