Archive | September, 2019

Lakehouse Foods Calling It Quits … For Now

30 Sep

For those that don’t know, Lakehouse Foods has been creating amazing organic whole grain sourdough bread that has been available at a number of Neighbourhood Drop locations.  Four of those locations are in East Van at Plenty + Spare, Second Nature Home, Coco et Olive and Luppolo Brewing.  To us, nothing is as sweet as freshly baked bread.  Lakehouse Foods has been growing their business for the last 5 years, but have now decided to take a break and will cease production at the end of October.  We understand that they have hit some limitations with working out of a commissary kitchen and the next step for them would be a big one. They are hitting pause on their business so they can step back and figure out what is the right fit for them.  In the meantime, there amazing bread is still available until the end of October and you can also find them at the following Vancouver Farmer Markets:

October 6th – Kitsilano Farmers Market

October 12th – Trout Lake Farmers Market

October 19th – Riley Park Farmers Market 

What’s On East Van: September 27th Edition

27 Sep

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Vancouver International Film Festival – Rio Theatre-September 26 to October 11

The Vancouver International Film Festival is now under way until October 11th. The Rio Theatre has a great line of films showing for the festival.  To see the full line up, visit Rio Theatre.

Climate Strike Day Of Action – Everywhere – September 27

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, teenager and climate activist, Greta Thunberg, has shaken the tree on the issue of climate change. We all have a stake in this issue. What we do and don’t do matters.  So this Friday, expect more voices and actions in support of the Climate Strike.  Many local businesses will be closed such as MEC, Plenty + Spare, Bandidas Taqueria, Earnest Ice Cream and LUSH in support of the Climate Strike and transit will be busy. Recommend planning ahead.

Mrkt By Make It! – Croatian Cultural Centre – September 27 – 29

The local handmade movement comes to the Croatian Cultural Centre this weekend.  Mrkt by Make It! kicks off Friday at 5:00 pm and goes till 9:00 pm.  It continues Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  There will be over 100 Canadian artists and makers on hand with a wide variety of items including clothing, accessories, home décor, gourmet edibles, body care and yes, stuff for the guys.  And if that’s not enough, food trucks and a bar.  Advance admission is $2.50 or $5.00 at the door. Check online for $2 off admission.

June Hunter Fall Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street – September 28 & 29

East Van artist and nature photographer June Hunter is hosting her Fall Studio Sale this weekend. Her backyard studio is located at 2785 Parker Street in the Hastings Sunrise area.  She’s have many beautiful creations perfect for gift giving for the nature lover, or for yourself.  There will be jewellery, tiles, prints, cushion covers, tote bags and much more.  As always, refreshments and nibbles will be available and very easy and relaxed way to do some shopping.

Repair Café – Vancouver Hack Space – September 29

Do you have something that’s broken?  Maybe a household item that needs fixing? If so, you are invited to stop by Vancouver Hack Space at 1601 Venables Street this Sunday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and bringing your item that needs fixing. It can be a small appliance, textile, computer, bike or jewellery.

Vancouver Improv Fest – The Cultch – This Weekend

The Cultch is hosting the Vancouver Improv Fest which is on now until September 28th.   There’s a whole lot of talent hitting the stage for this event  Tickets range between $18 and $22.  To see the full line and to grab your tickets, visit The Cultch.

The Shipment – Firehall Arts Centre – This Weekend

SpeakEasy Theatre’s critically acclaimed production The Shipment is on now at the Firehall Arts Centre until October 5th.  Korean-American playwright Jean Lee brings to the stage a modern minstrel show about black identity meant to wake the world to the ridiculous narratives in dominant media.  For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More 

Do you love cartoons? Miss those Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Do you know Storm Crow Tavern offers cartoons Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm whilst you enjoy breakfast/brunch?

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.

Looking to shop and support local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10 am – 2 pm and Trout Lake Farmers Market from 9 am – 2 pm at John Hendry Park. Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back in Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am – 2 pm. To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver,  check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

Rackle Monthly Storytelling Continues At Café Deux Soleils October 30th

25 Sep

RackleLocal and award winning storyteller, Jo Dworschak who has brought us Story Story Lie, Oh Man and Weekly Stories brings Rackle to Café Deux Soleils. First up, the name Rackle. What does it mean?  We learnt it is Scottish slang for headstrong which is fitting we would say. We’d say Jo is no wall flower.  Jo is again assembling her favourite performers to share stories on a monthly basis at Café Deux Soleils. We are quite sure the stories will inspire and entertain you.  Rackle continues October 30th.  Cost is $10. Doors open at 8:00 pm and show begins at 8:30 pm.

New In Town: Jackson’s General – Catch All For Cool

24 Sep

JacksonGeneralMike Jackson is a long time small business owner in Vancouver with a loyal following. To learn more about his now 30 years in business, check out our previous feature on what he did to celebrate 30 years in business.  Today, we want to tell you about how Mike has reinvented himself one more time. I’d say this is his swan song, but with Mike you just never know. Mike’s been pretty busy, these last 6 months creating Jackson’s General  Store which officially opens any day now at 1490 Kingsway (at Dumfries) at Knight. It’s located right next to the White Spot you can’t miss it. Some of you may remember this space as Franks Y Parts & Service. We got a sneak peak of this totally reworked space and we have to stay it’s pretty darn cool.  It is a general store in the front with a focus on supporting small independent businesses.  The majority are Canadian and local and throughout the store you will find some of the coolest vintage items.  We were particularly fond of the working PayMaster Ribbon Writer. Many will recognize some local East Van businesses including Sriracha Revolver, ChopValue coasters and Plenty + Spare soaps and skincare. You will also find wallets, t-shirts, ball caps, sunglasses, mugs, totes and some very unique books. There is a cooler section not yet fully stocked, but we did find some Kaylin & Hobbs Pickles.  For kids of all ages, there is a great retro candy counter, think Popeye Candy Cigarettes, gum in the Gold Rush bags and candy necklaces. If you are looking for fun unique gifts, there is lots on offer at Jackson’s General Store with a distinct East Van flavour.   Show some East Van love and stop in and say hello once they officially open. We’ll give you a heads up as soon as that happens.  In the meantime, you can also find Mike on Facebook and Instagram.

 

June Hunter Fall Studio Sale September 28 & 29, 2019

23 Sep

JuneHunterStudioSale2019East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a Fall Studio Sale Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th.  If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work.  Vancouver’s urban nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic East Van landmarks. If you wish to know more about the crows and other birdlife that inhabit the green space in our neck of the woods, you may wish to check out some of her blog posts. June also captures some truly amazing photos of the visitors that come to her idyllic backyard. During her Studio Sales, June transforms her working space to showcase all her creative works which include cushion covers, jewellery, small prints, large scale wall art, totes, wall decals and more. She has lots of beautiful new designs this Fall which will help you bring a touch of nature indoors.  Her rescue dog Geordie is usually on hand as ambassador to greet you. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Studio Sale runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

If you are not able to attend this weekend’s Studio Sale, we invite you check out her online shop which is open 24/7.  You can also find some of June’s pieces at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive and Bird on A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street.

 

What’s On East Van: September 20th Edition

20 Sep

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Kiwassa Community Food Market – Kiwassa Neighbourhood House – September 20

Kiwassa Neighbourhood Food Market is back this Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. If you are looking for fresh, low cost produce, stop by.  There will also be some local artisan on hand. We see Perching Clay Jewelllery is back and Cambridge Bees will be on hand.  There will also be a free climate change film along with a children’s concert. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

Taste Vancouver Food Tour – Commercial Drive – September 21

Did you know every Saturday that Taste Vancouver Food Tours hosts tours for those that wish to experience the food and some history of The Drive?  Tours run from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Cost is $79 per person.  For more information, visit Taste Vancouver Food Tours.

World Clean Up Day – Anywhere In East Van – September 21

This Saturday is World Clean Up Day. What can you do? Anything really.  Pick up garbage on your street or in your laneway at a nearby bus stop.  Clean a storm drain of garbage/debris near your home. Pick up those cigarette butts you see under a park bench, or other garbage left behind in your local park.  Use the City’s Van Connect app to report blocked storm drains or illegally dumped items.  15 Minutes. Can you take out 15 minutes of your day on World Clean Up Day. If you did? Send us a pic or tell us about it. We’d love to know.

Free Screening ‘Plant This Movie’ – VPL Kensington Branch- September 21

If you are interested in urban farming, the VPL Kensington Branch is show a free screening of “Plant This Movie”. It’s an exploration of urban agriculture across the globe and in large US cities. It looks at the connection of urban agriculture to community, politics and sustainability.  Movie begins at 10:30 am. It is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

21st Century Flea Market – Croatian Cultural Centre – September 22

If you love 50s kitsch, collectibles and memorabilia, you will want to stop by the Croatian Cultural Centre this Sunday to check out the 185 tables of items at the 21st Century Flea Market from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

10 Things I Blank About You – Havana Theatre – September 22

What happened when Harry met Sally? What is that something about Mary? And why are so many people okay with reading poor Bridget Jones’ diary?! We may be clueless now, but on September 22nd, you just might find out. This Sunday at Havana Theatre you are invited to check out the improvised romantic comedy presented by Instant Theatre 10 Things I Blank About You.  Show gets under way at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $12 and available through Showpass.

Fall Equinox Coffee House – Britannia Community Centre – September 22

Britannia Community Centre plays host to a Fall Equinox Coffee House this Sunday from 7:00 to 9:30 pm.  Come participate in Typewriter Tales, a community story writing project.  The evening is free to attend. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday Night Movie Series – Bells & Whistles – September 22

Bells & Whistles, 3296 Fraser Street, is hosting another Sunday night movie. This week they are showing The Blues Brothers on their big screen at 9 pm. They will also have some good deals on eats and drinks.

Tacofino & Strange Fellows Brewing – All Weekend

Have a craving for beer and tacos?  Tacofino will be hanging out at Strange Fellows Brewing this weekend, Friday and Saturday 5:00 to 9:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More 

Do you love cartoons? Miss those Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Do you know Storm Crow Tavern offers cartoons Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm whilst you enjoy breakfast/brunch?

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.

Looking to shop and support local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10 am – 2 pm and Trout Lake Farmers Market from 9 am – 2 pm at John Hendry Park. Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back in Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am – 2 pm. To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver,  check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

World Clean Up Day September 21, 2019

18 Sep

world_cleanup_day_2019_27836This Saturday, September 21st is World Clean Up Day and honestly, this planet could use a little help.  Did you know that last year’s World Clean Up Day brought out 17 million people spanning 158 countries? Many people have seen videos or photos of the volumes of plastics and micro plastics floating in our oceans. We are all connected by these waters and as a City that is surrounded by water, the little things we do or don’t do every day have an impact on our environment. We are regularly surprised, amazed and disappointed how much litter is tossed in our local waterways, streets, sidewalks and parks.  Living along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver, we regularly see the total lack of any thought for the urban wildlife that is home to this area.  This area regularly sees visits from hummingbirds, chickadees, sparrows, eagles, hawks, crows, ducks, seagulls, Canadian geese, mink, beavers and most recently a deer along with the odd sea otter sightings.

Seeing the wildlife on a daily basis, residents in this area of Vancouver are passionate about regularly picking up broken glass, garbage, plastics, bottles, cans, fishing line, fishing hooks, straws and much more. There are of course garbage bins around, but for some reason, it’s too much effort for some to carry their own items a few feet to a bin.  Many of us were brought up with Don’t Be A Litterbug, but the more recent generations have had a much stronger focus in school on recycling and protecting the environment. There is a disconnect. We don’t know quite know how that happened as it’s there, we see it daily.  But what IF every resident took 15 – 20 minutes in their own neighbourhood and did bit of a clean up. The City would look a look better. Wildlife would thank you. We would thank you.

You can do something to help make the world a better place on World Clean Up Day, or every day.  Start a new habit, make a commitment to do something different. Donate clothing to a charity or thrift shop. Repurpose something. Fix something instead of throwing it away.  It can be small, small steps is where we all start.  If you are up for tackling something bigger like a neighbourhood clean up, the City of Vancouver has you covered.  To learn more about organizing a clean up or participating in one that’s already organized, visit Clean Up Party.

If you decide to tackle some clean up in your East Van neighbourhood, send us a photo, comment or email, we’d love to hear what you did.

For The Love Of Cheese At Gourmet Warehouse

17 Sep

If you love cheese and have thought about making your own, Gourmet Warehouse has a weekend of cheese making coming October 5th and 6th. Personally, we LOVE cheese, but we have to say we haven’t ventured into cheesemaking. What we are seeing is quite a number of cheese making workshops being offered and they are popular and workshops do sell out quickly.  Now the cheese we are referring to is the real deal ie. with cow’s milk, not a nut cheese which we’ve tried and they are fabulous in their own right but to be clear these workshops use cow’s and/or goat’s milk.  If you are interested in trying your hand at cheesemaking, this coming October, Gourmet Warehouse has a number of workshops to choose from. We’ve set out a few of them below.  Note, if you are looking for a vegan option, check out their class happening October 23rd. Again, these classes tend to sell out fairly quickly. So if interested, we recommend getting registered early.

Cheesemaking 101: Mozzarella, Burrata & Bocconcini  – Saturday, October 5, 2019

You are invited to come learn how to make your own mozzarella, burrata and bocconcini using store bought milk. Paula Maddison will be teaching this 2 hour class demonstration. You will get to touch, taste and feel the cheese. You will also get to go home with instructions along with a kit to make 4 lbs of cheese at home that includes  online support. This class runs from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Cost is $75.

Cheesemaking 101: Brie & Blooms – Saturday, October 5, 2019

You are invited to come learn how to make a wheel of brie. Paula Maddison will also be teaching this 2 hour class demonstration. You again get to touch, taste and feel the cheese. Paula will take you through the process of ripening traditional brie and again instructions to take home and how to do it yourself. Class happens between 4:00 and 6:00 pm.  Cost is $75.

Cheesemaking 101: Greek Style Feta – Sunday, October 6, 2019

Paula Maddison is teaching another demonstration class in which she will teach you how to make your own greek style feta cheese.  Again it’s a 2 hour demonstration class with instructions to take with you.  This one happens 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Cost is $75.

To see register or see the full run down of classes, visit Gourmet Warehouse.  

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse

Vancouver Improv Fest Happens At The Cultch September 24 – 28, 2019

16 Sep

VanImprovFest2019If you love improv, you will want to check out the great line up coming to The Cultch this month.  The Cultch is hosting the Vancouver Improv between September 24 to 28, 2019.  There’s a whole lot of talent hitting the stage.  From the local talent pool, you can expect to see The Sunday Service, Nasty Women, Little Mountain Improv and Shakespeare After Dark.  From further afield, comes talent from Portland, Los Angeles, Toronto and as far away as Israel.  Reminder to those attending, the shows are all ages, but some are rated 14A due to the mature themes and strong language.   Shows take place in the Historic Theatre as well as the Vancity Culture Lab in The Cultch.  Tickets range between $18 and $22.  To see the full line and to grab your tickets, visit The Cultch.

What’s On East Van: September 13th Edition

13 Sep

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Vancouver Fringe Festival – Various Venues – Now On Until September 15th

The Vancouver Fringe Festival wraps up this weekend. Lots of great shows happening around East Van including at Havana Theatre, The Cultch, Wise Hall, What Lab and The Firehall Arts Centre.  For a full line up, visit Vancouver Fringe Festival.

First Pick Handmade YVR – Heritage Hall – September 14 + 15

This weekend you are invited to come out and support Canadian designers at First Pick Handmade happening at the Heritage Hall at Main St. and 15th Ave. Many of the designers have a focus on sustainability which is emerging in fashion and has strong roots here locally.  Check out the talent for men’s and women’s fashion. Event happens Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $3 (cash only).

Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival – Slocan Park – September 14

The 17th Annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival happens this Saturday, rain or shine. The event kicks off with a Harvest Fair between 4:00 and 7:00 pm.  After this time, there will be procession through the ravine to Renfrew Park which includes beautiful lanterns on display along the route leading to a spectacular display at Renfrew Park along with music, fireworks and much more.  This is a free family friendly event.

James Johnstone Ghost History Tour – The Heatley – September 15

James Johnstone and ghost-whisperer Kati Ackermann of Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigators take you on a history walking tour along with an introduction to ghosts along the way.  The walk will be through Strathcona with a meeting spot at The Heatley, 696 E. Hastings St. Cost is $30 per person and there is a limit of 30 people on the tour.  To reserve your spot email James at historywalks@gmail.com. To learn more, visit his website at James Johnstone.

Art To Wear Fashion Show and Sale – River District Neighbourhood Centre – Sept. 15

Local designer, Marianne Greaves, is hosting a Fashion Show and Sale at the River District Neighbourhood Centre, 8683 Kerr Street from Noon to 4:00 pm. Marianne’s designs will be featured along with those of Cecile Benac, Firma Energywear and Love’s Pure Light. Tickets are $15 each in advance or $20 at the door.  You can purchase tickets at Art To Wear online or call 604.786.1780.

Sunday Night Movie – Bells & Whistles – September 15

Bells & Whistles, 3296 Fraser Street, is hosting the next movie in their Sunday night movies series showing Waterboy at 9:00 pm. During this time, drink specials, appies and a variety of hot dogs will be available.

Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More 

Do you love cartoons? Miss those Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Do you know Storm Crow Tavern offers cartoons Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm whilst you enjoy breakfast/brunch?

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.

Looking to shop and support local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10 am – 2 pm and Trout Lake Farmers Market from 9 am – 2 pm at John Hendry Park. Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is back in Dude Chilling Park from 10:00 am – 2 pm. To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver,  check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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