Live-it-up like a stylin’ Vancouverite in the metropolis up North.

As a Seattleite, we appreciate the big city, small town feel of the Emerald City, but every so often we crave just a little more, so we escape to the metropolis up North. A quick two and a half hour drive lands you in the big lights and big city of Vancouver, British Columbia, our glamorous sister city.

To fully experience the glitzy Hollywood of Canada,  you must have these hot spots on your itinerary. Who knows, you might even rub shoulders with a famous celebrity who’s in town filming their next blockbuster movie.

Stylin’ Brunch | Glowbal Grill

Eat your heart out at this tasty brunch hot spot located in the center of the hip Yaletown district. Glowbal Grill offers a vast selection of breakfast treats from savory to sweet that will satisfy even the toughest critics. Curb your hunger with their Smoke Salmon or Lobster Benedict or Wild Berry Panettone French Toast or their hearty Steak & Eggs (click here to see full menu). They even offer a delicious freebie snack — fresh mini donuts balls — these little bites of joy are to-die-for.  While you’re at it, don’t forget to order  up a mimosa or two to wash it all down. Be sure to grab a seat in their cozy heated outdoor patio, where it’s the scene to see and be seen.

Not only does Glowbal Grill offer one of the best brunches in town, it’s also a hotbed of celebrity activity.  Robert Pattinson of Twilight celebrated his 23rd birthday with his New Moon co-stars Kristen Stewart, Ashley Greene and the rest of the vampire gang at this tasty eatery.

Glowbal Grill | 1079 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC | (604) 602-0835

Stylin’ Dinner | Black + Blue

Get ready to get your socks knocked off at this newly opened hip and happening dining experience. The decor and atmosphere is grand, extravagant and sophisticated — and so are the people. The main floor of the restaurant is a social scene of stylish and beautiful Vancouverites mingling and dining in the dark sexy lounge bar with mood lighting and music to match. Make your way up the stairway or glass-walled elevator in this three-level space that features a meat cooler with a Himalayan Rock Salt Wall and a custom designed lighting installation suspended over the central bar from famed UK industrial designer, Tom Dixon.

You’ll not only be impressed by Black + Blue’s glamours atmosphere, but also their decedent menu. From their juicy steaks to their seafood selection, mouth-watering sides and classic cocktails, your visual senses and palette will be pleased (click here to see full menu).

Rumor has it, Black + Blue will open their rooftop oasis this Spring. It’ll be a lavish outdoor destination in the middle of the city — a true rarity in Vancouver. The celebration event to christen the new space will most likely be the city’s party of the century, with a VIP guest list of the who’s who of Vancouverites.

Black + Blue | 1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC | (604) 637-0777

Stylin’ Drinks | Clough Club

To cap off a great dinner, one must have a nice cocktail or two to savor the flavor. The Clough Club in Gastown is the place to get a stylish dark spirit. The speakeasy atmosphere and their prohibition era bartenders know their stuff when it comes to whiskey, bourbon and Scotch with house made bitters and absinthe (click here to see full menu).

Owned and operated by the famed Jeff Donnelly of The Donnelly Group, who runs 13 other bar/restaurant establishements in the Vancouver area, they’re like the city’s unofficial mayor of nightlife and entertainment. With that kind of stamp of approval, you can expect The Clough Club to have a high level of detail.  To fully experience this classy watering hole, order up a Sazerac and post up at one of the four prime barstools through the porthole facing the bar. It’s the best seat in the house to watch the mixologists mix-it-up,  lounge to the beats and sip your night cap before bed.

Clough Club | 212 Abbott Street, Vancouver, BC | (604) 558-1581

 Stylin’ Suite | St. Regis Hotel

After a long day on the town at Vancouver’s most stylish hot spots, a good night’s sleep is just what the doctor ordered. Perfectly located in the center of downtown, the St. Regis is the city’s most historical boutique luxury hotel.

Unrelated to Starwood’s St. Regis brand, this Canadian-owned hotel was established in 1913 and has the highest level of comfort, as well as an impressive history. They’ve hosted a plethora of high-profile athletes who visited Vancouver during the ’40s and ’50s, from top NHL stars such as Stanley Cup Winner and long time New York Ranger coach Muzz Patrick, to JL “Pop” Grant to Maurice “Rocket” Richard.

Beyond its unique history, the St. Regis also offers state of the art accommodations. With an extensive $11 million renovation by top designer Elaine Thorsell in 2009, this Vancouver destination hotel has all the best modern amenities, luxury suites and more.

St. Regis Hotel | 602 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC | (604) 681-1135