Vancouver Magazine

Don’t let the humble French Cultural Centre setting dissuade you. The rich scents of brothed mussels and proper shoestring frites ($13) jet you instantly to the Boulevard St. Germain and, aided by the unobtrusive service and no-fuss house wine list, time slows wa-a-a-y down. Ask for the daily omelette in the French “baveuse” style; alternatively, the grilled steaks ($21) are no-fail and the daily six-inch pizza ($8) showcases seasonal ingredients cooked with the patience only a maman could have. Atmosphere comes to twinkling life at night, with weekly specials like Cajun tuna, grilled quail, and porterhouse steak. Note: cash only, closed Sundays and Mondays.