f all Vancouver’s club and lounge patrons across the city, well-to-do Yaletowners are the most voracious consumers, and the most sought-after, as they tend to be followers, and occasionally authors, of all things hip. Or that which they are told is hip. But hipness is a subjective art, and hapless Yaletown cronies aren’t quite sure what to make of The Opus.

The west coast is unfamiliar with the couture urban nightclub scene as is exists in the heart of cities like New York and Toronto. Vancouver’s education may very well begin with The Opus. For those brave enough to stake it as their own, and strike poses against the striking décor, the reward will be membership alongside Van’s elite scenesters who recognize that it is a relentless, remorseless and all too eternal battle sitting at the front of the hipster bus.

All very worth it, though, as Opus is a martini drinker’s delight. Pay top dollar for the top shelf goods, and feel good about spending your hard-earned pennies on cocktails as good as they come. The laundry list of specialty martinis reads like a tour guide for your tongue, and should inspiration fail to come after reading dozens of recipes, just explain your mood, and your server will do you right. If you want to talk the talk after walking the walk, however, don’t quibble about liqueurs and juices. They only true choice is whether you want an onion, and olive, or a twist.

For this reviewer, however, the constant struggle rages on to find an environment where there is boisterousness, humility, and a good dose of fun served up along side top drawer class. Jazz afternoon on Saturday is a good step in that direction; positioned against a backlit resin wall backdrop, the crowd can easily scan the area with one well-practiced swoop - even from the washrooms, as there are monitors positioned over the sinks, so you won’t miss a thing.

The slick furniture arrangement - low leather seating cubes and Baleri Italia stools - isn't overdone. But expect to be sitting on brand names like Ray Eames and Philippe Starck and Nienkamper. There’s even a reproduction Palazzo Capponi bench and ruby red Venetian Louis XV occasional chairs with Medici gold frames (William Switzer) for your viewing pleasure.