Jessica Napier

Vancouver’s grey, dark winter months make this the perfect time of year to stay indoors. We’ve tracked down a few of the city’s best new restaurants where you'll find refuge from the rain while enjoying culinary delights. From a summer camp-inspired sandwich shop to a Southern-style saloon, here are the hottest eateries to discover during the coldest season. [Photo of Juniper courtesy of Luis Valdizon, Where They Find Us]

For the ski bunnies and snow bros hitting the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb, the après ski activities are just as important as the downhill runs – maybe even more important. The Village is home to dining destinations of all sorts, ranging from elegant upscale eateries to laid-back chalet-style pubs. Check out these local restaurants when you’re craving a hearty meal after an action-packed day outdoors.

Stuck on where to take your sweetie for Valentine’s Day this year? These Vancouver restaurants will help you turn up the romance with special multi-course menus, stunning views, live music and dancing, plus a few extra-special surprises for lovers. Remember, Cupid rewards those who plan ahead so reserve your table early to avoid date-night disappointment. [Image courtesy of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar]

Why not skip the at-home Super Bowl party this year and head out on the town! Local pubs and bars will be luring football fans off the couch and out of the house with the promise of fried food, cold beer, prize giveaways, and plenty of exciting game-day action on and off the big screen. On Sunday, February 5, grab a seat at one of these 10 Vancouver venues to watch Super Bowl 51 in style.

It’s no secret that Chinatown has experienced a culinary renaissance in the past few years. This rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood has transformed into a fave foodie destination. With upscale cocktail lounges, trendy noodle bars and inventive fusion restaurants, there are plenty of places to wow your significant other on your next date night. [Photo of Juniper courtesy of Luis Valdizon, Where They Find Us]

Looking for a taste of Barcelona without leaving the 604? You don’t need your passport to enjoy fine sherry, juicy chorizo, manchego cheese and many more Iberian pleasures. In fact, tasty tapas dishes, paella plates and cold glasses of cerveza are much closer than you think thanks to these Spanish restaurants and tapas bars in Vancouver. [Photo courtesy of España]

Vancouver's annual Hot Chocolate Festival returns for a seventh season from January 19 to February 14, when almost 30 cafés will be putting their unique twist on the classic hot cocoa recipe. From boozy blends to far-out flavours, read on to learn about the 61 drinks on offer. The delicious festival is also fundraiser for the Downtown Eastside Women’s Job Training Program. [Image courtesy of Thomas Haas; Photo credit: Amy Ho]

Harder, better, faster, stronger. For high-tech athletes who are working towards their fitness goals, there are various electronic devices and wearables to help you stay on track, including heart rate monitors, calorie trackers, GPS watches, pedometers and more. Get motivated while on the go with state-of-the-art training technology from these Vancouver shops.

When it comes to comforting breakfast foods, it doesn’t get much better than digging into a warm bowl of oatmeal. This healthful morning meal gets the gourmet treatment at these Vancouver eateries, with the addition of sweet fruit slices, crunchy nuts and other tasty toppings.

What’s better than brunch you ask? A boozy brunch of course! Decadent plates of eggs Benny and pancakes are even more indulgent when accompanied by a mimosa. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to an effervescent blend of fresh-squeezed orange juice and sparkling wine or champagne. If you want to start your morning with a bit of fizz, these Vancouver breakfast spots are doing our favourite daytime cocktail just right. Bottom’s up!

If Sunday brunch is the ultimate morning-after remedy, then New Year’s Day brunch is perhaps the most important daytime dining event of the year. If you’re going to be ringing in 2017 with plenty of bubbly, you’d better make some delicious recovery plans for January 1. Whether you’re in dire need of starchy carbs to soak up the booze or looking to down a few celebratory mimosas, these Vancouver restaurants have you sorted.

For some, New Year’s Eve means a night of drinking, dancing and debauchery. But if you’re looking for a more civilized end-of-year experience, perhaps you’d prefer to ring in 2016 with a night of fine dining. Why not skip the crowded bars and celebrate the New Year with a memorable meal and a champagne toast at these Vancouver restaurants.