Lincoln Navigator Reserve = Pure Luxury Pure luxury. That was my first thought sliding into the Lincoln Navigator Reserve. Not big. Not imposing. Not excessive. Just pure, unapologetic luxury. And yes — I can already hear it: “Isn’t that a bit much for just two people?” Maybe. But maybe we’ve been conditioned to think smaller is smarter, when in reality, space can be one of life’s greatest luxuries. A Mobile Office That Doesn’t Feel Like Work Vancouver life is rarely linear. One moment you’re downtown for meetings, the next you’re crossing a bridge, heading to the North Shore, or catching…
Author: cassandra
Dine Chilliwack 2026: Restaurants, Menus & Passport Details February 17 to March 1, 2026 If you’ve been looking for a reason to head east for a culinary escape, this is it. Dine Chilliwack 2026 returns February 17 through March 1, spotlighting the heart of the Fraser Valley food scene with exclusive menus, two-for-one features, prix-fixe dinners, and limited-time culinary experiences across the region. Presented by Tourism Ch’illiwack, this two-week promotion invites locals and visitors alike to explore the city’s vibrant restaurant, brewery, and bar community — all while supporting independent businesses and discovering new favourites. Don’t Miss: The Inaugural Soup…
KitchenAid just dropped its 2026 Colour of the Year. Meet Spearmint: a light, uplifting mint-green that feels like a reset button for your kitchen. It’s calm without being sleepy, fresh without being cold, and the kind of colour that makes you want to bake something immediately, even if it’s just an excuse to admire your mixer on the counter. KitchenAid’s 2026 Colour of the Year: Spearmint Spearmint is designed to bring a “calming yet revitalizing” energy into the home — a soft minty-green that brightens a space and feels like a deep breath in the middle of a busy day.…
Corn in a Cup (Elote en Vaso) Cheater Version of Mexican Corn. You may not find the traditional ingredients for Elote en Vaso (corn in a cup) if you make a quick run to your local grocery store, as the real ingredients take a little more sleuthing. I’ve therefore improvised so you can still make something delicious, just don’t try to pass it off as authentic. 2 cups frozen corn3 tablespoons sour cream3 tablespoons mayonnaise½ cup crumbled feta cheese plus more to top cups1 red bell pepper diced2 green onions finely chopped1 tsp Aleppo or other chili pepper powder plus…
NA? YA! Non-Alcoholic Beer Fest Brings Non-Alcoholic Beer, Cider and Spirits to East Van NA? YA! Non-Alcoholic Beer Fest is bringing BC and Canadian non-alc craft beer together for a fun, flavour-forward tasting event—no six-pack commitment required. We’ll be there pouring Sea Cider Temperance and this is your chance to try great N/A beer, spirits and wine from a variety of producers all at one time.Date: February 7, 2026Location: Heritage Hall, Vancouver, BCChoose one of two sessions, each with its own vibe. Tickets include all samples and snacks.🎟️ GET TICKETS Two sessions NA? YA! Non-Alcoholic Beer Fest: chill or party…
2025 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE The 2025 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE is the most refined version of Nissan’s all-electric crossover, combining futuristic design, advanced all-wheel-drive technology, and premium interior touches. Positioned against competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Lexus RZ, the Ariya Platinum+ offers a uniquely Nissan blend of comfort, confidence, and luxury. We drove the “Two-tone Sunrise Copper Pearl” and it is one of the most gorgeous paint colours I’ve seen yet. Why the 2025 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE Stands Out At the top of the lineup, the Ariya Platinum+ is built for drivers who…
Chowder Cup 2026 – Vancouver’s Ultimate Seafood Showdown As part of Dine Out Vancouver, the Chowder Cup returns on February 5, 2026—an all-out sustainable seafood chowder brawl where eight chefsbattle for the coveted Chowder Cup trophy. Sea Cider will be there paired with Jonah Joffe from Bar Bravo! https://www.instagram.com/p/DUOu5eiktXb/ TICKETS Each competitor creates a signature chowder featuring responsibly sourced BC seafood, paired with a complementary beverage from local brewery/cidery partners. A panel of judges will award Chowder Cup Champion and Best Pairing, while attendees vote for the People’s Choice Award. Competitors & Pairings Chef Will Lew & Chef Sharon Chan,…
Wine in Croatia: Wineries Coming to the 2026 VIWF Croatia is one of Europe’s most exciting under-the-radar wine countries—where coastal vineyards meet mountain foothills, and indigenous grapes tell a story that stretches back more than 2,000 years. If you are heading to the the Vancouver International Wine Festival this year, you are in luck as you can taste wines from seven different Croatian Wineries represented by Tomislav Dušević of Domovina Wines. In preparation we thought we’d give you a little prelimary run through on wine in croatia, or a refresher for those who may be more wine savvy so you…
Cold Plunge and Sauna Vancouver Cold plunge and sauna have moved well beyond elite athletes and Nordic folklore, although I think I could use some sort of folklore in my lives, is that what’s missing? Research for another time, but for now I’m talking about contrast therapy and how it has become a modern wellness ritual—one rooted in science, shaped by our outdoor lifestyle, and increasingly valued for its impact on brain health as much as physical recovery. Who thought I’d become so much more interested in living this type of good life? But, this aging thing is increasingly forcing…
Flavourful Food Trends 2026 From bold global flavours to food that feeds your gut, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where taste meets purpose. Chefs, food brands, and home cooks are redefining what we expect from the foods and drinks we enjoy — with a stronger focus on function, quality ingredients, and emotional comfort. Here are the top food trends for 2026 to watch, from restaurant menus to what’s landing in your grocery cart. Check out EatingWell’s Top 10 Food & Nturition Trends for 2026 here, and Taste of Home’s Food Trends 2026 here. 1) Food That Does…
Fairmont Waterfront Dry January Menu: Seedlip Spirit-Free Cocktails in Vancouver This January, Fairmont Waterfront is embracing mindful drinking with a new spirit-free cocktail menu created in partnership with Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit during Fairmont Waterfront Dry January. Running throughout the month, the collaboration is part of a nationwide initiative across Fairmont properties in Canada, inviting guests to explore elevated, alcohol-free cocktails designed to support a more intentional start to the year—without sacrificing flavour, ritual, or experience. Rebecca Coleman, who sometimes imbibes and sometimes doesn’t, and whose palate is most certainly trust-worthy, joined me for this Mindful January…
Best Dine Out Vancouver Restaurants Dine Out Vancouver is one of the best times of year to explore the city’s restaurant scene — but with hundreds of participating spots, knowing where to book makes all the difference. Here’s a quick take on the best Dine Out Vancouver restaurants and meals actually worth reserving, from Michelin-recognized dining rooms to seafood standouts and neighbourhood favourites. Book Now on Dine Out Vancouver Michelin-Recognized & Destination Dining If you’re planning one standout meal during Dine Out Vancouver, focus on restaurants that use the festival to showcase their strengths: thoughtful menus, seasonal ingredients, and polished…
BC Brands at the CHFA NOW Vancouver The CHFA NOW Vancouver will again showcase the top natural healthy food brands on February 20-22, 2026 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and we’ll be there sussing out what’s new. Let’s take a revisit on how BC made its mark at CHFA NOW Vancouver 2025, showing off at the Buy BC Pavilion and drawing crowds across the main floor. With award wins, retail momentum, and sustainability in the spotlight, BC brands proved again why this province leads Canada’s natural health and wellness scene. Here are the brands that stood out — and the…
¿CÓMO? Taperia Taste Our Travels Vancouver ¿CÓMO? Taperia Taste Our Travels Vancouver is back for a fourth year, bringing the flavours and energy of Spain’s Catalonia region to Mount Pleasant as part of Dine Out Vancouver’s Tasty Events. Running January 22 to February 8, 2026, the experience features a seven-course menu for two, served seated at the bar, with optional beverage pairings. The series is created by new Head Chef Saman Ahmadivafa and draws inspiration from the team’s recent culinary trip through Catalonia. Book Taste Our Travels During their time in the region, the ¿CÓMO? team — co-owners Shaun Layton…
If you’re craving a holiday cookbook that feels like a warm invitation rather than a high-pressure to-do list, The Christmas Companion: Simple Recipes and Creative Ideas for a Magical Festive Season by Skye McAlpine is the one to add to your shelf, and keep on your counter during the holiday season. Also makes a great holiday gift! This treasure is cozy, calm, and genuinely useful—packed with simple recipes, festive inspiration, and hosting ideas that make the season feel more joyful and less frantic. I’m calmer already after just reaing it. Skye McAlpine has a gift for making everyday cooking feel…
A Bite of Shunde Extends 2-Year Anniversary Celebrations If you’ve been looking for an elegant, celebratory reason to gather around a round table this winter, A Bite of Shunde has you covered. The Richmond restaurant is marking its second anniversary with a season-long celebration that stretches from the holidays through Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2025 and into Chinese New Year, spotlighting the refined flavours and communal spirit of authentic Shunde-style Cantonese cuisine. Inspired by Shunde — a UNESCO City of Gastronomy — A Bite of Shunde is known for its ingredient-driven cooking, precise techniques, and dishes designed to be shared.…
The Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch: The Compact Off-Roader BC Actually Needs We drove the Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch in November and got lucky again and picked it up when my overseas holiday got canceled this December. Fortunately some good came of my misadventures. It is certainly one of the coolest rides I drove thhis year., and I even bought a fleece to match it because I’m that extra. The Bronco Sport Sasquatch-style package—seen on Badlands trims and select Outer Banks models with dealer off-road upgrades—brings the full Bronco attitude into a practical compact SUV— one that actually fits into Vancouver…
Best Kitchen Appliances for Serious Cooks There are work horses like my cast iron pans, and then there are tools that are so well designed and gorgeous that they earn permanent counter space. You stop thinking about what they cost because you use them constantly and they’re just so gorgeous. I adore form and function, but these items have even more. They’re luxiously designed and I’m obsessed with some of these best kitchen appliances for serious cooks. These are not trend appliances or novelty gadgets. They’re the pieces that perform beautifully, look right at home in a design-forward space, and…
Holiday-Themed Hotel Rooms in Canada That Turn a Stay Into a Celebration Because sometimes décor is the destination. I was recently chosen as Guest of the Day at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel and upgraded to a holiday-themed room — complete with a Christmas tree, festive décor, holiday DVDs, and even seasonal hand soap. How lucky was that? After a long day of travel, it felt like the holidays started the moment I opened the door. A special thanks to Carl, my hotel holiday elf. On my next stop at the Hamilton Princess in Bermuda, I noticed they also offered…
Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices Limited Edition Glenmorangie’s newest limited-edition single malt is a journey through scent, colour, and imagination. A Tale of Spices, the sixth release in the distillery’s award-winning A Tale Of… series, draws inspiration from the kaleidoscope of flavours found in bustling spice markets around the globe. Finished for the first time in four distinct cask types, including an experimental maturation in Moroccan red wine casks, this release is a richly aromatic expression layered with ginger, saffron, nutmeg, sugared almonds, and warm spice. It’s a whisky built for curious palates — and a stunning addition for collectors…
