Neighbourhood Guide
West End
By Rosemary Poole published Jun 1, 2009
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Leaving the swanky uptown vibe to the rest of the downtown peninsula, the West End is known for its lively, inexpensive eateries, aging character buildings, and stunning vistas of English Bay.
Eats | Shops | Services | Households
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Eats
1. Cardero Bottega—that artichoke-green heritage structure that’s become a photo op for visitors—has a selection of Italian pantry staples, and deli meats and cheeses that form the basis of chef-proprietor Tim Harris’s incredible sandwiches. All cost $7; all are perfect for impromptu beach picnics. Closed Mondays. 1016 Cardero St., 604-689-0450. Carderobottega.com
2. Kingyo Izakaya’s bold flavours and moody room, with dark woods and nods to feudal Japan, outshines other izakayas. Sample each section of the extensive menu: we favour the assorted sashimi, beef-tendon miso stew, and grilled black cod (aka sablefish, it’s something of a local delicacy and a safe bet on most menus). 871 Denman St., 604-608-1677. Kingyo-izakaya.com
3. Hand-pulled noodles, made at warp speed, are the draw at Legendary Noodle. Stick to the tang mian (noodle soups). The beef broth with pork-chive dumplings is stellar, as is the vegetarian bowl with pieces of stir-fried tofu. Downtown delivery is in the works; stay tuned. 1074 Denman St., 604-669-8551. Legendarynoodle.ca
4. Davie St. packs in the most after-hours restaurants and bars in Vancouver. Among them: Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina, a raucous room serving authentically rooted, locally influenced fare (exhibit A: the superb quesadilla con salmon pacifico) and strong drinks; the tequila list is the city’s finest. Open till 2 a.m. nightly, with a full-dinner menu till 11 p.m. 1326 Davie St., 604-696-9996. Lolitasresaturant.com
Shops
1. Half of Momentum Grooming is devoted to premium men’s grooming and skin-care products, with brands like Gentleman’s Refinery and Sharps; the other half is a two-seat barber shop offering a short menu of cuts, subtle grey coverage, and classic hot-towel shaves. Reservations recommended. 1237 Burrard St., 604-689-4636. Momentumgrooming.com
Services
1. Live the West Coast life at Second Beach Pool, a 50-metre heated walk-in with Stanley Park’s massive cedars to the north and shimmering English Bay to the south (mid May to mid September). Stanley Park Dr., 604-257-8371. (Tip: Follow Stanley Park Dr. north to Lagoon Dr. to view the spectacular Ted and Mary Greig rhodo garden.)
Households
