TurF Vancouver is a fitness studio, restaurant & cafe and shop in the Kitsilano neighbourhood on West 4th. I love the healthy choices and wholesome food that makes you feel alive – no refined sugar, non-processed. Just a lot of organic ingredients, mostly plants and cared-for, happy animal proteins from sustainable local farmers and businesses. I love the variety of plant-based bowls, salads, toasts, smoothies and beverages. There is even a rotating wine list, taps from lowel breweries.

New to their Spring menu is a few delicious dishes that will fill you up without all the bloating!

The Green Thing Smoothie 9: Vegan and Gluten Free – a whole lot of parsley, kale, green apple, banana, almond milk, coconut water, hemp and sea salt! It is thick and not very watery. I love that it is packed full of healthy nutrients!

Grilled Veg & Hummus Toast 10: Vegan – garlic and herb hummus topped with grilled Mediterranean vegetables and drizzles of balsamic glaze and basil oil. Served warm. The toast is loaded with hearty vegs that you will need to eat with your fork and knife.

Khatsahlano Salad 12: Vegan and Gluten Free – local hippies rejoice over this salad filled with shredded beets, carrots, jicama, and alfafa sprouts served with fresh seasonal green, superseed mix and miso poppy dressing. Topped with avocado! This salad definitely makes for a great cleanse and I love all the different textures and variety of greens!

Hot Meeze Bowl 10: Vegan and Gluten Free – for when you falafel—kale tabbouleh topped with warm chickpea falafels, grilled eggplant, artichoke and lemon tahini dressing.

Granola Bowl 10: Vegan and Gluten Free – This was one of my favourite items on the menu surprisingly. I love the house-made granola served with seasonal compote, chia pudding, almond butter, coconut yogurt, toasted coconut and seeds. The sweetness paired with tart seasonal fruits is a great contrast and the chia pudding is delicious! I can eat this not just for mornings but whenever.

Charcoal Latte 5: black tea and spices for a great detox warm beverage.

I highly recommend TurF if you are ever in the mood for some healthy eats! Don’t forget to sign up for their workout classes like cardio boot camp, pilates, strength, boxing, yoga, etc! Some of my favourite instructors are there and a 2-week intro rate of $50 (for more info HERE). And if you sign up for a TurF membership you get unlimited classes plus 15% off the Bistro Cafe and shop!

I’d like to hear what your favourite item is from TurF. If you’re there, don’t forget to tag me on all your Instagram pix #instanomss!

more: Raw Bar Recipe | Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe | Canteen PDX Portland

 

 

 

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TurF – Fitness Studio, Restaurant & Cafe, Shop
URL: https://www.ourturf.com
Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian, Healthy Smoothies

 

Hours:

Mon 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tue 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wed 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thu 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Fri 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

2041 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3
(604) 428-9970

 

 

 

Booking.com

 

 

 

The name “Autostrada” – is an expressway in Italy.

I came here with my University BFF to celebrate my birthday. To start, the creamiest and fluffiest burrata from Italy (MP) and house-baked daily Focaccia 6.

Strozzapreti 21: duck and anchovy ragu.

 

more: Wine Festival 10 Things To Know | GUSTO LATINOAMERICAO 2018 | LA VITA RUFFINO | WINES OF VENETO & SICILY | Italian Dinner at Yew Seafood

 

 

 

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Autostrada Osteria
URL: https://www.autostradahospitality.ca
Cuisine: Italian, Pasta

 

Hours:

Mon 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tue 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wed 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thu 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fri 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sat 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sun 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

 

4811 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R9
(604) 428-6820

 

 

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The long Whistler winter is drawing to a close, and the long sunny days of summer are now just weeks away. While Canada’s popular ski resort might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a summer getaway, the months of June, July and August now attract an equal number of visitors as their winter equivalents.

While the winter months offer snow sports and apres-ski, summer travel in Whistler promises an altogether more laid-back feel. While outdoor thrills and stress-busting activities can still be found in abundance, Whistler’s legendary mountain spas draw visitors from all around to enjoy a relaxing summer BC-style.

Here’s our guide to the best spas and top activities to inspire!

WHISTLER SPA RETREATS

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort tops the list when it comes to Whistler spa retreats, having been named the #1 hotel spa in Canada at the Travel and Leisure’s “World Best Awards”. You won’t find a more quintessentially Canadian signature treatment! Consisting of a maple syrup and brown sugar scrub, followed by a clay body wrap and finished up with an Argan oil hair treatment, this is a treatment not to be missed! The spa is family-friendly too, so if you’re travelling with kids check out the kiddo specific manicures and gentle facials. There’s also a comprehensive offering of sports massages, custom facials and nail-care services designed for the active man.

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge

The Nita Lake Lodge boasts arguably one of the most desirable locations in all of Whistler, and the lakeside spa is the perfect place to relax and recharge. While the rooftop hot tubs offer incredible views, visit the eucalyptus steam room for a truly revitalizing experience. The ultimate HydraFacial experience comes highly recommended. The treatment uses LED light therapy with anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits. Nita Lake is ranked as the number one place to get your relaxation on according to TripAdvisor, and the impressive dining options on site are ideal for grabbing a healthy bite or a more indulgent meal.

Vida Spa at The Fairmont

The Vida Spa boasts an impressive service menu with everything from massage treatments to body wraps on offer. Many of Vida’s treatments are based on the principles of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year old system of holistic Indian medicine. According to Ayurveda, the key to a long and healthy life is achieving a balance between body, mind and spirit. Vida has created its own all natural signature ayurvedic line that is made locally, using treatment ingredients including eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and sandalwood, so you can even take a few products home with you. The de-stress treatments are most definitely worth checking out, comprising a tension target massage, foot therapy and express massage.

Scandinave Spa

If an outdoor spa that operates a “quiet policy” sounds like your kind of thing, make a beeline for the Scandinave Spa. The spa is located on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove, and the rustic wooden setting includes an array of massage rooms and saunas, as well as an extensive hydrotherapy offering. Journey through three stages starting with the hot installations made up of eucalyptus steam baths, wood burning sauna and Finnish sauna. Move to the cold installations including Nordic waterfalls and showers, before finishing up in the relaxation areas made up of solariums, outdoor fireplaces and yoga studio.

WANDERLUST 2019 (Aug 1-4th 2019)

Whistler’s most laid-back festival returns this summer, and once again the emphasis for Wanderlust 2019 is all about wellness. The event brings together instructors, speakers and influential figures from around the world to celebrate yoga, meditation, and the outdoors. Top musical acts and DJs provide the soundtrack, while top chefs serve up healthy and delicious culinary treats.

STRESS-RELIEVING ACTIVITIES

Yoga: If you can’t make it to the Wanderlust festival, don’t worry. Yoga is popular in Whistler at any time of year, and there are plenty of places to get your yoga on. Heli-yoga is popular in these parts too. Take a short helicopter ride to a secluded area of Whistler backcountry and enjoy a practice like no other.

Axe Throwing: Break from the norm and relieve your frustration lumberjack-style, trying your hand at the rapidly-growing sport of axe throwing. This popular Canadian pastime is kind of like darts but with axes, and Forged Axe Throwing is one of the original urban throwing venues. Lumberjills are just as welcome, and the venue has been in the press for its work on engaging and encouraging more women to try their hand at this fun activity. Trust us, there’s nothing more satisfying than sinking a bullseye!

Hiking: A walk in the wilderness is a sure-fire way to relieve stress and see the stunning scenery that British Columbia is renowned for. Hiking in Whistler is a summer essential and the best way to enjoy it is with a guided hike. An experienced guide will not only share their local knowledge but also keep you safe.

Biking: Biking is another hugely popular summer activity in Whistler and there are over 200 trails ready to explore. Hire a bike from a number of places in Whistler village and get your cardio fix while taking it all in.

Fishing: Whether you’re an experienced angler or are yet to pick up a rod, fishing in Whistler is one of the best ways to let off steam. Choose between wading along the shoreline or casting from a boat, enjoying the peace and serenity of Whistler’s lakes and rivers.

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Have you booked your hotel in Whistler yet?

More: Winter Travel in Whisler | South Korea Seoul – Day 1 | 10 Things You Need To Know About Portland | What To Eat in Montreal

Guest Post by: Rachael Hopwood Jarvis. This post contains affiliate links and/or products submitted to Nomss for editorial consideration. To find out more, please visit our About/Disclaimer page.

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Lamb Barbacoa Cinco de Mayo Recipe

• Author: Alex Chen

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Description

This delicious recipe blends familiar flavours like cumin, peppercorn and cinnamon with exotic spices like star anise and ancho chillies. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by serving this traditional Mexican dish!

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 20 fresh corn tortilla shells
• 4 lime wedges
• 20 pieces shaved radish
• Chopped cilantro leaves
• Cooked and shredded lamb
• Pico de gallo

 

Adobo Seasoning Paste:

• 1 dry chipotle
• 2 pieces guajillo peppers
• 2 pieces ancho chilli peppers
• 1/3 of a white onion
• 10 garlic cloves
• 2 cloves
• 1-star anise
• 1/3 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorn
• 1 inch piece of a cinnamon stick

 

Lamb shoulder

• 3 lbs boneless lamb shoulder
• Banana leaves
• Butchers Twine
• 70 ml of Adobo
• A generous amount of kosher salt

 

Pico de gallo

• 2 whole Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 of a medium red onion, diced
•  Cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 of a lime’s juice
• Lime zest
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cracked black pepper

 

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Instructions

Adobo Seasoning Paste

1. Toast dry chillies over a grill on low heat for 1 minute.
2. Soak the chillies in hot water for 20 minutes to soften.
3. Remove the chillies from the water and remove all the seeds.
4. Grill the onion and garlic on medium heat until slightly blistered.
5. In a dry saucepan, gently toast the cumin, cloves, star anise, peppercorn and cinnamon stick over a gentle heat for 3 minutes, gently moving the pan around the stove to agitate the spices.
6. Blend all ingredients together until smooth in a high-speed blender and set aside.

 

Lamb Shoulder

1. Preheat oven to 325˚F.
2. Wipe the wax off the banana leaves with a damp cloth.
3. Overlap the banana leaves, at least 2 layers.
4. Season the lamb with a generous amount of salt.
5. Spread the adobo paste on the lamb until fully covered.
6. Wrap the banana leaves around the lamb to form a tight parcel and tie with butcher’s twine.
7. Add 2 cups of water to the bottom of your HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Roaster and put in the roasting rack.
8. Place lamb parcel on the rack, cover with a lid.
9. Cook for 4 hours, checking after 3 hours – the meat should be fork tender.
10. Add more water if needed and cook further until desired tenderness.
11. Let rest for 30 minutes.
12. Combine the lamb with the liquid from the bottom of the roaster in a bowl and shred the lamb into small pieces with a fork.
13. Adjust seasoning, adding in more adobo if desired.

Pico de gallo

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

 

Assembly

1. Grill tortilla shells spraying with water from a spray bottle to steam the tortilla.
2. Place 1 large tablespoon of lamb on the tortilla and garnish with pico de gallo, shaved radishes and cilantro. Put lime wedge on the side.

 

 

 

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