No time for a trip to Bangkok? Modelled after the Thai night markets and serving fresh and delicious street-food inspired dishes, the new Longtail Kitchen restaurant is a culinary and cultural trip in itself.

A 20-minute SkyTrain ride away in the new River Market in New Westminster, it's the latest outpost from chef Angus An of Maenam renown. Named after Thai water taxis, Longtail Kitchen has all the style and panache of An's original restaurant, but with every dish under $12. The fried oysters were light and crispy, and the signature chicken wings instantly addictive, while mains like prawn pad thai, Northern style grilled hen and turmeric curry of lingcod and mussels were light yet deeply flavoured, all served in gorgeous Thai ceramics with vintage Thai utensils. The eclectic room features a black ceiling to evoke night markets, plus a mini-market of Thai wares such as books, cooking pots and even pad thai kits with fresh noodles and spices ($10) to cook at home. Beverages include roasted coconut juice and super-refreshing Thai iced tea with lemongrass, and before long, iced cold beer. With a glass wall that open to a river-front view, plus 25 seats inside, its bound to be this summer's best staycation spot. —Sarah Bancroft

Longtail Kitchen, #116 810 Quayside Dr., River Market, New Westminster, 604-553-3855, www.longtailkitchen.com

For an insider's look at the media preview (complete with the amazing stunt the PR team pulled off on the SkyTrain) please see our Editors' Diary.

Smack dab in the middle of Venice and Malibu, two of our favourite LA haunts, lays the Santa Monica oasis The Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows. We felt like a Hollywood starlet of old ensconced in one of its signature bungalow suites complete with a private entrance and a lush, bougainvillea-filled patio. Here’s how we managed to get the best of SoCal without ever leaving the hotel:

 
spa

A-list favourite Exhale Spa is conveniently situated right next to the bungalows, which means you can roll over in your robe and slippers, Hollywood style. Do try the spa’s signature Flow massage where expert therapists roll and kneed (think detoxifying but pain free) with a mix of carrot and avocado oil that will leave you feeling rested and ready for dinner at Fig. www.exhalespa.com

eat

Being big fans of small plates, local ingredients and relaxed rooms, we were thrilled to walk into Fig, Chef Ray Garcia’s farm-to-table restaurant located poolside. The wait staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the locally sourced wines and menu items and we couldn’t get enough of our mains – the Ocean Trout and the Short-rib Meatloaf. You know it’s a winner when more than half the clientele are stylish locals who are on a first-name basis with their waiters. www.figsantamonica.com

drink

We fell in love with the chic décor of the incredibly popular Bungalow Bar (think your ideal beach house complete with requisite ikat pillows, softly glowing lanterns and lounge seating). We were lured in by the smell of Le Labo’s Santal candle exuding the perfect sexy, beachy scent that about sums up the vibe of the bar. Do try the house specialty— fruity sangria that packs a punch. Tip: get there early and camp-out, as it’s shoulder-to-shoulder come 8 p.m. nightly. www.thebungalowsm.com

See our Santa Monica photo album today on our Editors' Diary.

We're lusting after a hot pink wedge sandal for spring. Wait, make that orange, no, seafoam blue.

At freshly launched shoe website, Joker's Closet we can have the shoes we want in the colour, material and style we want (from $295).

Pick from six seasonal styles (I like these little peep-toe lace-ups) and then customize from a range of colours and leathers.

It's as simple as that. No joke. —Athena Tsavliris

www.jokerscloset.com

You can trust the bags from a company that’s been making them for over 100 years, but risk a certain stuffiness.

Not so for Brooks England — they make beautiful leather goods that work with our lives, right now.

And since right now is Bike to Work Week, we thought we’d tell you about the Eton bike bag ($530). Made from saddle leather, the design is a century old, but its shape looks quite modern. Featuring backpack straps and a handle to carry like a briefcase, you can stuff this bag with your laptop and change of clothes, and still cycle to the office in style.

We're hardly too posh to pedal. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Find a range of Brooks England bike bags at Walrus 3408 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-874-9770, walrushome.com  or Rowan Sky, 334 W. Cordova St  Vancouver, 604-568-2075, rowansky.com

As we breeze into summer temps, it's time to trade in cold weather creams and salves for a beauty regime that reflects the season.

Argan oil is fabulous at bringing back luster to winter-damaged skin and hair. Buy it pure, and lather it on from top to tail. From $17.89 at www.noahsnaturalfoods.ca

Trust Bumble and bumble's surf foam wash shampoo and rinse for beachy hair all the time. From $24 each at www.bumbleandbumble.com

Obsessive Compulsive's lip tars have super staying power and will stick to your lips all day long, even in a heat wave. From $18 at Sephora.ca

Give your talons a break from dark lacquers and intricate nail art, and try a nude with attitude. Deborah Lippmann Careless Whisper is our pick. From $15 at select retailers.