hough the celebs that descend on VIFF pale in comparison to the all-star line up at Cannes, there are plenty of industry individuals (many of the indie variety) that descend on Vancouver to showcase their movie films (Hollywood is only a 3-hour plane ride away, after all). These director, actor and producer types are also known for their fondness to party (more specifically, schmooze), and thus Martiniboys has compiled a collection of the best restos and clubs for those who don’t receive and invite to the galas in the mail. With any luck (or perhaps an accidentally inverted flip), you’ll soon be scaling the alphabet from the V-list (for Vancouver, of course) to that all-important A-list.






Bin 941
Sure, the place is small, if not cramped, but that only adds to the charm (claustrophobics keep clear). Shoulder to shoulder proximity breeds and multiplies partying behaviour akin to the effects of a terrarium – not for the weak of heart. This intimate environment lends itself swimmingly to neighbouring VIFF revelers that have landed up here post-screening for a night of nursing plenty a beverage. This is your opportunity to pounce and take advantage of their “extra-friendly” state by playing email tradesies while wooing them with you magnetic personality (if you can get past their entourage). Ah the magic of VIFF.




Chambar
Since its inception, Chambar has steadily become one of the busiest places to eat, drink and be ridiculously merry by covering all the integral nighttime sojourn criteria. With a runway-ready serving staff, the space boasts a stellar mix of artists, filmies and 30-something career types that mingle and schmooze nonchalantly and with haphazard charisma. Don those quirky lens frames, and you too will gain admission.




CinCin
As the menu will inform, locals and visiting ‘star’ types congregate here for West Coast fare from the open kitchen and the wood-fired grill, oven, and rotisserie (an ideal menu for brisk Fall weather). Comprised of gold walls, high arched windows, and terra-cotta tiles, CinCin is the kind of place where you can get a grade-driven Italian dinner and a bottle of wine while ogling the ongoing Robson Street parade from the comfort of your table.




Cobre
This Gastown space pays homage to the restaurant’s namesake with plenty of flashy, shiny copper accents that reminds film industry types (read: directors) of their mounting bank accounts (à la Scrooge McDuck). Of course, cobre is also a form of the Cuban word cobrar that deals with the exchange of money, which will inevitably occur (in large amounts) at the culmination of the meal. Break out the plastic for this one.