Blo | Blow Dry Bar

You gotta see this hip list … where to eat, drink, shop and dance if you are young in your feet and your brain cells and wish you played a guitar.

I confess that I have not been in these places, but I have pals in Vancouver who have and they vouch for their coolness. Ask for the addresses in Yaletown. People want to help you!

SHOP at Mandula for women’s and men’s clothing. This Vancouver designer creates snappy urban streetwear. Clothing is hand finished, washable and the fabrics are natural. Not cheap. But everybody ends up happy. Look it up by clicking here.

Obakki women’s and men’s clothing, very well tailored, minimalist, probably some Japanese influence.

EAT at Salt Tasting Room, hidden in a back alley in Gastown called blood alley. Don’t let that throw you. It is true that Gastown is the "oldtown" of Vancouver and has had some dramatic moments, but it is cooling and some sidewalk cafes and good places to drink and eat are appearing on its cobbled streets. It’s fun. And you may see a few odd ones but you will also see a lot of young smart ones. My friends tell me that a lot of the city’s top chefs eat at Salt and the cellar is something to see. Minimalist. I plan to go as soon as I get to Vancouver.

Go to Bao Bei for Asian fusion, Boneta for French influence and good cocktails, Diamond for tapas and drinks. This group and Salt are connected in spirit they tell me. And that is a good thing. The people running them are friends or relatives and will show you your way from one to the other.

AFTER DINNER: Go to Society, or to George, or to O-Lounge, or to Afterglow for drinks. Go to Ginger to dance. My pals tell me that Vancouver’s elite can be found in these places as the stars flood the skies.

MAKE YOURSELF GORGOUS: A friend of my friends suggests amazing places in Yaletown: Skoah gives amazing facials. Blo Blow-Dry Bar and Mink Lash Bar just do blow-dries and eyelash applications. I am told you just sit back, sip champagne and let someone make you beautiful. Go to the Pamper Nail Bar for their express mani-pedi in a sleek modern atmosphere.

I can’t wait to try these places. My friends who gave me these suggestions are the kind you know would know. I promise to take pictures and send reports.

The Women on the Web, Mary Wells, Feb 19, 2010

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