"From the lemongrass-infused warm towels on arrival to the impeccable, personalized white glove service, elaborate pandan leaf garnishes, and Japanese-style warmed toilet seats, no detail is skipped at Baan Lao. Head to Vancouver’s nearby photogenic seaside neighbor, Steveston (which you may recognize if you’re a Hallmark movie fan), for a rare chance to revel in a Royal Thai food experience from chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng and her team. Book for afternoon tea service or the dinner tasting menu to experience something truly magical. Using ingredients from local farms, flowers and microgreens from her own garden, and organic rice from her Thai family’s fields, chef Phanthoupheng’s multicourse tasting menus twist standards such as green curry or pad thai to ethereal bites, whimsically presented with intricately carved fruits and vegetables and adorned with edible flowers. This is an experience worth the splurge. Know before you go: Baan Lao closes from January to March while Phanthoupheng travels back to Thailand and spends time creating the set menu for the year ahead. Only 20 tables a night are available, so book early." - Nikki Bayley
