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The Block’s Jennifer MacKay Does The Dishes

The stylish Gastown boutique owner has a discerning palate to match her eye for cool, well-made clothes and accessories.
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The Block’s Jennifer MacKay Does The Dishes

The Dishes is a new Scout column that asks Vancouverites to walk us through a map of their ideal day and night on the town. We’re talking breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night cocktails. Tax and tip included


In this edition of The Dishes, Jennifer MacKay, stylish owner of Gastown boutique The Block, gives us the lowdown on her favourite places to eat and drink around town.

Good morning! What’s for breakfast/brunch?

Ask for Luigi. I am more of a savoury breakfast person so pasta for breakfast is perfect (with a mimosa or aperol spritz).

Ask For Luigi 305 Alexander St. MAP

Where should we meet for coffee/tea?

I usually drink a lot of coffee at home before I leave for work but if I have not had enough I would get an Americano at Revolver.

Revolver Coffee 325 Cambie St. MAP

Now we’re hungry again. What’s for lunch?

I love The Arbor for lunch, ideally on a nice day so I can sit in the beautiful garden patio with a glass of Orofino rosé (or Bella sparkling wine) and an Arbor Caesar salad.

Arbor 3941 Main St. MAP

Who has you figured out at Happy Hour?

There are so many great happy hours in our neighbourhood now! I have a real soft spot for Coquille. Love the pink clamshell booths and their house wine and on tap negronis are delicious.

Coquille Fine Seafood 181 Carrall Street MAP

What’s for dinner?

I would go to Sorella for some delicious Italian food. Their menu is always changing, lots of local ingredients and fresh pasta. They always know the perfect wine for me too and they make a mean sbagliato.

Sorella (Closed) 3369 Cambie St. MAP

What’s for dessert?

Cheesecake at Pepino’s.

Pepino's Spaghetti House 631 Commercial Drive MAP

Where are you taking us for late night cocktails?

Black Lodge (original on Kingsway). It is close to home and they make a good Whiskey Sour (and if you ask them for it to be extra sour they don’t mind).

The Black Lodge (Kingsway) (Closed) 630 Kingsway MAP

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