Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/119920
BARRELLING INTO TOWN Crate & Barrel, an ultra-popular purveyor of contemporary kitchenware and home furnishings, has been one of the most anticipated stores to set up shop in Vancouver. Newspapers and blogs were reporting its impending arrival as far back as July 2011, and the time will finally come on March 21. The store carries a full range of home decor and furniture, but its specialty undoubtedly lies in the kitchen. Chicago-based Crate & Barrel first opened in 1962 selling pots, ceramics and dinnerware. It remains an essential destination for elegant to everyday dining sets and beautiful serving ware. Oakridge Centre, Vancouver; crateandbarrel.ca PLANT PARADISE If you're a gardener, the annual VanDusen Plant Sale needs no introduction. For the uninitiated, the most important details are: six hours, more than 40,000 plants for sale and master gardeners on site ready to dispense advice. The one-day event is historically busy, with a lineup beginning to form in the wee hours of the morning. According to the botanical garden, all you need to bring with you is a wheelbarrow, a friend and something to pay with. If you want to plan your attack ahead of time, catalogues will be available at the garden cashier for $2 starting April 1. April 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver; 604-257-8335; vandusengarden.org PORTSIDE PINTS Gastown restaurateur Mark Brand has added another location to his portfolio of eateries. The Portside, a threelevel pub and live music venue, is located in Vancouver's historic Gastown neighbourhood. According to Brand, the new establishment is "all about craft beer, local music and great atmosphere." In the renovations, Brand kept the old, exposed-brick walls and wooden beams, creating a comfortable ambience that honours the building's history. The taps boast 24 craft beers, including local favourites like Victoria-based Phillips Brewery, as well as imports like the Belgian Palm Amber Ale. 7 Alexander Street, Vancouver; 604-647-0121; theportsidepub.com Congratulations, Cantu BATHING BEAUTY Bathroom hardware distributor Cantu Bathrooms has opened a new showroom for its extensive line of luxury and designer wares. From sleek and modern tubs to crystal-encrusted faucets, the new Vancouver location boasts myriad styles to turn your bathroom into the best looking room in your home. Visit the expansive new location to test drive products for your next renovation or update. 8351 Ontario Street, Vancouver; 604-688-1252; –Kristen Hilderman cantubathrooms.com ■ PHOTO Ihor Pona Architectural Photography it's a grill. ussy cord, $39 rash This steel lates stash ghts. esign tated p16-17_LocalView.indd 17 13-03-14 9:57 AM