vancouver

Chef Daniel Boulud Closing His Vancouver Restaurants

Filed under: Dining

Star chef Daniel Boulud is closing his doors in Vancouver. The French chef who has restaurants in New York City and opened a London outpost last year will be closing Vancouver's Lumière and db Bistro Moderne on March 13.

The Vancouver Sun reports that the restaurants were open a little more than two years and that Boulud was the "first international superstar chef" to open a restaurant in Canada. Some local critics speculated that the Boulud's fine dining was a bit too formal to connect with Vancouver's laid-back foodie scene. The restaurants, which took inspiration from Boulud's New York City triumphs were perhaps an inexact fit for the market. The staff from both restaurants will likely be easily reabsorbed into Vancouver's still-flourishing restaurant community.

He also had a restaurant at the Wynn resort in Las Vegas but that restaurant is now the Lakeside Grill. Boulud meanwhile, continues to thrive in New York City. Last year he won the James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award for his multi-starred restaurant named simply, Daniel.

Tags: celebrity chefs, daniel boulud, restaurant daniel, vancouver

City of Vancouver Hopes For Fast Sales At Millennium Water

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

I first wrote about the Millennium Water condo complex in Vancouver, Canada in 2007, when potential residents were willing to camp out for days in order for a chance to buy condos. The condos, which were designated as an Olympic village for the athletes of the 2010 Winter Olympics ranged in price from $600,000 to $3.4 million back then. Flash forward to know and the complex was officially unveiled to the public last weekend with a big goal to meet: the Vancouver Sun reports that the City of Vancouver wants to recoup nearly $1 billion from Millennium Development Corporation.

The seven-block community is a group of 16 buildings which were used by the athletes during the Olympics. Ski-cross gold medallist Ashleigh McIvor was on hand to celebrate as Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson received a ceremonial key to the village, which he handed over to Millennium principals Peter and Shahram Malek.Robertson urged the gathered crowd to buy units. There are 474 remaining units, up for sale starting at $389,000 and up to $10.5 million for a 4,000 square-foot penthouse. Another 371 units are designated for the rental market at controlled rates.

Tags: condo development, millennium water, vancouver

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Lamborghini Opens Third Boutique in Vancouver

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style

Lamborghini has been chasing after Ferrari for decades. If it's not on the street, it's on the race track, or in this case in the shopping mall. The Italian automaker has just opened its third boutique, the new Vancouver location following those opened last year in Los Angeles and Beijing.

Though a few were on display for the store's opening, the boutiques don't sell the company's exotic sportscars. Instead they serve as retail locations for the company's fashion line, called the Collezione Automobili Lamborghini. The Raging Bull brand's raking president Stephan Winkelmann was on hand for the opening. Given the Canadian climes, we hope the line includes parkas and ear muffs. But if your travel plans don't include the West Coast city in the near future, you can check out the collection at http://store.lamborghini.com.

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Tags: Automobili Lamborghini, automobili lamborghini boutique, AutomobiliLamborghini, AutomobiliLamborghiniBoutique, bc, british columbia, BritishColumbia, canada, collezione automobili lamborghini, CollezioneAutomobiliLamborghini, lamborghini, vancouver

Massive Casino Complex Planned For Vancouver

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Real Estate Developments

The Olympics may be over but Vancouver has a new way to generate excitement. B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has revealed plans for a destination casino-hotel complex to be built next to the renovated B.C. Place stadium. The $450 million Canadian project will have both a luxury hotel and a mid-range hotel and a casino that is open 24 hours a day. The Edgewater Casino will be relocated to the new center. Paragon Development of Las Vegas, the owner of the Edgewater Casino, will build the new project. The project will create thousands of jobs both through construction and through jobs at the complex.

It is estimated that the casino could make as much as $130 million Canadian in gaming revenues for the provincial government in its first year of operation. If the City of Vancouver grants a rezoning application, construction could begin early next year. The main building will have a massive rooftop that will connect the two hotels and provide meeting spaces, a pool area and an entertainment destination. The hotels will have five restaurants between them. The project may completed by mid-2013.

Tags: canada, casino, gambling, gaming, hotel, vancouver

$8.5 Million Waterfront Home in Vancouver, Estate of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

With all the press Vancouver has received lately with the Olympic Games I would think a waterfront property there would be one hot item! Although I have to say I was a bit surprised that the $8.5 million home only offered three bedrooms and four baths. Nestled in a gated private community boasting outrageous ocean and island views and a private outdoor pool brings the value up rather quickly though.

At 5351 Seaside Place in Olde Caulfeild, West Vancouver this spacious contemporary home designed by renowned architect Russell Hollingsworth features a courtyard entry complete with reflecting pond and stone walls, a gourmet chef's kitchen, polished marble flooring, media room and private boat launch. The use of floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and large picture windows bring the stunning outdoor view inside.

[Thanks Ben!]

Gallery: Vancouver Waterfront Estate

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Tags: estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, soprovich, vancouver, vancouver real estate, VancouverRealEstate, west vancouver, WestVancouver

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Luxist Giveaway: Swatch Sporty Friends Vancouver Olympics Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Enter to win this watch! The last Swatch watch up for grabs to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics is this Swatch Sporty Friends timepiece made specially for the Vancouver Winter Olympics. For the right woman or youth, the Sporty Friends watch is 34m wide with a Swiss quartz movement inside and a fun quirky character. Limited in production only for this year's winter games, this watch is the piece to have for fans in search of a reasonably priced watch to remind them of the occasion.

Aside from the easy to read silvered dial with black Arabic numerals on the dial (with the Vancouver Olympics logo on it as well), the main visual item on the watch is the placement of the Vancouver Olympics mascot cartoon characters on the blue silicone strap. Anyone who spent time at the games or on the Vancouver Olympics website will immediately recognize the pair. The are printed on a specially made strap and wrap around the wrist when the watch is worn. For a closer look at this and the other Swatch 2010 Vancouver Olympics go here for a mini review by me. Enter below by the end of this week and one of these Sporty Friends watches can be yours. The Swatch Sporty Friends watch retails for $55. Follow Swatch on Twitter here.

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. THANKS FOR ALL WHO ENTERED.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to win the watch. The giveaway ends on February 28th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 28th, 2010 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one Swatch Sporty Friends watch valued at $55.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, giveaway, olympics, Sporty Friends, SportyFriends, Swatch, vancouver

Top Fine Restaurants in Vancouver

by celticmage (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Watching the Olympics can be hungry work. These restaurants in Vancouver offer a wide sample of the best this city has to offer. Many of the restaurants listed below offer special reservations and menus for visitors in town for the Games.

West Restaurant + Bar
Recognized as the "jewel in Vancouver's culinary crown," West's outstanding contemporary regional cuisine and seamless service has garnered much critical acclaim. Pristine local ingredients are sourced by Executive Chef Warren Geraghty to deliver superbly conceived dishes offering modern interpretations of classics. 2881 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J4, Canada‎ -(604) 738-8938‎

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar
An anchor in Vancouver's culinary landscape, Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar is lauded as the City's definitive destination for seafood. Executive Chef Frank Pabst brilliantly executes innovative West Coast plates, insisting on using seafood from wild and sustainable harvest. At the raw bar, cut master Yoshi Tabo has his own dedicated following for his expert sushi and sashimi. 1095 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4, Canada‎ -(604) 688-8078

The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn
Chefs John Waller and Nicholas Nutting and their kitchen brigade serve outstanding Pacific Northwest cuisine in this charming restaurant. A focus on farm-fresh, organic Vancouver Island ingredients defines the experience at The Pointe Restaurant. Sublime dessert & extensive wine list. Spectacular view with over 240 degrees of Pacific Ocean. 500 Osprey Lane, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada‎ -(250) 725-3100

Tags: british columbia, BritishColumbia, restaurants vancouver, RestaurantsVancouver, vancouver, winter olympics, winter olympics 2010, WinterOlympics, WinterOlympics2010

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Top 10 Best Spas in Vancouver

by celticmage (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Although Vancouver, BC is a three-hour drive from my home in Washington state, I venture up there every six weeks or so for hair care at Ian Daburn Salon and to indulge in one of my favorite day spas. Here are my top ten day spas (listed alphabetically) in the vibrant Canadian city of Vancouver. Divine, indeed!

1. Absolute Spa

Absolute Spa has two downtown locations: Century Plaza Hotel at 1015 Burrard St. and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver at 900 W. Georgia St. Call 604-248-2772 for appointments at both. The spa at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is Vancouver's "first spa for men," and features a 75-minute Gentleman's Facial ($125 CDN). But the spa is women friendly, too.

2. EvelineCharles Spa and Salon
EvelineCharles Spa and Salon, 1495 W. 11th, 604-678-566. This is a sleekly whitewashed second story haven located in the shopping-friendly South Granville Rise area. Get down and dirty with the Mud Slide ($245 CDN), a soothing treatment that includes a mud bath, mud wrap, massage and moisturizer. Mmmm!

3. Miraj Hammam Spa
Miraj Hammam Spa, 1495 W. 6th, 604-733-5151. Middle Eastern treatments are featured here, including the Hammam and Gommage, an exotic steam and exfoliation process, followed by a 30-minute massage ($125 CDN). Luxuriate afterwards In the Sultana Lounge with tea and sweet cakes.

4. Breathe Spa
Breathe Spa, 325 Howe St., Suite 501, 604-688-4769. This sanctuary is tucked away in the fifth floor of the Pacific Coast Building in the heart of the city. Indulge in the "Out of This World" package ($215 CDN) that includes a two-hour Breathe Facial followed by a two-hour Hot Stone Therapy Massage.

5. Skoah
Skoah, 1011 Hamilton Street, 604-642-0200. This is the spot to get the skinny on skin. Featuring its own product lines, the small menu of facials includes everything from a "quickie facial" ($30 CDN) to the more intense "face, peepers and pout" treatment ($100 CDN). Located in trendy Yaletown and just a few flip-flops away from the Opus Hotel, by far the hippest hotel in the 'hood.

Tags: spa, spa guide, spa treatments, SpaGuide, SpaTreatments, vancouver

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Luxist Giveaway: Swatch To The Top Chronograph Vancouver Olympics Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Enter to win this watch! Next watch up for grabs is this Swatch To The Top timepiece made for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Fanciest of the trio that we are giving away, the To The Top watch is 41m wide with a Swiss quartz chronograph movement inside and a cool winter sports character. Limited in production only for this year's winter games, this watch is the piece to have for fans in search of a reasonably priced watch to remind them of the occasion.

The chronograph subdials are each in a separate color while the hour numerals are applied with silver squared dots and raised a bit for a neat look. The movement also has a date indicator. The case is made from almost clear plastic with an interesting look in to parts of the movement. You'll also like the large crown and chronograph pushers. The strap is blue silicon with a multicolored strip down its length. The 12 o'clock indicator on the dial is the Vancouver Olympics games logo and label. For a closer look at this and the other Swatch 2010 Vancouver Olympics go here for a mini review by me. Enter below by the end of this week and one of these To The Top watches can be yours. The Swatch To The Top watch retails for $110. Follow Swatch on Twitter here.

THANKS FOR ALL WHO ENTERED, THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to win the watch. The giveaway ends on February 21th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 21th, 2010 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one Swatch To The Top watch valued at $110.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, Giveaway, Olympics, Swatch, To The Top, ToTheTop, Vancouver, Watch, Winter

Luxist Giveaway: Swatch Happy Games Watch With Snowpass Technology

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Enter to win this watch! For the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Swatch has created three new fun and occasion celebrating timepieces. You can enter to win one watch a week until we have given away one of all three. This model is called the Swatch Happy Games and is the most understated of the three. Plus it has built-in Snowpass technology. It is medium sized and from the Swatch Original family of timepieces. Case is 38mm wide with a gray strap embossed with Vancouver imagery. The light gray tone and white face are hallmarks of the watch's skiing theme. You see a Snowpass label right under "Swatch" on the strap loop, with the Olympics logo underneath that.

Snowpass technology is really cool. Inside the watch is a small chip (likely RFID) that can be loaded with your daily, weekly, or seasonal ticket. The Snowpass technology is available at over 700 ski resorts around the world. This often makes is to that you don't need to wait in line at the slopes, and is a great tool inside of an otherwise good watch. No more carrying tickets either. The watch dial is very easy to read and should appeal to all Swatch and Olympics fans. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA quartz movement. The Swatch Happy Games watch retails for $75. Follow Swatch on Twitter here.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to win the watch. The giveaway ends on February 14th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 14th, 2010 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one Swatch Happy Games watch valued at $75.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, free, giveaway, Happy Games, HappyGames, Olympics, Snowpass, Swatch, Vancouver, watch, winter olympics 2010, WinterOlympics2010

Luxurious Places To Stay in Vancouver

by Yevonne Hale (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

This month the world's eyes turn to Vancouver, British Columbia as the Winter Olympic games begin. Vancouver, being such a cosmopolitan city, offers the finest in the boutique hotel experience. We'll be looking at two very special boutique hotels that certainly set the pace.

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa is the perfect combination of that luxury "get away from it all feeling" combining with all the convenience necessary for the business traveler. The lobby is beautifully appointed with overstuffed furniture, several antique pieces, original works of art, and an abundance of floral arrangements. The staff pays attention to every detail. They are well acquainted with the city, and will offer every assistance possible to make your stay an enjoyable one.

The hotel is small, and intimate in size with only 83 rooms, but huge on the amenities they offer. Each room has its own walk-out balcony, a large limestone shower, and a separate soaking tub. The rooms are also provided with plush bathrobes, towels, and slippers. If your aim is pleasure, begin to de-stress with the complimentary steam room, arrange a massage, or other spa service.

The Wedgewood is located in the heart of fashionable Robson Square providing Vancouver's best in restaurants and shopping, but the Wedgewood itself provides an excellent choice for dining in the Bacchus. The Bacchus cuisine is modern french, and offers a wide variety menu. For the best in luxury comfort, this is definitely one of the finest Vancouver has to offer.

Tags: british columbia, hotels, vancouver, winter olympics

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Celebrating The Olympics In Whistler

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports

If you were waiting to see if a friend, family member or favorite athlete makes it into the Olympics before booking a trip, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler wants people to know that it has accommodation available for select dates during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is at the base of Blackcomb mountain and guests can get to downhill Olympic events on Whistler Mountain by taking a 11-minute ride on the Peak 2 Peak gondola which connects the top of the two mountains. If you want to do your own skiing most of Blackcomb will still be open during the Olympics.

Accommodation at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is available from February 11 to 28 and includes Fairmont, Deluxe and Deluxe Slopeside rooms, Suites and Fairmont Gold rooms. A three-night minimum stay is in effect on most dates. Rates start from CDN $899 per room per night and full prepayment for all reservations is required three days after time of booking and is non-refundable. Rooms at other Olympic adjacent properties, The Fairmont Vancouver Airport and The Fairmont Empress, Victoria also have availability. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport has Fairmont Gold rooms starting from CDN $599 per night with a minimum four-night stay and set arrival dates. Reservations must be fully prepaid at time of booking. The Fairmont Empress in Victoria located a floatplane ride away has all room categories available with no minimal night requirement.

Tags: fairmont chateau whistler, FairmontChateauWhistler, olympics, olympics hotels, OlympicsHotels, vancouver, winter olympics, winter olympics 2010, WinterOlympics, WinterOlympics2010

Your Second, Winter Olympic Home is Ready

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Real Estate Developments

Admit it, the biathlon has always fascinated you: skiing, spandex, and guns -- what's not to make a heart flutter? Vancouver, Canada isn't so bad either. With the Winter Olympics headed that way in sixty days you can add Granville Street and massive natural beauty to that fetching, dual-sport combination -- if only you had a place to stay...

Enter Evolution Whistler, a mountain home development just over a year old in the away-from-it-all Whistler Creekside. Evolution houses seventy residences from 590 sq. ft. up to 1,630 sq. ft., with 1 bed/ba units at the low end and 3 bed/ba units at the high. Some of them will be available during the Olympics, so when you're not slopeside at the ski jump or hoisting a nostalgic Jamaican flag at the bobsled, you can enjoy Evolution's own exercise facilities, outdoor sauna and hot tubs, or the eucalyptus steam room.

And if you decide you just can't get enough of Evolution or Vancouver, you can take a quarter ownership in one of Evolution's offerings -- there are 280 on offer -- with serious discounts from last year's The-Gods-Must-Be-Crazy prices. What better way could there be to remember the city where you jilted the biathlon and fell in love with the luge? (Don't worry, you will...)

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Tags: canada, evolution, olympic, vancouver, whistler, whistler blackcomb, WhistlerBlackcomb, winter olympics, WinterOlympics

Omega Preps For Winter Olympics By Opening New Vancouver Watch Store

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Being the official time keeper for the Olympics is hard work. Not only do you need to lobby the Olympic Games counsel, but you also need to create cool limited edition watches every two years. Then, you need to make sure that all your promotional work pays off. Thus, Omega has decided that Vancouver will be the city to open its 4th boutique store in North America - where only Omega watches are sold (including some of the limited edition Olympics models I hope).

The shop is open in the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. You'll find that dedicated watch brand stores often have much more informed staff and of course a larger inventory (especially or rare watches). All in time for watch lovers who either live or will be visiting Vancouver for the winter Olympics or otherwise.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Canada, Olympics, Omega, store, Vancouver, watch

Opus Vancouver Gears Up for Winter Olympics

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Events, Sports

Planning a trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. this February? If you're quick you might still be able to snag one of the 96 rooms at the Opus Vancouver, the city's top luxury boutique hotel. Located in historic and fashionable Yaletown steps away from the inner harbor, the Opus has played host to a long list of A-listers including Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Zac Efron, Janet Jackson, R.E.M., and The Pussycat Dolls, to name a few. The lavish rooms boast five different décor schemes to suit every taste, ranging from modern and minimalist to artful and eclectic, with comfort and style as the unifying elements. In addition to standard amenities, luxuries for guests include Frette bathrobes, L'Occitane bath products, an in-room oxygen dispenser and complimentary transportation within the downtown area via the hotel's luxe 7-Series BMWs. The penthouse suites feature wrap-around balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and double-sided fireplaces; all suites have a wet bar, while the hotel also features a fine French bistro, Elixir, as well as the Opus Bar, voted "Vancouver's Most Popular Nightspot" by the Zagat Survey.

Tags: British Columbia, BritishColumbia, Canada, Demi Moore, DemiMoore, Frette, hotel, hotel deals, hoteldeals, Olympics, Opus hotel, OpusHotel, Vancouver