By Eudora Koh, Modern Mix Vancouver Writer

Chaise is another one of the jewels along Main Street, which we all know is recognized for its smaller hole-in-the-wall restaurants and diners. After passing by countless times, I finally got to try the resto-bar that I’d heard so much about.  The highlights of Chaise? It has a very relaxed and casual atmosphere which is perfect for an evening any day of the week, and has a chalkboard full of daily specials, great service, and drinks specials! Initially, from its fancy-looking exterior and signage (and name for that fact!), I would have imagined Chaise to carry pricier food and beverage; on the contrary, the entire menu was affordable and everything sounded down-to-earth but appetizing.

The atmosphere inside Chaise was split into a bar/lounge area, with high tops and bar stools, and a more intimate area, which I’m guessing is the dining room with the booth and table set up.  Maybe it was because I was there on a Friday night, and a Canucks game night, but at times, I found it too loud to have a meaningful one-on-one conversation.

I ordered the Jamaican Burger which was $10, and was loaded with jerk chicken, cranberry mayo, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and raw onion (of which I probably should not have eaten so much).  Vanessa had the $10 pasta with meatballs special for $10.  She found the meatballs tender, moist and flavourful but the pasta a bit bland.

Regardless, the value of the food for the price you’re paying made up for that, as did my overall experience.   The portions were definitely filling, the food was decent, and best of all, the beer special was only $4.75/pint.  If you ask me, that definitely makes for a good Friday night … minus the raw onion breath I was stuck with.

By Lydia Frey, MMV Guest Writer

What I love about Main Street is how just when you think you’ve seen it all, you turn a corner and discover another hidden gem.  Whether it’s a funky boutique, restaurant or coffee shop, you never know what you’ll encounter.  That why, when I made my way to Scout Boutique’s Sweet and Spicy Fashion Show last week, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

With fashions from Rebel Rouser, Pinup Couture, Parr, Betty Page, Style Me Vintage and local designer Misty Greer’s line, TrunkShow, I encountered the edgier and sexier side to fashion. Curve defining shapes, lipstick reds and midnight blacks took over the room and made me seriously consider purchasing new red heels. While I doubt I could get away with some of the necklines at work, the outfits were sexy without being trashy. I kept expecting burlesque dancers to take over the stage and I wouldn’t have been disappointed if that had happened.

During the break, I took a look at what was on the racks and felt my self-control slipping away. Gorgeous fitted autumn jackets beckoned but I stayed strong.  For women looking for style with a sassy edge, this is the place to go. Scout Boutique offers personal shopping and private shopping sessions and the friendly staff makes your shopping occasion memorable – not to mention easy. This was Scout Boutique’s third annual fashion show and after this year’s showcase, I will definitely be there next year!

**photos used with permission from the Scout Boutique Facebook Page

For more information, see the flyer below or the Facebook event details.

About a month ago, Chaise Lounge (4444 Main Street) opened in the former Wing Nuts space on Main Street.  I had been eager to visit this new lounge since its inception never mind the poor review it recently received, which I had come across.  Already, I loved the chic look of it from the outside – with its black and white trimming, simple and minimalist signage, big glass windows and outdoor seating.

A proprietorship of the same team from Burgoo (not too far down the street), Chaise is a modern-day 40 seat diner, adorned with laminated tables, chandeliers, original graffiti art installations on concrete walls with a variety of seating including benches, bar stools, a sofa, and purple and blue velvety couches.  The bar area is intimate – seating only five – and is perhaps where the only 1950′s feel stems from with classic cocktails and drinks like the Negroni and Manhattan.  Better even is their own variation of the Citrus Drop, offering fresh-pressed (done in front of your eyes) citrus orange, lemon, grapefruit or pineapple with vodka complete with a sugar rim.

Their food offerings include small and large plates and is described as “updated and upgraded classic diner food prepared with environmentally conscious and organic ingredients” (as per their Facebook page).  Chef Jordan Knight (ex-C Restaurant) dishes up items such as “THE Slow Roast Sandwich”, a “Bad Ass Burger” featuring Fraser Valley beef, and “Macaroni & Cheese” made with truffle oil and herb infused heavy cream.  The menu also offers Ocean-wise items and daily “Blue Plate” specials.

On Thursday March 19th (7pm to 10pm) join Think City for an evening for Vancouver stories at Heritage Hall on Main Street (3102 Main Street at 15th).  This storytelling event will includecocktails and a silent auction featuring Vancouver memorabilia and stories past and present told by Vancouver notables including CBC Radio’s Bill Richardson. 

For more information and to purchase tickets ($50), click here.