Nothing fancy: These Vancouver restaurants are operating business as usual on New Year’s Eve

Business News

Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter.Not every New Year’s Eve celebration has to be a glitter bomb of Champagne toasts and prix-fixe menus. For those who’d rather skip the ticketed events but still want to enjoy a delicious meal, we’ve rounded up some Vancouver restaurants where it’s business as usual this New Year’s Eve. These spots are keeping it simple: regular hours, regular menus, and regular vibes—so you can enjoy a great dinner and be home (or asleep) before the countdown.Nuba (508 Davie Street, 3116 West Broadway, 146 East 3rd Avenue, and 207 West Hastings Street)Nuba is the perfect pick for a flavourful New Year’s Eve that keeps things casual. This popular Lebanese spot is serving up its full menu of fresh, healthy dishes bursting with vibrant flavours. Every item highlights the best of Lebanese flavours, from the iconic Najib’s Special cauliflower to tender grilled meats, creamy dips, and hearty lentil stews. Reserve here.Wildlight Kitchen + Bar (107-5380 University Boulevard)Wildlight Kitchen + Bar is a UBC gem that keeps things easy with its seasonal menu highlighting the best of the West Coast. Winter offerings available on New Year’s Eve include dishes featuring chestnuts, sage, and fennel crafted with fresh Pacific seafood, UBC Farm produce, and locally-sourced meats. Reserve here.Chambar Restaurant (568 Beatty Street)For those who prefer a quiet culinary escape, Chambar is ready to deliver. This chic Vancouver staple is serving its full menu of elevated Belgian-inspired dishes on New Year’s Eve (think: moules frites paired with a glass of crisp white wine). Perfection, always. Reserve here.Heritage Restaurant & Bar (4242 Main Street)Celebrate New Year’s Eve the laidback yet sophisticated way at Heritage Restaurant & Bar, where the menu of excellent cocktails and Chinese-inspired comfort food comes without the fuss. From the knockout eggplant fries to the Peking duck, Heritage serves up flavour-forward dishes close out the year on a satisfying note. Reserve here.Yuwa Japanese Cuisine (2775 West 16th Avenue)Yuwa Japanese Cuisine is an intimate Kitsilano gem that’s offering its full a la carte menu of refined Japanese dishes on New Year’s Eve. From expertly prepared sushi and sashimi to warm bowls of comforting udon, every item reflects the care and precision that Yuwa is known for. Reserve here.Fable Diner (151 East Broadway)If your New Year’s Eve plans lean more towards cozy comfort than party marathon, Fable Diner is a great option. This Mount Pleasant favourite is serving its full menu of elevated diner classics, blending nostalgia with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. What says, “I’m going to have a stellar 2025” more than boozy milkshakes and crispy duck pancakes? Reserve here.

Science scholarships awarded to Fife College students in memory of Angela Stewart-Grant

Science and Health

From left, Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Engagement Lead at Fife College, Adel Olivier, Toni Sneddon, Oscar Baker, Neve Stewart and Yvonne Bayne, Health & Life Sciences Partnerships Manager at Fife CollegeFour students at Fife College received an early Christmas present after being awarded a scholarship in recognition of their commitment to their studies.The students, who are all studying Applied Science courses, were selected for the Angela Stewart-Grant Scholarship.Established in memory of Angela, a dedicated science student from Brechin who sadly passed away from bowel cancer in 1999 at the age of 23, the scholarship has been supporting students at the college for 25 years.Created by Angela’s mum, Sandra, the scholarship was designed to give hard-working students a little extra money to support their studies and enjoy a well-deserved treat. Sadly, Sandra also passed away a few years ago, but thanks to a generous donation in her will, as well as contributions from college staff, the scholarship has continued to thrive.This year’s recipients were Neve Stewart, Toni Sneddon, Adel Olivier, and Oscar Baker. As the final students to benefit from the long-running scholarship, they received a share of £2000. The students plan to use their awards to support their studies and, in keeping with Angela’s wishes, treat themselves during the festive period.To further honour Angela’s memory and celebrate her legacy, the science lab at the college’s new Dunfermline City Campus will be named after her, ensuring her inspirational story continues to motivate students for generations to come.Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Engagement Lead at Fife College, said: “Angela and her family would be thrilled that this scholarship, set up in her name, has supported students for so many years. It’s been a real privilege to see how the scholarship has transformed lives and created lasting opportunities for students.“Angela’s legacy, and the dedication of her mum Sandra and the staff who contributed and fundraised, have left an indelible mark on Fife College and the students who have been fortunate to benefit from their generosity.”Fife College’s new Dunfermline City Campus, which will open in the 2025/26 academic year, is part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus – an innovative and collaborative project that will bring together the College, Woodmill High School, and St Columba’s RC in one purpose-built site.Continue Reading

Digital twins: catalysts of business innovation

Business News

Digital twins are rapidly transitioning from a niche technology to an integral part of modern business. Dennis Dokter at Nexus explains why they are driving efficiency, innovation and data driven decision-making across industries

A digital twin is a virtual model of a real-world object or process that stays in sync with its physical version, sharing data in real-time. They are designed for specific goals using data, physics, and expert knowledge to work effectively. They rely on trustworthy IT (Information Technology), OT (Operational Technology), and ET (Engineering Technology) systems to function smoothly and achieve desired results.

Advancements in data generation, modelling techniques, and the development of Internet of Things (IoT) networks have driven the evolution of digital twin technology, fuelling the adoption of this technology across different industries. 

Wide-ranging benefits
The engineering and industrial sectors have leveraged digital twins for quite some time in tasks like developing and maintaining aircraft and spacecraft, optimising product life cycles in manufacturing, and improving industrial applications. Today, their uses have expanded into diverse areas, including biomedical sciences for precision medicine, climate sciences for accurate weather forecasting, and social sciences for urban planning.

Digital twin technology offers significant value to both businesses and governments by enabling data-driven decision-making. They improve efficiency, identify potential issues, and play a valuable role in the automation of processes. Digital twins can also enhance operational oversight in energy management, logistics, and procurement for businesses and public-sector organisations. 

The application of digital twins requires a context-specific approach that should be challenge-focused or opportunity-driven, allowing organisations to address specific problems or uncover new possibilities. While their potential is enormous, digital twins don’t have to be large-scale initiatives; they can start small, such as optimising energy consumption, and then scale as value and insights grow over time.

The technology is fast gaining widespread traction, with strong adoption across industries. By 2027, more than 40% of large enterprises are expected to utilise digital twins to drive revenue growth, reflecting the market’s significant projected expansion and its role in fostering business innovation.

Challenges in the digital twin landscape
While digital twins bring exciting new capabilities and opportunities, they also present some challenges. This includes understanding the differences between simple and complex systems, assessing the benefits, trustworthiness and risks of AI, and establishing clear validation standards that align with international guidelines.

Other challenges include potential high implementation costs, digitisation, data standardisation, security concerns, and the need for updated digital infrastructure.

Creating digital twins also needs investment, and businesses should treat their development with the same importance as physical assets. Hence, demonstrating return on investment (ROI) to stakeholders is a primary obstacle to adoption. But the investment addresses underlying issues that are not immediately apparent, through successful cases, such as in data centres, we can see digital twin technology deliver rapid payback. However, securing initial buy-in from senior leadership can pose a greater challenge than the technical implementation itself. 

The future of digital twins in business
Digital twins offer businesses a powerful way to accelerate decision-making and improve outcomes. By using digital twins to develop advanced virtual models and simulations, they help companies across industries boost efficiency and promote sustainability.

Digital twins enable rapid testing of designs, allowing businesses to understand complex interactions, predict the impact of changes, and make smarter choices throughout development. Beyond regular operations, their predictive capabilities also prove invaluable in high-stakes situations, such as healthcare emergencies or natural disasters.

For businesses, the potential benefits of digital twins include: 

Increasing productivity while cutting costs
Reducing energy use and reliance on natural resources
Supporting sustainability goals by lowering carbon emissions
Eliminating waste
Preventing critical issues and unplanned downtime 

By streamlining operations and promoting sustainable practices, digital twins create significant value for organisations while helping them stay ahead in competitive and challenging environments. As digital twin technology advances, it is expected to continue driving efficiency and innovation across various business sectors.

A profound impact on the future
While its adoption is increasing—particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, smart cities, and fintech—digital twin technology faces challenges such as the implementation costs, data security, and the need for a robust digital infrastructure. 

Yet despite these hurdles, the potential of digital twins to catalyse innovation and efficiency simultaneously is substantial, promising deep impacts on business processes and strategic decision-making. This dual capability ensures that investments in digital twin technology are likely to produce tangible benefits, contributing to overall organisational effectiveness and industry progress. 

Dennis Dokter is Smart Cities Lead at innovation hub Nexus, Co-Chair of the Responsible AI Working Group for Digital Twins, and Co-Chair of the Sustainability Working Group. Nexus is a vibrant community comprised of high-growth businesses across the globe and has a physical base in a state-of-the-art innovation hub on the University of Leeds campus. 

Main image courtesy of itockPhoto.com and innni

Six Books to Read by the Fire

Arts & Culture, Books

When I taught high-school English, I loved planning out the syllabus, book by book. Once chosen, one novel might lead naturally to another; certain titles seemed to go with certain seasons. This second consideration was usually more intuitive than logical, yet it seemed to make a real difference; some books just felt more immersive at particular times of the year. The closing weeks of December, which are both hectic and in some ways ill-defined, have always occupied a unique place in our emotional life—and they seem to call for their own distinctive reading material as well.Picking the right books for the days ahead can be tricky, because the atmosphere that defines the last dregs of the year can be fraught and contradictory. As decorative lights sparkle while the sun retreats, and rough winds hustle us to holiday parties indoors, most of us feel some mix of merriment and bleakness. Something new and uncertain is on the horizon; nostalgia competes with the promise of the new year’s fresh start. Perhaps what makes a book right for this period is that very both-ness: a liminal space between sorrow and joy, end and beginning, dark and light. The six books below capture just that—and each one is perfect to read by the fire while the days grow imperceptibly longer.Flight, by Lynn Steger StrongFamily members are frequently the only people who can really fathom certain formative experiences of yours—what it was like to grow up with your specific mother, what your childhood holiday parties smelled like. In part, that’s what can make being misunderstood or judged by them particularly agonizing. In Strong’s novel, siblings Henry, Kate, and Martin gather for the first Christmas since their mother’s death. Each is grieving her loss, struggling because of their complex, unresolved relationships with her. They’re also fighting over how to handle their inheritance: her Florida home. Disagreement about how to manage its sale or ownership—and whether to see it as a financial lifeline or a memorial to the past—simmers under the surface of every conversation about Christmas traditions or family photographs. Through the alternating perspective of each character, readers come to understand the private sorrows that everyone has brought home with them. But the novel suggests, however subtly, that it’s possible to grow beyond the people we were in our youth—to take flight—while still holding on to the people who knew us back then.FlightBy

Here’s Why Food Lovers Need To Check Out The Palm Springs Film Fest

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Now celebrating its 36th anniversary, this international festival from Jan. 2 to 12 is known and loved for its eclectic lineup of movies, stellar access to megawatt stars and for showcasing food focused films in a series of fun feasts called Dinner and a Movie. Plus, the dreamy destination known as Palm Springs! Let’s go.

Hooray for the Film Awards
The 10-day festival kicks off with the kind of event that has fans lining up to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebs arriving on the red carpet. These dazzling film awards shine a spotlight on the best work in the industry in way that feels fresh. For instance, the awards are announced in advance, no envelopes opened at the ceremony.

And the categories don’t follow the traditional path either. There’s a statue given for breakthrough performance — this year going to Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain” — and an International Star Award. Give it up for the busiest actor in the business, Nicole Kidman this year recognized for A-24’s “Babygirl”.

All tables and seats for this black-tie gala are sold out, however, there is a waitlist for tickets. Send an email: [email protected].
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin featured during a question and answer session following the showing of … [+] the dark comedy “Moving On” at the 2023 Palm Springs Film Festival. The popular event returns Jan. 2-13, 2025.Leslie Kelly
So many screen options
One of the many reasons this festival has become so popular is that ticket and pass holders actually have a good shot at scoring a seat at the many venues around the city. My favorite spots include:

Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs High School, with comfy seats and good sightlines
Camelot Theater, independent multiplex with excellent snack bar
The former Regal Cinemas now rebranded as Festival Theaters with seven screens

Study up the extensive lineup of films and make your way to the theater at least 30 minutes in advance of the showing. Also, huge round of applause to the staff and volunteers who make the entry process so smooth despite the sometimes large numbers waiting for a seat.

Trifole is a gorgeously filmed movie featured at this year’s Dinner and a Movie series at the Palm … [+] Springs International Film Festival, Jan. 2-13, 2025. Birba, the truffle hunting dog, is one of the standout stars of this indie movie shot in Italy.Trifole Movie via Instagram
Who’s hungry?
One of the most talked about attractions of this festival is Dinner and a Movie, which offers film and food lovers to meet and greet filmmakers while enjoying a meal. This year’s lineup is spectacular:

Trifole with director Gabriele Fabbro (International Premiere) – Dinner and a Movie scheduled on Jan. 7 at LuLu’s California Bistro. This film also screens throughout the PSFF, with additional dates noted here.
Shelf Life with director Ian Cheney (California Premiere) – Dinner and a Movie scheduled for Jan. 8 at Eight4Nine in the city’s vibrant Uptown Design District. This film also screens throughout the festival, with additional dates noted here.
Rioja, The Land of a Thousand Wines with director José Luis López-Linares – Dinner and a Movie scheduled on Jan, 6 at TRIO, which is known for its focus on seasonal ingredients. This film also screens throughout the Festival, with additional dates noted here.

For ticket information and the full lineup of movies being screened, check out the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s official website.

Sober Travel Trends To Watch In 2025

Travel

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedinDry January may only last 31 days, but the rise of sober travel is proving to be a year-round phenomenon. Across the travel industry, nonalcoholic options are no longer an afterthought—they’re becoming central to the experience. Whether it’s a guest savoring a zero-proof wine at a luxury hotel, a traveler exploring alcohol-free cocktails in an airport lounge, or an app helping people locate NA-friendly hotspots on the go, the sober movement is reshaping how we think about hospitality and travel.

This shift is part of a larger cultural trend. More people are choosing to cut back on alcohol or skip it altogether, whether for health, mindfulness, or personal reasons. And the industry is taking notice. High-end hotels, resorts, and airlines are rolling out sophisticated nonalcoholic beverages that rival their alcoholic counterparts in flavor, presentation, and innovation. With an eye toward inclusivity, these brands are ensuring that everyone—whether they drink or not—feels catered to.

As 2025 approaches, the sober travel landscape is only expanding. From hotel menus curated with zero-proof wines to new apps making it easier to find alcohol-free options, the opportunities for mindful sipping have never been more exciting. Here’s what to look forward to as the travel space continues to embrace this growing movement.

Four Seasons Leads the Charge
Luxury and inclusivity meet at Four Seasons properties, where nonalcoholic beverages are becoming a mainstay. At Four Seasons Jackson Hole, the menu now features Giesen 0% white wines, a premium offering from New Zealand. Guests can also sample nonalcoholic cocktail flights that rival their spirited counterparts in flavor and sophistication. Meanwhile, at Four Seasons Santa Fe, the introduction of Seraphim Social Beverages—two nonalcoholic red wines—brings a similar level of elegance to the Southwest.

Hilary Sheinbaum, author of “GOING DRY: A Workbook” and a consultant on these menus, notes, “These additions are about making sure everyone feels included, no matter what they choose to drink.”

JW Marriott’s Sober Paradise in Florida
The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is setting a high standard in Florida with a wide range of nonalcoholic options. Across the resort, guests can sip on imaginative, zero-proof creations that cater to all palates. At Tesoro, the property’s adults-only venue, standout drinks like the Gulf Sunrise and Gulf Sunset provide a sophisticated, alcohol-free way to toast the evening.
The resort’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that even abstainers can indulge in the full vacation experience. With a robust and ever-evolving menu, JW Marriott Marco Island is one to watch in 2025.
Nonalcoholic Cheers in Airline Lounges
Flying sober is more stylish than ever, thanks to upgrades in airline lounges. Delta Sky Clubs will continue to serve NA beer and zero-proof canned cocktails, providing travelers with refreshing alternatives before boarding. Over at Chase Lounges, the expansion is on: Phoenix and San Diego recently joined the lineup of locations (including LaGuardia and Boston) offering curated nonalcoholic options. New Chase lounges in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles are slated to debut in 2025, all with NA beverages on the menu.
And it’s not just the lounges. Airlines themselves are increasingly featuring nonalcoholic beers and wines on board, making it easier to enjoy a sober sip at 35,000 feet.
Apps Helping Travelers Find NA Gems
For travelers seeking nonalcoholic options on the go, apps like BetterWithout are indispensable. This platform connects users to bars and restaurants offering robust NA menus, whether they’re exploring a new city or rediscovering their hometown. Meanwhile, apps like Reframe help individuals reduce alcohol consumption, a tool that’s gaining traction for travel and everyday life.
“People are more conscious of their drinking habits, and these apps are helping make sober travel seamless,” Sheinbaum explains.
Global NA Innovations
The sober movement isn’t confined to domestic travel—it’s going international. Italy’s Mionetto Aperitivo, a sparkling nonalcoholic aperitif, is now available in the U.S., bringing a touch of la dolce vita to zero-proof sipping. Meanwhile, Giesen 0% wines will expand into Canada in 2025, giving North American travelers more access to these celebrated New Zealand offerings.
As the trend grows globally, Sheinbaum’s book “GOING DRY: A Workbook” is making its French debut in January 2025, signaling a shift in how sober living is embraced worldwide.
The Future of Sober Travel
The rise of nonalcoholic options across the travel industry is a testament to changing consumer preferences. Whether savoring a zero-proof wine in Jackson Hole, toasting with a mocktail at Tesoro, or discovering a new NA favorite at the airport, travelers in 2025 have more ways than ever to celebrate without the buzz.
With her finger on the pulse of this movement, Sheinbaum sums it up best: “Sober travel is no longer a niche—it’s a lifestyle, and the industry is finally catching up.”
As we head into a new year, expect sober travel to become an option and a cornerstone of thoughtful hospitality. Cheers to that!

Forbes Travel Guide Inspectors’ Top Spa Experiences Of 2024

Travel

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedinIn a bit of irony, asking Forbes Travel Guide inspectors to list their most memorable spa experiences of the past year proved to be quite stressful.

Between lavish facials in Miami and bathing rituals in Mauritius — all tested by our incognito inspectors, who pose as ordinary guests and pay their own way — so many treatments were worthy of inclusion. But to the team’s credit, it did collectively exhale and come up with the following services that stood out most.

The facial at Faena Hotel Miami Beach’s Tierra Santa Healing House
Miami
“This hyper-customized 60-minute facial was the standout spa experience of my year. My therapist Romina took the time to review my concerns, perform a thorough skin analysis and facial, and thoughtfully provided sample products to take home. The treatment room overlooked the ocean and was spacious and furnished with a relaxing, minimalist design. A few colorful pops provided a soothing atmosphere to fully enjoy the facial.”
Feel the natural healing energy at L’Apothecary Spa.L’Apothecary Spa
The signature facial at L’Auberge de Sedona’s L’Apothecary Spa

Sedona
“Known for its natural healing energy from the area’s vortexes, the spa served as a holistic sanctuary for hotel guests. The treatment was infused with locally sourced ingredients and healing crystals, which enhanced the overall sense of balance and rejuvenation. As a thoughtful touch, the therapists presented a crystal as a departure gift, personally selected to align with my energy. The facial also included personalized advice and natural remedies based on my input, deepening my connection to the holistic philosophy that defines the spa.”
Find ultimate relaxation at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kyoto.The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kyoto
The rituals at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kyoto
Kyoto
“The spa offered interesting treatments inspired by Kyoto’s culture and essence, such as the Kyoto Bamboo Ritual and Ryokucha Serenity Ritual. The massage and facial featured premium ESPA products, which are known for their luxurious quality and effectiveness. The Kyoto Bamboo Ritual uses locally sourced bamboo and warmed oils to smooth and relax the muscle tensions.”The Spa at Palazzo Versace Macau’s unforgettable hammam.The Spa at Palazzo Versace Macau
The hammam at The Spa at Palazzo Versace Macau
Macau
“The Spa at Palazzo Versace Macau notably offers a hammam experience, a rarity in East Asia. The treatment begins with a body scrub performed in a bespoke hammam steam room that’s inspired by the traditional Turkish hammams but is ornately decorated with Italian mosaic tilework. After a rigorous scrub using a blend of sea salt and crushed olive seeds, I was moved into an equally elaborate but less steamy room and treated to an expertly performed massage. The experience was equal parts luxurious and relaxing.”Evian Spa at Palace Hotel Tokyo is swimming in authentic spa experiences.Evian Spa at Palace Hotel Tokyo
The body and facial ritual at Evian Spa at Palace Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo
“Evian Spa delivered an authentic Japanese spa experience. I booked the body and facial ritual. I particularly enjoyed the facial, as it used 100% organic Japanese products. It was very gentle on the skin. The therapist used a unique facial massage technique, where she started the lifting from the scalp and slowly moved into the face and neck. It showed a significant lifting result in the end of the facial. The therapist also provided a skin assessment and handed out some samples at the end of the treatment based on her observations.”LUX* ME Spa Grand Baie is a colorful sanctuary.LUX* ME Spa Grand Baie
The amenities at LUX* ME Spa Grand Baie
Mauritius
“The spa spanned two levels and featured a stunning outdoor pool with a cascading waterfall wall. The downstairs wet facilities included heated benches, a steam room, an ice fountain, hot and cold pools, experiential showers and an ice bucket. The sauna was enhanced with soothing essential oil aromas and creative LED lighting that illuminated the benches. Charcoal-activated water and detox water infused with rosemary and grapefruit were readily available. After treatments, snacks and tea were served, highlighted by a tempered dark chocolate shard with chia seeds and goji berries. A thoughtful touch was the beautifully arranged tray of amenities at the end of the treatment, which included a brush, hair tie and mirror.”Have a unique wellness encounter at The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila.The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila
The Indayog Ng Duyan Massage at The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila
Manila
“The Indayog Ng Duyan Massage was memorable as it incorporated traditional steps, such as bamboo leaves placed on the back or a heated herbal compress added while the therapist worked on my lower body. Interesting techniques were also employed, such as massaging while stretching and providing reflexology on the feet. It was the combination of local products and unexpected techniques that created a unique wellness experience.”Make muscle-relaxing memories in the Maldives.LUX* ME Spa at South Ari Atoll
The treatment room at LUX* ME Spa at South Ari Atoll
The Maldives
“The treatment room was a notable feature at LUX* ME Spa in the Maldives. The room was set in an overwater villa and featured a glass floor, allowing you to see the sea life underneath during your treatment. It was probably the first time I kept my eyes open for the duration of the massage!”
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