VC09 - Yaletown

The recently opened Charm Modern Thai Bistro is a crimson-walled lounge serving complex cocktails that pair nicely with its small-plates menu. Try the Thai-spiced marinated short ribs or tiger prawns with rock pepper and garlic, served with mango salad ($8 each), washed down with a basil-muddled Bangkok mojito ($8). 1269 Hamilton St., 604-688-9339.

Three city trend-setters are here: Basquiat stocks impeccably tailored classics for men and women (many labels from Italy); Eden purveys an edgy, urban sensibility; Ozé clothing boutique stocks one-of-a-kind dresses from unsung French lines. Basquiat: 1189 Hamilton St., 604-688-0828. Eden: 1042 Hamilton St., 604-685-1737. Ozé: 1051 Mainland St., 604-684-4154.

Yaletown Brewing Company has big-boned pub fare, a roster of house brews, a wrap-around patio, and Canucks games on the flat-screens; George Ultra Lounge caters to a grownup cocktail crowd in a sexy room complete with a massive golden-glass chandelier; the lounge at the glittering Goldfish Pacific Kitchen hosts happy hour between 4 and 6:30 p.m. weekdays, serving chic amuse-bouches (all priced under $4.75) with suggested pairings from its extensive wine, cocktail, and sake lists. Yaletown Brewing Company: 1111 Mainland St., 604-681-2739. George Ultra Lounge: 1137 Hamilton St., 604-628-5555. Goldfish Pacific Kitchen: 1118 Mainland St., 604-689-8318.

Zwada Home arrived last year, bringing a beautifully curated mix of Asian antiques, new furnishings, and unusual objets d’art. Interiordesign consulting and floral-arranging services are also available. Closed Sundays. 1228 Homer St., 604-568-7677.

Lola Home & Apparel is a vision in mauve. A whitewashed wardrobe displays Burberry’s children’s line; racks are stocked with DKNY and Lili Gaufrette. Tocca products and Diptyque eau de toilette sprays are perfect for a midweek splurge. 1076 Hamilton St., 604-633-5017.

Blo is devoted exclusively to blowouts (no cuts, no colour), offering a wash and one of eight hairstyles for just $29. The space can be rented by the hour for private primping parties, too. Next door, partner-in-crime Noir Lash Lounge attends to the eyes, offering semi-permanent eyelash extensions (false lashes are the new fake breasts). Both at 1150 Hamilton St. Blo: 604-909-9495. Noir Lash Lounge: 604-915-5274.

Many of Yaletown’s toned bodies are courtesy of The Space, a multi-tasking yoga, pilates, dance, and gyrotonic studio. And what a space it is: exposed-brick walls, beamed ceilings, and glossy wood floors — the perfect setting to get centred. Acupuncture and shiatsu massage are also available. 305–1008 Homer St., 604-646-0199.

STATISTICS

Average age - 36
Residents per block - 408
Percentage of renters - 48
Median household income - 81,737
Typical household - Couples

REAL ESTATE MARKET PLACE

306–1178 Hamilton St.
$399,900
{Maintenance Fee} $255.66
{Specs} 707 sq. ft., 1 bed/1 bath loft conversion in the heart of Yaletown. Exposed beams, stone fireplace, and common rooftop deck.