FREENOV. 1-7, 2012

READ MORE ONLINE ATWEVancouver.com

CRUISING KITSAt the � rst hint of winter, snowboarders and

skiers make tracks for Kitsilano to gear up 8-13

Creative Mornings 7

The Orpheum 22

Also:

The Acorn 15

Fall weddings Part 2 24

RASTA THOMAS’

RASTA THOMAS’

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DISCOVER KITSILANO

Board silly on 4thGreetings from Kitsafornia, the place to find your ride

By Kate MacLennan

It’s been said that Kitsilano got the moniker “Kitsafornia” from its beach and seaside proximity, because of its preponderance of Craftsman-style houses and California bungalows, and be-cause of the area’s 1960s counter-culture days — when the rest

of Vancouver hadn’t figured out the area had fabulous real estate and houses were cheap.

But if you ask anyone who came of age in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the name Kitsafornia references Kitsilano’s many board shops. Snow, surf or skate(board), if you’re looking to put a plank beneath your feet, this neighbourhood is your utopia.

Walk east of Burrard Street along West Fourth Avenue and you can’t miss them: Comor, Pacific Boarder, Billabong, Showcase, Quiksilver, Boardroom (plus its clearance outlet) and Sitka, which was among the most recent to join the Kits boardroom barrage — though it did bend the rules by setting up shop just west of Burrard at Cypress. (Conspicuously absent to long-standing Vancouverites is West-Beach, one of Kits’ original board shops; it closed its doors last spring.)

Looking for something specific in the name of snowboarding? You’ll find it in Kits. Every big brand name and the best independent ones in the snowboard business get or have gotten front-line retail real estate on this strip, from Burton and Roxy to StepChild and Endeavour.

Snowboarding is, in a word, fun. Any learner who has spent an afternoon on Grouse Mountain sitting on their ass may tell you differently, but once you figure out how to link your turns, a mountain playground — or in Vancouver’s case, three mountain playgrounds — will open up before you. It’s good exercise, super social and a fantastic way to get above the rain clouds and into the fresh air all winter long.

But things have changed a lot in the snowboarding world in the last few years, not the least of which has been that skiing has become cool again. A decade ago snowboards were dominat-ing the newest in on-mountain fun: the park. The park is the place you find pipes, rails, jibs, jumps and other fun obstacles or launch pads that earn riders either big air or big injury. Regard-less, it’s big fun, and it was little surprise skiers wanted to play, too. So they started making skis fatter and shorter — requisite changes that enabled skiers to get (back) into the game.

The shift got a lot of people back on skis, and even more people talking: if skis can now do everything snowboards can, and skis make traversing (crossing flat areas) and hiking (just like it sounds) so much easier, what will be the future of snowboarding?

Some may say grim, and while last week’s press release from snowboard conglomerate Burton announcing it will “exit out of” its “program” snowboard brands Forum, Foursquare and Special Blend after this season is hardly a death knell for the sport, it’s hardly good news.

But, if you were among the swarms on West 4th for the annual Thanksgiving sale a few weeks ago, snapping up snowboards and snowboard gear, you’d argue it’s not going anywhere soon. And with the local mountains and Whistler Blackcomb all gunning for an early start to the season, you might as well — as they say — go along for the ride.

Snowboarders’ style isn’t just about how they ace a rail or pipe. It’s also about the clothes and equipment. As soon as the cooler temperatures have winter enthusiasts looking yearnfully towards the North Shore mountains to see if any snow as fallen, they also make the trek to West 4th to stock up on the newest gear. Raph Kowalik photo

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BOARD: Never Summer’s Proto CT is flexible and versatile with rocker and camber technology that make it almost impossible to catch an edge, while it still rides great in powder.

OUTERWEAR: An Orage Alaskan jacket will put you back a few dollars, but it’s worth it for 20-millimetre water pro-tection and fully sealed seams. Additional features include a watch window, hiking suspenders, and that the coat comes in awesome colours, like a bright Kelly green. Pair it with Rossignol Mig alpine snow pants.

BOOTS: The JP Walker Lite by 32 is a smooth-flexing boot that’s easy to lace, flexes smoothly, and uses a special foam that provides better cushioning than traditional foams. Plus, it’s endorsed by pro snowboarder JP Walker.

for the bettys

BOARD: The Roxy Eminence board is nimble, has magnetraction (a serrated-like edge that cuts through our West Coast icy conditions) and transfers easily from the park to the powder.

OUTERWEAR: It’s all about Roxy, who this season bring you the slim-fitting Everglade jacket, which is insulated, water resistant to 10,000 millimetres, and has all the req-uisite bells and whistles from powder skirt to chin guard to removable hood. Pair it with Roxy’s Canyon shell snow pants.

BOOTS: The Prion FT by 32 is comfortable, has an easy lacing system and 3-D molded tongues that wrap the foot for improved fit and heel hold. Plus it’s quilted, which means it’s also cute.

8 November 1 – 7, 2012 WEVancouver.com

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DISCOVER KITSILANO

By Kelsey Klassen

Looking to add the biggest, baddest weapons to your winter arsenal? Here are our top picks for ski and snowboard gear this season, available at Comor (1980 Burrard; 604-736-7547) in Kitsilano:

[1] Smith IOX Goggle - $199.99“Never before has a goggle provided this level of periph-

eral visions, interchangeability, fog-free performance and seamless helmet integrations in one package. Oh, and it comes with two performance mirror lenses too.” [2] Salomon Man’s Board Snowboard - $579.99

“Built to handle the manliest terrain on the planet, it’s no surprise it won the Transworld Snowboarding good-wood award in its first season out. Please enjoy responsi-bly.” [3] Line Sir Francis Bacon Ski - $699.99

“The perfect backside assault tool — fast and smooth in the deep stuff.” [4] Volkl RTM 75 Ski and Binding System - $549.99

“An inexpensive frontside ski that can handle a variety of conditions.” [5] Men’s Arc’teryx Sabre Jacket - $559.99

“Features Gore-Tex 3L Pro fabric — top of the line in durability, waterproofing, breathability and windproof-ing. It also features a brushed micro-flannel bonded to the inside of the jacket for a softer feel. Available in Tungsten Grey and Sulpher Yellow.” [6] Women’s Bonfire Taylor Pant - $279.99

“Fashion and function meet in the Bonfire Taylor Pant. Featuring an extremely flattering high waistband, it’s also 20,000mm waterproof to stand up to the harshest condi-tions on the mountain. Just like a bib — only better.”

Shop Talk: Winter gear of the year1

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WEVancouver.com November 1 – 7, 2012 9

1810 Fir St • 604 731 2420Off Granville Island

110 Davie St • 604 648 2600Yaletown

www.reckless.ca

Free Air and OilSeawall Bike Rentals

Performance Road BikesNew and Used BikesFolding & Electric

Unrelentingly Friendly Service!

Open every day for:

Ride happy.

By Sabrina Furminger

When I ruminate on Kitsilano — my neighbourhood since 2008 — invariably my thoughts touch on the pain au chocolat

baked fresh daily at Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie (2539 W. Broadway). I gobble one up every week. This indulgence is Kitsilano in a pastry shell: decadent and homey in the same unhurried moment.

I’ve explored nearly every inch of Kitsilano — 16th Avenue to Kits Beach, Burrard to Alma — and I’m still unearthing new places to eat, drink, shop and play. Here are a few of my time-tested favourites:

CULTURE• On rainy days, I duck into the Museum

of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut) for a stroll through Vancouver’s tumultuous history. Highlight: a 1907 video of a streetcar ride through the unpaved streets of Vancouver (shot on one of those rare days in our city’s history when it wasn’t raining).

COMMUNITY• My love of Kitsilano has only deepened

since I gave birth to my daughter in 2010; I now appreciate the stroller-friendly sidewalks and bounty of kids’ programming. Baby and Mama enjoy spirited Music with Marnie classes at Kitsilano Community Centre (2690 Larch), playtime at West Side Family Place (2819 W. 11th), and browsing at Toy Box (3002 W. Broadway) and Kidsbooks (3083 W. Broadway).

MUSIC• I love everything about Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club (3611 W. Broadway): the steps — reminiscent of jazz joints in NYC and Berlin — leading down from the sidewalk; the dark walls, provocative artwork and intimate caba-ret seating; the menu (superior to what you might expect in a live music venue); and the consistently kickass lineup of local, national and international jazz superstars.

SHOPPING• I regularly practise retail therapy at Step-

back (3026 W. Broadway), a quirky boutique hawking vintage and reproduction bric-a-brac (favourite purchase: a Mad Men-era shoebox in mint condition).

DINING• Kitsilano is a playground for adventurous

foodies. I’m currently obsessed with the tuxedo mousse cake at Sweet Obsessions Cakes & Pastries (2611 W. 16th) and the omakase (chef’s tasting menu) at Dan Sushi (2511 West Broadway). Trattoria Italian Kitchen (1850 W. 4th Avenue) lures me back time and again with its lively take on Italian menu mainstays. As a Montreal native, trust me when I proclaim that Seigel’s Bagels (1883 Cornwall Avenue) has come pretty close to matching St. Viateur’s legendary recipe. But if you’ve only got room for a single bite, make it the pain au chocolat: perfect for breakfast-on-the-run or a sinful late-night dessert.

Sabrina Furminger is a writer and essay-ist based in Vancouver. Her debut novel is The Healer, an action-packed work of sci-fi chick lit.

DISCOVER KITSILANOVancouver’s playground

Author and Kitsilano resident Sabrina Furminger showcases her favouriteKits spots, such as Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie. Doug Shanks photo

10 November 1 – 7, 2012 WEVancouver.com

Ask us about our CUSTOMIZABLE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT PLATTERS

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3515 W. 4th Ave.Vancouver

604-732-3950

DISCOVER KITSILANO

By Christine Lyon

With its tendency to absorb water, traditional wool is not the outerwear fabric of choice for most inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest.

But wool sourced from the merino sheep of New Zealand’s Southern Alps? Well, that’s a different story, says Rejean Roussy, manager of the Icebreak-er TouchLab on W. 4th in Kitsilano.

“When the wool is weaved in a tight knit, water will just beat off it,” he says, stroking the surpris-ingly soft, water-repellant sleeve of a men’s felted wool coat.

This particular jacket, Roussy admits, may be more appropriate for a rainy commute than a multi-day hike — but Icebreaker carries apparel suitable for the ultra-outdoorsy as well.

He gestures to another coat with a waterproof polyester exterior, lined with pure merino wool.

“We’re not against synthetics, we just don’t think it should be against your skin,” Roussy says, explaining all Icebreaker garments — from socks and underwear to heavy-duty outerwear — incor-porate the natural merino fibre.

“Merino has been used for generations, but since the mid-’80s to ‘90s the outdoor world changed to all the synthetics, so polyesters and nylons,” he says, “but those fabrics don’t really breathe, are not that comfortable and are made of plastics, really.”

The perks of sheep’s clothing

“[Merino] is really breathable, it’s really warm for its weight, it also keeps you cool when you’re hot — and it doesn’t smell.”

Icebreaker opened its doors at 2089 W. 4th in March 2011. (A second BC location has since opened at Park Royal Village in West Vancouver). The brand’s lifestyle, outdoor and work-out gear is also available at about 25 other apparel shops in the Lower Mainland.

For those motivated by ethical shopping and sustainability, each Icebreaker garment is tagged with a unique green “baacode” allowing the buyer to trace the wool on its journey from New Zealand sheep to Vancouver retail shop. IceBreaker.com

Icebreaker’s store on W. 4th fits in with Kitsilano’s appeal to the outdoor crowd. Doug Shanks photo

WEVancouver.com November 1 – 7, 2012 11

~ Friday and Saturday: Martini Nights ~~ Sunday Afternoon: High Tea ~

~ Wide selection of gluten free snacks ~~ Pizza ~ Soup ~ Sandwiches ~

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oh!brothersART THAT WORKS, BY CANADIAN ARTISTS

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WE_Sept2012_2.pdf 1 12-08-29 1:12 PM

LIVING FAITH IN EVERYDAY LIFEHow people of faith choose to live in a dominating secular culture, allowing their identity to be a visible part of their lives.

Thursday, November 8, 7:00pm-9:00pm,in The Sanctuary.

Justin LovelessBUDDHISM

CHRISTIANITYRev. Kathryn Ransdell

Priti Gami ShahHINDUISM

Dr. Ashnoor NagjiISMAILI

IIIIII

Burrard & Nelson, Vancouver 604.683.4574www.standrewswesleychurch.bc.caUnderground parking off the lane

For more information, please contact the church of� ce or visit our website. Co-sponsored by

On the � ve Thursday evenings in November 2012, members of four different spiritual and philosophical traditions will respond to that evening’s ethical focus. In addition to presentation time, there will be opportunity for participants to ask questions and to respond to the speakers.

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By Jenn Chic

The sunlight streams through the windows, re� ecting off polished wine glasses. Edith Piaf plays in the background and a server glides by with moules-frites in hand.

Trafalgars Bistro (2603 W. 16th) in Kitsilano, may appear to be a traditional French bistro, but a closer look at the menu reveals a commitment to featur-ing the � nest organic producers from Richmond to Pemberton.

“It would be crazy not to use all the local prod-ucts that we have available to us in Vancouver,” says Andrea Thorgilsson, general manager. “We use only unmedicated meat and all of our seafood meets Oceanwise standards.”

Trafalgars recently won Vancouver Magazine’s Greenest Restaurant in Vancouver award. Their commitment to local producers is obvious but it’s

what goes on behind the scenes, that may be the most impressive. Thorgilsson holds up a small plas-tic box no bigger than a loaf of bread. “This is our garbage for the restaurant.”

Just outside the back door, a passageway leads to an army of recycling bins that allow the bistro and their sister bakery and neighbour, Sweet Obsession, to recycle almost everything.

A small bin, not much bigger than the average household garbage can, is all that both business use to throw away a week’s worth of garbage. After � ve days, it’s only half full.

One of the major contributors to restaurant waste is food scraps, something that Trafalgars and Sweet Obsession have avoided altogether. Thorgils-son unlatches the wooden doors to a small shed and a large commercial composter is revealed.

“When food scraps go into the land� ll they can-not decompose because it is an anaerobic environ-ment and organic matter needs air � ow to de-

compose into compost,” she explains. “With this machine we can create compost that is 85 per cent broken down. We give it to local farmers to do the rest of the curing process and use it for their operations.”

Thorgilsson is very proud of her staff. To-gether they have created a friendly restaurant full of West Coast warmth, capable of cozying up any rainy day in Van-couver. While the food is accessible, consistent and served with professional-ism and charm they are leading their industry with a commitment to the environment. “It really doesn’t take more effort and it’s easy to see what a difference we’re making.”

Trafalgar’s � rst annual Garlic Fest is coming this January featuring a garlic-centered menu from the harvest of Vancouver’s own Inner City Farms.

Trafalgars.com

DISCOVER KITSILANO

Andrea Thorgilsson, general manager of Trafalgars Bistro, stands with a commercial composting machine that helped the restaurant win a recent Greenest Restaurant award. Jenn Chic photo

French fare with

environmental flair

12 November 1 – 7, 2012 WEVancouver.com

$3995/person & $1895/kids 6-12 years

$5495/person & $2495/kids 6-12 years

To view our menus, go to www.brockhouserestaurant.comRESERVATIONS: 604-224-3317

or catering@brockhouserestaurant.com3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver (at Jericho Beach)

Book your company Christmas Party at

Special 3 Course Prix Fixe Menus starting at $30

November Special

December Specials

4oz Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Tail $20

Holiday Brunch Buffet

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet

RESERVE YOUR TABLE NOW!

In commemoration of Brock House’s “Centennial Celebration,” Brock House Restaurant will be offering monthly specials.

Served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Available every Sunday in December.

Brock House Restaurant!

For more details go to www.docksidevancouver.comIn the Granville Island Hotel, 1253 Jonston St, Granville Island 604-685-7070 Valet parking available

WATERFRONT DINING AT ITS BEST.

JOIN US FOR JAZZ AND BLUES BRUNCH ON SUNDAY

by Jenn Chic

Business is booming in Kitsilano. Since January 2012, 21 new storefronts and services have moved

into the West 4th neighbourhood (see SIDEBAR).

It’s an impressive array of res-taurants, boutique clothing stores, yoga studios, and coffee shops.

“Kitsilano really feels like a community — most people love the neighbourhood for the big city amenities and small town feel,” says Russ Davies, executive director of Kitsilano’s 4th Avenue Business Improvement Associa-tion.

He loves that the residents are so supportive of their neighbour-hood and that Kits has become a destination in the city for shop-ping, dining or just soaking up the atmosphere.

Pedro Villalon, owner of O5 Tea Bar, at 4th and Yew (pictured), couldn’t have imagined opening his boutique tea bar anywhere else in the city. He has person-ally visited many of the tea farms from which he acquires his fine teas and loves to share their stories with each steaming hot cup. “I have met so many great people since we’ve opened. I love being in Kits.”

Villalon also holds special events in the evenings at his shop, inviting customers in for delicious food and

cocktails. Not that there is any shortage of great food on West 4th. Top Chef Canada’s Trevor Bird opened Fable at West 4th and Cypress this past summer and Burgoo has expanded its celebration of the world’s best comfort food to West 4th and Vine.

With all this great food, staying in shape is accessible, too. Yyoga recently opened a brand new studio in the heart of Kits at West 4th and Cypress. The studio offers hundreds of classes to choose from and access to the infra red sauna so there’s no excuse for not dropping in to a class. Different Bikes, at West 4th and Pine, opened a new loca-tion this past spring and is one of Canada’s first Giant partner stores. They offer everything you need to keep to two wheels all year round from a selection of bikes, clothing, gear and a team of skilled mechanics.

Beyond yoga gear, West 4th Avenue has many boutique clothing stores to choose from — Kate French, XO Bella and Leo Boutique all recently

opened. Throughout the year, Kitsilano’s 4th Avenue BIA has put together opportunities to enjoy shopping party evenings; most recently, “Eat Shop Love for Moms” in May was a hit.

DISCOVER KITSILANO

West 4th Avenue has long been a shopping des-tination but it’s always getting better. Here’s a list of the new stores and restaurants that have opened this year:

• Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts, 2048 W. 4th, dried fruits and nuts• Burgoo, 272 W. 4th, restaurant• Clouds & Rainbows, 1946 W. 4th, cigars and pipes• Culprit Coffee, 2028 Vine, coffee/tea• Davids Tea, 230 W. 4th, tea• Different Bikes, 1717 W. 4th, bicycles• Doner Donair, 1956 W. 4th, restaurant• Escents Aromatherapy, 2202 W. 4th, home/aromatherapy• Fable, 1944 W. 4th, restaurant• Kate French Wear, 2352 W. 4th, women’s fashion• Kits Physio & Osteo, 102-2078 West 4th, medical/wellness• Koodo Mobile, 2163 W. 4th, cellular phones• La Vita Dental Centre, 2259 West 4th, dentist• Leo Boutique, 2072 W. 4th, unisex fashion• Meuse Home & Living, 2005 W. 4th, home decor• No Frills Supermarket, 1680 W. 4th, grocery store• O5 Rare Tea Bar, 2208 W. 4th, tea• Pharmasave Home Health, 1855 W. 4th, medical/wellness• Spa On The Rocks, 2200 W. 4th, spa/esthetics• Spectus Eyewear, 2209 W. 4th, optical store• Spirit of Movement, 2076 W. 4th, children’s apparel• Stripped Wax Bar, 1990 W. 4th, waxing/esthetics• TD Canada Trust, 1911 W. 4th, financial services• Telus Mobility Retail, 2372 W. 4th, cellular phones• Urban Outfitters, 2199 W. 4th, unisex fashion• Vital Wellness, 1855 W. 4th, medical/wellness• XO Bella, 2294 W. 4th, women’s fashion• Y Yoga, 1915 W. 4th, yoga studio

Welcome to the neighbourhood

Experience the W. 4th vibe

Pedro Villalon says he couldn’t imagine opening O5 Tea Bar anywhere other than on West 4th Avenue in Kits. Jenn Chic photo

WEVancouver.com November 1 – 7, 2012 13

2603 West 16th Avenue | 604.739.0555 | trafalgars.com | Reservations Encouraged

Thank you for 15 years of patronage, loyalty and friendship!

Join us from Monday to Saturday for:

3 course prix � xe menu

$30 $88

Date night feature Two 3 courses & a bottle of wine

See trafalgars.com for details

Proudly voted Vancouver’s greenest restaurant

(VanMag Awards 2012)

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Catering for large & small events available.

Book your Christmas party today