It’s cozy season—time for blankets, sweaters, thick socks, warm drinks. Here’s what we’re loving to close out the year.
Food
Vancouverites have been flocking to Potluck since it opened in Cambie Village, and it’s no surprise. From chef Justin Cheung comes this delightful casual eatery focusing on South-Asian street food. Get the mee goreng, the Brussels sprouts, and the crispy chicken wings.
For something sweet, East Van Roasters has a delicious white chocolate Fireside Bar with orange peel and pistachio, as well as some irresistible chocolate-covered candied hazelnuts for a delicious crunch. This social enterprise empowers women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by employing them and giving them transferable skills. Also in Vancouver, The Bench Bakehouse has rosemary shortbread cookies that are buttery, crumbly, and just the right amount of sweet-meets-savoury.
Those in Vancouver who aren’t comfortable going to a grocery store can use Legends Haul, a grocery (and alcohol, and home goods including vitruvi) delivery company with a curated selection of produce, dry goods, premade food, wine, beer, and more. Special for the holidays, Legends Haul has created gift boxes filled with goodies like citrus salt from St. Lawrence; chocolate bars from Beta5; baked treats from Cadeaux; nori salt from Boulevard; jam from East Van Jam; and so much more.
Drink
If your quarantine goal was to drink more water, welcome to the club. Dehydration can be a real problem, especially if you’re a fan of coffee or wine (or both; hello!). To restore your body’s electrolytes in a pinch, try Hydralyte—a powder that dissolves into water and boasts up to 75 per cent less sugar than regular sports drinks. We’re particularly fond of the lemon flavour; sip it to aid in curing a hangover, to help with your immunity, or just to give yourself a little boost.
Design
For something gold and beautiful, Fair jewellery has plenty to warm up the cold days. We love the Hailey Hoops, made of recycled brass and 18-karat thick gold plating; these chunky, playful earrings are perfect for your holiday-season Zooms. The Adele Bracelet is also noteworthy, with its twisted rope chain to add a little luxury to those work-from-home days.
We also love this sterling silver Circle Pendant from Michael Hill, as well as essentially everything from noon jewellery, a Vancouver brand handmade by founder Sophia Armstrong (who also happens to work at vitruvi). Her organic, imperfect shapes look great on both men and women. In terms of clothing, another vitruvi staffer has you covered: Harrison Gill recently launched Faculty Fortyseven with a small collection of oh-so-soft shirts and sweaters with an oversized, street-focused aesthetic. It easily transitions from lounging at home to errands around the city.
For further coziness while lounging inside, check out the stylish Italian-made socks from Comme Si (the new knitted Diane Sock has caught our eye) and the insanely comfortable Everyday Bralette from bodywear brand Hirrs. And when curling up in bed after a long day, consider doing so in the organic and fair-trade cotton sheets from ethical brand Takasa.
For something in home decor that is still incredibly functional, look to Cadine’s Classic Vase. Made of 100 per cent genuine natural leather that is wrapped around a glass vase, it’s both beautiful and useful—a piece that can both stand out and blend in, all at once. Cadine is new to Vancouver’s Cambie Village, sourcing an array of home products using natural, high-quality materials.
Culture
Newly launched in Vancouver is Collective Bunch, a roster of diverse creatives working in film and television. In need of a producer or broadcaster? This inclusive collective has you covered.
Wellness
Scent your largest rooms for up to 18 hours with the vitruvi Stay Diffuser, which pairs perfectly with festive Grove Essential Oil Blend (it smells like a forest of Christmas trees).
And finally, for some pandemic-friendly hygiene on the go, East Vancouver distiller Odd Society has created a spray hand sanitizer that feels luxurious and smells great, too. As always, stay safe out there.
