Lolo is painfully cool. Decorated in a way that makes you think that you almost could have done it yourself had you had this much imagination, the walls are adorned with Day of the Dead themed paper mache, bike tires, and skulls. It’s eclectic, visually stimulating, and kind of awesome.

If you’re a denim enthusiast, or just someone looking for a new Canadian Tuxedo (yes, double-denim is alive and well in Japan), the Kojima Jeans Street in Kurashiki City is like a blue jeaned paradise for budding and experienced hipsters alike.

I've never considered Kensington Market the spot to go for fine dining, but clearly that's changing. Toronto's edgy bohemian neighbourhood is a colourful collage of graffiti with a pungent aroma of Canada's favourite botanical in the air. 

90’s hip hop fills the narrow space in Boston’s Downtown Crossing neighbourhood. I order some olives from the “Biggie Small Plates” section of the menu to pique my appetite. The owner, Haley Fortier, takes my order wearing a shirt with the word forlorn superimposed on the Wutang Clan logo. There is a theme brewing here.

Throw in a little 90’s hip hop and dance music and you have yourself a sushi party, not to mention one of the best sushi restaurants in the USA.

This outpost of Hakata Tenjin Ramen looks more like a makeshift shelter leaned up against another building than a restaurant. It’s open air entrance faces the street with the remainder of the restaurant shrouded in plastic tenting. The inauspicious exterior marking what would surely be the home of delicious ramen.

Being half-Japanese and living in a town not known for its cultural diversity also dictates that I eat an unhealthy amount of Sapporo Ichiban instant noodles — until recently that is.

The menu seems like something Al Swearengen would have served up at The Gem back in the day — no-nonsense, nose to tail kind of fare followed up with a rye based concoction — in this case given the kitschy moniker “Gimme the Loot.”

The Grick may singlehandedly be the messiest and most deliciously yolky sandwich that I have ever eaten.

Penticton has an interesting craft brewing history which began before the "craft" moniker had been bestowed on the little brewing industry.