The Baker’s Market is back for just a few markets this holiday season. This market is truly “one of the sweetest events in Vancouver”. This community based event brings together local baking enthusiasts, pastry students, mommy bakers as well as budding entrepreneurs. If you are looking for some amazing Christmas baking, but don’t have the time to do it all yourself, this is where you should be headed. Some of the delicious things you will find include exquisite French macarons by J’adore les Macarons, handmade caramels and chocolates by Caramel & Company with some delish flavours such as Raspberry Earl Grey, Mango Coconut and Smoked Chili Chocolate. The Scone Queen will be on hand and we are hearing quite a bit of buzz about this vendor. Flavours you can expect for the Baker’s Market include aged cheddar and chive, Cardamom and dried currant, dried sour cherry and white chocolate and apple and aged cheddar. Some other vendors on hand include Apricus & Co. with gluten free goodies, Matcha & More and a personal favourite Marsh&Mallow with gourmet handmade marshmallows. Each week you will find a different group of bakers, so the offerings will vary each week, but some of the goodies you can expect to find include cakes, muffins, brownies, handmade chocolates, Belgian waffles, scones, preserves, breads, tarts, Christmas baking and much more. The Baker’s Market will be held at Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street (60th & Fraser). Admission to the market is free, there is ample parking and our favourite part, lots of samples! So come out and support your local talented creative bakers. The markets take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on November 29th, December 6th and 13th.
The Baker’s Market Returns This Winter
16 Nov
Rogue Florist Hosting Wreath Making Workshop At Studio 126
13 Nov
Studio 126, located at 126 East Pender Street, is hosting a wreath making workshop on Wednesday, November 25th. Kerri Pfeifer of Rogue Florist will be leading this 3 hour workshop in which you will learn to make a one-of-a-kind nature inspired wreath for the holiday season. During the workshop, you will learn to add and conceal water tubes for adding fresh flowers as well as a few other tips. You will, of course, go home with your own beautiful hand-made wreath. Samples of Rogue Florist’s wild and natural wreaths will be available for inspiration. As the workshop has limited seating, you will get plenty of one-on-one time assistance with your wreath. The workshop is $100 and includes all materials and light refreshments and gets under way at 6:30 pm. To register, visit Studio 126.
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Eastside Culture Crawl November 19-22: 457 Artists + 83 Buildings
12 Nov
The Eastside Culture Crawl is back again for 4 days starting Thursday, November 20th. This 4 day arts extravaganza really is a must see. During “the Crawl” over 400 artists in and around the heart of East Vancouver open their studios to the public. The event which grows each year now comprises some 83 buildings from Main Street to Victoria Drive and First Avenue to Powell Street. The mediums vary and include painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, wood carvers and photographers. There is no set schedule for this event, you go where your mood and interests take you and the array of talent is amazing. To help guide you, the Eastside Culture Crawl has a great rundown of all the artists on their website including a printable .PDF map to help you find your way. The Crawl runs November 19th and 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To figure out what you wish to see and when, check out the Issuu magazine online.
If you wish to mix things up and do some side trips in and around East Vancouver while on the Crawl, there are so many great stops en route. For instance, in Railtown there is Vancouver Urban Winery & Lounge which is a perfect start for brunch in the Belgard Kitchen before the Crawl or for a bit of wine or beer tasting after. There are more beer options if you head West a little ways including Parallel 49 Brewing Company, Bomber Brewing, Powell Street Craft Brewery and a newcomer Doan’s Craft Brewing. If Belgian beer is more up your alley Biercraft on Commercial Drive which is also a good spot for brunch before the Crawl. If you are looking for the perfect cocktail, we recommend Odd Society Spirits. Personally, we will be making a stop for brunch first before the Crawl. There are so many options in the Hastings Sunrise area and on The Drive including amazing coffee shops. If you are looking for suggestions to eat before the Crawl, in Hastings Sunrise there is the Roundel Café, Yolk’s Breakfast and Red Wagon Café for starters. On the Drive, there is Havana Restaurant, Scandillious or for the perfect sandwhich to go (big enough to share) we recommend La Grotta del Fromaggio. While there, we suggest making the walk next door to Fratelli Bakery for something sweet. You won’t be disappointed.
During the Crawl, les amis du fromage, 843 East Hastings, is another great spot to stop in and do a bit of cheese sampling. They will also have some local vendors in store doing Pop Up Shoppes. On Saturday, November 21st from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm they will have Mixers & Elixers. They produce small batch shrubs also known as drinking vinegar used in soda water and cocktails. Also on hand Saturday will be Grain which sources exclusively Canadian dry good products from farmers and processors they know. On Sunday, November 21st Noon – 4:00 pm, you will find SaltSpring Kitchen Co. in store. Melanie Mulherin makes delicious small batch preserves in some unique flavours such as Meyer Lemon & Lavender Marmalade, Sour Cherry, Rhubarb & Rosemary Jam, Blueberry & Basil Jam and the one that caught our eye Winter Wonderjam (Strawberry, Cranberry, Orange & Bourbon). Les amis du fromage is perfectly situated in Strathcona within walking distance of many artist studios.
For some more sweet stuff, the Licorice Parlour is a great stop with over 65 flavours on hand. If you are looking for coffee, there are many great options including the Wilder Snail in the heart of Strathcona, Pallet Roasters, 323 Semlin Drive and Platform 7, 2331 East Hastings St. Of course, there are an array of excellent choices along Commercial Drive including Continental Café, Moja’s Coffee and Prado Café to name but a few. If you find yourself in the Stratchona area, might we suggest a stop at Crackle Crème at 245 Union Street. This sweet little dessert cafe serves up artisan crème brûlée and authentic Belgian liège waffles as well as coffee. There will be many local restaurants, breweries and coffee shops at the ready to help you recharge your batteries before, during or after the Crawl.
See you on the Crawl.
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Social Studies Comes To The Firehall Arts Centre November 21 – December 5
10 Nov
The Firehall Arts Centre invites you to their new show Social Studies which begins November 21st. This is a heart warming comedy about a well intentioned family in Winnipeg that adopts a South Sudanese “Lost Boy”. The show takes some funny twists which highlights Canadian values as well as cultural differences. Social Studies also delves into family connections and examines issues of loss, expectations, and the desire to do good in the world. As the saying goes, the road is paved with the best of intentions. You will see first hand how caring and compassionate Canadians deal with their fears and feelings about people’s lives who are very different from their own. We invite you to check out this “engaging new comedy”. The show runs from November 21st to December 5th. Tickets are available online from $23 at Firehall Arts Centre.
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Marsh&Mallow – Decadent Gourmet Marshmallows
9 Nov
Here at ILiveInEastVan.com we love featuring local East Van businesses and makers. Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsh&Mallow which is the brain child of Carly Bloch. As the name eludes, Marsh&Mallow makes handmade gourmet marshallows in some amazing decadent flavours. Added bonus is that they are gluten free. Carly admits her first attempt at making handmade marshmallows “was an epic fail”. Through trial and error though she has truly mastered the process. Carly has a career in finance, but needed a creative outlet and loved creating sweet treats and has turned Marsh&Mallow into a successful side business. We hear the special orders are flying in. And for those itching to place their order, you can purchase Marsh&Mallow through her online store which sets out all the delicious flavours. You will also find her marshmallows in gift baskets being offered by local businesses such as Wantful Gifts and By Broken Arrow. Carly is working on some retail distribution locations and you will soon see her marshmallows in Much & Little on Main Street. But Carly is sticking with her core values which is producing small batches which allows her continue to source products and locally whenever possible.
If you are wondering what her most popular flavour is. We hear it’s her Signature Salted Caramel marshmallow. Carly says “Each batch starts with classic vanilla marshmallows, then salted caramel sauce is swirled right in. The salted caramel sauce is made in house and is the perfect balance of dark and sultry caramelized sugar which is transformed into creamy rich caramel, finished with pink Himalayan sea salt.” That said, this is one of her best sellers along with Raspberry and Classic Baileys and Cream. For a limited time during the holiday season, you can order Holiday Mint Chocolate which is a “squishy cool mint marshmallows coated in premium cocoa powder are drizzled with dark chocolate ganache and crushed candy cane.” Sounds like a piece of heaven to us. Prices start at $15.00 per bag for 6 large marshmallows. Personally, we think these would a unique hostess gift this holiday season. We’re just saying. We invite you to check out her online store at Marsh&Mallow.
You will also find Carly’s delicious offerings at this year’s Baker’s Market at the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre in SE Vancouver on Sunday, December 6th and 13th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. We sure to stop by and say hi and try a sample.
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52 Pick Up At The Havana Theatre November 13 – 29
6 Nov
A very interesting show called 52 Pick Up is coming to the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. The premise is there are 52 scene titles written on a deck of cards that are thrown into the air. As the performers pick up the cards, they perform the scenes, one by one, revealing a hilarious or maybe heartbreaking love story. No two performances will are the same. The show features comedian Dan Willows and Sarah Andrina Brown which we think should make for a fun evening. 52 Pick Up begins November 13th and runs till November 29th. Tickets are available online at Theatre Wire and range from $21 – $28 for adults and $18 -$23 for those under 30 and seniors. There will also be two Pay What You Can Performances on November 15 and 22. Come shuffle the deck.
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All Craft And Artisan Fairs In East Vancouver
5 Nov
‘Tis the season for craft and artisan fairs. Local makers have been working hard preparing for the upcoming holiday season. The fairs are a great way to support local when gift giving this holiday season. We have already checked out the first Winter Craft Fair of the season held at River District in SE Vancouver this past Sunday. This one will run every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm until December 27th. For those that don’t like crowds, this is a smaller market with great vendors. If you are looking for bigger markets with choices galore, there are many options including Shiny Fuzzy Muddy at the Heritage Hall, Make It!, TOQUE and Vancouver Farmer’s Market Holiday Market and new this year the Italian Christmas Market. We have set out below a rundown of the upcoming markets in East Van for November and December. We will continue to update this list as we learn of more. We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.
NOVEMBER 2015
Nov. 8: River District Winter Craft Fair 11- 4
Nov. 10: Crafty Daze – Diwali – Mount Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Nov. 13-15: 32nd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair
Nov. 14: Love It. Craft It – Heritage Hall 11-6
Nov. 14&15: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall
Nov. 14: Holiday Craft Fair – Killarney Community Centre
Nov. 15: River District Winter Craft Fair – River District 11-4
Nov. 20: Italian Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 4-8
Nov. 22: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 22: Blim Market – Heritage Hall 12-6
Nov. 27: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4-9 pm
Nov. 28: Strathcona Winter Craft Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10-4
Nov. 28 & 29: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 – 4
Nov. 28: Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Comm. Centre – 10-3
Nov. 29: Bakers Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Nov. 29: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 29: Renegade Winter Art & Craft Market – 2980 Nanaimo Street 11-5
DECEMBER 2015
Dec. 3-6: Make It! Handmade Revolution – PNE Forum
Dec. 4-6: TOQUE Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair
Dec. 5: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington Community Centre 10-4
Dec. 6: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Dec. 6: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 12: Vancouver Farmer’s Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-4
Dec. 12: East Van Ham – 1739 Venables Street
Dec. 12-13: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 13: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 13: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 14: Crafty Daze–Hannukah – Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 19&20: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 19&20: 22nd Annual Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall
Dec. 22: Crafty Daze-Winter Solstice-Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 20: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 27: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
For those wishing to participate in a craft fair, we have heard that as of today’s writing there are still some tables available at Holiday Craft Fair at Killarney Community Centre on November 14th and Renfrew Park Community Center’s Craft Fair on November 28th. We don’t expect that these spaces will last long though. So if interested, be quick.
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Light The Candles – The Fictionals Are Celebrating 5 Years Of Making People Laugh
4 Nov
You are invited to come out and help The Fictionals celebrate 5 years of making people laugh. If you don’t know them, The Fictionals’ first show was Show Us Your Wits, an Improv and Burlesque mashup at the former Mermaid Cafe. Since then, the comedy troupe has performed in hundreds of shows, expanded to a cast of 12 players and perform regularly at Cafe Deux Soleils and the Rio Theatre in East Van. On Wednesday, November 18th they will putting on Improv Against Humanity which will be an interactive comedy show at the Rio Theatre. And really who couldn’t use more laughter in their life. It’s like exercise, but sitting down. It’s good for you. Add to that, there will be cake! You can purchase tickets in advance online for $10, or at the door for $12. The laughs get under way at 8:00 pm.
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Sunya At The Cultch November 10 – 14
3 Nov
The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, in partnership with Diwali Fest, bring you Sunya from November 10 – 14. Indo-Armenian dancer and choreographer, Roger Sinha, and Iranian-born gatherer of musical pearls, Kiya Tabassian, along with four dancers and three musicians break boundaries to create a truly unique artistic experience. World music meets dance in a journey both celebratory and spiritual. “Sunya is a fusion of cultures, genres, and artist impulses,” says Heather Redfern, Executive Director of The Cultch. “The musicians and dancers riff off each other, creating an intense and dynamic physical and musical dialogue. The staging is beautiful, featuring vivid colours and patterns created with lights, movement, and sound. Sunya is a feast for all of the senses. It takes you to a place of great spirit.”
What people are saying about Sunya:
“As stirring to the mind as the sounds of the setar are to the heart”
The Chronicle Herald
“Extremely poetic, inspired and inspiring, hypnotic…a sublime piece, an invitation to a subtle journey, sensual and spiritual. A touching beauty”
La Presse
An enchanting atmosphere. A particularly beautiful and fabulous show”
CBC Radio-Canada
Sunya opens at The Cultch November 10th at 8:00 pm and continues until November 14th with a post-show talkback on November 11th. Tickets are available online from $20.
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Dare To Be Square West Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall November 13
2 Nov
Would you like to learn how to square dance? Well now you can. Dare To Be Square West is a festival that brings 3 public dances that feature live music and on the spot instructions for the beginners. We hear that this event draws a “a young, diverse, and enthusiastic crowd from all over the west coast, including Portland, Seattle and Oakland California, which boast vibrant old time dance scenes” Dare to Be Square West is hosting a weekend of events with workshops that teach beginners the basics of old time dance and dance calling as well as strengthening the skills of experienced callers, dancers and musicians. We have set out below the 3 events lined up for this upcoming festival:
Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall Friday November 13
This evening will feature music by Yomada and Shout!WhiteDragon and include callers Paul Silveria, Craig Marcuk and Anne Louise Genest. Tickets for this event are $20 and available online from Brown Paper Tickets. The event kicks off at 8:00 pm. Again, beginners are welcome.
Southern Squares & French Canadian Dancing At The Ukrainian Hall November 14
This evening will feature the calling of Fred Park coming from North Carolina and music by No Mean Feat . There will also be a performance of French Canadian square dances by Suzanne Girardot with La Famille Leger. The event takes place at the Ukranian Hall, 805 E. Pender Street and kicks off at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Family Dance At The Ukranian Hall November 15
This event kicks off in the afternoon at 4:30 pm and will feature family-friendly dances called by Sherry Nevins with the Royal Coachmen and an opening set by Professor Banjo and a “crankie” performance by Dejah Leger (Seattle). This is an all ages event. Tickets are $5.00 per person and tickets are also available online at Brown Paper Tickets.
This event is organized by Paul Silveria who is a Vancouver based square dance caller. Originally from Portland Oregon, Paul learned to call from veteran dance caller Bill Martin surrounded by a thriving old-time music community. Paul has been growing Vancouver’s live-music square dance scene for the past 4 years and is excited to bring this festival to Canada for the first time. 
ILiveInEastVan.com 