© the other press ¢ Opinions Best of New West Photos by Kim Meier pe, Cheap Plants by Barbara K. Adamski I'd love to say I have a green thumb, but I don’t. Still, there’s just something about a yard full of flowers—the colour, the smell . . . the upkeep. _There was a time when [| could easily, without feeling the slightest twinge of guilt, walk into a high-quality gar- den store and drop a hun- dred dollars on plants for the front yard. Hey, the high- quality places offer guaran- tees on all their plants. But really, how could I ever, in good conscience, ask, for a refund for a plant I killed by forgetting to water all sum- mer long? That’s if I even kept the receipt to begin with, which wasn’t too likely. Enter Golden Coins, a nondescript discount store at 6th and 6th. I had never known. a dollar store to sell plants until I walked by and noticed a huge assortment of fuchsia, zinnia, jasmine, and more, all for less than two dollars—and many for only one dollar. Imagine being able to line the front walk for less than $25—and, if I lose a few through negligence, who cares? I'll just go buy a few more. I'm a regular at Golden Coins now. And every time I go, there’s something differ- ent to purchase. My yard is bright, colourful, cheerful, and I’m not broke (well, I am, but not because of a few plants). So there you have it—a plant store for us plant- killers. The beauty of it is, now that I have so many plants, I tend to notice them a bit more. I give them water. And they seem to like that! Golden Coins Home Variety Store, 604.523.1437 The best imperson- ation of a credible source by an OP staff member: Trevor whats- his-name as the nefari- ous Reginald Beaufort III. It's men like him eae ee that give other men doing something simi- Best place your wallet flugust 2003 Va Gotnstls ics lar but with fewer good ae intentions, a bad name. yew change: Best place to see a gigantic photo of : — Queen Elizabeth: Just down the street An from Douglas College there is a court- Sky Train house that features an enormous, 20-foot 0 portrait of Queen Elizabeth and Prince irene Philip in full regalia. The photo was originally a promotional piece done for Best place to pick Expo 86, but now resides permanently in up a new vibrator: the courthouse to remind all New West Touch of Love criminals that no matter where they go, Boutique, 243 6th Liz will always be watching. Law Courts St., 604.525.8683 Building, 621 Carnarvon Best place to get enlightened: Visions Bookstore, 700 Columbia, 604.520.0047 €at souvlaki; and verna Greka, sic Watch » 604.526.6193 : tugboat; Ta Columbia St. 5 1 place to go for |; Westminster Qu Boardw . ; : ie ity : Best place to watch a new film in a very old dirty Casino, New West Quay, 60: 519.3660 seat: New West Cinema, 555 6th St, 604.526.0332 Best place to have a great feline | Mounds of chips with the perfect chop suey: Chopsticks, 441 balance of grease and crispy Columbia St. East, goodness topped with cheese, 604.521.1871 jalapenos, and meat, if you like, Best nacho platter: the Met has and little taco shell bowls of gua- the best nachos, hands down. camole, salsa and sour cream, It’s only ten bucks, and it’s too much Cottage Bakery, New West Quay for two to eat. It just begs for Market, 604.524.5533 pint after pint of beer. Funny Best pla how that works, 411 Columbia, rus 604.520.1967 Best pies in all the land: Farm TOP FIVE PUBS IN NEW WEST 5. The Met 4. Scruffy’s 3. Paddlewheeler 2. The Thirsty Duck (Thirsty Thursdays) . _ 1. Brooklyn's Best place to see a man in a baseball cap and no pants: Near the train tracks on Front St. Best place to see a chick in a tracksuit: Look to your left. Now, look to your right. If you are reading this in New West, you probably just saw at least 50 or 60 girls clad in head- to-toe ‘so-called fashion action wear. Page 16 e http://www-otherpress.ca