Elite Traveler March-April 2015

elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2 127

HOUSE OF CONCEPTS Clockwise from right: the tasting room at Secret Location; the store’s exterior; and interior

People watch The

shopkeepers A canoe hangs from the ceiling in Gastown’s Old Faithful store, where flasks of small batch Tuthilltown Bourbon barrel-matured maple syrup from Québec sit next to heirloom woolen blankets from the Minnesota’s oldest manufacturing facility and hand-sewn Horween leather iPhone sleeves. “We opened because we didn’t see anything like what we wanted in the city,” says co-owner Walter Manning, who opened this modern-day general store in 2010 with partner Savannah Olsen. “There was a lot of glass, a lot of very modern buildings but I felt that there was less heart. We wanted something warm, homey and unique. People come here for good things and a good time too.” oldfaithfulshop.com

Part high-end restaurant, part exclusive lifestyle store, Secret Location sticks out like a perfectly-manicured thumb amongst the stripped brickwork and trendy beards of Gastown, Vancouver’s hipster hotbed. With its sleek white-on- white interior and glittering Philippe Starck-designed chandelier, Canada’s first concept store has bagged a brace of awards since opening in 2012, including a place on Vogue France ’s Top Ten Concept Stores in theWorld. “Secret Location is a very individualistic place and means something different for everyone,” says owner Carey Melnichuk. “It’s a place that represents all facets of a lifestyle and for me, food is a big part of that.” ULTIMATE CONCEPT STORE: SECRET LOCATION

The 7,500 sq ft boutique reflects Melnichuk’s impeccable taste, honed while studying at Milan’s Istituto Marangoni. Gems like René Caovilla’s sparkly-soled shoes and Olympia Le-Tan’s witty book cover clutches share space alongside an 1897 original Léon Bollée three-wheel Voiturette car. Next door in the tasting room, all glossy leafed plants, white designer chairs and swagged green and white drapes, chef Jefferson Alvarez (below left) is creating some of Canada’s most exciting cuisine. After working in top Spanish restaurants, including Arzak and Mugaritz, Alvarez has launched innovative projects such as a nightly changing 10-course tasting menu, along with dishes that combine the local with the exotic – a typical Alvarez creation could be a coffee-crusted ostrich with burnt leek and black garlic purée, pine oil and heirloom carrot. Book a private consultation to enjoy the full and exclusive tailored experience. One Water Street +1 604 685 0090, appointment@secretlocation.ca

Keeping the faith Walter Manning and Savannah Olsen (left) sell things they’d like to buy