For 17 days, Vancouver will be the centre of the universe — but you can own it anytime with our ultra-stylish black book!
Where to dine
GOLD: Campagnolo (campagnolorestaurant.ca)
Area: Main Street
Campagnolo translates as “rube” — a playful nod to its owners’ Albertan, not Italian, ancestry — but this cozy bistro is anything but unsophisticated. The menu focuses on rustic Italian dishes like Farfalle with Fennel Sausage, Summer Leeks and Fresh Cheese, made with local ingredients. And what to indulge in for dessert? Grappa, si, and Nutella Tart with Chocolate and Frangelico.
Extra credit: While waiting for a table, sip Prosecco in the charming 25-seat wine bar tucked at the back. Want to brush up on your David Rocco? Campagnolo offers Italian-cheese seminars and charcuterie classes.
SILVER: Salt Tasting Room (salttastingroom.com)
Area: Gastown
Don’t let the location — it’s in a long, dark alley — put you off: Salt Tasting Room is one of the most welcoming restaurants in the city. It’s also a great date spot, with small wooden tables, an exposed brick wall and a chalkboard at the back that showcases the night’s offerings. Salt anticipated the charcuterie craze, and it still has the city’s best selection of small-batch cured meats, artisanal cheeses and gourmet condiments (think honeycomb and Spanish almonds), which servers pair with flights of wine and sherry.
Extra credit: Every Sunday, Salt hosts a fondue night. (Think melted Comté cheese paired with Polish sausage and cipollini onions.)
Unwind and relax with these spa suggestions on the next page ...
The antioxidant diet
Hot 100: Trends for 2010
Chic Lima is South America's newest hot spot
