VC08 - Strathcona

Ouno Design Sarah Gee and Lindsay Brown refashion vintage furs and textiles into cushions, wall hangings, and throws. The new line of waterproof handbags made from trench coats ($150) is well suited to our drizzly weather. By appointment, 604-216-1103.

Union Food Market (#1) If the Wilder Snail caters to the new Strathcona, Union Market caters to the old, with traditional Portuguese fare and wonderful baked goods; the cinnamon buns are worth a trip from anywhere in town. 810 Union St., 604-255-5025

La Casa Gelato (#2) Brave the lineups and choose from 200 flavours of gelato and sorbetto — and get it to stay: sampling quirky flavours at a picnic table with soccer kids, hipsters, and seniors is a neighbourhood pastime. 1033 Venables St., 604-251-3211.

Gailan Ngan Ceramics (#3) The tiny studio has minimal inventory, but then, minimalism is Ngan’s thing. Her contemporary bowls and “wobble” cups are spare and beautiful — note to tourists: the cups are the perfect, if not only, item of Ngan’s to bring home. By appointment, 898 E. Georgia St., 604-253-6005.

The Wilder Snail (#4) The neighbourhood corner store makes a comeback! And what a space: mint-green walls, red paper lanterns, and a counter made from a hunk of California redwood. Locals mostly pick up green groceries like Healthy Times baby cereals and Seventh Generation cleaning products while the lunch crowd gathers for coffee and fresh panini sandwiches made with Montreal smoked meat or bocconcini, sun-dried, tomato, and eggplant. 799 Keefer St., 604-216-0640.

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

651 Heatley Ave.
$649,000
{Specs} 1,388 sq. ft., two bedrooms, one bath; overlooks MacLean Park.