C r a d l e d in b e t w e e n G r o u s e a n d S e y m o u r M o u n t a i n , w i t h w a t e r f r o n t v i e w s of d o w n t o w n V a n c o u v e r , l o w e r L o n s d a l e b o a s t s h i s t o r i c a l c h a r m w i t h a newer, f u n k i e r t w i s t . Here y o u w i l l f i n d a p e r f e c t b l e n d of o l d e r e s t a b l i s h e d s h o p s a n d b o o k s t o r e s , m i x e d w i t h n e w , h i p s h o p s a i m e d at the N o r t h S h o r e ' s y o u n g e r p o p u l a t i o n . I f it's art you're after, Piece of Cake on Esplanade offers delectable desserts and coffee while you view works by local artists. Further up the street is Gala, a gallery that specializes in artists with artwork with it. If you're interested in urban street art, then make sure you make this stop. European backgrounds. Last but certainly not least, nestled at the corner of Lonsdale and 2nd is Fiction Five. To quote the sign, this is a place to "eat, drink, chill, Just off Lonsdale on 1st avenue, you will find Peter Pierobon and Sibeal Foyle's gallery & workshop named Versatile. Both Pierobon and lounge" and it boasts all the cool of downtown without the arrogance, prices or attitude. Foyle have been featured at the CityScape community gallery, located at Lonsdale and Third. If you haven't had the chance to check out any work by these two celebrated North Vancouver locals, then make sure you stop by. Both artists' pieces are funky, functional, thoughtprovoking pieces - definitely conversation starters. At 23 years old, owner and head chef Nathan Chiu has accomplished more than most people at twice his age. He has created an exciting menu of Asian/West-coast inspired cuisine with a funky, hip decor, and a martini list second to none. If it's urban art you're into, there is plenty of free art just off Esplanade on the walls in the parking lot between St. Georges and Lonsdale. While this may be straying from the path slightly, this type of street art known as "graffiti" is well worth the detour. While graffiti often gets a bad rap, it is hard to look at the colorful, detailed murals here with any negativity. The area is currently an empty The moment we walked in Nathan made us feel like we were at home, introducing us to the house specialties and tempting us with one of the 70 martinis on the menu. How could we resist? Selecting a Virgin Fiction (a misnomer indeed) and a Smoochies Mix vie got started. Enter the food. The Asiatic shrimp cocktail is a fresh take on an old standard; Pear, Brie & Avocado Quesadillas are an easy to eat finger food; and the chicken skewers with pineapple are perfectly tender parking lot an entire block long and with upcoming developments and changing city landscapes it could disappear soon, taking the 4 July | August