VC09 - North Shore

Les Amis du Fromage supplies globally and locally sourced raw-milk and artisan cheeses to many of the city’s finest restaurants, and now via their new restaurant in Strathcona, Au Petit Chavignol. Ask any of the knowledgeable staff to build a cheese course for you — they’ll relish the task. 518 Park Royal S., West Vancouver, 604-925-4218; and 1752 W. Second Ave., Vancouver, 604-732-4218.

During the Olympics, Cypress Mountain hosts spectator-friendly events like moguls and aerials. Head up Cypress Bowl Rd. for postcard-worthy views of the city, the water, and beyond. Exit 8 on Hwy 1, West Vancouver.

At Home is a supplier of Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers. Sky-high lacquered candles from Denmark are a steal at $5.95. 1530 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-922-3282

Visit Kiss & Makeup for boutique cosmetics and skin-care products, many organic or mineral-based. (Love the Essie nail polishes and Fresh shampoos). 925 Main St. (Village at Park Royal), West Vancouver, 604-922-6292.

At Smith & Wong Antiques, collectible fine china and porcelain from such makers as Aynsley, Dresden, Noritake, and Royal Albert cover every surface. One block up, Modique Antiques has a vast selection of estate jewellery and quirky finds like vintage Canadian card games ($12.95); consignments accepted. Smith & Wong Antiques: 1534 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-925-1859. Modique Antiques: 1458 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-925-6200.

Locally loved La Régalade serves flawless French country fare; chef Alain Rayé’s hearty terrines, casseroles, and stews are perfectly suited to chilly, overcast days. Excellent wine card represents B.C. and 15 regions of France. 2232 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-921-2228.

Crave Beachside is one of those rare rooms that’s both refined and unpretentious, a concept they mastered at their first location on Main Street. Brunch is inspired: smokedsalmon Bennys, egg-white frittatas, and panettone French toast with a warm Port-berry compote — all best taken on the sunny beachside patio. 1362 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-926-3332.

Stop off at Honey Doughnuts and Goodies for one of their highly addictive cakey doughnuts. 4373 Gallant Ave., Deep Cove, 604-929-4988.

Follow the scent of sourdough to Artisan Bake Shoppe, where sandwiches are made to order (recommended: the organic roast beef, $6.50) and the blueberry flan is so fresh it melts in your mouth. Sublime! Closed Sundays and Mondays. 127 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-990-3530.

The always-charming Room6 specializes in nothing and everything — shop-owner and tastemaker Megan Curren just collects what she fancies, like printed tea towels from Victoria-based Smoking Lily, handbags and accessories from Orla Kiely, and beautiful stationery from Lotta Jansdotter. Frequent visits are necessary; new items arrive weekly. 4389 Gallant Ave., Deep Cove, 604-628-8484.

Liberty is the home store for people who use the word “summer” as a verb: picture elegant Czech crystal chandeliers, fourposter beds made of solid rosewood, and original artwork — many pieces by B.C. artists. Exclusive West Coast distributor of Sarah Richardson’s eponymous furniture line. 1037 Marine Dr., North Vancouver, 604-988-6695.

Presentation House Gallery showcases media art and photographic works, and the gallery store has an unparalleled selection of books on the subject. 333 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver, 604-986-1351.

On an unpromising stretch of Pemberton Ave., Little Persia beckons. At Kashcool Restaurant , the area’s jewel, all of Mahtab Saraf’s recipes are generations old, including her celebrated kebabs. Try Persia Food Products for spices like saffron and somagh (a lemony spice that’s difficult to find even in Iran), Afra Bakery for fresh sangak (Iranian flatbread), and Yaas Bakery for lavosh bread, a dream with hearty gheymeh stew. Kashcool: 126 W. 15th St., North Vancouver, 604-985-2288. Afra Bakery: 1521 Pemberton Ave., 604-987-7454. Yaas Bakery: 1860 Lonsdale Ave., 604-990-9006.

STATISTICS

Average age - 44
Residents per block - 43
Percentage of renters - 35
Median household income - 94,853
Typical household - Families

REAL ESTATE MARKET PLACE

3191 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver
$3,295,000
{Specs} New 4,396 sq. ft. home features 5 bed/ 7 bath, and killer ocean views