January 14, 2009

GNO – it sounds like such fun. Like the name of a rock band. We all want that girls night out. We want to talk about our books or gravity’s latest toll on our bodies, that great new shop or idea or friend. We want to talk the way we can’t when the kids are in the room about the stuff our husbands don’t get.

So why is it so hard? Two friends of mine and I tried to get together to do this for two months this fall. We e-mailed. We made a date. Then we had to change it. Twice. Then someone got sick. We never made it out. Even when I moved the “out” to my living room in the hope that it made things easier.

Even Erica – the fabulous connected, inspired Erica – could not get a date for a perfect GNO show. What is up with that?

Another friend of mine and I speak on the phone almost every day. We keep each other afloat, yet we cannot seem to get together to go out and have fun. It is not for lack of trying. But our kids get sick, husbands go out of town, plans are made then cancelled for forgotten school meetings or unexpected family stuff.

We know this is life right now, we are not hurt or offended, but sometimes we feel ripped off. Sometimes we really need to vent. Laugh. Cry. Say what we can’t unless we are in the company of a good friend, a bottle of wine, and in close proximity to chocolate. Sometimes we want to feel a little bit fancy and let someone else clean up the kitchen.

So in that spirit, here are some of my favourite Girls Night Out places in Vancouver. Even if I can’t make it, maybe you can.

(First, let me say that whoever is responsible for closing Truffles on Cornwall did a disservice to woman-kind. It had everything for a perfect GNO: couches, low lights and ambience galore, chocolate truffles, sangria, huge shareable plates of savouries, and cozy pots of tea. Plus, they left you alone with your friends and your wine for hours.)

Though it has no alcohol, I do adore East is East on Broadway and also now on Main Street. It has the best chai in the city. Seriously ladies, it’s the perfect balance of spice & sweet and the black tea chai has enough kick to keep you going even if there is still music to face when you get home. The whole place is lit low and carpeted with eastern rugs. The servers are the kind of lovely young women who remind you of who you used to be before gravity hit, when you rode your bike everywhere and had time more time to read, and they're happy to bring you exotic smoothies, gorgeous organic soups and roti. If you are lucky you may get the private booth at the back. Perfect for secrets.

Chambar on a warehouse/dive stretch of Beatty has everything on my list: Fabulous food, warm atmosphere, a vibrant crowd chic enough to make you feel like you are stepping out, gorgeous décor, an excellent drinks list. If I were ever to get a tattoo it would look like the motif they use in their logo. They also cross-pollinate with local arts and events like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Playhouse so you can make it a double-header.

Delilah's downtown is good for fancy drinks and velvet booths. Dust off your heels, and kick ‘em up. .

The Secret Garden Tea Company at 41st and West Boulevard. Chintz couches, high tea, dainty sandwiches and pretty things. Linger after an afternoon of shopping in Kerrisdale.

Rodney's Oyster Bar, in ever so hip Yaletown is my runner up. This guys-out-after-work place would be so happy to see a group of women you will feel like queens. And be served by men bearing platters of oysters, bowls of chowder and dare- you- to-drink-it- without-spilling, filled-to-the rim glasses of wine.

Now, off you go. Have fun. And tell me all about it.

Labels/Tags: earnestgirl, west coast chronicles, vancouver, restaurants, bars, drinks, girls night out

Posted by CatherineJ at 11:11:04 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

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Girls Night Out is never about being sorry. We'll make it, we will. But maybe we should all institute a gno rule: if you are the last one to cancel, you buy the drinks!
Catherine, Vancouver, BC

Oh dear.... I am one of those two friends she speaks of in paragraph two - I am sorry!!! Let's try again.
Nina, Vancouver, BC