Moderne Burger is back
After almost a year-and-a-half of papered windows, Moderne Burger (2507 West Broadway) is open once again. Renovations have made the joint bigger, though it still has a shiny happy ’50s-style décor. The signature burger remains the same—a handmade steak patty with no seasoning whatsoever ($7.45). Everything’s made to order, from bacon to french fries, which are cut and cooked on demand.

Much ado about Michi
See for yourself at teensy, weensy Michi Sushi at 1513 West Broadway, owned by Dubrulle grad and cook-server-sommelier Kenneth Cho, fresh from West, Chow, and Lumière. Cho’s $3.25-to-$3.50-a-pop sushi hand rolls are grab-and-go, and imaginative fillings run to beef sukiyaki, chicken salad, and tuna gomae (open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed Sunday).

To the manor born
Sipping tea at London Heritage Farm (6511 Dyke Road, Richmond) is a pleasant way to spend a summer afternoon. The 1890s farmhouse, run by the nonprofit London Heritage Farm Society, is open for high tea Wednesday to Sunday this season. For $7.50, you get a house-made scone and three goodies with your cuppa, served on fine china in the quaint tearoom. Info at 604-271-5220.

Blast from the past
With five years in biz under his belt, Aurora Bistro (2420 Main Street) chef-owner Jeff Van Geest is throwing down $49 three-coursers from Mondays to Thursdays. It all starts Monday (July 7) until month’s end with what he calls the “Throw Back to the Beginning Tasting Menu”, which includes wine pairings with three savoury courses. Starring are oh-so-memorable potato-wrapped smoked sablefish and more from his inaugural menu, plus special $5 cocktails. Dessert with a dessert wine is an extra $11.

Lattes for less
Haven’t got enough cash for coffee? Those addicted to frothy drinks will be happy to learn that two bucks buys a 375-millilitre latte at Take 5 Café’s 2278 West 4th Avenue location. The promo runs all day, every day until further notice, and includes flavoured lattes like English toffee.

Garden party
Back once more to inject a little civility into city life are VanDusen Botanical Garden’s genteel Thirsty Thursdays garden soirées ($30 from 604-257-8666). Next Thursday (July 10) is California Dreamin’ with Golden State wines and nibbles; Aussie Flavours (wine and small bites) goes August 21. Don your Panamas, linens, and lace, and stroll the gardens (5251 Oak Street).

Grow your own
July 12 is the deadline to register for City Farm Boy’s urban-farming workshop. The daylong session on August 9 focuses on how to grow food in your back yard and sell it locally. For info, see www.cityfarmboy.com/.

Sherry to share
Unravel the age-old mysteries of an oft-overlooked style of wine at Sherry 101, on July 16 in Salt Cellar (45 Blood Alley; www.salttastingroom.com/) hosted by Canada’s first—and only—female Master of Wine, Barb Philip. Taste Finos, Olorosos, and more, with cool cheese and charcuterie pairings. Tickets are $80 all-in, from Salt.