This Spanish city is a dazzling mix of uptown chic and downtown cool.

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Location may be everything but there’s nothing like a little luxury. At Granados 83 you have the best of both worlds. A modern aesthetic runs throughout this hip hotel that’s just steps away from the famed shopping area Passeig de Gràcia. From €130, Granados 83, C/ Enric Granados 83, Barcelona, +34 93 492 96 70, www.derbyhotels.com

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The stylish guests and the glamorous décor you’ll find at Noti are instantly intoxicating but it’s the food that trumps it all (the zucchini gratin with parmesan sauce is a must-have). Tip: Add an extra hour, or even two, to what you already think is eating late before heading here or you’ll be finishing up just as others arrive. Noti, C/Roger de Lluria 35, Barcelona, +34 933 426 673, www.noti-universal.com

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Barcelona native Miriam Ponsa comes from a long line of textile designers. Her clothing’s rich details paired with minimalist silhouettes is a match made in fashion heaven. Miriam Ponsa, C/Princesa 14, +34 93 295 55 62 and C/Elisabets 20, +34 93 412 33 81, www.miriamponsa.com

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There’s a long list of historic must-sees in Barcelona but don’t miss the Museu Picasso showcasing Picasso’s early works. It’s a fascinating look at the artist’s evolution and his style as a young man. Museu Picasso de Barcelona, Carrer Montcada 15-23, Barcelona, +34 93 256 30 00, www.museupicasso.bcn.es

A dimly lit lounge with an underground-club feel isn’t a novel concept, but throw in a trio of industry veterans, a weekly lineup of well-known DJs, and a menu of Japanese cuisine, and you’ve got a toast-worthy plan.

Located in the downstairs of the Devenish building, Concept Bar and Lounge is the newest incarnation of the historic space with its exposed brick walls, dark wood accents and long bar.

Stop-in for a post-work drink and sushi (provided by adjoining restaurant Fujiyama) and stay for the monthly art show by Calgary artists (a canvas of a gun-toting Kate Moss is currently up) and DJ Rice’s Thursday night set.

We’re full of bright ideas.

Concept Bar and Lounge, 908 17th Ave. SW, Lower Level, Calgary, 403-228-1006, www.conceptlounge.ca

We’re no strangers to eating breakfast like kings (or should we say queens) but with Dairy Lane’s new evening hours, eating dinner like a pauper is impossible. 

Now open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., the beloved breakfast haunt has introduced a burger and wine menu. Start off with the Local Sharing Plate (market price) that includes a selection of cheeses, meats, pickles and condiments, all from Calgary-area farmers and suppliers.

The Pesto and Gruyere Veggie Burger ($14) is grilled to perfection with basil pesto and Sylvan Star Gruyère while the Peppered Pork Burger ($15) is made from locally raised spiced ground pork, topped with banana peppers, Sylvan Star Peppered Gouda and sweet pepper mayo. Pair it with a glass of Cedar Creek Pinot Gris or one of the many other Canadian wines.

And if you can’t stray from your brekkie fave, the breakfast menu is also available at night.

Dairy Lane, 319 19th St. NW, Calgary, 403-283-2497, www.dairylanecafe.ca

The city is overrun with tourists and it’s impossible to get a reservation at your favourite eatery. It’s time to make the great escape.

Head to Banff for a delectable dinner (think blueberry braised bison short ribs or a West Coast hot pot) paired with a breathtaking view of the Bow Valley at The Juniper Bistro. Tucked away just off the second exit to Banff, the bistro is located in The Juniper Hotel,  a historic space built in the 1950s and renovated just over five years ago.

Get to the bistro early (between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and enjoy the new Blue Plate Special, a three-course dinner for $30 ($45 with wine).

That’s worth the distance.

The Juniper Bistro, One Juniper Way, Mount Norquay Rd., Banff, 403-763-6205, www.thejuniper.com

A staple in the roots music scene for nearly a decade, the Ironwood Stage and Grill has moved to the historic Garry Theatre.

In the evening, go for the music (the venue hosts 400 live music shows a year) but during the day, pop in for lunch, or dinner. The Ironwood Salad ($15, pictured) is a musical medley of veggies while the Big Bowl of Chili ($13) will keep you satiated until the evening’s show. And don’t miss the bi-monthly Big Band Brunch with a 20-piece ensemble (from $15, alternating Saturdays).

The show goes on.

Ironwood Stage and Grill, 1229 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-269-5581, www.ironwoodstage.ca

Forget a smorgasbord of edible options, the new West Restaurant and Bar is a buffet-style feast for all the senses.

The 30,000-square-foot, three-storey space starts with family-style dining area and an open kitchen off the main floor lounge, where you can watch one of 27 chefs staying cool under the pressure of a lunch crowd. A glass-enclosed central staircase leads up to the second floor with more than a handful of separate dining areas, including the private Aspen Room and the '60s lounge. And opening in July, a 15,000-quare-foot rooftop patio will top off the downtown haunt, staying open eight months of the year.

The Pet Shop Boys said it best, “Go West.”

West Restaurant and Bar, 245, 225 Eighth Ave. SW (Scotia Centre), Calgary, 403-237-5556, www.westrestaurantandbar.com

Famous for its Kensington who’s who and hipster crowd, Higher Ground Café is always buzzing with caffeine-induced neighbourhood folk.

In the evenings, it’s also the place to grab a glass of wine and now, a three-course meal ($19). With Anahata Foods, the café’s Global Vegetarian Nights happen every Wednesday. Next week nosh on spinach ricotta balls with basil aioli, cashew and tofu stuffed cabbage rolls with tomato basil sauce and basmati pilaf, and pumpkin cake with chocolate-hazelnut ganache and organic cinnamon coffee sauce.

Start with your morning coffee and stay for dinner.

Dinner service starts at 5:30 p.m., reservations recommended. Higher Ground Café, 1126 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-270-3780, www.highergroundcafe.ca

We'll take a weekend brunch over a power lunch any day.

On the corner of Fourth Street and 15th Avenue SW, Red’s Diner serves up a variety of well-priced brekkie classics. Go with neighbourhood-fave Fourth St. Farmhouse Benedict with spinach, artichoke and tomatoes ($9.89) or dig into the red quinoa, maple roasted almonds, pumpkin seeds and milk ($8.79). If you're in the mood for a nooner classic, try the “Not Your Momma’s Meatloaf” ($11.99) or classic grilled cheese served on cheddar sourdough.

Eggs and coffee talk—the perfect weekend  morning.

Red’s Diner, 1415 Fourth St. SW, Calgary, 403-266-3448.

On a recent trip to the Big Smoke, we settled into the lovely Lesliville 'hood.  

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Head east on the 501 streetcar to sunny Red Rocket Coffee for an organic espresso and freshly baked goodies like Retro Cheese Danish and Caramel Tortoise Bars. Park yourself on the dog-friendly terrace and watch the red rockets wind in and out of the TTC yard across the street. 1402B Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-406-0880,www.redrocketcoffee.com

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Favouring wearable designs, Wilson Li stocks his Studio We! boutique with tailored-but-sexy clothes he displays by colour. We spotted a tony turquoise military-style blazer from Nick & Mo ($115), fabulous trouser jeans by !iT ($99) and a pretty, ruched Gaya clutch bag ($45). Boys can head one block west to Li’s men’s boutique (aptly named Me!). Me!, 1270 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-463-0888; We! 1184 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-463-4616, www.studiowe.ca

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We love the scent of smoked peat moss (flown in from the Emerald Isles) and the Irish dancers waiting tables at the cozy Ceili Cottage. Devour kettle chips with thyme ($3), buttery mac and cheese ($12) or rich mutton stew. This former garage also serves Galway Bay and Green Gables oysters shucked to order ($14/6), which taste just grand with a pint of O’Hara’s Stout ($8.50). 1301 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-406-1301, www.ceilicottage.com

sleep
There’s no hotel in Leslieville (yet), but do head west along Queen Street to The Ivy at Verity. Located in a former chocolate factory, this luxurious boutique hotel is set in a private women’s club, and with just four rooms (from $329) the attentive service is impeccable. Wind down in the stunning library or book an in-room Sweetgrass massage (from $125). Who knew Toronto could be so zen? 111d Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-368-6006 x 300, www.theivyatverity.ca

With a custom-built rotisserie , a vintage-style slicer and charcuterie bar, CharCut Roast House caters to carnivores—so don’t be surprised if you see a pig’s head staring back at you. (OK, so maybe we were.)

Located at the new Hotel Le Germain, this eatery plays into its urban-rustic narrative perfectly with wood tones, a large Douglas Fir communal table and jars of pickled veggies (balanced meal? sure!) lining the bar.

Start with something light like the slow roasted heirloom beets with mint, basil and goat cheese ($9) or kitchen pickles with house vinegar ($6). With a roasted garlic sausage patty, cheese curds and fried egg, the decadent share burger ($2.50 per oz.) is not meant for a dainty stomach—or a first date.

CharCut Roast House, 101-899 Centre St. SW, Calgary, 403-984-2180, www.charcut.com