Walking around downtown is always a great summer day, but add this to your summer list: Steveston Village. A hop away from our Richmond Centre location, Steveston is a calm getaway from the bustle of city life. Walk down to the docks to pick up some fresh seafood, fly a kite near the wharf, and of course: eat lots of tasty food! Here are a couple of favs:

Pajo's Fish & Chips - Eating outside, enjoying the outdoors... definitely a must-do this summer.

Outpost Mini Donut Company - You don't have to wait in line at the fair to enjoy these little delights. Seasonal flavours included coconut, strawberry and lemon last time I visited!

This past Saturday I had the chance to go to Victoria's first ever Sight and Sound Event!

Sight and Sound is a unique and festive evening of all things auditory. Local musicians, poets, and performers including sound artists inhabited the museum, and I got to experience the Royal B.C. Museum in a completely different perspective. The museum figuratively came alive as some of the sound artists mimicked the whistles of the birds, the grunts of seals, and the plethora of naturally-produced noises of the animals in the dioramas that were on display. 

The museum was filled with notable performers, from Kathy Rogers, to the Victoria Phonographers Union, and of course, the talented Janet Rogers and the Victoria Gum Sing Musical Society. 

One particular artist and group I really enjoyed was Janet Rogers, who was accompanied by the UVic drumming group. They were an absolute charm and turned the museum into a beating drum, which than felt like we were inside a beating heart! Janet Rogers is Victoria's 3rd Poet Laureate and she spoke in idyllic riddles and drew amazing art over some of the murals to explain and help the poems come alive from her collection of poems.

Another outstanding sound artist and performer, Peter Morin, did a theater piece with him speaking to the totem poles that were in one of the First People's exhibits. It helped me experience the stories and the languages that were once spoken in B.C. by some of the Indigenous Nations. This was all done whilst in the dark and mysterious hallways and corridors of the Royal BC Museum.

Sight and Sound is definitely an event I will be looking out for next year! What an innovative and endearing way to charm museum lovers! 

Look for a detailed profile of all the artists here.

It's raining again... are we surprised or just slightly sad that almost-shorts-weather was just a tease? Either way, a good sandwich can turn your frown upside down, and these are some of our comfort food favourites! 

Finch's Tea & Coffee House - Pear, blue brie, prosciutto, roasted walnut, oil & vinegar

Meat & Bread - Porchetta (And you can have a bacon ice cream sandwich for dessert!)

Acme Cafe - Veggie (Portobello Mushroom, peppers, zucchini, sprouts,tomato basil mayo, goat cheese)

What's your favourite sandwich? Let us know - this rain seems like it's here to stay!

This month's DIY is super easy & fast - you just need two colours and some reinforcement stickers. Yes, those stickers finally have a purpose!

After your base colour is completely dry, place the stickers at the bottom of the nail to form the half moon. You can also cut the stickers in half, whatever you find easier.

It's best if your second colour goes on solid in one coat - less fuss. Paint it from the top of the sticker to the tip of the nail. Peel off the stickers carefully, put on a top coat and you're good to go!

Here's another one I did a couple of weeks ago, a little more subtle & very Spring:

What are your favourite colour combos? Let us know!

Afternoon tea, also known as high tea, is a tradition from England that has become popular outside of the Queen's home. It is a small meal or snack shared between 2 - 5pm, and can be found as a delightful treat at bakeries, cafes or hotels.

One of the most fun parts about going for tea is getting dolled up! Spring weather is slowly becoming more consistent and afternoon tea is a perfect date with friends. Here are a few options from our SS12 Lookbook... throw on a cute dress, a floral top and some pastel pants and you're good to go!

Last week, I visited the Fairmont Pacific Rim for a birthday celebration. They presented us with an arrangement of teas to choose from, as well as 2 tiers of tasty treats and a side plate of scones. I've been to a few afternoon tea places around the city, and this one was different in its assortment of Asian-inspired finger foods. The bottom tier had a butter chicken sandwich, tuna tataki, and tofu nigiri amongst the usual suspects. The dessert tier had a delicious matcha cake and a berry macaron - yum!

The Fairmont Pacific Rim had a lovely lounge with a fireplace and all, but there are other options for your afternoon tea! Some favourites include:

The Secret Garden Tea Company - 5559 West Boulevard
Urban Tea Merchant - 1070 West Georgia
Shangri-La Vancouver - 1128 West Georgia

Do you have any favourite afternoon tea spots? Let us know!

This week I visited our local Bin 4 Burger Lounge. I had heard many great things from my friends who have gone because they feature HALF PRICE BURGERS after 9pm with the purchase of a beverage! Best deal ever on gourmet burgers.

Cupcakes, macarons, donuts? What do these things have in common...

Aside from being delicious treats, donuts seem to be high on the food radar following the cupcake and macaron trail. My favourite donut places around the city use local ingredients, make them by hand, and are always best served fresh. Don't get me wrong, donuts are not a new thing, but I am more than happy to jump on this tasty bandwagon and continue to spread the word!

1. Lee's Donuts (Granville Island)

Picture Source

Lee's offers donuts that are consistently great. With over thirty years in the donut-making business, they really do have it down. Favourites include the traditional glazed (best when still hot), jelly-filled (made with real jam), and you can't go wrong with a boston cream! Grab a donut or two with a friend and walk around Granville Island - sounds like a great day to me.

2. Honey Doughnuts & Goodies (Deep Cove)

Picture Source

It's worth the trek to try a donut from Honey. Unlike any of the others on this list, Honey donuts are a heavier, almost dense cake donut that comes in three flavours - honey glazed, maple, and chocolate. Although it's a heavier donut, it somehow still melts in your mouth. Plus the view at Deep Cove is amazing on a sunny day!

3. Cartems Donuterie (Pop Up Location: 408 Carrall St.)

Cartems is the new guy in town, and definitely making waves! A true gourmet donut, Cartems offers flavours like earl grey (my fav), sweet snow (white chocolate + coconut), maple bourbon bacon (yes, there's bacon on this donut), and daily flavours like masala chai. They currently operate out of a commissary kitchen on Commercial Dr. and a pop up shop downtown. Constantly perfecting their recipes, Cartems is taking donuts to the next level. (Bonus is that they're super friendly!)

Hungry yet? Let me know what you think & if you have places to add to the list!

Hernandez is one of Victoria’s many delicious, authentic eateries. Nestled between Yates and Douglas Street, this little joint offers affordable Central American tacos and is definitely sought out by the local foodies!

What’s really cool about Hernandez is that they have a “fast food menu” and a “slow food menu”. Their “fast food” menu is made to order within 5 minutes and is simple and easy. Whereas their “slow food” menu features items that take a little more time to make, like for example, my favorite black bean corn tacos on hand made corn tortillas. Hernandez will always be a go to spot whether I need a quick bite or if I’d like to sit down with a couple friends and enjoy myself a good taco!

Check them out Hernandez at hernandezcocina.com and remember to ‘like’ their Facebook page!

Did you know? Hernandez developed their “fast food” menu because the demand was so high and there were lines almost out the mall!

The weather can't make up its mind in Vancouver, but my day dreaming has been pretty consistent. Warm sunshine that stretches into the long evenings shared with good friends, food, and some occasional people watching on a patio. Here are a few of my favourites, but I'm definitely looking to add to the list! Let me know about your local watering hole.

Chill Winston (3 Alexander St.)

This has to be the best patio in Gastown! I admit, a little on the pricy side, but sometimes you just have to treat yo self. Grab a couple of appies to share, pick from an extensive drink list, and you have yourself a recipe for a fun afternoon.

Havana (1212 Commercial Dr.)

Part restaurant and part theatre and gallery, Havana has tasty nibbles and fun drinks to match. The best is sitting on the all-weather patio and sharing a pitcher of champagne sangria - bubbly, mint, strawberries, fresh orange juice & cassis. I am also pretty fond of the strawberry ginger mojito on the side of some tostones and ceviche.

Local Public Eatery (2210 Cornwall Ave.)

Local is where you can mosey on over after a day of enjoying some sun in Kits to soak in a beautiful view of the beach and mountains. With cocktails served in a boot and enough nachos, poutine, and Nimby burgers to keep you happy, I think the only thing we're missing right now is some beach-time weather.

Photo Credit: Havana Image Gallery, Chill Winston Flickr, Local Gallery

Thierry's colourful assortment of flavours.

On March 20th, Vancouver will be celebrating our first-ever Jour du Macaron, or Macaron Day. Just like fashion, food goes through trends. Last year was cupcakes, and this year has definitely been taken over by macarons. Not to be confused with its coconut friend the macaroon, a macaron is a meringue-based little sandwich treat, usually filled with flavoured buttercream, ganache, or jam. 

Macaron Day started in the birthplace of macarons, France, to raise money and awareness for various charities. Seen throughout France, New York, and Toronto, it only makes sense that Vancouver join in on the fun.

Coffee, Passion Fruit, Lychee, Lime, Vanilla, Pink Praline

Local patisseries Thierry, French Made Baking and Soirette will be celebrating on March 20th. Ten percent of all macaron proceeds from Thierry will be going towards Growing Chefs! Chefs for Children's Urban Agriculture, French Made Baking will be giving out free macarons to visitors and collecting donations for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation, while Soirette will be supporting the Make a Wish Foundation.

Heart shaped macarons from French Made Baking during Valentine's Day

Eating tasty treats and supporting charities... I know what I'll be doing next Tuesday!

Thierry - 1059 Alberni St. 
French Made Baking - 81 Kingsway 
Soirette - 1433 West Pender St.

This past weekend, the Fernwood Community Centre, also known as the The Big Fernwood, held the VintAgeous Vintage Fair! Filled with over 35 booths of vintage clothing, jewelry, toys, household items, and collectables, it brought in many vintage enthusiasts to find hidden treasures.

Bella, the cutest pup around, from the popular Sam's Sideshow Boutique came out and supported Sam’s table with her fabulous vintage items. Vintage Fair Victoria has scheduled Spring, Summer and Fall Fairs, so there will be no shortage of vintage goods throughout the year. Do you have vintage wares you would like to sell? Head over to their page at vintagefairvictoria.com and find out how you can be featured on their website! Don’t forget to "like" their Facebook page (“Vintage Fair Victoria”).

It's been a bit dreary lately - I've been sick for what feels like forever, and the weather is anything but Spring. How to cheer things up? Adding some sparkle to an outfit never hurt, and this DIY is definitely an easy way to do just that.

Things you'll need:

A base coat & top coat (Butter London Horsepower, Seche Vite Dry Fast)
Base colour (Essie Tart Deco)
Your favourite glitter (UO Afterhours)
A makeup sponge

Start off with your base colour. I am loving the pastels and brights popping up this season.

Tear off a piece of the makeup sponge and dab some of the glitter polish onto the corner. You could also keep dipping it into a little blob of polish, whatever is easiest for you.

(Sorry this picture is blurry, I was working in a bit of a rush!)
Lightly dab the glitter onto your nail from the bottom working upwards. First time round should go up three quarters of the nail. The second layer should only go a quarter to half way up the nail, to create a bit of a sparkle gradient. The lighter the touch the better, you can always add more sparkle as you go!

Layer on your top coat and bask in the sparkle of your super easy manicure. Enjoy!

Gloomy days in Vancouver are frequent, and a quick picker upper is found on the corner of Pender and Homer, Finch’s Tea & Coffee House.

I decided to try this place out today, and I’m glad I did. The little corner cafe is a romantic, cozy, and charming little get away from the bustling streets of Vancouver. You are welcomed by old world decor, the smell of fresh coffee, and an intimidating menu of Baguettes.

I tried the Prosciutto and Vine Tomato Salad for 8.95. It was legit! The portion was a decent size, and the prosciutto to salad ratio was spot on. The bowl of salad welcomes you with a nice prosciutto rose sculpture (at least that’s what I hope it is)…and a buttered baguette on the side (you know, incase you wanna turn it into a sandwich). It was simple, not too fancy, and worth the wait.

Overall, it’s comfort food that makes sense. I’ve never complained about spending a couple more dollars on food as long as they use the freshest ingredients, at Finch’s this is no argument.

Next time you’re feeling down (or even if you want to make a happy day even better) a trip to Finch’s would be just what the doctor ordered.

February the 14th is less than a week away! Whether you're a believer in Valentine's day or not, these nails are fit for any occasion.

Butter London Nail Fertilizer
Essie Fishnet Stockings
OPI Alpine Snow
Color Club Black Striper 
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Start by painting your protective base coat (prevents your nails from staining), then a coat of your best red.

Randomly place dabs of white on top of the red. I usually just use the regular nail polish brush, but you could also use a toothpick or dotting tool.

Using a thinner brush, pen, or toothpick, outline the white to transform the random spots into leopard print! It usually takes me 2-3 short lines around the white to get the desired look, but it's totally up to you.

Finish up with your top coat and you're good to go!

Illuminate Yaletown is a free Vancouver event happening this Friday and Saturday showcasing light and video installations from local artists. Part of City & Slope, this event is a yearly street party, with 2012 being the biggest and brightest yet. One of the featured installations is a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen, which this Plenty blogger has had a hand in, so you definitely don't want to miss it!

Illuminate Yaletown utilizes advanced video and lighting technology that is both cutting edge and power smart. Showcasing the latest technological and environmental advancements in the lighting and power generation, this light show has the ability to awe the audience with its brilliance. Illuminate Yaletown is an event that can speak to the use of renewable power sources, cleaner generation technologies as well as more efficient light technologies.