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Havana Restaurant Partners With The Cultch

15 Jan

Havana2Havana Restaurant is an amazing delicious spot located at 1212 Commercial Drive. There is a bit of Old Havana in Cuba at this eclectic spot.  Havana is also a great supporter of local arts whether it’s their own theatre in the back or the area next to the theatre showcasing local art. Whether you come for lunch, brunch or dinner, the place is always hopping and we might add has amazing food and drinks. Added bonus is the outdoor patio which is packed a good portion of the year.  Now there is one more reason to stop at Havana for a bite. They have just announced a great partnership with The Cultch.  Havana is offering 15% off your food purchases on any evening you attend a performance at The Cultch. If you didn’t already know, Havana is located just a short walk from The Cultch. So really it’s a perfect spot to stop before or after the show.   As we regularly attend events at The Cultch, you can bet you will be finding us here before a show. Just remember, you will need to show your ticket.

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Photo Credit: Havana Restaurant

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Dine Out Vancouver 2016 Happens January 15 – 31

6 Jan

DOVF_Logo_StampDine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest restaurant festival gets under way January 15th with a record breaking 288 restaurants participating this year. This year, restaurants will be offering 3 prix-fixe menus, $20, $30 or $40. There are also a number of special events as part of Dine Out and the caliber of them improves every year.  This year, we see The Acorn Restaurant and Odd Society Spirits have partnered to offer A Distiller’s Dinner on January 24th for $99.  The gang at Off the Eaten Track is offering ‘How It’s Made: A Brewery, Distillery & Winery Tour’.  They will take you on a tour of  Odd Society Spirits, Vancouver Urban Winery and the Big Rock Urban Eatery. You will, of course, have the opportunity to sip on award-winning craft vodka, gin, three BC wines, and two local ales. This tour also includes a bite to eat at the Big Rock Urban Eatery all for $70. Tours run January 17, 21, 24, 28 and 31.  Lastly, our friends at Vancouver Brewery Tours have a Craft Beer & Food Pairing Tour on January 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 for $79 as well as a Craft Beer & Sweets Pairing Tour on January 21 and 28th for $75.   If you wish to participate in any of the events during Dine Out, we recommend purchasing tickets promptly, many sell out quickly some already have.  If you have a particular restaurant or event you really want to try, make your reservation.  Many fill up quickly and reservations start today. We’ve set out some of the East Van restaurants participating below.  For a full rundown of all the participating restaurants and events, visit Dine Out Vancouver.

Arriva Restaurant
Cafe Kathmandu
Campagnolo Restaurant
Campagnolo Roma
Cannibal Café, The – Commercial Drive
Carthage Café
Chicha Restaurant
Cuchillo
East is East Chai Lounge – Main Street
Falconetti’s Eastside Grill
Federico’s Supper Club
The Libra Room
Lombardo’s
Merchants Oyster Bar
Nonna’s Table
Poor Italian Ristorante
Romer’s Burger Bar
Torafuku
The Reef – Commercial Drive

VBTDineOutTour2016

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Gifting An East Van Experience This Holiday Season

17 Dec

GiftBoxXmasWe here at ILiveInEastVan.com are big fans of gifting experiences. There is so much to see and do close to home and sometimes we just get busy and don’t get organized to put it together. So why not gift someone a fun East Van experience this holiday season?   We have set out below a few of our favourites which include brewery and foodie tours, cooking classes, theatre as well as dinner and dancing.  We have included links which take you directly to each site to make that gift giving easier.

Vancouver Brewery Tour – East Van Brewery Tour

Vancouver Brewery Tours does great brewery tours in and around East Vancouver. A $75 gift certificate gets you onto one of their regularly scheduled brewery tours which run approximately 3 hours. Another option is purchasing tickets for their Beer and Food Pairing Tours which happen in January 2016 for Dine Out.

Off The Eaten Track – Culinary Tours

Off The Eaten Track offers a number of culinary tours including Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour which takes you through the Hastings Sunrise area for $65. There is also the Railtown Urban Eats Tour runs you $55 and starts in the historic ‘Japantown’ and takes you to a number of stops including Railtown Café and the Settlement Building.  Also on offer are the Main Street Hidden Gems Culinary Tour for $65. Then a personal favourite, the Vancouver Distillery Tour which stops at a number of local distilleries and provides tours, tastings and bites for $75.  Tours all begin at the Waterfront Station and times vary but approximately 2 ½ hours for each.

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

What about a gift certificate for an evening of dinner and dancing. Federico’s Supper Club offers amazing Italian food, wine and impeccable service. You will regularly find owner, Federico Fuoco, belting out tunes but they regularly bring in lots of local talent to mix things up.

Les Amis Du Fromage – Wine & Cheese Tasting

If you know someone that loves cheese, you may wish to consider purchasing a ticket(s) to one of Les Amis Du Fromage’s upcoming wine & cheese tasting classes. They have some delicious classes lined up for the New Year including  Viva Le France on January 27th and March 9th for $65 and a Wine & Cheese Tasting Class on February 23 for $60.

The Gourmet Warehouse – Cooking Classes

Have a foodie in your life that loves cooking? Or someone that wishes to kick up their cooking skills a notch to impress that special someone? The Gourmet Warehouse offers some delicious and fun cooking classes. In the New Year they are offering Flavours of Morocco on January 23rd for $65,  David Robertson of ‘The Dirty Apron’ will be on hand the evening of January 28th showing you how to make some delish dishes for $75, or if you are feeding a crowd for SuperBowl this year, there is Game Day – Feeding A Crowd for $65. Most classes are instructional vs. hands on, but certainly informative.  To purchase tickets, call the store at T: 604.253.3022.

The Cultch – Live Theatre

This is a favourite spot of ours. The Cultch has an amazing array of talent that graces their stages whether drama, comedy, musical, historical, they cover all the bases. In the New Year, they have an interesting show we have our eye on called Leftovers. It features Charlie Demers, one of the stars of CBC Radio’s the Debators and best-selling author. This is a political comedy which we hear will cut through decades of BS.   Tickets are available online from $10. Note the show itself takes place at the York Theatre between  January 26 – 30, 2016.

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The MakerStore Now Open In Strathcona

9 Oct

MakerStoreYou are invited to come check out the MakerStore opening in Strathcona on Saturday, October 10th. The MakerLabs in collaboration with Basic Design, Haeccity Studio Architecture and other contributors is launching their own retail space. If you are unfamiliar with the MakerLabs, it is a 26,000 square foot space located in East Vancouver that provides people with the tools, space and skills to make just about anything. MakerLabs now has over 200 members since its launch in April of 2014 and provides creative and economic opportunities for individuals and small businesses.  The MakerStore will feature local makers offering one of kind products and small run products designed and produced at the MakerLabs. Some of the items you will find include hand crafted furniture, housewares, natural body care products, jewellery, stationary from vendors such as Tubify, Goliath Coffee and Living Lotus to name a few. The opening event takes place this Saturday, October 10th from 5:00 to 10:00 pm at 780 East Cordova Street. There will be games, food, drink and the opportunity to meet many of the makers.   In true East Van style, there will be craft beer available from a local brewery which be sold by donation in support of Binners Project. Come out and support these local makers.  Now if you miss the opening, you can visit the MakerStore Noon – 9:00 pm daily.  You can also check items on their new online store with Antsquare.

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BC Beer Awards At The Croatian Cultural Centre Saturday October 24

16 Sep

GoldGlassofBeerThe 6th Annual BC Beer Awards & Festival is coming to the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, on Saturday, October 24th. The BC Beer Awards showcases a craft beer festival with over 50 breweries and an awards ceremony which is being hosted by CBC’s Stephen Quinn. Returning this year will be community booths and on site judging for the Brewers’ Challenge! 2015. We hear that 2015 has been dubbed the Year of the Sour Beer and they have challenged BC’s Brewers to create something that will dazzle your taste buds and possibly make you pucker.

A couple of new things to keep an eye out for this year include “Richard Buell Sutton LLP Rookie of the Year Award” for BC’s top new brewery.  Also a handful of BC’s cideries will join this year’s festivities for your tasting enjoyment. There will also be an official BC Beer Awards After Party at Doolin’s and The Belmont Bar. Of course, what’s a festival without food. You can expect to find Le Tigre Food Truck outside the Croatian Cultural Centre during the event and eats by Tap & Barrel and BierCraft on the inside. Speaking of food, organizers are asking everyone to bring a non-perishable item for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. They will be collecting donations at the door.

Early bird ticket sales are currently on sale for $30 until September 30th. Each ticket includes 4 drink tokens as well as a 4 oz taster glass for you to take home. Note, additional tokens are available for purchase for $1.25 each. Ticket prices go up on October 1st to $35.   Last year this event SOLD OUT before Early Bird Ticket sales ended, so we do recommend ‘hopping’ to it if you wish to attend.

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New In Town: BrewsNBikes – Free Cycling Brewery Tours

17 Aug

WireBikeMatthewTrowVancouver’s growing craft beer industry is certainly creating new businesses along side their beer. There are now options for behind the scene brewery tours like those offered by Vancouver Brewery Tours which does brewery tours on the weekends and has now added a Beer and Food Tour on Tuesday afternoons. Then there is Vine & Hops which also does brewery tours and on Thursdays, they do a “Hop & Sip And A Shuttle” service that travels between six East Van craft breweries on a set schedule.  Now there is a new tour in town and just in case you’ve been living in a bubble, Vancouver has a growing cycling population, so that’s where BrewsNBikes comes in. They are part of this cycling culture in Vancouver and they wish to take you on a tour of some of East Van’s local craft breweries on your bike. This is a passion project for those behind this idea. They love biking, biking, meeting new people and supporting local businesses. And yes, it really is free, but of course tips or rounds of beer are always appreciated. BrewsNBikes generally sticks to the East Vancouver area which includes heading up to Main Street where a number of local breweries are located as well. For more information or to set your cycling brewery tour, you can contact BrewNBikes by email at brewsnbike@gmail.com or you can you can follow them on Twitter @Brewsnbikestour or Instagram @brewsnbikes.  Cheers.

Photo Credit: Matthew Trow

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1st Annual Best of Craft At The Wise Hall August 19th

4 Aug

BestofCraftLiberty Merchant Company presents the 1st Annual Best of Craft Tasting Event on Wednesday, August 19th at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. The evening will feature it all including craft beers, cider, mead & spirits from all over BC along with tasty samplings from Commercial Drive food purveyors. This Liberty Merchant Company sponsored event is also a fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society which helps provide food for up to 25,000 people in need each week. All ticket sales and draw prizes directly support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Tickets are $24.99 each and you are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation the night of the event. Tickets are available at all Liberty Wine Merchant locations. In East Vancouver, visit them at 1622 Commercial Drive or call them at 604.633.1922. The event gets under way at 7:00 p.m. and goes till 9:00 pm. This is a perfect summer event. Hope to see you there!

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BC Day Beach Party At Dogwood Brewing August 3rd

29 Jul

BeachUmbrellaHave we mentioned we love the folks at Dogwood Brewing, 8284 Sherbrooke Street. OK admittedly, they are our neighbours just down the street in SE Vancouver and we are pleased to see that they are a fairly regular sighting at the River District Farmers Market on Saturdays. Many of the local craft breweries are doing some creative things to differentiate themselves. Dogwood Brewing is doing something very different for BC Day. They are throwing a Beach Party on Monday, August 3rd . First up, let’s be clear, there is no beach at Dogwood Brewing, but they are bringing the beach to Dogwood Brewing. They will be bringing in truck loads of sand in the parking lot with some table and chairs outside, a beach umbrella or two. Add to that, our favourite thing, they will be having a sand castle competition and yes there will be prizes. This a smaller brewery, so limited seating in and out, but an extra 22 seats outside for this one day event which kicks off at Noon and goes till 8:00 pm. For those looking for a bite to eat while there, one of Vancouver’s new food trucks will be hand C’est si Bon which we are hearing some good things about. So all you need to bring is your sun hat, your sunscreen and come hang out at the beach at Dogwood Brewing.

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Vancouver Foodster Brings Tasting Plates To Commercial Drive August 12

24 Jul

ILiveInEastVanMarch302013 356Richard Wolak of Vancouver Foodster is bringing  back his Tasting Plates to Commercial Drive.  What is Tasting Plates?  It is basically a culinary roving tour that takes place at different food and/or beverage establishments.  You register for the event at the designated spot in this case, Federico’s Supper Club, 1728 Commercial Drive.  You show up with your printed or digital tickets that you purchased online and in turn receive your Tasting Plates Cards and menus.   Thereafter, you wander whether by bike, foot, car or transit to the various venues and nibble away to your hearts content. Each location will have specific menu items on offer for the Tasting Plates.

Commercial Drive is a place we love to frequent. It has so much offer whether on the Drive itself or the neighbouring streets surrounding the Drive. If you are looking for a bite to eat, a coffee, a drink, live music, or just hanging out people watching, there are so many choices on the Drive. Richard will be featuring many of our favourites during his upcoming edition of Tasting Plates. On August 12th, you will start things off at Federico’s Supper Club.  Outside of enjoying something delectable from Chef Romy and always amazing service, you will have the pleasure of listening to the sounds of Lesismore. Next up on the list is Fratelli Bakery, 1795 Commercial Drive, which is literally a hop across the street.  Fratelli Bakery makes many Italian pastries including  breads, cookies, cupcakes, biscotti and cakes. This is our go to place for St. Honore cake.  Others can try to imitate, but in our opinion, Fratelli’s is the best hands down.   Next up is Prado Café at 1938 Commercial Drive which is all about perfecting great coffee. You won’t be disappointed. Another stop on this tour is Strange Fellows Brewing at 1345 Clark Drive which is one of East Van’s newer craft breweries and they do like to celebrate the strange.  While there, be sure to take a peak in the Charles Clark Gallery aptly named for its intersecting streets.  The gallery has been featuring some great local artists. There is lots to eat, taste and see on this Tasting Plates tour.   Early bird tickets are now on sale for $29 per person until July 28th.  After that date, you can purchase advance tickets for $40 per person after July 28th until August 10th after which tickets are $50.  So planning early is the way to go. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. This is sure to be a tasty tour. Bon Appetite!

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Vancouver Craft Beer Week Festival June 6 & 7 PNE Fair Grounds

29 May

VCBW2015The 6th Annual Vancouver Craft Beer Week kicks off  May 29th and runs till June 7th.  Many craft breweries and restaurants have special events lined up. Vancouver Craft Beer Week has a listing of some of those events, but if you haven’t been paying attention, many of them are already sold out. The good news though is that new events are being added, such as those offered by one of East Van’s newest craft breweries, Dogwood Brewing.  Now on the other hand, if you’d like to sample lots of different beer, you may wish to attend the Craft Beer Week Festival taking place at the PNE Fair Grounds on June 6th and 7th.   You will have an opportunity check out over 100 breweries which will have on hand some 400 beers to sample.

Along with showcasing an immense variety of craft beer, they will be hosting the Stihl Timbersports Western Canada Finals. The competitions will be happening on both days and you can expect DJs Hebegebe and K-Tel spinning summer tunes to open and close the festival. There are a couple of ticket options available. General Admission tickets get you entry into the festival, entertainment, a souvenir tasting glass for $34.99. Or you can purchase Gate Crasher tickets which gets you into the event one hour earlier at 1:00 pm for $39.99.  Once inside, beer tokens are only $1.25 each. The event runs from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.Please note that is an outdoor event that will go ahead rain or shine.  To purchase tickets, visit TicketLeader.ca. Cheers!

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