With a critically acclaimed catalogue that has transcended the boundaries of genre for almost a decade, when it comes to bilingual Canadian artists, Vancouver-based singer Jill Barber is almost in a league of her own.
In addition to racking up numerous accolades and just under 100 million streams on Spotify, the Juno Award-nominated songwriter has become well-known around the world and has headlined iconic venues like Toronto’s Massey Hall, Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre, Tokyo’s Blue Note, and many more.
Though her next full-fledged album isn’t due out until early 2023, Barber has been treating fans to something of a preview of what’s to come with a slew of singles over the past year, including the most recent four-track release Beautiful Life.
It’s no secret that Barber knows a thing or two about her local food scene, so we decided to ask the acclaimed singer to share a few of her favourite spots in Vancouver.
Breakfast
Livia Bakery. Everything this bakery/kitchen turns out is absolute perfection, so I usually start with a coffee and a pastry or two to share (I ask the server to surprise me), then my breakfast go-to is The Classico. It is a couple of perfectly grilled slices of sourdough, two poached eggs and a side of pickled veg. The ultimate brunch.
Lunch
Caffé La Tana. La Tana is a cozy restaurant/wine bar in the evenings but they also offer a beautiful, elevated lunch with the most gorgeous Italian food in the city. Here’s the move: Order one of each of the fresh daily pasta plus a kale salad for the table. Pair it with wine if you’re feeling fancy and follow with a leisurely stroll along Commercial Drive.
Dinner
Our Friday family tradition is to head to our favourite neighbourhood spot, The Pie Shoppe for the most delicious pizza in the city (we always go early with the kids to beat the evening rush).
My fave is the Chez Brad with garlic confit, lemon cow ricotta, kale, Castelvetrano olives and chilies, and I’ll either order an Amaro Negroni or a glass of whichever natural wine the lovely French sisters are pouring. The kids love to choose a slice of pie (from the most beautiful selection of pies) for dessert, and we always take home leftovers for the next day.
Drinks
La Fabrique St-George. Such a lovely place to meet up with friends, pick up a bottle of naturally-produced wine and grab some beautiful meats and cheeses from the well-curated grocery to share picnic-style by candlelight. If you’re lucky there’ll be a live piano player—creating the best atmosphere for a drink in the city!
