Vancouver Magazine

Locals pack this Point Grey locale, golden as Charentais melons, that offers haute cuisine without the prices or pretense. The afternoon Grand Thé is a treat; at dinner it’s hard to move beyond those intensely flavoured antipasti (but do, and try the Arctic char, $28, or chicken Provençal, $26). The lemon tart ($7) is a city classic. Chef Essex Balace extracts every ounce of flavour from fresh, simple ingredients and bright-green olive oils. Brunch is one of the best in the city, and good weather has people flocking to the pretty garden patio.