Have you had the chance to visit David’s Tea on West 4th Avenue? If you haven’t you must, especially if you are a tea connoisseur.  This aromatic store lured me in and I fell in love with their pressed “Pu’erh” tea.

These little, precious nuggets are slightly oxidized green tea, pressed and interwoven with fragrant Chrysanthemum petals. The mix is perfect for your Spring season tea parties. 50 gram bag for $6.50.

2199 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, 604.734.3440 www.davidstea.com

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

Aside from opening one month late, the new Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel was worth the wait. Just walk into the lobby and feel the warmth and welcome of the West Coast. While heading towards the Olympic cauldron I took a detour at the hotel’s cafe, Giovane.

Giovane is lively, sophisticated and it’s a cafe +bakery + deli. It seats 42 people and you can go in for your coffee, tea and pastries as well they have a little back wall of unique gift wares. Bread and pastries are baked fresh every day and to satisfy your sultry side, the deli offers a selection of sandwiches, cheeses and pizzas. If I lived in the Coal Harbour area again, I’d be hanging out here.

1038 Canada Place, Vancouver BC, 604.695.5501

Sunny Shum, Your … more …

In the spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and all things Canadian, I got my dog a cowichan sweater. The dog store down the street called Barking Babies, carries these wonderful hand knits that proudly have the emblem of the maple leaf on the back ($55.00 CAD).

To top it all off, you must add on a package of the “Olympic Ring” dog biscuits ($9.99 CAD). They come five in a pack and these maple flavored cookies with yogurt icing are made with human-grade ingredients with no preservatives!

Yes I am Canadian and so is my dog!

1188 Homer St Vancouver BC, 604.647.2275

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

I am feeling the buzz around town as we are 2 days away from the world coming to Vancouver. Here are some more goodies to get you into the spirit.

1.  The Want Essentials de la Vie Olympic DeGaulle Bag - Yes, this is quite the mouth full. The limited edition “DeGaulle” bag in white leather comes with interchangeable colored handles - offered in the Olympic ring colors of course. 47 of these bags were made to resemble each of the games held since Athens in 1896. You can get yours at Holt Renfrew downtown Vancouver for a limited time.

2. TNA jogging pant from Aritzia. There is no better way to show your support than to spill your Canadian pride over your derriere. Enough said, get cozy and comfortable with this … more …

They have opened their second location downtown! For just about ten dollars, you can spoil yourself with a delicious bowl of ramen, and paired with a good ol’ bottle of coca cola of course. The charshu (BBQ pork) is extremely tender, and there are 5 variations of broth. Japanese owned and operated, quaint and open space and the service is friendly and fast.

The challenge with many of the ramen shops in Vancouver are the long line ups. At Benkei, perhaps due to a larger space or the fact that it is still fairly new, I was able to get a table within 5 minutes. That’s record breaking ramen time.

Go hungry and don’t forget to get your ramen stamp card filled!

Benkei Ramen - 747 Thurlow Street

Amy Chan, … more …