‘ By Design Modern’
changed my way of decorating at home
October 25, 2010
August 15, 2010
August 9, 2010
SHOPS
As a retailer myself, I am a bit jaded when it comes to browsing/shopping in general.
But, here is a list of a few businesses that I would have wished I had known about if I was visiting Vancouver!
Most are quirky, independent entrepreneurs who deserve your support.
STEPBACK ANTIQUES
2936 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC
(604)731-7525
I admire this store. The owners have a great eye for reasonably priced old and funky stuff,
like typewriters,crates,luggage,antlers and metal stools. The displays are perfect, but touchable.
They carry a wide selection of Cavallini, retro-inspired paper products. You will not
leave empty-handed.
SALMAGUNDI WEST
321 Cordova Street
Vancouver (GASTOWN)
(604)681-4648 call for hours
The original eccentric treasure trove store in Vancouver.
I remember going here when I was in still in high school !
A wonderful shop, crammed with wacky and semi-normal stuff,
all displayed with a curator’s eye.
Plastic body parts and skeletons, old toys and memories…..
A visit to the basement is a must !!
BY DESIGN MODERN
915 Cotton Dr.
(604) 876-5215
call for hours
I never thought I would like mid-century Danish furniture until I went here.
A huge selection of consoles,desks,chairs,bookcases,bars…..
I have purchased several pieces here .(I like the rosewood the best)
We forget how beautiful real wood can be !
Selection and quality seems to vary….but there are always beauties to be found.
New shipments are constantly arriving. They ship anywhere !
They also sell on Ebay under ‘Northern Treasures’.
BAKER’S DOZEN
3520 Main Street
Vancouver
(604)879-3348
The other ‘treasure trove’ store in Vancouver.
They have now expanded to three connected retail shops in a row.
Eye-popping showcases and vignettes of nostalgic toys,
religious artifacts, wacky scale models and movie props….. you name it.
I bought three huge canvas circus banners from the 1930′s here.
Someone beat me to the one that said ‘This Way To The Giant Rat’.
Rats !!!
ANTIQUE MARKET
1324 Franklin Ave.
Vancouver
(604)875-1434
A big warehouse full of stuff, but I mostly like
the thousands of pieces of antique wrought iron from Egypt.
Huge gates, grills, fences etc are priced incredibly cheaply.
BRING A VAN ! If you have seen any Egyptian wrought iron
for sale anywhere else in North america, it probably came from here.
Check-out their industrial antiques from India as well !
They are good at making ‘deals’ !!
THE FOUND AND THE FREED
706 VICTORIA DRIVE
VANCOUVER,B.C.
778-872-0295 - call for opening hours.
One of those rare ‘curated’ treasure trove stores !
Cool shops are moving further East in Vancouver, as rents are lower.
Make the journey ! This store has authentic written all over it. Old crates, crocks,
lamps and filing cabinets, alarm clocks and nice houseplants, too !
JOE BLOW
1191 Parker St.
Vancouver, BC.
(604)215-2569
Glassblower Jeff Burnette makes lots of cool stuff,
but it is his each-one-is-unique RAYGUNS that I love.
Very collectable works of art (NASA bought some !)
Remember not to take it home in your carry-on !
SCOTT LANDON ANTIQUES
105 – 2567 192nd st.
Surrey, BC. 604-538-7220
New warehouse/ showroom in Surrey.
This is the kind of store I look for in every city I go to.
Well-chosen industrial antiques, Canadiana pine,
old signage and barber poles, medical cabinets
and just plain cool stuff is displayed gallery style.
Pieces sell quickly here, so don’t doddle.
Hello Leuie
1523 W. 8th Ave. (@ Granville St.)
(604)376-7678
A very charming little children’s clothing store, unlike any other. Comfortable, casual
and adorable. Mother/daughter team Jacquelyn and Sarah curate every inch of
the small space. Knocked- back colours, soft textures…… makes me want children !
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January 9, 2010
Places to eat
Vancouver really is a restaurant town. There are countless choices,
but not many I really like. If only I liked seafood…or Chinese food…
or deafening noise…or watered- down Gin and Tonics….
SMALL VICTORY CAFE
3070 Granville St. (@ 15th)
604-742-1737 8-6 pm daily
VERY NEW AND FANTASTIC ! Somebody has invested heavily here, and it shows.
A nice, open space with the best croissants I have ever tasted. Exceptional French pastries, very good
lattes and a great turkey/cheese melted baguette sandwich, big enough to split with a friend.
GO FISH
1505 West 1st Ave.
Vancouver
(604)730-5040
Walking distance to Granville Island
Even though I don’t like seafood, I and everyone else
love this place’s Fish & Chips ! It is a real Vancouver experience
to go down to the government fisheries wharf and wait in line
to order from their outdoor trailer. The french fries are
the freshest in the world. HUGE WARNING : Be sure to get there by 5:30 PM
to order, as they close at 6PM sharp. Begging does not work.
LES FAUX BOURGEOIS
663 E. 15th Ave.
Vancouver, B.C.
604-873-9733
There is a well-deserved buzz about town for this relatively new bistro.
The no-man’s land Kingsway/Fraser intersection area now hosts
one of the best deals ever on delicious French food.
Absolutely packed at all times, so make a reservation for sure.
My ‘steak frittes’ was just what I hoped it would be, and was under $20.00.
Giardino
1328 Hornby St.
Vancouver
(604)669-2422
More than a dinner out, this place is a scene I always enjoy.
Glamazons, lip injections, Mr and Mrs Howell types, unusually muscular men
and Vancouver’s own ‘Who’s Who’ come for the great service
as well as the fabulous rustic Italian food. Keep an eye open
for in-town movie stars. Tom Jones, Michael Buble, Ryan Reynolds….
Lunch on the courtyard patio in summer is a memorable treat. Worth the $$$.
Cactus Club
various locations
around town….
incl: 1530 West Broadway (604)733-0434
Yaletown, 357 Davie St. (604)685-8070
and others….like right on English Bay beach !
A very successful chain, with excellent food.
Hip interiors (I wonder who does them?), and
menu guidance by Vancouver food superstar
Rob Feenie . Beautiful wait staff are also always
surprisingly nice. Casual and addictive.
Caffe Artigiano
740 W.Hastings St.
Vancouver
(604)915-7200
COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE !
Seattle, Portland, Vancouver each
have a local chain that ‘the locals’ prefer….
this is ours -
With branches popping up all over town,
this is by FAR the best coffee in a coffee-crazy
city. Only this Hastings St. location has a full
kitchen, and it is the BREAKFAST you must go for.
I love the pan-seared French toast, served with
warm pear slices,syrup and filled with something
white and creamy…. see you there every Sunday
morning around 9-ish….
Domaine de Chaberton Winery’s ‘Bacchus Bistro’
1064 216th St.
Langley,B.C.
V2Z 1R3
(604)530-9694
Open for lunch Wed.-Sun. 11:30-3:00
Open for dinner Fri. & Sat. only, 5:30-9:30
Reservations are practically essential – you’ll know why !
Nestled in the prettiest part of South Langley,
this working winery also has a great restaurant!
Lucky for me, as I am now residing part-time nearby ! !
The food is (to me, anyway) country French,
casual and delicious. Portions are generous and nobody leaves hungry!
I also LOVE their Canoe Cove Shiraz -
be sure to buy some in the wine shop on your way out.
I wish you could get food like this in Vancouver.
Here is a picture of my warm ‘Onion Tart’ appetizer ! Not on the menu, so ask for it
and say you know me !
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November 27, 2009
Florists
Many people associate the name Thomas Hobbs with floristry, ordering flowers etc.
The reality is that Thomas Hobbs sold his well-known Vancouver florist shop long ago,
and has absolutely nothing to do with it anymore.
Here are some very talented florists in Vancouver that Thomas knows personally, and highly recommends:
Hilary Miles
1-1854 W 1st Ave
Vancouver, BC
V6J 1G5
(604)737.2782
hilarymiles.com
Uber-Chic and luxe arrangements by the talented staff at one of
Vancouver’s top florists. Terrific uni-colour or punch-in-the-face drama
for those who don’t mind spending a wee bit more !
THE FLOWER FACTORY
4285 Main St.
Vancouver, B.C.
604-871-1008
website coming soon
Now a powerhouse on the Vancouver’s flower scene ! These girls and boys
tackle huge events and day-to-day business with gusto. That’s what I know !
LIMELIGHT FLORAL
2451 MARINE DRIVE
WEST VANCOUVER, B.C.
604-921-1999
www.limelightfloraldesign.com
A fairly new shop , located in the charming shopping district in West Van.
On-Trend floral design,chocolates, and a hip retail attitude.
FLOWERS AND COMPANY
1446 Johnston Rd.
White Rock, B.C.
604-531-0015
flowersandcompany.com
also at: second location
6359 198th St., #102C
LANGLEY, B.C.
604-530-2722
I’m glad I’m not a florist anymore, as these people are soooo good
at what they do !!! Very Dutch-inspired, lots of stock, super fresh….
great taste etc.
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