VC08 - Commercial Drive

Me and Julio (#1) The team from the perennially packed Lolita’s on Davie Street has replicated its success with this equally lively new spot. Sample the house specialty, paella ($17.75), and equally tasty beef taquitos ($10.75) washed down with pitchers of — what else? — sangria. 2095 Commercial Dr., 604-696-9997.

Attic Treasures (#2) Browse mid-century furniture and accessories at this well-worn spot; don’t miss the shelves of coveted Russel Wright tableware. 944 Commercial Dr., 604-254-0220.

Shoes (Miz Mooze, Seychelles, Fly London) get whiteglove treatment at Spank Shoes (#3) (1181 Commercial Drive, 604-568-1229); four blocks down, Kalena’s (#4) (1526 Commercial Dr., 604-255-3727) — a Drive mainstay since 1967 — stocks supple Italian shoes for the whole family.

Little Nest (#5) Family brunch redefined: locally sourced, organic fare is served in a tot-friendly room, complete with mismatched vintage furniture and a custom-built toy kitchen and play area. 1716 Charles St., 604-251-9994.

La Grotta del Formaggio (#6) Come for panini from the deli counter ($4.50 to $11.50), a great selection of olive oils, and the smell of ripe Parmigiano-Reggiano in the air. 1791 Commercial Dr., 604-255-3911.

Barefoot Contessa (#7) Unabashedly girly right down to the pink-painted brick exterior, Barefoot Contessa has on-trend bold print dresses from Citrine and pretty blouses from Spicy Sugar and Pink Soda. 1928 Commercial Dr., 604-255-9035.

Dandelion Kids (#8) If there’s a better store to find children’s gifts than this charming little weed, we haven’t found it. With Vilac toys and puzzles, Taro Gomi’s hefty colouring books, Trumpette socks, and Fig’s super-snuggly organic blankets printed with the Dandelion logo, you can’t go wrong. 1206 Commercial Dr., 604-676-1862.

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

849 William St.
$749,900
{Specs} four-bedroom, two-bath character home, 97 years old; estate sale (needs TLC)