Sun

Aurora Bistro The first fine dining room on Main St. Inventive food, hip spot. 2420 Main St., 604-873-9944. $$

Bishop’s Consistently one of the city’s best. Almost 100 per cent organic foods. 2183 West Fourth Ave., 604-738-2025. $$$

Bin 941 Tapas bar in tiny eclectic space. 941 Davie St., 604-683-1246. $$/$$$

Bin 942 Creative, delectable tapas dishes. 1521 West Broadway, 604-734-9421. $$/$$$

Cru Blurs the lines of fine dining, lounge and bistro. Lovely “small plates” or a four-course prix fixe. 1459 West Broadway, 604-677-4111. $$

Lift Bar and Grill Gorgeously perched over Coal Harbour. Sibling to Monk McQueen’s. 333 Menchions Mews, 604-689-5438. $$$

Nu A sophisticated version of casual dining. Beautiful flavours, great atmosphere. 1661 Granville St., 604-646-4668. $$

Parkside Handsome room in residential West End, richly flavoured food. Great spot. 1906 Haro, 604-683-6912. $$/$$$

West Vies for best restaurant in the city. 2881 Granville St., 604-738-8938. $$$

– ITALIAN

Adesso Neighbourhood Italian spot with light, elegant food. 2201 West First Ave., 604-738-6515. $$

Amarcord Food from the Bologna and Emilia Romagna area of Italy, elegantly presented. Clear, natural flavours. 1168 Hamilton St., 604-681-6500. $$

Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill Fine Italian cuisine with a light touch. 1133 Hamilton St., 604-688-7466. $$$

Don Francesco Ristorante Romantic, classic Italian restaurant with heart. 860 Burrard St., 604-685-7770. $$$

Quattro on Fourth An Italian restaurant with flair. 2611 West Fourth Ave., 604-734-4444. $$/$$$

– CHINESE

Kirin Seafood Exquisite Cantonese food. City Square, 555 West 12th Ave., 604-879-8038. $$$

Pink Pearl It’s been around forever and is still a going concern. 1132 East Hastings St., 604-253-4316. $

Sun Sui Wah Cantonese cuisine with light, finely tuned flavours. 3888 Main St., 604-872-8822. $$

Wild Rice Modern Chinese food in a sophisticated, hip setting. 117 West Pender St., 604-642-2882. $$

Wing Wah Shanghai Szechuan Great value food. 260 East Broadway, 604-879-9168. $

– JAPANESE

Chopstick Cafe/Shiru-Bay Great atmosphere, intriguing izakaya food, budget prices. 1193 Hamilton St., 604-408-9315. $$

En Japanese Restaurant Bucks the usual conformity of Japanese restaurants. Splendid food. 2686 Granville St., 604-730-0330. $$

Hapa Izakaya Young and stylish; great izakaya-style Japanese food. 1479 Robson St., 604-689-4272. $/$$

Tojo’s Restaurant The topper in this category. Japanese food at its best. 202 — 777 West Broadway, 604-872-8050. $$$

Toshi Sushi Tiny place always packed for the fresh, tasty sushi. 181 East 16th Ave., 604-847-5173. $/$$

Zest Japanese Cuisine Grazing style modern Japanese menu in cool modern room. 2775 West 16th Ave., 604-731-9378. $$

– FRENCH/BELGIAN

Bacchus Restaurant Some classics, some nouveau. Expect the best. Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby St., 604-689-7777. $$$

Cafe de Paris Traditional French bistro. Lots of character. 751 Denman St., 604-687-1418. $$

Cassis Bistro Low budget but mod interior. Delicious traditional French bistro fare. Good value. 420 West Pender St., 604-605-0420. $$

Chambar Modern Belgian food. Hot hipster scene. Chef has cooked in a three-star Michelin restaurant. 562 Beatty St., 604-879-7119. $$

Elixir French brasserie in Yaletown; bistro food, haute quality. 322 Davie St., 604-642-0557. $$/$$$

Le Crocodile Refined French with incredible wines to boot. 909 Burrard St., 604-669-4298. $$$

Lumiere Chef Rob Feenie redefines restaurants in Vancouver. Tasting menus. 2551 West Broadway, 604-739-8185. $$$

Mistral Authentic Provencal food cooked by former Michelin chef. 2585 West Broadway, 604-733-0046. $$

Pastis French bistro with a lightness of being. 2153 West Fourth Ave., 604-731-5020. $$/$$$

Salade de Fruits Very good value French country bistro. 1551 West Seventh, 604-714-5987. $$

The William Tell A Swiss-French restaurant. Service excels. Georgian Court Hotel, 773 Beatty St., 604-688-3504. $$$

– GREEK

Apollonia Well-prepared Greek food and very good pizzas. 1830 Fir St., 604-736-9559. $/$$

The Main Friendly, funky spot. Wonderful roast lamb. 4210 Main St., 604-709-8555. $$

Maria’s Taverna Friendly service. 2324 West Fourth Ave., 604-731-4722. $$

– INDIAN

Chutney Villa South Indian cuisine, with dosas, idli and vadas. 147 East Broadway, 604-872-2228. $/$$

Clove An alternative Indian restaurant, funky, cheap beyond belief. 2054 Commercial Dr., 604-255-5550. $

Clove Upscale sibling to Clove on Commercial. Modern Indian cuisine. 735 Denman St., 604-669-2421. $/$$

Maurya Fine Indian food in glam surroundings. 1643 West Broadway, 604-742-0622. $$$

Rangoli Vij’s casual and take-out next-door sidekick. Impressive. 1488 West 11th Ave., 604-736-5711. $

Sami’s Progressive Indo-American food. 986 West Broadway, 604-736-8345 $

Vij’s Dishes are a symphony of wondrous flavours. 1480 West 11th Ave., 604-736-6664. $$

– SOUTHEAST ASIAN

Banana Leaf Homestyle Malaysian food. 820 West Broadway, 604-731-6333 and 1096 Denman St., 604-683-3333. $$

Chi Modern take on Malaysian and Thai cuisines. 1796 Nanaimo St., 604-215-0078. $$

Kedah House Halal Restaurant Malaysian food with a light, nimble touch. 5750 Fraser St., 604-325-9771. $

Monsoon An “East-West” brasserie with tropical Asian dishes, loads of atmosphere. 2526 Main St., 604-879-4001. $$

Montri Thai Restaurant Some of the best Thai food in the city. 3629 West Broadway, 604-738-9888. $$

Phnom Penh Largely Cambodian but includes Chinese and Vietnamese flavours. 244 East Georgia St., 682-5777. $

Pondok Authentic Indonesian dishes, freshly cooked. 2781 Commercial Dr., 604-872-8718. $$

Simply Thai On the A-list for Thai food. 1211 Hamilton St., 604-642-0123. $$

– SEAFOOD

Bluewater Cafe and Raw Bar Handsome spot. Impressive seafood, impressive wine list. 1095 Hamilton St., 604-688-8078. $$$

C Chef Robert Clark takes seafood to a new level. 1600 Howe St., 604-681-1164. $$$

Cannery Seafood Fine dining in rustic nautical decor on working waterfront. 2205 Commissioner St., 604-254-9606 $$$

Fish House in Stanley Park Bold and imaginative seafood dishes by the creative Karen Barnaby. 8901 Stanley Park Dr., 604-681-7275. $$$

Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House Fresh shucked oysters, cedar plank salmon, grilled chops. High energy. 777 Thurlow St., 604-669-1940. $$$

Rodney’s Oyster House Specializes in very fresh shellfish and oysters. 1228 Hamilton St., 604-609-0080. $$

– AMERICAN

Memphis Blues Barbecue House Slow-cooked, southern style BBQ. Delish. 1465 West Broadway, 604-738-6806; 1342 Commercial Dr., 604-215-2599. $

– VEGETARIAN

The Naam Wide variety of vegetarian fare. Quiet patio in summer. 2724 West Fourth Ave., 604-738-7151. $

Om Vegetarian Flavourful, fresh Buddhist-based vegetarian food. 3466 Cambie St., 604-873-6878. $

Raw Raw veggie and fruit dishes (preserves enzymes) as well as cooked. Food is 80 to 90 per cent organic. 1849 West First Ave., 604-737-0420. $

– LATIN AMERICA

Banano’s No-frills Venezuelan/Colombian cafe. Delicious arepas. 1223 Pacific Boulevard, 604-408-4228. $

Baru Casually chic South American food for discerning diners. 2535 Alma St., 604-222-9171. $$

Havana Cuban food, tweaked for Commercial Drive. 1212 Commercial Dr., 604-253-9119. $

Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina Casual Mexican food with sparkle. Lots of buzz in the room. 1326 Davie St., 604-696-9996. $$

Mexico Sabroso A slice of Mexico. Very inexpensive, authentic Mexican cafe. 440 West Hastings St., 604-688-7426. $

Mouse and Bean Fresh, homey Mexican food, in a funky space. 207 West Hastings, 604-633-1781. $

Tio Pepe’s Yucatan food, nicely prepared. 1134 Commercial Dr., 604-254-8999. $

– MEDITERRANEAN

Circolo Italian, French, and a little bit of New York. Awesome wine list. 1116 Mainland, 604-687-1116. $$$

Provence Mediterranean Grill The menu is a marriage of French and Italian. Lovely flavours. 4473 West 10th Ave., 604-222-1980 and 1177 Marinaside Cres., 604-681-4144. $$

– NORTH SHORE

Beach House at Dundarave Pier Spectacular setting for brunch by Dundarave Beach. West Coast cuisine. 150 25th St., West Van, 604-922-1414. $$$

Beach Side Cafe Elegant room, summer patio, fine Italian cuisine. 1362 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-925-1945. $$$

Brown’s Restaurant and Bar Casually chic and bustling bistro with burgers, rice bowls, entrees. 1764 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-929-5401. $/$$

Dundarave Fish Market Charming spot; fabulous seafood from the adjoining fish market. 2419 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-922-1155. $

Gusto Di Quattro Cosy, warm. Italian food. 1 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-924-4444 . $$/$$$

La Regalade A truly, deeply French bistro. Wonderful atmosphere. 2232 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-921-2228. $$/$$$

Palki An Indian restaurant with a good grip on the spices. Fresh ingredients. 116 East 15th St., North Van, 604-986-7555. $$

Saltaire Gorgeous roof patio. Good value West Coast food. 2nd floor – 235 15th St., West Van, 604-913-8439. $$

Zen Japanese Restaurant Creative kitchen, quality ingredients. Good sake list. 2232 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-925-0667. $$/$$$

– BURNABY/NEW WEST

Bombay Bhel Lovely Indian food. Menu features Mumbai-style snacks. 4266 Hastings St., 604-299-2500. $/$$

The Hart House In Tudor mansion. Exacting West Coast fare. 6664 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby, 604-298-4278. $$$

Orange Room Casual tapas. International flavours. 620 Sixth Ave., New Westminster, 604-520-6464. $$

Pear Tree Small menu, sublime continental food. 4120 Hastings St., Burnaby, 604-299-2772. $$$

– COQUITLAM, POCO, PORT MOODY

Kirin Seafood Restaurant Chinese food for the discriminating palate. 2nd floor, Henderson Place, 1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, 604-944-8833. $$/$$$

Pasta Polo Organic wheat pastas, pizzas. Family restaurant. 2754 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam, 604-464-7656. $/$$

– RICHMOND

Also Lounge and Restaurant A blend of Italian/French with Asian accents and high-end presentation. 4200 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-303-9906. $$

Globe at YVR Impressive food, sleek contemporary decor with view of U.S. arrivals terminal. Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver Airport, Richmond, 604-248-3281. $$$

Shiang Garden Part of a successful Taiwanese restaurant chain. Impressive seafood. 2200 — 4540 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-273-8858. $$

Sun Sui Wah Impressive way with seafood. 4940 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-273-8208. $$

Zen Fine Chinese Cuisine Multi-coursed tasting menus and personalized dinners. Excellent. 2015 — 8580 Alexandra Rd., Richmond, 604-233-0077. $$$

– SURREY, WHITE ROCK, DELTA, TSAWWASSEN

Giraffe Charming place, eclectic West Coast menu. 15053 Marine Dr., White Rock, 604-538-6878. $$/$$$

La Belle Auberge In a heritage house in Ladner. Sublime French food. 4856 48th Ave., Ladner, 604-946-7717. $$$

Pearl on the Rock Modern Pacific Northwest cuisine with emphasis on seafood. Delicious fare. 14955 Marine Dr., White rock. 604-542-1064. $$$

Southside Grill West Coast cuisine, tasteful ambience. 1201 — 56th St., Tsawwassen, 604-948-2662. $$/$$$

– FRASER VALLEY

Bacchus Bistro At Domain de Chaberton Estate Winery. Limited hours. Mediterranean food. 1064 — 216th St., Langley. 604-530-9694. $$

Bravo Bistro Swish little bistro, run by former Delilah’s restaurant veterans. 46224 Yale Rd., Chilliwack. 1-604-792-7721. $$

© The Vancouver Sun 2005

Michael Kane
Sun

Investors in British Columbia are counting on registered retirement savings plans and their homes to fund their retirement, poll findings released Wednesday show.

They are more likely to own RRSPs than other Canadians and they put more in them, according to the 2006 TD Waterhouse Investor Poll.

But they are also the most likely — 46 per cent versus 39 per cent of all Canadians — to say they will be relying mostly on the equity in their homes to pay for their golden years.

“The value put on home equity is not that surprising given the housing boom and the pockets of strength that you have in Vancouver and Victoria,” said Patricia Lovett-Reid, senior vice-president with TD Waterhouse.

“But I do worry that people are not diversifying. Your home should be counted on but it is pretty hard to eat a brick if you decide to stay there.”

More than eight in 10 Canadian investors now own RRSPs and the average contribution has been climbing since 2002, the poll shows.

The most dramatic advances this year are in B.C. where the percentage of investors with RRSPs is up from 69 per cent last year to 83 per cent and the average contribution leads the country at $5,690.

Across Canada, the average contribution is up 30 per cent from 2002 to $5,100 in 2005.

The B.C. findings did not surprise Gina Macdonald, a fee-only financial planner with Vancouver’s Macdonald. Shymko & Co.

“People still want to maximize their RRSPs and it may relate to greater economic awareness in B.C. because a lot of people retire here.”

Macdonald noted that younger people are also embracing RRSPs to take advantage of the Home Buyers Plan which allows them to withdraw up to $20,000 toward their first home without tax penalties.

Lovett-Reid said British Columbians are working smarter because they recognize that time is precious.

“You really do get it in Western Canada that there is a difference between having a good retirement and a great retirement. The potential is really unlimited for us to do what we want to do in retirement.”

Some 57 per cent of all Canadian investors consider their home to be an investment that could be used to fund their retirement, but Lovett-Reid urged caution.

“Real estate values fluctuate over time and by region, and the further you are from retirement age, the more risk there is that your home equity may not be as high as you expect when you retire.

“Also, some people find that when they reach retirement age, they want to continue living in their home, so keeping that option open is important.”

In other findings:

– There was a large gender gap in average contributions with men socking away $5,930 compared to $3,990 by women.

– Slightly under half of 1,000 investors polled have calculated how much they believe they will need to retire but the amount has climbed dramatically from $530,000 in 2003 to $894,000 this year.

The poll, conducted TNS Canadian Facts, is considered accurate within plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

© The Vancouver Sun 2005

Sun

VANCOUVER – Dog owners should be prepared to shell out extra cash when they license their pets for 2006.

New licences sold in the city have staggered expiry dates, and dog owners in different parts of the city must license their dogs at different times of the year. The first time you purchase one under the new system, you’ll pay more for the licence, although your dog will be licensed for longer than one year.

Bob Cristofoli, supervisor of field operations for the Vancouver Animal Shelter, said the system will make the shelter more efficient by spreading the workload over the year.

“The city has been broken into geographic areas,” said Cristofoli. “Letters have been sent out to dog owners explaining the new procedure.”

Any dog older than three months living in Vancouver must be licensed. Bylaw supporters note the licences helps owners reunite with lost pets. Every year more than 3,500 dogs are lost in the city. A large percentage of lost dogs wearing a licence are returned to their owners, while a higher percentage of dogs lost without a tag never find their way back home. In 2004 animal shelter staff members rescued 1,400 lost, abandoned or abused dogs. More than 400 dogs received a free ride home to their owners, another 700 dogs were collected by their owners at the shelter and the lives of another 233 dogs were improved because they were adopted by loving families.

© The Vancouver Sun 2005

Peter Wilson
Sun

MARK VAN MANEN/VANCOUVER SUN Company president Fred Mitschele displays his new high-tech parking meter, which he has on display near UBC.

Motorist-friendly, designed-in-B.C. parking meters that make it easy to pay fees and fines and allow drivers to top up expired meters instead of facing a ticket could start appearing soon in cities across Canada.

Instead of having to hunt their pockets for coins, users of the new Photo Violation Meter (PVM) could pay with credit cards, debit cards and even cellphones

And the meters, from Vancouver-based Photo Violations Technology Corp., would allow for grace periods — say 15 or 30 minutes — so that when drivers arrive back at the meter they can simply pay for the extra time with another swipe of the credit card.

But they’ll also photograph your licence plate if you try to drive off without paying for that extra time.

“I was tired of parking my car and never having enough change to pay into the parking meter and always getting a ticket because I was running late,” said company president Fred Mitschele, a parking industry veteran who believes the PVMs, because of their efficiency, will help keep parking rates low.

He’s particularly proud of the grace-period concept.

“Of course, if you were to drive away from that meter without paying for your extra time the city would issue you a ticket on that,” said Mitschele.

Motorists who exceed the grace period can pay their fines right at the meter, probably at a reduced rate.

Not only that, but the meters will refuse to operate if a driver tries to pay during rush hour when parking is prohibited.

“If there’s just five minutes left, then the meter will return your money and ask you if you want to pay for the five minutes before parking is prohibited,” said Mitschele.

That way, he said, users can avoid being towed because the meter will have warned them.

Despite all these benefits for motorists, he adds, it’s not just drivers who will welcome the meters — which are going to be tested in the Lower Mainland in January, although Mitschele would not say where.

Municipalities will be happy too, because the PVM has built-in sensors to detect vehicles arriving and departing parking spaces, a camera to take photos of the licence plates of scofflaws and wireless capability that immediately sends out information on overtime parking violations.

Mitschele — who has been a Canadian regional vice-president for Diamond Parking Ltd., and founded another Vancouver-based meter firm, Digital Pioneer Technologies Corp. — said that municipalities do make money from fines, but they’d rather make sure that everything works smoothly.

“The bottom line is they just want to make sure that everyone will pay,” said Mitschele. “And generally people do want to pay.

“They’re not purposely not paying to get a violation. The inconvenience of not having enough change has always been a parking problem.”

The PVMs will not only track violators, but they will be cleared the minute the car occupying the space drives away.

© The Vancouver Sun 2005