Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/964953
tourismvancouver.com 23 SHOP Designer row: Versace Home Store adds an extra cool factor to Gastown's growing hub of high-end homeware – and this flagship is the luxury brand's first one worldwide. Head to Inform Interiors for modern brands like Flexform, Vitra and Bensen (designed by founder Niels Bendsten). Fashionable fix: Check out the limited edition artist-designed sneakers at Six Hundred Four, then browse the selection of casual, "beast-free" footwear at locally based Native Shoes' concept store. EAT Between fashion and homeware shopping, enjoy fresh oysters and local specialties such as geoduck with kohlrabi, vanilla and lemon on the patio at the newly opened Coquille Fine Seafood. Nicli Gastown Vancouver's original 'hood has hip eateries, hot boutiques and haute home furnishings V ancouver's oldest neighbourhood, with cobblestone-street charm, is named after John "Gassy Jack" Deighton, a ribald seaman who opened the first saloon here in 1867. His statue stands on one of the five corners of Maple Tree Square, opposite the flatiron-style Hotel Europe building (both are #veryvancouver selfie spots). Explore the narrow lanes and brickwork of what's now a National Historic Site of Canada. 3 Drink: The Settlement Building is a converted warehouse that's home to the The Belgard Kitchen, where you can taste wares from Postmark Brewing (try the citrusy West Coast Pale Ale) and Vancouver Urban Winery. 2 See: Ice Box Gallery showcases local artwork in what was once cold storage for the fish industry. WORTH THE DETOUR Three reasons to head east on Alexander St. to the historic warehouse district of Railtown. Antica Pizzeria brings a slice of Italy to Vancouver as the city's first VPN–certified Neapolitan pizzeria (gluten-free dough is an option). DRINK Gastown also has a burgeoning brew scene, in beans. While exploring the streetscape get caffeinated at Milano Gastown. The long-standing local pioneer in coffee-making and -roasting has an espresso tasting bar, where you can try an award- winning miscela. For something stronger, try the custom cocktails, such as the Batanga, at Pourhouse Restaurant. It has sexy speakeasy style and a menu to match. Then wander outside and down the stairs to Guilt & Co. where live music goes well with its inventive cocktails, like the A Little Rain. 1 Eat: Ask for Luigi, a no-reservation spot tucked into a white-clapboard building, serves fare like wild boar ragu and fried brussels sprouts and stracciatella cheese. Pourhouse Restaurant and charcuterie (right) Nicli Antica Pizzeria CRISTOPHER FLETT (POURHOUSE), NICLI ANTICA PIZZERIA, JAMES LEPP (SIX HUNDRED FOUR), TVAN/NELSON MOUELLIC (ASK FOR LUIGI), RISHAD DAROOWALA