Nu
Discretely located under the Granville Street Bridge, Nu is a seamless composition featuring an inventive seasonal menu that will please conservative and adventurous eaters alike. With warm, graceful service and a gorgeous brass-plated view, Nu offers an inimitable glow for a big night out while the limestone and marble-accented space effuses a splendour not often found in nascent restaurants. The strength of Chef Robert Belcham's eclectic French-influenced menu rests in its mains, particularly the straightforward and satisfying Caramelized Lamb Cheeks ($24.10), the Baked Halibut ($20) and the crispy Braised Pork Belly ($20). If all the sumptuous dining wears you out, there's the addictive patio and atmospheric side bar for catching up with friends, sipping chi-chi cocktails, and lingering contentedly. Idle much? -R.B. 1661 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC Full Story



Bin 941
What’s a hot list without giving some due to the wino in all of us? This cleverly corked drinkery gives Bin lovers an array of bottles to choose from in a space that prides itself on intimacy (think small). Proving that bigger isn’t necessarily always better, Bin 941 lets comfortable ambiance take precedent, and it does it very well in this smooth place that encourages guests to get a little bumpy. Have a bottle, have a glass, and enjoy your time here, but expect a wait if other people are already doing the same. – B.J. 941 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC Full Story



Honey
Let’s give some credit to one of the hot spots that doesn't look so, um, hot. At Honey, the broken down lounge hovering at the Lotus Hotel, one should not expect a lush, reno’d, contemporary, stylish club. Not even close. One canexpect one of the most laid back experiences in the city. At its brilliant Friday Night Mod Club event, look for a crowd in ultra-hip 60s rags. Bring your poodle, a skirt, a Vespa, a skinny tie, and get your groove on like no other place in the city (but stay away from the draught beer, trust me). – B.J. 455 Abbott Street, Vancouver, BC Full Story



Rare One
Owners Brian Fowke and Tim Keller's Rare One is being touted, for better or worse, as a trendy chophouse for the foodie set. Having snagged Quang Dang (West Restaurant), one of the city's youngest internal-rhyme-chefs (he’s 26), expect fresh and ever-changing fare. His menu, divided into three sections (Table d’Hote, Seasonal Menu and Tasting menu), spotlights quintessential BC flavours. Start out with a taste of exotic house specialties like the pan-seared weathervane scallop with a moist, tender and meaty roast quail in spiced honey, served with sweetbreads. Then, move on to the Hedgehog Mushroom Ravioli with white truffle foam and Rosso Jelly. When ordering, resist the urge to quip, "could you prepare that rare?" Thanks. 355 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC Full Story