VANCOUVER - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 115

Vegetarian
A throwback to the hippie era of the 1960s is M Naam (2724 W. 4th Ave., 604/738-7151,
24 hours daily, $9-14), at Stephens Street, a particularly good natural-food restaurant in a
renovated two-story private residence. Naam boasts large servings, excellent service, and
an easygoing atmosphere that has become legendary.
French
The much-lauded Bishop's (2183 W. 4th Ave., 604/738-2025, 5:30pm-10pm daily, $36-40)
is very French in all respects. Owner and longtime Vancouver restaurateur John Bishop
makes all diners feel special, personally greeting them at the door, escorting them to
their table, and then describing the menu and wine list as required. Elegant surroundings,
parched-white linen, and soft jazz background music complete the picture. The menu fea-
tures French classics but changes as seasonal produce becomes available, such as salmon
and halibut, Fraser River Valley vegetables, and fruits from the Okanagan Valley.
Mexican
At Maple Street, Las Margaritas (1999 W. 4th Ave., 604/734-7117, 11:30am-11pm daily,
$14-20) boasts, “Mild or wild, we can add all the octane you wish.” The decor is
Californian-style south-of-the-border: white stucco walls, Mexican hats, tile floor, tile-
topped tables, and an outdoor deck. Throw back a couple of margaritas with your meal for
the full effect. Farther west, near McDonald Street, Topanga Cafe (2904 W. 4th Ave., 604/
733-3713, 11:30am-10pm Mon.-Sat., $9-24.50) also offers inexpensive California-style
Mexican dishes in a home-style atmosphere.
Market
Whole Foods Market (2285 W. 4th Ave., 604/739-6676, 8am-10pm daily) is a large
grocery-style store crammed with natural and organic foods. Off to one side is the Gourmet
Deli & Bakery, with its own courtyard patio, where you can fill up at the salad bar or order
anything from muffins to smoked salmon wraps.
WEST BROADWAY
Broadway runs parallel to 4th Avenue, which is five blocks farther south. The restaurants
listed here are farther east than those along West 4th Avenue and are generally less trendy,
appealing to those looking for value.