In 2022, Oakwyn is growing, expanding, and achieving more than ever before. Our Theme of the Year, Evolve, is at the core of our ongoing efforts to effect positive change in our lives, our work, and our communities. Ardent advocate for the Ronald McDonald House and Oakwyn Managing Broker Jenny Wun exemplifies our theme every day as she expands the Oakwyn brand to North Burnaby.
We asked three of our Oakwyn Northwest agents, Manny Bal, Sam Cao, and David Tran, to share some special recommendations and insight for those new to North Burnaby and the Heights.
Check out our agent highlights and recommendations below for family-friendly activities, great dining, luxury lifestyle, and more.
Welcome To The Family, Oakwyn Northwest
Located in bustling Burnaby Heights, Oakwyn Northwest will infuse Oakwyn’s values into their work in the North Burnaby market. “Burnaby is very much the artery for agents who live in the city and for agents who need a central hub to service the Lower Mainland real estate market,” Jenny says. We are thrilled to see Jenny build the Oakwyn name in North Burnaby with drive, initiative and heart.
Oakwyn Northwest agent Manny Bal was born and raised in Burnaby and is now raising his own family here. Manny says, “We love this city. The community is amazing. Something that Burnaby shares with Oakwyn’s brand and values is to always evolve, always push forward. And our tagline: work hard, stay humble.”
Sam Cao, also from the Oakwyn Northwest office, agrees. “It’s a fantastic neighbourhood with a very tight-knit community. My close friends, family, and clients are all moving here.” With “great coffeeshops, great mom ‘n’ pop shops, and great restaurants,” as Sam says, what’s not to love?
Oakwyn Northwest Recommends:
Anton's Pasta Bar
Manny Bal has been coming to Anton’s Pasta Bar since he was a teenager. “It’s one of my favourite restaurants,” he says, serving “family-friendly, legendary rustic Italian food.” Anton’s Pasta Bar first opened its doors in 1983, after its namesake and proprietor, Tony Mauro, traveled to Canada from his hometown of Calabria in southern Italy. The first recipes served were his mother’s. Manny recommends the fettuccine creola: Italian sausage, chicken, and shrimp in an exquisitely spicy tomato sauce. He also shouts out the great staff and atmosphere at this iconic Burnaby Heights culinary institution. Be sure to inquire about the Montelvini Private Reserve wines, a rare treat straight from Italy available exclusively at Anton’s.
Contact Manny Bal to learn more about the best dining and more in North Burnaby.
Chez Cristophe
Oakwyn Northwest agent David Tran recommends Chez Christophe, his favourite bakery in Burnaby Heights. David first visited Chez Christophe in search of the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cake for his wife’s birthday. “The cake was amazing,” he says, adding, “they also have great pastries, a wonderful selection of chocolates, and the coffee is outstanding as well.” It’s the perfect place for a client meeting, with plenty of seating and a friendly and inviting staff. For a small treat, David recommends the double baked almond and chocolate croissant. Don’t miss their unique boxes of handcrafted chocolates, perfect for a gift or to share on a romantic occasion.
Contact David Tran for more information about working and living in Burnaby Heights.
The Amazing Brentwood
For a family outing in North Burnaby, Manny suggests The Amazing Brentwood: a one-of-a-kind urban gathering place with exquisitely designed indoor and outdoor spaces: “Several of my clients have invested into this neighbourhood because this place has it all,” Manny says. “My family comes here for our shopping, our dining, our entertainment, the Rec Room, the cinemas.” Visit the Lux Skin Lab for innovative facial and body treatments. The OEB Breakfast Co. serves elevated breakfast classics, such as a Canadian Lobster & Shrimp Crêpe, with butter poached lobster & shrimp scramble, green onions, brown butter hollandaise, and truffle pearls—add caviar for a special treat. At The Rec Room, Manny recommends the car racing and basketball games for kids and kids-at-heart.
Whole Foods Grocery
Manny, who grew up in Burnaby and is now raising his family here, shared a family secret. “Fun fact,” he says, “a little tradition of ours, our tradition on every birthday: a coconut cream cake” from the local Whole Foods in Brentwood. “I promise you, you will not be disappointed.”
Caffé Artigiano
Oakwynite Sam Cao swears by the masala chai at Caffé Artigiano in Burnaby Heights. With great staff, great drinks, and delicious baked goods, Caffé Artigiano—steps from the Oakwyn Northwest office—is the perfect place for a quick lunch, a quick meeting, or an after-work treat.
Contact Sam Cao to discuss your options in North Burnaby today.
And So Much More:
Delicious Malaysian fare served in a charming, modern setting.
Fine North American cuisine meets a sleek, luxurious atmosphere at Atlas Steak + Fish in the Delta Hotel.
A cool, contemporary diner serving seasonal comfort food with delicious vegetarian options.
Inspired, artistic, and memorable design for interior and home.
An award-winning studio offering trendy, edgy, and minimalist floral designs.
Premium, contemporary wood products made locally and sustainably. Online only.
Fine vintage clothing and antique jewelry, as well as furniture, artwork, and more.
Artisanal offerings from around the province including Heights Coffee Co., Market Candle Company, Jane’s Honey Bees, Violet Finvers Glass, and more.
Visit Oakwyn Northwest
Come visit our agents in the heart of Burnaby Heights and see the best of Burnaby. The Heights is an urban hub with a vibrant community, one of the largest business centres in Burnaby, with murals, artistic and cultural events, and great options for dining, shopping, and more. Make a day trip of it to explore North Burnaby and chat with our agents about the endless possibilities for you in Greater Vancouver’s best kept secret: where high-end living coincides with countless hidden gems and hole-in-the-walls.
For more information about North Burnaby and the new Oakwyn Northwest team, reach out to us to book an appointment, arrange a tour, or speak with our recruitment team.
To keep up with the latest Oakwyn news, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and visit our website.
