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 wasnt 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 kid-friendly 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 cabaret 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 Stepback (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. Im currently obsessed with the tuxedo mousse cake at Sweet Obsessions Cakes & Pastries (2611 W. 16th) and the omakase (chefs 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 essayist based in Vancouver. Her debut novel is The Healer, an action-packed work of sci-fi chick lit.
