Shiru Bay Chopstick Cafe (web site, address: 1193 Hamilton Street, phone: 604-408-9315) is a fun, upscale Japanese tapas restaurant located in Yaletown. Dishes are creatively and aesthetically presented and the menu is a romp through Asian-European fusion, with definite French influences. For $35 per person you can experience the Chef’s Tasting Menu which includes an impressive sampling of their menu (some of which is pictured below).

Sashimi

Pork cutlet

Japanese Omelette

Ebi-mayo prawns

Mussels

Sushi

The Templeton (web site, address: 1087 Granville Street, Vancouver, phone: 604-685-4612) is an authentic 1950’s diner that serves modernized, surprisingly healthy food. They serve breakfast until 3pm and their “Big Breakfast” is enough for even the biggest appetities (well, maybe not the biggest, but the portions are very generous). Homemade pies, milk shakes, veggie and meat burgers, as well as fancy entrees such as Ahi-tuna, are all available at reasonable prices. Pictured below are the Mangled Eggs (under $10) which are a delicious breakfast item.

Library Square Public House (web site, 300 W. Georgia St., phone 604 633-9644) is a popular pub and hang-out place located in downtown Vancouver next to the Vancouver Public Library. Decor is tastefully minimalist with some smaller art pieces by Emily Carr students. Large TV’s are perfect for keeping tabs on the game, and across the street you’ll find Queen Elizabeth theatre and only a couple blocks away, GM Place and BC Place Stadium. Along with the usual pub fare, the food menu is strictly sandwiches and burgers, unless you are there after 4pm when they also serve steaks and chops. I really enjoyed my chicken and cheddar sandwich which was served with a fresh hot house tomato slice and a side Caesar salad (pictured below).