The 'Eclipse' star shows us around Vancouver

Flavored spirits, with their cloying lemon, vanilla, or apple tastes, often get a bad rap -- and for good reason. Their additives may reflect some vague semblance to whatever pretty picture is on the label, but they don’t stand up to the real thing. High-minded bars, like San Francisco’s green-certified Elixir, infuse their own booze to make delicious liquors that taste anything but fake. Elixir’s bartenders mix up an inventive menu (their infusions include rose hips, Bing cherries, cucumber, and cocoa beans, just to name a few) -- all from natural, and usually organic, ingredients. Embrace your inner mixologist by infusing spirits at home for a surprisingly refreshing tipple.

● Van Doren @ Elixir at the OPUS Hotel (Yaletown) - This standout server packs incredible knowledge into her tiny frame, and not just about the main dishes. In a quandary about dessert? She's a former pastry chef. Questions about wine? She's a sommelier. And if you're game to try a self- guided wine tour during your holiday, this adorable brainbox knows 'em all and will point you wherever your palate wants to go. ● Jimmy "the Greek" @ Coast (Downtown) - It's his career, and it shows. Old school like few in today's restaurant scene, Jimmy's stories alone would be worth a visit, and despite the au courant design and menu, his classic style of service is a testament to Vancouver's glory days, then and now. ● Corey @ West (South Granville) - Nouvelle service might be a misnomer, but there's also nothing new school about the elegant ballet that takes place every night at top-rated West. No less than three sommeliers are on the floor at every dinner service, but Corey's savvy and great humor earn him laurels from guests for good reason.

Sometimes you just want a beer and a burger. And other times you want a microwbrew and a Kobe beef burger. This list is for the latter.