What Haas, the Willy Wonka of North Vancouver, has opened a new outpost in Kitsilano. Why All of his signature sweet treats (handmade chocolates, truffles, pastries, etc.) are on offer from the in-store kitchen. It’s also now the spot de jour for west side ladies who lunch, with primo paninis and frothy cappuccinos.

2539 W. Broadway, 604-736-1848, thomashaas.com

What Mount Pleasant’s new men’s shop, a throwback to general stores of the 1930s. Why Alongside refined accessories like Ken Diamond leather goods they stock a kooky-cool mix of specialty foods, apothecary jars full of candy, magazines, paper products, and best of all, cult-fave Stumptown Coffee from Portand (the only place in the city you’ll find it).

109 E. Broadway, 604-816-4409

What New from the owners of Cibo, our Best New Restaurant in Canada, Red Card Sports Bar is a grownup way to catch the game (the high ceilinged room features slick leather banquettes and 18 flat-screens). Why The pastas and paninis are exceptional (thanks to deft touch of executive chef Neil Taylor), but go for the pizza made in a wood-burning pizza oven imported from Italy.

900 Seymour St, 604-689-4460, redcardsportsbar.com

What Surreally beautiful pencil drawings. Boulton takes photos of young men on the street (always unaware and from behind) and transforms them into photorealist portraits. Why Distressed denim and worn leather jackets are expressed in jaw-dropping detail (Bouton’s mastery of subtle differences in fabric is what most impresses).

Until November 29, Windsor Gallery, 3025 Granville St., 604-681-4870, windsorgallery.com

What A newly opened Gastown home decor boutique, awash in stark white and cool greys, curated by former Liberty staffers. Why Price points are shockingly low (lovely mirrored glass vases for $50), but the look is modern glam — nothing cheap or gimmicky here.
115 Water St., 604-689-0800, parliamentinteriors.com

What The Glowbal Group (owners of Glowbal, Italian Kitchen, Sanafir, Coast) recently unveiled their new, drinks-forward room. Why Experience the scene that has officially surpassed George in the plucked, primped, and plumped category. Yaletowners sip cocktails in shadowy booths under electric-pink chandeliers.

1257 Hamilton St., 604-629-8800, society-grg.ca

What South Main’s favourite low-slung retro-cool restaurant has reopened after a fire shuttered it earlier this year. Why The design is still 70s rec-room chic (chocolate leather button-back booths, red orange Eiffel chairs, a wall of shag), the menu still features simple comfort food reimagined, but the drink list is where things get wonderfully loopy: a list of 21 Canadian whiskeys, plus classic 70s cocktails (like Blue Hawaiian and Tequila Sunrise) served in a bento box with a mini shaker, ice, glass and all the ingredients portioned out. DIY cocktails!

2610 Main St., 604-877-8582. habitlounge.ca

What An adorable little shop right out of Chocolat. Why Confections are made using pure French chocolate and grouped and sold by the cocoa’s single origin (Ghana for milk chocolate, Mexico for bittersweet, Venezuela for dark). Petit squares are delicately flavoured with fleur de sel, lavender, chilies, or fennel.

198 E. 21st Ave., 604-566-1065. chocolaterienouvellefrance.ca

What Gastown’s fine men’s store Roden Gray recently launched a shop-in-shop dedicated to master shirt makers Gitman Bros. Why The Gitman Vintage collection, pulled from their shirting archives and updated with slimmer cuts, is well represented – look no further for a de rigueur yet grown-up take on plaid.

231 Cambie St., 604-689-7302, rodengray.com

What LuLulemon’s new space at Broadway and Cambie is a glass-walled studio that offers voyeuristic access to their creative process. Why Watch designers create new sample pieces, or play designer yourself and create bespoke Lululemon pieces by choosing colourways for your favourite form-fitting gear.

511 W. Broadway, 604-708-1126, lululemon.com