PICKS OF THE MONTH: VANCOUVER

Restaurant: Shabusen Yakiniku House

755 Burrard Street, http://www.shabusen.com/

Vancouver is probably the best city in the world for sushi. With its large Japanese community and fresh seafood, its sushi and sashimi reign supreme, not only in quality but also in price. One of my special places for sushi, especially when I have worked up an appetite, is Shabusen - located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. For a little over $20 you can get the All You Can Eat menu, which means as much sushi, sashimi, gomae, spring rolls, edamame, etc. as you like. They also have a Korean BBQ grill set up on each table, so you can order fish and meat to cook on the grill, as part of the AYCE menu. For lunch , the AYCE menu costs only $13.50 but it doesn't include the BBQ portion that they offer for dinner. And for those who can't eat their money's worth, you can also order from their a-la carte menu. I suggest making a reservation in the evenings, especially for larger parties, to make sure you get a spot. The place is popular. If you're lucky you may even spot a celebrity or two. Sarah Michelle Geller likes to eat here when she's in town. So save your appetite to take maximum advantage of this Japanese feast - Vancouver style.


Shop: Lululemon Athletica

1148 Robson Street, as well as many other locations across the city, http://www.lululemon.com/

The West Coast is known for its relaxed, comfortable, sporty way of life. This could be one of the reasons Vancouver-based yogawear and sportswear line, Lululemon, has become such an overnight success. Although its clothing can now be found in select stores throughout North American and Europe, this eco-friendly brand still calls Vancouver home. Its trademark pants have become somewhat of a must-have item among women in Vancouver, its logo almost becoming a status symbol among fashionable twenty-somethings. The label may have started out with the goal of providing trendy yogawear, but its fun, practical and original designs have inspired men and women to incorporate the clothing into their everyday casual wear wardrobe as well. A Lululemon outfit is even a great way to spot a fellow Vancouverite when traveling abroad. So next time you are planning on visiting Vancouver, don't bring back a dust- gathering trinket to remember your trip; buy yourself a souvenir from Lululemon.

PICKS OF THE MONTH: LONDON

Restaurant: Belgo Centraal

50 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, http://www.belgo-restaurants.com/

Who said eating in London had to be expensive? Next time you would like a unique and exciting lunch experience without blowing your budget, head to Belgo. Belgo Centraal is a large Belgian restaurant, with an atmosphere that combines medieval Europe with the 21st century. Situated mainly underground, the place is filled with post-industrial glass, stainless steel, and a large open kitchen. Guests are seated at large tables with benches and are served by waiters dressed as Belgian monks. The restaurant boasts one of the largest selections of beer in England, with a wide variety of lager, fruit-flavored beers and anything else you can think up.

For between 6.50-8.50 pounds you can get a hearty lunch, such as steak frites or a bowl of mussels, and a lager, glass of wine or soft drink. Other meals, particularly at dinner time, will cost you more, but nothing unreasonable. The food is very tasty and is definitely good value for your money. Also to note: the bathrooms are very original (and unisex) so don't forget to pay them a visit and children eat for free!

Shop: Karen Millen

Various locations around London, www.karenmillen.com/

Cosmopolitan fashionistas head to Karen Millen for simple yet elegant citywear with a slight edge. Carrying both casual and dressy outfits, the clothing is well-fitted, made of rich fabrics and tailed to hug the female body. With middle of the range prices (think Banana Republic), this label is great for buying a few key pieces, such as a great coat, a pair of capris or an evening dress.

Culture: Wicked (The Musical)

Apollo Victoria Theatre, located between Wilton Road and Vauxhall Bridge Road, http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/

Did you ever wonder what happened to the wicked Witch of the West to make her so darn wicked? Well, maybe not...but here's your chance to find out. Wicked is the Tony award-winning musical about the "good" witch and the "bad" witch from the Wizard of Oz. Funny, original, and extremely well-done, it'll have you humming its catchy tunes for at least the next few weeks. The music is fantastic so save some space on your ipod. The theatre is right by Victoria station, which should make getting to and from the show a breeze. If you see one musical on your next trip to London, without a doubt it should be this one!

ÉDITION PARIS: WHERE HAVE ALL THE GIRLS GONE?

Twice a year something very strange happens in Paris: its entire female population seems to disappear. It is early in the day, but this morning they do not sit in cafes enjoying their ritual croissant, they have not shown up for work. All of a sudden you see a French woman dash by in a hurry and so you decide to follow her. As you turn a corner onto Avenue Montagne a great wind of eau de parfum engulfs you as you discover an incredible mass of girls lined up outside Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada. Mystery solved....the semi-annual French Sales have begun!

Every January and June all of France seems to go on sale. Known as the "Soldes" to the French, they last about a month and a half and are restricted by the government. In general, stores in France are only allowed to have sales during these two periods, at which time everything from the previous 6 months goes on sale. And this isn't just everyday labels such as Guess, Zara or the Gap. Everything from Dior to Christian Louboutin to Burberry can be had for at least 30% off (most of the time). This means clothes, shoes, bags, jewelery, accessories, houseware, books, etc.

If you are lucky enough to be in Paris (or anywhere in France) during the Soldes and you enjoy spending on some of the finer things in life, carpe diem and go nuts. If you are planning to buy several designer items (especially on a trip to Europe) it is worth planning your trip around these dates for the savings alone. Designer clothes and accessories are much cheaper in Europe, particularly during the sales. ie. Miu Miu patent leather mary janes 260 euros incl. tax in Paris vs. $540 CAN at Holt Renfrew in Canada not incl 14% tax.

This June the sales start on the 27th. If you have something specific in mind, hit the soldes early. If not, the discounts only get better as the time goes on. For designer handbags and other hot items, I definitely recommend lining up outside the stores at least an hour before they open so you can get first dibs (they only let a few people in at a time because things can sometimes get a little out of control). It also helps if you don't go to the flagship of these stores since that is were everyone else will be. For example, I was told at the Gucci accessories store at 350 Rue Saint Honoré (75001 Paris tel 33.1.42968327) that almost everyone goes to the other Gucci stores on the first day so this location is not nearly as busy. It is the best store to go to for the first few days of the sales.

Last but not least, when you spend at least 175 euros in one day at one store you qualify to get some of the tax back. Just get the cashier to fill out the "détaxe" form and show them your passport (it's very important to bring your passport with you when shopping) and then you can collect the tax back at the airport when you fly home. It really adds up and is another reason why it is often cheaper to shop in France than at home.

So to you who just happen to be in France in June 27th, shop till you drop!