VC09 - Hastings-Sunrise

Playland at the PNE is all you’d expect from a fairground but two things set it apart: packets of mini-doughnuts, and a 1958 wooden roller coaster that creaks and sways to dramatic effect (the first row is not for the faint of heart). 2901 E. Hastings St.

Chef Caren McSherry’s Gourmet Warehouse is one-stop shopping for at-home chefs. There’s a vast selection of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and hard-to-source ingredients, plus in-store events like cookbooks signings and excellent cooking classes led by the proprietor herself. 1340 E. Hastings St., 604-253-3022.

Artisan chocolates, like a sea-salt-sprinkled caramel dipped in milk chocolate laced with chai spice, line the counter at the cozy Schokolade Cafe. For breakfast, pick up a pastry and an organic Urban Bean coffee for $3. 2263 E. Hastings St., 604-253-9411.

Moccia supplies its stellar dry-cured meats to restaurants like Salt and Au Petit Chavignol; get them here, along with its Moccia Urbani line of prepared foods, like meatballs, lasagna, and cappone rolls. 2276 E. Hastings St., 604-255-2032.

Lisbon Bakery is the shop inflation forgot: a half-dozen brownies for $3.20; applefritter or honey-glazed doughnuts for 60 cents a piece. Arrive early; the shelves are bare by day’s end. 2454 E. Hastings St., 604-253-0234.

Rio Friendly Meats stocks exotic (elk, bison, curried lamb) and everyday meats. Great selection of Italian sausages ready for the barbecue. 2477 E. Hastings St., 604-253-0345.

Little Earth has a budget- and environmentally-conscious mix of kids clothes, toys, and maternity wear. 2643 E. Hastings St., 778-737-7004.

STATISTICS

Average age - 40
Residents per block - 89
Percentage of renters - 48
Median household income - 45,082
Typical household - Families

REAL ESTATE MARKET PLACE

2420 Triumph St.
$578,000
{Specs} 1,700 sq. ft., 4 bed/1 bath; downstairs has separate entrance and can easily be converted into a suite