Alison Cairns

Chowder — whether fish, clam or seafood, cream- or tomato-based — may be an East Coast staple but Vancouver knows a thing or two about this savoury, briny stew, beloved of fishermen and landlubbers alike. Our abundant seafood and creative chefs allow for some innovative versions. Here are a few standouts.

You’ve heard of curing your hangover with a lager with tomato juice (does this really work?) and a cold bottle has always been a great chaser for that whisky shot. But bartenders are amping up the mixes and using beer, liquor and classic cocktail add-ins to original and tasty effect. Here are some worth trying.

Let’s face it: one rarely looks forward to household chores. But with all the options in vacuum cleaners available — from cordless models to built-in filtering systems to Roombas that don’t require you to be in the room — the frequent task of ridding your home of pet dander, dust and other mites and particles is becoming downright entertaining. Or at least high tech. These local shops suck, and we mean this in the best way.

On the health-conscious West Coast, fish and chips might not be our regional dish. But the abundance of fresh seafood here and the undeniable deliciousness of this classic pairing mean there’s no shortage of places around town doing it up right. Grab some napkins and pass the vinegar.

It’s the day your closest friends and family bear witness to your love and commitment — a day of celebration, of honouring two special people. A day of delicious food. At an event as significant as a wedding, excellent food is key to the satisfaction of the guests (all that emotion and champagne can make you famished!) With any of these local wedding caterers, you can focus on love and a great party, all with a full stomach.

When food trucks hit the streets of Vancouver, lunchtime dining was met with no less than a revolution. Affordable and fast street food was no longer just the realm of hotdogs – and these trucks had serious foodie cred. Best to follow them all on Twitter for their current locations. [Photo: gourmet grilled cheese at Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck] 

You’ve worked off some serious calories with a good solid couple of hours on the dance floor and you need more fuel in your system than a few vodka tonics. Grab some fresh air outside the club and head to one of these late-night eateries on Granville’s downtown strip to ensure a good night’s sleep and at least a little help towards a pain-free Sunday morning.

Except for perhaps Victoria, there’s no better place in Canada than the Lower Mainland to give your green thumb a workout all year round. Our temperate climate means that flowers, plants and food can grow in all seasons. Lucky for us there are such excellent shops to point us in the right direction.

Shoe shopping can be a dangerous thing — you can never really have too many pairs. None of these seven stores gives you much excuse to stop collecting, as they all offer gorgeous shoes perfect for whatever occasion. The only logical thing to do? Get working on renovating that walk-in shoe closet.

The crafting movement has exploded onto the Vancouver scene. No longer just the realm of little kids or doily-making grandmas, arts and crafts is cool again and hand-made items make for coveted and special gifts. Tap into your inner creative and get started at one of these six stores.

Winter alpine and Nordic sports seem to evolve each year, with new technologies creating lighter, faster, higher-performance gear. Outfit yourself with the latest equipment so you can feel secure, confident and stylish on the slopes. These Vancouver-based stores should be your first stop before hitting the local mountains. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Alija]

Whether you’re looking for that perfect accessory to complete an outfit or investing in a piece you’re planning to wear forever, jewellery can overtly or subtly convey much about your personal style. These local jewellery stores and design studios are crafting some of the nicest stuff out there. Time for a little bling.