Entertaining on the town...

Thought I'd leave you with this bug in your ear.... If you need a place guaranteed to impress while entertaining your out of town guests or even friends over the holidays, make reservations at Sanafir. The food is inventive and delicious (try the Grilled Tandoori Jumbo Prawn over mango salad with coconut vinaigrette. To. Die. For.) and the lush decor will sooth your holiday frazzled senses. Sit in an intimate booth, the marble community table or exotic bordering on erotic VIP semi-private lounges upstairs. After you've resisted the urge to take off your shoes and snuggle into the plush pillows, you'll think you've been whisked away into something from the Arabian nights.

The Glowbal group, the geniuses behind Sanafir as well as Italian Kitchen, Coast, Glowbal and Afterglow, know hospitality and it shows. Your guests will leave sated in every sense of the word.



Website: http://sanafir.ca/

*I'm out for holidays until the new year. Happy Holidays!

Zennkai's Boxing Day Promo

This just in... Zennkai is doing something they've never done before... the details are vague but tantalizing nonetheless.

The day begins with an early bird promotion - the store will open early at 8 am - guests will receive a FREE full retail sized REDKEN professional hair care product with their purchase between 8am - 9:30 am only. This on top of the undisclosed sales on the day of.

I know you bargain hunters are going to be lining up in Pacific Centre at the crack of dawn on boxing day. Dip over to Zennkai for a little pre-shop and take advantage of this deal.

Just curious...

Went down to the Sears Mens Department to pick up a tie (which are 40% off today btw. Smoking good deal. Some ties are $10 a piece.)... and noticed the electronics were conveniently embedded amid the throngs of garment racks. Belts, shirts, pants, cumberbunds... and flat screen LCD TVs?

Somehow it makes sense. Like Shoes and Chocolate (picture is of chocolate shoes, I kid you not! Saw some for sale by Christmas Street in The Bay if you are curious.)

Your thoughts? Email them to shopgranville@shopgranville.ca. There may be a reward for the effort. Points for amusement.

Black is more than a color.. but now it's 50% off.

According to Mexx, Black is more than a color. It's timeless yet trendy, clean, classic, safe, stunning and sexy... how true. Their Black is more than a color collection makes it effortless for anyone to incorporate the latest black fashion must-haves into their wardrobe. See their line here.

For one week only, Mexx in Pacific Center is having a 50% off EVERYTHING sale. Yowsa. Go now, and go soon. See store for more details.

A Swinging Celebration of Dal Richard's 90th Birthday

January 6 at 2:00 pm
ORPHEUM Theatre

Come swing with Dal on his 90th Birthday, where veteran Vancouver bandleader Dal Richards will lead his 16-piece orchestra in the big band music at its best Dal's many musical friends will join him on stage to celebrate this milestone in Vancouver's musical history.

Buy Tickets from Ticketmaster.

Gob at the Plaza Club

Click here to watch the video

99.3 The Fox Presents...
GOB - Live at the ROCKED THURSDAY CHRISTMAS PARTY !
+ guests FALL FROM GRACE + ARI SHINE
Thursday Dec 20th
Plaza Club, 881 Granville St.

Only $15.00 in advance
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca & at the door!
$4 Canadians - $5 Jagers

Calling all Shoe hounds...

Feeling generous today. Tis the season after all. Drop me an email at shopgranville@shopgranville.ca with the subject line "SHOES" for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate for David Gordon Shoes, 822 Granville Street.

David Gordon Shoes heralds to the trendy and classic alike with everything from Cowboy boots to club gear... from funky to fabulous.

Deadline: December 31, 2007. Will award the prize in the new year. Winner will be announced!

Note: Please make sure your email is titled properly else it may not be properly filed.

Good luck!

The Caprice cordially invites you...

A special invitation to ShopGranville readers from the Caprice Nightclub.

_________________________________________________________________

Caprice cordially invites you to….

A Caprice Christmas Customer Appreciation Night
Sunday, December 23rd Doors open at 9:00 till 3:00
With resident Dj Daryl o & Rob Rizk accompanied by live percussionist Bobby James
Complimentary drinks and hord'eurves from 9:00 p.m till 10:30

To RSVP please email the names of your guest to info@capricenightclub.com

Happy Holidays,
Caprice Hospitality

It's official... Opticana is the best place to shop for eyewear!

Congratulations to Opticana Eyewear for their recognition in Where magazine's Reader Awards "Where to Shop".

The blurb:

The huge selection at Opticana draws a variety of eyesight-challenged visitors. They come to choose a pair of Canadian, European or custom-made frames from the hundreds available, backed by the promise they’ll get them for free if they fill their prescription (and buy the lenses) in-store.

Other notable mentions:

• Top three department stores: the Bay, Sears and Winners, are all located on Granville as well.
• Top Shopping Center: Pacific Centre (500-700 blocks of Granville)
• Best Jewellery: Birks (698 West Hastings, or 400 block of Granville)
• 3rd in Footwear: Ingledews (535 Granville)
• 2nd in Ladies wear: Holt Renfrew (633 Granville)

Read the WHERE to shop 2007 Reader's Choice Awards.

Hot tip: Opticana is still having the big sale I posted about here.

New to Granville: Tony Masala

There's a new indian restaurant in town and I'm in love with their delicious snow crab samosas. Open from 11:30 am - 3pm, then 5pm - late, Tony Masala's is the latest addition to the Granville Restaurant scene. They have a short and simple menu, but I recommend a tried and true favourite... Butter Chicken, a testiment to doing a small menu right. Chef Ramsey would be proud.

They are located at 1065 Granville St. Call 604-662-8669 to make a reservation.

Stocking Stuffer

Looking for a thoughtful stocking stuffer but don't want to go the route of name engraved toothbrushes and mugs? Camouflage is selling personalized dog tags for $24.99.

Visit the Website

One Day Sale at Holt Renfrew

Holt's is having a very special one day sale you won't want to miss. Spread the word coz this one is a goodie.

25% off* regular priced men's, women’s and kids' fall and winter fashion, accessories, shoes and gourmet items. Saturday, December 15, 2007, 9 AM - 9 PM.

* Excluding cosmetics, fragrances, Chanel, services and selected departments. No price adjustments on prior purchases. Certain restrictions apply. Please ask a Holt Renfrew Sales Associate for details.

Bedoin Soundclash to Play at Commodore tonight!

Bedouin Soundclash (famous by the song When the night feels my song) will be performing at the Commodore (868 Granville) at 9:15pm tonight with guests Saint Alva Cartel. Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased from Ticketmaster.

Watch a video

That little extra something...

If you're looking for that unique must have accessory to pull an outfit together, I recommend visiting USED Vintage.

There's some street parking on Granville in front if you're lucky and plenty offstreet parking if you're not.

Just a quick jaunt up the stairs offers cute vintage shrugs, and bangles galore. I picked up a sweet pair of oversized white sunglasses from their eyewear section for an even sweeter price.

Save the Taxes at Zennekai Salon

I love Zennkai's ethical pricing, and friendly staff but I'm most definitely loving these holiday sales. Check them out.

From December 9 - 15, they pay the GST on every purchase.

From December 16- 22, buy 2 holiday product packs (example, shampoo and conditioner) and get the 3rd one free!

Special KQC Flat Iron Demo event on December 14th, 2 pm - 7 pm. Learn the hottest flat iron techniques, tips and tricks.

Click here for your Zennkai passport to Holiday savings (with Jessica Simpson extension coupon)

Also visit their website to find out how to get this look right now.

50% off at Champs Sports

Noticed a 50% off footwear and apparel sale at Champs Sports on Granville. Check out the store for more details. Enjoy!

Monthly Specials at Underworld

The Underworld Skateshop has some appealing monthly specials.

• Buy 3 tees and get 20% off on all 3 tees.
• Buy 3 Underworld tees for $49.99.
• Buy 1 Polo, get the second one for 20% off.
• Buy one pair of shoes, get the second pair 15% off.
• * Specials on Shoes, and Mega Discount Rack (men and women).

They'll be more folks....

I'm going back out... I'm sure there's more deals to be had. Update later today...

- Ivy

Moore's Year End Clearance Sale

It's Moore's Year End Clearance Sale. Too many sales to mention but for starters outerwear is $49.99 and up, Casual pants are 2 for $50, and dress shirts start at $19.99.

If you, or a man in your life wears suits, dress shirts or slacks, it would be a good time to pick something up at a steal of a price.

Also found this great FAQ about Shaving and Saving your Skin on their website that might be of interest... Take a boo.

Buffalo Jeans on Granville Street - SALE!

Buffalo Jeans has found a home on 670 Granville street. Located in the Hudson, across the street from Pacific Centre, Buffalo's fresh new digs are busting with their new looks and, fortunately for us, sales.

Until December 24th...

• Save 40% off regular priced items.
• Save 50% off reduced items
• Save 30% off belts and accessories
• * Denim is excluded.

Lots of it on sale, and plenty of it begging to go home with me and make my season right.

Sweet Scarlet!

Following the glow of pink light into Scarlet (460 Granville Street), I found myself nestled inside a classy abode of indulgences and lingerie. There is no lingerie shopping experience quite like it in Vancouver.

Greeted by a gracious and soft spoken Atsuko, a japanese shopkeeper who's elegant touch has graced every facet of store, from merchandise selection to displays, I found myself browsing through their library with titles including The Bunny Book: How to walk, talk, tease and please like a Playboy Bunny. Who couldn't use a bit of help.

I observed as Atsuko helped take the mystery (and embarassment) out of bra buying, personally assisting a young lady with a fitting and selection. Not only did she have a great selection at fair prices the styles are a far cry from your Grandma's knickers.

The prices have been sharply dropped throughout the store to reflect the strong canadian dollar. Its nice to see local businesses enticing us to shop local. With a beautiful store like Scarlet, it's easy!

In addition to this, they were celebrating their 2nd anniversary with a Buy one get one 50% off sale. The sale ends at on Saturday so you'll want to take advantage of this sunny but chilly weekend to visit Scarlet.

Next Thursday December 13 from 6 pm to 8 pm, Scarlet will be hosting a Sip & Shop where shoppers, boyfriends, and BFFs are invited to relax with a glass of wine and try on the delicious holiday designs. Free gift wrapping as well.

Elegant Arrogant English

Love. love. love. the handsome selection of shirts at Dunn's. In particular the handsewn English Laundry and Mirto Dress shirts.

English Laundry woven shirts are based on selected English stripes, plaids and solid poplins from the 1960's and 1970's. The product is hand sewn and each shirt is individually laundered for fit and comfort. To be worn mainly with Denim, and never...under any circumstances with a tie. 100% Cotton

Dunn's Tailors also has a line of MIRTO (shirtmakers since 1956) egyptian cotton dress shirts with cool contemporary striping. The eye catching colors make it a good choice if you want to get noticed at a Christmas Party.

Also some 20% sales on shirts and outerwear worth checking out.

NEW: Mark New York Distressed leather jackets just in. Must see. Excellent quality for a fantastic price.

Designer Eyeware Sale

Save 40% off on designer frames at BRANDZ, a luxury department of the Opticana Eyewear Store (455 Granville) until Jan 13. Designers include Fendi, Versace, CK, Michael Kores, Salvatore Ferragano, Porshe Design and Tommy Hilfiger.

If this is too posh for you, there is a large selection of regular frames which come free with prescription throughout the rest of the store.

A little something for everyone.

Website: opticana.ca/

There's nothing like Christmas time at the Bay.

If you aren't already in the festive spirit, a stroll in The Bay's Christmas Street on the 5th floor will put you into the holiday mindset. They've got everything you need for holiday entertaining and the perfect ornaments to trim the tree to boot.

Many Vancouverites make it a point to check out The Bay's Legendary Holiday Window display on the corner of Georgia and Granville. This year there's something for the technophile. While admiring the christmas display, viewers are invited to take a digital postcard of themselves on the Georgia. Smile at the fire engine red mail box then email it to any address from the kiosk inside AT NO COST. A gift from the Bay to you! I urge you to go play ASAP (and maybe even a prize for those of you who decide to email their image to shopgranville@shopgranville.ca).

If you, like me, LOVE the new 2010 olympic mascots, Quatchi, Miga, and Sumi, you'll make a trip to the Bay Downtown this Saturday 8th to meet them! They will be meadering around the first floor from 12 noon - 2pm and then 3 pm - 5 pm. Download this wallpaper (and others) off their website at http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascot/en/wallpapers.php.

Nothing gets me happier than a sale. And not just any sale, the Bay downtown is having a Woman's Designer Sale until Thursday December 20th. Save 30%- 50% off on brands such as Anne Klein NY, BAIA, Ca Va De Soi, Ellen Tracey, Norma Kamali, Organic and Parameter.

Winners announced!!

Winners of ShopGranville contest for a "surprise" Gift Certificate and reusable shopping bag are...

Jason Barbosa, Vancouver
Erica Krafcyzk, North Vancouver
Mee Lin Hong, Vancouver
Mike Hartley
Terence Lai, Burnaby
Wendy Lu, Vancouver
Sandra Maussion, Langley
Rumiko Athanasopoulos, Burnaby

Please call Ivy at 604-685-7811 x202 for instructions on how to claim your prize! (There's no strings attached.)

Congratulations! Look for our December Contest at the beginning of the month.

The Yale - December 1 - 15 listings

All show times are 9:45 pm unless otherwise noted
*No cover charge

Sat, 01 - Incognito 9pm/ Brickhouse 12:30-3am $10

Sun, 02 - Brickhouse 9pm*

Mon, 03 - Jerry Adolphe & Friends with Neil Cruickshank 9:45pm*

Tues, 04 - Tuesday Tune Club Recording Sessions 8pm*

Wed, 05 - Eric Sardinas $14 Adv/ $16 Door 8pm

Thurs, 06 - Christmas Dreams Come True Benefit with Incognito and Powder Blues 8pm $15 Adv/ $20 Door

Fri & Sat, 07 & 08 - The Insomniacs 9pm/ Brickhouse 12:30-3am $10

Sun, 09 - Brickhouse 9pm*

Tues, 11 - Tuesday Tune Club Recording Sessions 8pm*

Wed, 12 - Mud Bay Blues Band 9:45pm*

Thurs, 13 - Aboriginal Christmas with Bitterly Divine 9:45pm*

Fri & Sat, 14 & 15 - Gary Comeau and the Voodoo Allstars 9pm/ Brickhouse 12:30-3am $10

For more information visit: www.theyale.ca

See what's new at Ceilis!

Santa Claws

This Sunday City-dog Daycare and Grooming will be taking pictures of your pooch with the jolly one himself, Santa Claus. Proceeds go to the CKNW Orphan's fund.

Location: 1250 Granville Street (take the stairs down)
Time: Noon - 5pm.

Details: call 604-608-6959

Early Prize Draw!

I'm that kid who blows out your candles and can't wait to tell you what I got you for christmas... before you open it. I've drawn two prizes for you early birds, in appreciation of you visiting our blog. *drum roll please*

Trina Propp of Burnaby and Kim Wilson of Maple Ridge!

Grats ladies! You are in for a real treat. In addition to your reusable ShopGranville bag, I have two $50 gift certificates for Culinaria, the dining room and training kitchen of the Art Institute of Vancouver - Dubrulle Culinary Arts for you. Be sure to try the inventive dishes such as sable fish poached in coconut milk, lemon grass, yellow curry on a bed of jasmine herb-infused rice and topped with sauteed spinach. (Yum!)

It's not too late to enter! I will be drawing seven more prizes at the end of the day (NOVEMBER 30). Just send an email to shopgranville@shopgranville.ca with the subject line "Gift Certificate". Winners must be local as prizes must be claimed in person.

GOOD LUCK!

Update: The winners of this contest have been announced above. Please do not submit anymore entries. There will be many more contests to enter so visit often.

Holts Exclusive Holiday Offer!

The Holt Renfrew limited edition tote bag,* in a unique quilted black patent fabric, offers sleek and spacious storage, a zip-top closure and even comes with a matching makeup case! It’s yours for $25 with any minimum $50 cosmetic, fragrance or skincare purchase. Only at Holts.

*One bag per customer please, while quantities last.

Thursdays are Kilt night at Doolins

Doolins pub is open for lunch at 11:30 am with meal deals starting at $7.00.

Bring your kilt every first thursday of the month and get your first pint of Guinness on the house while you enjoy the four piece house band, the Halifax Wharf Rats.

Get more details from doolins.ca

Win - Fluevog Fancy Footwork Prize Pack

WIN THE FIRST EVER
"CHROMEO/FLUEVOG FANCY FOOTWORK PRIZE PACK"

And you thought today was going to be just like, or at least similar to, all the recent previous days. That's because you didn't expect to be offered the chance to enter to win the Fancy Footwork Prize Pack from your constantly-dancing, fancy-footwear-clad compadres at Fluevog. Thanks to our friends at Vice, Korg and Guitar Center, you have a chance to win all the necessary ingredients to create your own hip synth groove wizardry, for your 'I just got new Fluevogs' dance moves (winner must supply own pants).
Prize includes:

• A NEW PAIR OF FRESH FLUEVOGS
• MICROKORG, VOCODER AND ALL
• CHROMEO & P-THUGG'S INSTRUCTIONAL DVD
• A 1 YEAR VICE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION
• AN AUTOGRAPHED 'FANCY FOOTWORK' CD
• TENDERONI/FANCY FOOTWORK 12"
• AN OFFICIAL FLUEVOG BUTTON SET
• 1* FANCY FOOTWORK INSTRUCTIONAL CASSETTE FROM JOHN

Get the details here

Just Winging It.

Enjoy the Sunday wing special for only 39 cents each - with the purchase of a beverage at Wings, 1162 Granville St.

Flavors include Greek, Szechwan, Texas Dry Rub, Heavenly Honey Garlic, Jammin' Jamaican, Pineapple Curry, Outback Cajun, Sweet Thai, Wings of Fire, Not-as-Hot Buffalo, Tora tora tora tokyo, and Chicago salt and pepper.

Posts coming today!

The entries are flying in for the gift bag + gift cert give away. Please make sure you've correctly titled the subject line "Gift Certificate" to ensure your email is filed appropriately. 3 days left to enter! Good Luck!

Posts later today after I walk the block... keep posted.

Athletic Wear Sale at Champs Sports

Save 50% off footwear and apparel at Champs Sports, 897 Granville Street.

Bedo Semi Annual Sale - 50%

Bedo is having their long awaited Semi Annual Sale only until this Sunday! Save 50% off their entire stock which include items from their summer and fall designs.

From irresistible jackets to keep you snug, to satiny baby dolls to keep you sexy, there's definitely something in there you can't live without. The lines are indisputably french inspired, quirky, but street worthy.

You won't want to miss it. Find the store at 775 Granville St.

Save 40% off on Designer Frames

Ottico is having their Annual Clearance Sale, the one time each year that designer frames go on sale, up to 40 percent off.

Visit http://www.vanblockeyedoc.com/ for more info.

Spank! You're it!

Save 20-50% off shoes when you shop at Spank Clothing, 856 Granville.

While you are there, check out their super cute coats. Me likey.

Save 40% off on Earrings @ Ideal Jewellery

Only a hop, skip and a jump away from Pacific Center lies Ideal Jewellery (742 Granville) with a sale to tantalise accessory hounds like myself. Just in time for a slew of Christmas Parties, you can pick up a pair of Earrings at a 40% discount. Call the store at 604-684-5178 for more details or pop in and see for yourself.

These boots were made for walking.

The Shoe Warehouse at at 734 Granville St. is having a sale on boots! Buy two pairs for $90. Also check out their $10 clearance area in the back for fantastic deals.

Cheesecake, Music and WIFI...

Trees Organic Coffee is a small family run business located in the downtown core at 450 Granville Street carrying organic, fair trade, shade grown, and bird friendly coffee, freshly roasted in small batches since 1996.

Try their zesty holiday cranberry and orange cheesecake packed full with festive delight or the limited edition "The Sin" cherry and chocolate cheese promising rich indulgence.

Receive a FREE 6” cheesecake or a pound of organic, fair trade coffee when you place a catering order over the value of $200 between the 1st November and 31st December. Please specify your choice when you place the order. (Flavor subject to availability, this offer does not include the promotional cheesecakes) . Preorder your cheesecake 24 hours in advance at tocoffee@telus.net or call 604-684-5060.

Visit on the weekend to hear live local talent. Customers enjoy free WIFI.

Great Food on Granville - Eat it, Cook it!

Nestled in Vancouver’s premier shopping mall Pacific Centre and adjacent to the prestigious Holt Renfrew, sits the Culinaria restaurant, one of Vancouver’s exciting dining experiences. Proudly operated by The Art Institute of Vancouver, Culinaria features Pacific North West cuisine with an international flair inspired and created by student chefs under the leadership of industry professionals. Open for lunch only Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2 pm and also available for evening private functions, Culinaria showcases the talents and creativity of the culinary program’s senior students in a contemporary dining environment.

The tantalising lunch menu includes Hot Artichoke dip with spinach and blue cheese ($4.95), Pan Seared Ling Cod ($10.95) and New York Steak Sandwich ($10.95). Finish it off with Lemon Panacotta, Rustic Apple Cranberry Tart, Chocolate Creme Brulee, or Chocolate cake with caramel sauce, your choice for $5.95. Reservations are recommended.

See their full menu here: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/vancouver/culinary/aboutus_menu.asp

Contact: Culinaria, 609 Granville Street, 604.639.2055.


Attention Foodies:

Want to get into the kitchen? The Arts Institute is also presenting five week courses on preparing West Coast or International (European, Mediterranean and South American) Cuisine. Contact 604-738-3155 to sign up.

Oh My Godard Vancouver's premier of "Everybody I Shot Is Dead'

Hot tip for Cold weather

It's cold outside, but you can warm up with $2 lattees at Take 5 Cafe (Granville street location only).

Welcome Helly Hanson!

Helly Hanson has moved into the neighbourhood to join the likes of other lifestyle shops like ECO Outdoor Sports, Puma, and Adidas. Come check out the new store on the 700 block of Granville Street.

What do a Search & Rescue boat Captain in the North Sea and a world class athlete from the interior of BC have in common? Click on this image to watch a video and find out.

Listen to the Crooner.. Become the crooner!

Don't miss Neil Diamond (or more accurately, Nearly Neil) in concert. Crave the Limelight? Take part in Ceilis' Icon Competition where you could land $1000 and studio time! These great events presented by Ceilis on Granville Street.

Get your ShopGranville Bag Today!

If you appreciate the benefits of shopping local (particularly on eclectic Granville Street) and re-usable cloth bags you'll love this promotion!

ShopGranville is releasing a reuseable shopping bag in delectable chocolate to stow away your purchases in style.

Spend $50 at participating ShopGranville merchants and get a ShopGranville bag.

While supplies last.

* The next 5 readers to email shopgranville@shopgranville.ca with their name and address will win a bag with a surprise gift certificate for a store on Granville Street. No purchase neccessary.

October at Holt Renfrew

Another busy month at Holt Renfrew... Here's a list of Holt's event line-up for October.

• Oct 2 - Elizabeth Hurley Personal Appearance - 12pm - 1pm
• Oct 12 - Stila Pro Artist Event
• Oct 13 - Contemporary Event and Trunk Show Featuring Filippa K, Nudie Jeans and Acne Jeans
• Oct 22 - Best of Beauty Week.
• Oct 31 - Shu Uemura - Tokya Lash Bar Day

Discover the ultimate feel-good combination: cashmere and a great cause.

Holt Renfrew in support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation will be making a minimum donation of $50,000 raised from the sale of the Limited Edition Holt Renfrew Private Brand Cashmere Hoodie and cosmetic bag. All funds donated will benefit cancer research and awareness programs in Canada.

For more info visit: http://holtrenfrew.com/english/

Win a men's GOBI the Parajumpers Jacket

View the Fall 2007 Parajumpers Outerwear Collection at the Holt Renfrew Store on Granville St.

From September 15 to October 15, fill out a ballot for a chance to win a men's GOBI Parajumpers jacket, retail value of $795.

Back to School with Grand & Toy

Use this coupon to save $15 on your $75 purchase!

Heaven's Playground Presents... DJ Cottontail

Heaven's Playground Presents - AYRES

Flesh & Fantasy presented by Oh My Godard Gallery

The Oh My Godard Gallery and sidual are pleased to announce the 1st annual flesh & fantasy event. Come see the artwork of more than 20 of our top local tattoo artists in Canada's only Michael Godard Signature Gallery.

Also don't miss the burlesque show by JJ Dolorian & Elcamino Royale.

Location: 972 Granville Street.
Date: July 20, 2007
Time: From 2 pm - 11 pm

See Cosmos Baker at Republic