Antipasto misto at Trattoria

Image © KK Law

6 IN KITS

A short hop over Burrard Bridge leads to Kitsilano, home to a cluster of contrasting eateries.

1. Trattoria (pictured). More laid-back, multi-regional offspring - but still with the same pizzazz - of downtown’s popular parent, Italian Kitchen.

2. Fuel. Hard-to-find local ingredients and wines rigorously sourced and smartly served in an open kitchen setting.

3. Bistro Pastis. A cozy little slice of Paris - plus Alsace, Burgundy and Provence - on Fourth, with superb absinthe.

4. Gastropod. Contemporary continental classics: organic local fare in a minimalist room with a daring modern twist.

5. Bishop's. The originator of “regional-seasonal” still delights.

6. Bistrot Bistro. Contemporary take on traditional French, with robust plates.

Nu spotlights regional wines

Image © KK Law

TOP DROPS

Where to find BC’s best wines? We’re betting Nu - an edgy hangout with a sun-kissed deck - has most of the winners from the just-announced Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the BC Wine Industry:

- Sumac Ridge Estate Stellar’s

- Jay Brut ’04

- Calona Vineyards Artist Series

- Chardonnay ’07

- Wild Goose Autumn Gold ’07

- Wild Goose Pinot Gris ’07

- Stoneboat Pinot Noir ’06

- Golden Mile Black Arts Syrah ’06

- Blasted Church Syrah ’06

- Jackson Triggs Proprietor’s

- Grand Reserve Shiraz ’05

- Sandhill Wines Cabernet Franc ’06

- Red Rooster Malbec ’06

Memphis Blues dishes up a new cookbook

Image © KK Law

BY THE BOOK

When it comes to putting pen to paper, Vancouver chefs are a prolific bunch. The latest to spill the culinary beans (literally) are Memphis Blues dudes Park Heffelfinger and George Siu. Their Bringin’ Southern Barbeque Home (Whitecap Books, $29.95) shares the joys of everything from pit beans to the perfect brisket sandwich. More stovetop secrets? Track down green-cuisine guru John Bishop’s Fresh; or New World Provence, a tasty tell-all from Provence Marinaside owner-chefs Alessandra and Jean Francis Quaglia.

Cardero's

Image © KK Law

PATIO FEVER

Locals live summer with a vengeance. Shore-side tables rule at Coal Harbour’s popular Cardero's (pictured) and panoramic Lift Bar & GrillLions. A trio of elevated hidden haunts on Robson runs from the lush roof garden at Joe Fortes to the sun-soaked parapet at Savory Coast and the intimate terrace at CinCin. On the English Bay side, head to Milestone's, The Boathouse or Raincity Grill. On False Creek South, hang out at dockside Bridges or hoist a pint at the Backstage Lounge.

Rob Feenie

Image © Cactus Club Cafe

DOWNTOWN CASUAL DELUXE

When Rob Feenie (pictured) split from his Lumière partners - who then announced a deal with New York’s Daniel Boulud - more than a few insiders revelled in their schadenfreude, especially when the über chef landed at oh-so-casual Cactus Club Cafe. But could he have the last laugh? Suits and students alike are now packing into the Cactus Club’s sparkling new Bentall Centre V flagship for Feenie treats such as tuna tataki with papaya, tobiko, avocado and yuzu vinaigrette, pistachio-crusted halibut with Thai red curry sauce, barbequed-duck clubhouse, and a trio of mini cheeseburgers. With its two tiers and dark woods, the expansive, bustling, atrium room is a stunner - right down to the catch-all wine list, that ranges from good BC by the (crystal) glass to Mouton Rothschild, Penfolds Grange and Phelps Insignia for heavy hitters on a roll.