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.
t 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.
rice pudding) is always a requisite follow-up after my main course. I find myself often heading to the café when I am in Paris and can't be bothered to cook. Breakfast, such as a café au lait and croissant, is always enjoyable and provides for some great people watching. Prices also happen to be very affordable, which is probably the reason for its diverse clientelle. And just in case the place sounds too perfect to be..well, French...note that it is closed Sundays for dinner, so you will just have to head to Ladurée for pastry instead.
What makes Paris so special? The grumpy waiters, the daily strikes or the endless supply of puppy poop? Well perhaps for some. But for many people I suspect Paris' alluring appeal to be the constant variety of cultural and social events put on throughout the city and the often small cost to participate in these activities.
e Queen! For it is she who reigns over Paris' party scene today. But there's no need to get one's revolutionary muskets in a knot, this Queen just happens to be the hot gay nightclub nestled on the Champs Elysées.
e 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. 
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. 
d? 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!
This Sunday July 1st Canadians everywhere will unite in pride for their country. Canada has become a nation known for its open-mind, cultural diversity, breathtaking scenery and peaceful nature. July 1st we celebrate Canada Day.
ncerts, dancing, exhibitions and fireworks. The main hub for the festivities will be Canada Place, our exhibition centre located under the giant sails that jet out over the cosy inlet. This spot is home to some of the best views of Stanley Park, the small bay and the North Shore mountains.
France is one of Fete de la Musique's biggest supporters - the entire country is engulfed in the vibrant celebrations. If you are lucky enough to be in France, particularly in its capital, on June 21st, forget Orsay, Notre Dame and Hermes - spend the day strolling through the streets taking in the diverse little concerts you stumble upon. Try some reggae, classical, rock, salsa, African or Arabic. Then dance the night away under the stars to some jazz in a narrow cobblestone side street.
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.
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.
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.
This restaurant/bar/cafe also happens to be an art gallery. An incredibly original venue, it has become known as a destination for art, music, food and drinks. Sketch is definitely one of my favorite places to go whenever I am in London. Although some of the dishes are quite pricey, a delicious little afternoon tea in "the parlour" can fit into anyone's budget at around £7.50 per person. P.S. the toilets in themselves are worth the visit.
Contrary to common belief, this internationally renowned cafe is not just populated by hoards of tourists; it is also a favourite hangout of Parisians. Famous for its past patrons, such as Sartre and de Beauvoir, it is great for people watching, reading a good book or meeting up with old friends. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimse of Karl Lagerfeld, who has been known to go there for a late coffee or an early breakfast. 
This restaurant, and lounge-turned-club at night, is known for good food, its hip decor modeled after a buddhist temple and its fashionable crowd. It costs around 20 euros to get in once it switches into a club, but if you are already inside for dinner or a drink, then you do not have to pay a cover charge.
Locations throughout Paris,
http://www.tarajarmon.com/
Bard on the Beach has now been running for 18 years and every year is better than the last. Set in theatre tents in a park alongside the ocean, the plays here are world-class to say the least. Produced under the watchful eye of founder, artistic director and altogether brilliant showman Christopher Gaze (who has become somewhat of a local celebrity of the years), the productions are original, show great attention to detail and radiate with talent. I would recommend this year's The Taming of the Shrew, which just happens to be set in the wild west - the entire crowd roared with laughter from beginning to end and so will you.
