Fiesta in North Van
This Saturday (May 2) is a few days short of Cinco de Mayo, but who's counting? From 1 to 3 p.m., shoppers at Lonsdale Quay Market (123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver) can get in the mood for Mexico's fifth of May celebration with a mariachi band, piñata candy giveaways, and samples from Mexican eatery Cilantro and Jalapeño. On May 5, look for drink and dinner specials at Lolita's South of the Border Cantina (1326 Davie Street), Me & Julio (2095 Commercial Drive), and Zocalo restaurant (2515 Main Street).

Mom's The Word
It's one of the biggest dining-out days of the year, so reserve now for Mother's Day (May 10). If Mom's a seafood fan, consider Monk McQueens (601 Stamps Landing, 604-877-1351), which will be offering three kinds of crab, poached sockeye, and more alongside Bennies and pancakes at its May 10 brunch. The buffet costs $32.95 adults/$25.95 seniors/$1 per year for kids up to age 12.

Pinkies Up In The Park
Honouring thy mother needn't be restricted to Mother's Day. You can take her out before or after instead. The Fish House in Stanley Park (8901 Stanley Park Drive, 604-681-7275) has bumped high tea off the menu on May 10 in favour of brunch instead. But treat Mom to a cuppa and a tiered tray of dainties from 2 to 4 p.m. any other day for $24 per person.

Let Your Burger Do The Voting
It's time to put your vote where your mouth is. All B.C. locations of De Dutch Pannekoek House are bringing back the Political Hamburger Poll, which was first held during the 1963 provincial election campaign and continued through the 1980s. The $5 burgers are all made the same, but you can order by political “flavour”: the Campbell (Liberal), James (NDP), Sterk (Green), or Other. Results are posted in-store daily and at www.dedutch.com/, where you can also find locations. Historically, the burger polls have been within 10 percent of the actual election results.

Dining Double-Oh-Seven
“Food to die for” is the motto of the new James Bond–themed lounge, Shakin' Not Stirred, at 1144 Homer Street. Prices all end in 007; for example, Octopussy (calamari) is $9.007 and a Gold burger is $13.007. Do we need to tell you that the bar specializes in martinis? It's open every day from 4 p.m.

Pastis Like It's 1999
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Bistro Pastis (2153 West 4th Avenue) is offering its 1999 menu—with 1999 prices—throughout the month of May. Dishes include coq au vin ($19.50) and seafood bouillabaisse ($22), and all wines are 30 percent off.

Bag Some Veg Smarts
Anyone looking for a change of pace when shopping on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano might walk a couple of blocks south. Earthsave Canada at 2150 Maple Street is stocked with free material on vegetarian and vegan living and also sells cookbooks. It's open Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.