Well, that day of all things mushy, red and lacy is almost upon us. Have you made your Valentines plans yet?? If not, I have some Valentines Day suggestions!
Because February 14th is one of those days on which most people strive to impress, here is a list of 5 of my top romantic spots that will be worth the $$$ spent:
1. Cioppino’s in Yaletown – 1133 Hamilton St. 604 688 7466 $$$
Cioppino’s is a classic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant situated along the cobble-stone like brick sidewalk, (girls in stilettos beware!!) of Yaletown. If you plan to eat here, I recommend requesting a table in the Enoteca room. The main room of the restaurant is lovely, but this back room is beautifully lit with candles at night and is very romantic. Lining the walls of the room are the restaurant’s supply of wine which adds to the Italian charm of Cioppino’s. Highly recommended.
2. Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel – 845 Hornby St. 604 689 7777 $$$
I have never seen as decadent an interior as the one in Bacchus. Many of the seats are done in plush velvet and there are huge flower arrangements surrounding the tables. The environment is decidedly luxurious, with a bit of an old world feeling. I have only been to Bacchus for brunch and for drinks so I’m not able to comment on the food, but I have only heard great things! Note to guys: this place will most definitely impress any lady!
3. Yew at The Four Seasons – 791 W. Georgia 604 689 9333 $$$
If you’re looking for a restaurant that is contemporary yet warm, Yew is the right place for you. The interior is gorgeous with a lofty 12 ft ceiling, rich wood panelling and a floor-to-ceiling sandstone fireplace. The menu features items from “the Pacific region,” as they say on their website. I have never had a bad dining experience at Yew. Sometime last year I enjoyed a dessert for two that was something like a sundae in a huge martini glass, now I’m not sure if they still serve this, but if they do, indulge and let me know so I can say “I told you so!” Note to girls: On Fridays Yew hosts “Dive Fridays” from 2:30-10:00pm when ladies wearing pink are entitled to a free appy!
4. Bridges on Granville Island – 604 687 4400 $$$
I’ve never seen a view like I have from the upstairs patio at Bridges. It was a warm summer evening when I was there, but even in the winter with the sun setting the Burrard Inlet is nothing short of gorgeous. Bridges is the House of Switzerland during the Olympic games and so for the two weeks there is a separate Swiss menu to choose from for both day and night. One item in particular from the day menu caught my eye; Macaroni with ham, potatoes, onions and cream with a side of apple sauce, ($17). Talk about comfort food! And for dessert, Swiss carrot cake! Why not make this a destination dinner with a walk along English Bay’s seawall and then a boat ride over to Granville Island? (Boarding is just under the Aquatic Centre at the end of the sea wall when walking east). Two can ride the cute little boats for $5. Adorable.
5. Sandbar on Granville Island – 1535 Johnston St. 604 669 9030 $$
Another fabulous date spot! Sandbar has a very cozy atmosphere with excellent staff who are ready to recommend a brilliant wine to pair with your fish, steak or pasta. The year-round patio is heated and has a lovely view of the water, very romantic! Sandbar is an excellent choice if you are looking for seafood. Ask the server what their feature dish is, each night the restaurant will prepare a list of meals only available for the evening prepared fresh that day!
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO TIP YOUR SERVER. No one likes a stingy date. It’s just as bad, or worse than a date with bad breath. On that note, carry extra mints. Here to help. ; )
Also, obvious, but worth mentioning, CALL AHEAD FOR RESERVATIONS!
And now for some pictures:
This is me in all my casual-Valentines-Day-inspired-outfit-glory. 2nd pic from bottom: Trying to get the shot, I fell -whoosh!- backwards. I try so hard for you readers. Wearing: Lips printed top from the Patricia Field shop in NYC, Zara jeans and Miu Miu pumps with rose-gold rolex, just kidding! Rose gold Fossil watch.
HAVE A LOVELY VALENTINES DAY!!
XO StyleStruck
Today’s post will be dedicated to the low-lying clouds that seem to have taken over this city. The gloomy-ness is starting to creep into my brain, it really is time for some fun in the sun. The other day I was sitting in my apartment, not knowing what to do with a free afternoon. With another ten days without internet and tv, I decided to get some fashion inspiration from the great outdoors, and this is what resulted. Comfy, casual, simple and subtle. In the meantime while I wait for sun, I suppose I will take advantage of this grey weather and do “cozy” things like play board games, read books, experiment with new recipes and further indulge myself with old movies. Maybe the clouds aren’t so bad after all…
Way back when I was a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and studied Fashion Design and Technology. These pants were one of my first year projects! We were given the pattern and had one class to complete them. You can’t see the pattern in the fabric very well, but these trousers are navy with a royal blue pin-stripe. At the time I thought they were just the most hideous things ever, I mean can you imagine high waisted pants WITH pleats!? Now I adore them, now that Stella McCartney and Chloe are all about the high waisted mens’ style trousers. Wearing: white chiffon blouse from Sirens, vintage gold scale belt, DIY trousers and Zara heels. 
Gorgeoouuss vintage 1930s purse!! This is definitely for art rather than use, it’s already starting to fall apart. 
Just sitting in my bedroom, casually strapping on 7″ heels. 
Platforms make my day. Sometimes I put shoes on display in my apartment, and sometimes weekly I rotate them to my next favourite pair. Sometimes I do the dishes in yellow snakeskin printed leather 5″ sandals. 
“Here’s looking at you, kid,” hehe 
