The Italian Cultural Centre invites you to an evening of beer and pizza in their outdoor space adjacent to Beaconsfield Park. Outside of having some great beer and authentic Italian pizza, you will learn about BC grains, the bakers and brewers and at the same time meeting some of the bakers, brewers and growers. The event is about is as local as you can get. Pizza will be made from Fraser Valley grown wheat, beer is from Luppolo Brewing Company and Vancouver’s only organic brewery, Dogwood Brewing. Tickets for the event are $30 per adult and $5 per child. For tickets call 604.430.3337 or visit their website at Italian Cultural Centre.
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Outdoor Pizza & Beer ‘Good Grains’ Happens August 24, 2017
9 Aug
Killarney Shopping Centre – The Last Outpost?
7 Aug Depending on how you view the history of Canada, it was explored and settled or it was conquered and occupied. Either way the pattern of Westward expansion seemed to involve a commercial enterprise, usually the Hudson’s Bay, plonking down an anchor store somewhere. Then a fort was built around it and they started trading. I believe that the shopping centre of the post war expansion was the distant offspring of the old trading outposts. Basically, build a ring of retail around a parking lot and then let the people come.
There are not many of these old style wide open centres left. Oh, you can still find them in places like Campbell River and Quesnel, but for the most part on the Lower Mainland theyʼve been eaten up by the mall. Still there are a few holdouts left and one in particular that comes to mind is the Killarney Shopping Centre.
Located at East 49th and Elliott this commercial outpost is oddly frozen in time. Sure it has a bank and a Starbucks, but in the condo clearcut thatʼs slowly migrating from the West Side to East Van, it really doesnʼt look much different from when it was built in 1962. It is mostly single story and has a gas station. Remember those? They used to have them in downtown Vancouver.
The main draw though, for the Killarney Shopping Centre is the Killarney Market. It is one of those near extinct commercial entities that still exist sporadically in East Van; an independent grocery. The market was originally a Safeway, then an IGA and now it is a 24 year old independent run by two brothers, John and Tito Chiang. Walking the aisles it has that small town old store feel, though it has a diverse stock of ethnic 
foodstuffs you probably wouldnʼt find in Quesnel. Killarney Market also gained some publicity by being in the Michael Buble video for “Havenʼt Met You Yet “ Though mentioning this kind of makes me cringe. When it comes to guys in a suit jacket singing, my taste lies more toward Nick Cave than Mr. Bubbly.
One other curiosity of the Killarney Shopping Centre is its home to Wally’s Burgers. For those unaware of the significance, Wally Burgers was located on Kingsway for 46 years. It was a small greasy burger joint of the 1950ʼs movie variety. It was also a kind of right of passage, a stop over for those traveling West for a night in town. A place to put some padding down before the boozing. It was also a stopover for those traveling East heading home. A place to absorb the boozing or maybe lay down some padding for the impending hangover.
Wally’s closed on Kingsway in 2008 and then in 2010 some enterprising folk rebooted the whole thing and now have three locations. How does it compare? Well, unless youʼre either half-pissed or hungover itʼd be pretty hard to tell. Nostalgia aside, the thing I find most curious about Killarney Shopping Centre is how long can this uniquely dated shopping centre, this aging commercial outpost last? The most recent property assessment was for over 39 million up by 10 million over the previous year. At some point an income trust or dark lord developer is going to decide to cash it in.
By Contributing Writer Al Tee
Photo Credit: Killarney Market & Wally’s Burgers
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What’s On East Van: August 4, 2017
4 Aug
Lots happening in East Van this next week. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
SUP-A Series – Sassy One-Of-A Kind Theatre – August 1 – 12, 2017
An interesting new series being featured at Havana Theatre. Un-produced Projects brings together an eclectic mix of up-beat theatre, never before seen in Vancouver. Participants involved in this project wish to promote more local and independent theatre. So they will be a showcasing a different one-of-a-kind show each evening for 12 days from August 1 to 12, save for Sunday, August 6th which show will be at 2:00 pm.
Game of Thrones – August 4 + 5, 2017
Fans of Game of Thrones may wish to check out the Rio Theatre this Friday or Saturday night, your pick. They will be showing The Hodor Rises at 8:00 pm both evenings.
Workshop Build Your Own Trunk – August 5, 2017
Spend the day working with an wood working educator that will walk you through the steps to make your own trunk. This is a hands on class for which no experience is required. You get to choose from 4 designs and cost is pretty darn reasonable. To register, visit Eventbrite.
Opening Artist Reception – August 9, 2017
The Cultch Gallery invites you to an opening reception featuring art from The Art Studios and paintings by Julia Russell. Event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and is open to everyone. If you miss opening reception, the exhibit runs till September 2nd.
Fundraiser for Red Cross BC Wildfire Relief Fund – August 10, 2017
12 Kings Pub at 395 Kingsway invites you to a fundraiser on Thursday, August 10th. The evening will raise funds for the Red Cross BC Wildfire Relief Fund with a portion of every beer sold going towards the Red Cross. There will also be silent auction with some great items on hand. Again, all proceeds raised will go to the Red Cross. The evening also includes prizes such as JRFM prize pack, 50/50 draw and the opportunity to win 2 tickets to the Whistler Village Beer Festival. Lots of breweries involved in this event. To see a full listing of participating breweries, visit What’s Brewing.
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1st Annual East Van Cider Fest August 16, 2017 At The Wise Hall
2 Aug
Liberty Merchant Company presents the 1st Annual East Van Cider Fest on Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. In case you hadn’t heard the news, some are touting cider as the new craft beer. However, some say craft beer has paved the way for new industries in the craft beverage market such as distilled spirits, mead and, thankfully for us, craft cider. However you slice it, we are pleased to see this new growing industry of small cideries. The 1st Annual East Van Cider Fest will be featuring cider, mead and spirits from all over BC. The evening will also feature tasty bites from local businesses, a silent auction and door prizes which directly support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Tickets for the event are $24.99 and you are asked to bring a non-perishable food event with you. Your ticket includes 10 tasting tokens, a welcome cocktail and a keepsake glass. To purchase your tickets, visit any Liberty Wine Merchants location. In East Vancouver, you can 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. If you wish to learn more about BC’s growing cider industry, we invite you to check out this informative write up by What’s Brewing.
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Artful Sundays at Britannia Community Centre
31 Jul
Artful Sundays return to the Britannia Community Centre this summer. This is an outdoor visual arts market that begins Sunday, August 13th, 2017. The event will run every consecutive Sunday until September 3rd. This event now in its 17th year and features local artists, workshops, artist demonstrations, live music and more. Some of the artists on hand include Sue Griese with ceramics, Hive Printing with screen printed clothing, Jen Conway with mixed media art, jewellery and accessories, Kirsten Brundin with her photography, Amy Lee with paintings and jewellery to name just a few. There will also be live music each week throughout the day varying from week to week, but we hear that Clara Shandler, The Sidewalk Cellist will be on hand as will Russell Shunsky and Bud Kurz. There will be workshops available each Sunday. The event will take place in the Napier Greenway at Napier Street & Commercial Drive from Noon – 5:00 p.m. To learn about what’s happening on which date, we invite you to check out their Facebook page for updates, or stop by on any given Sunday from Noon to 5:00 pm.
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What’s On East Van: July 28
28 Jul
Lots happening in East Van this next week. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
Playland Nights – July 28, 2017
Last chance to catch Playland Nights which is an evening set aside for adults having fun at Playland without the kids. Kicks off at 7:00 pm till midnight. If you prefer to go with the kids, Playland is now open during the week 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. After July 31st, it’s open 7 days a week 10:00 am to 7:00 pm until the Fair at the PNE begins August 19th.
80s Night at Federico’s Supper Club – July 28, 2017
If you love 80s music and are looking for a fun night that includes dinner, dancing and great tunes, you may wish to see if there’s still a spot left at 80s Night at Federico’s Supper Club on The Drive. Mark Olexson and The A-Deez are performing some hits from the icons from the 80s including Prince, George Michael, The Police, INXS, Simple Minds, Bon Jovi and more. To reserve your spot, contact Federico’s Supper Club.
The Big Sound – Vancouver 26 Piece Soul Orchestra – July 29, 2017
If you prefer the big band sound, you will want to check out The Big Sound at the Wise Hall on Saturday, July 29th. This is a bi-monthly event featuring a 26 musicians that will recreate a Motown sound. Tickets are $25 and available from Brown Paper Tickets.
Free Pancake Breakfast – July 30, 2017
There may not be a free lunch anymore, but there is a free pancake breakfast this Sunday, July 30th at The Cultch. You are invited to breakfast outdoors with the gang at The Cultch and enjoy some good food, make some new friends and maybe learn more about some of the great art coming at The Cultch for the 2017-2018 season. An RSVP is requested which can be done online at The Cultch. Breakfast runs form 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
The Geekenders Present A Harry Potter Burlesque Birthday Bash – July 31, 2017
If you are looking for a silly and sexy fun night out, this is your ticket. You can expect an evening with Harry Potter styled Burlesque hosted by the Geekenders. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Show gets under way at 8:00 pm at the Rio Theatre.
Image: June Hunter
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A Slice Of Life In East Van: Henry’s Shoes
26 Jul
The French Emperor Napolean Bonaparte – he of the short stature and tall hat -supposedly once said an army marches on itʼs stomach. But thinking about it, an army actually marches on quality comfortable shoes. We as upright mammals, crave the kind of shoes that absorb the day to day pounding on our feet traversing East Van. But what happens when your favorite shoes blow a heel? Or the sole comes apart? The stitching frays or the tongue detaches? Do you toss them? No! Theyʼre your favorite shoes! Do you try Gorilla Gluing them? Yes! But when the glue no longer holds do you toss them then? No! Never! Thereʼs got to be a way to fix them. But where? Whoʼll do quality work and not charge you so much you start fantasizing about Boxing Day sales?
I found the answer. Sort of.
A year or so back, I begin to patronize a short commercial strip on the west side of Main at 48th. Itʼs one of those groupings of two storey buildings that canʼt possibly last in the condo clearcut we call home. I love these spots but always wonder, how much longer? This particular spot features two grocers, one of which Persian Foods has an inventory to match itʼs name, and a hair salon and a dentist. But it was only after multiple grocery runs, that a side glance lead me to the other business in this little block.
From the outside, I thought this space was an abandoned storefront. With itʼs faded sign and what looked like cramped cluttered shelves, I assumed the space had once had a business but now was sitting idle and empty. Then one day, the door was open, and the sign, which Iʼd never paid attention to, caught my eye. It was two words on the sign that drew me in; Skate Sharpening.
My immediate thought; ʻ Bullshit. Nobodyʼs sharpening skates in there. “
So in I went. It was small tight like it appeared on the outside, and crammed with old school Geppetto-esque machinery. An elderly Asian man worked hunched over one of the machines. I yelled to him, but nothing. Eventually he looked up.
Me; “ You sharpen skates here? “
Him; “ No more. I do hockey pants, hockey gloves, goalie pads. “
He pointed to a rack of things to be picked-up and amongst piles of shoes, was a pristine pair of goalie pads. That was the ice breaker. Turns out I was talking to Henry Ng an 88 year old cobbler who escaped from Maoʼs China in 1949 because in his words; “ Canʼt make money there. “ He went to Hong Kong then came to Vancouver in 1951. He got into shoe repair. Works everyday 11 to 7pm. Takes one holiday a year to go on a boat cruise. ʻTold me heʼd been in that location since the mid 1960ʼs. He even owned the building but wasnʼt interested in cashing in and selling. I was hooked. I gave him my hockey gloves to re-palm. I just one tiny concern. Henryʼs is a cash up front only business. The sole record of our transaction was a tattered stub of paper with a piece of green masking tape on it. He did have a business card with a phone number, but it was so old it didnʼt even have an area code. Plus at his advanced age, you know, Iʼm going to sound insensitive but, you wouldnʼt want to show up one day looking to pick up your stuff, and find the doors locked no Henry. It would be a tragedy, of course. But also it would be a huge hassle. I just want my gloves back I donʼt want to wait for probate.
Fortunately, Henry came through. A pro job on the gloves. Then I mentioned him to a lady friend and she went in with a favorite pair of multiply repaired broken heeled boots. After Henry did a nice job on the boots, she started rummaging through her closet for every favorite shoe sheʼd thought she might want fixed.
But then one day, a week ago, I saw a ragged hand written sign on his door. He was closing July 23rd. What? No! I went inside.
Me: “ What happened? “
Henry: “ I sell the business. “
He emphasized that he hadnʼt sold the building heʼd just sold the business. But nonetheless, after decades of repairing and extending the life of peoples footwear and equipment, slapping them together with what ever parts he could find, Henryʼs own parts were finally wearing out.
Henry; “ Canʼt hear. Feet no good. Back no good. Retire. “
Henry did say though, it was still going to be a shoe repair shop. Somehow I suspect the clutter will disappear, and a new artisanal blacksmith will operate the premises. But then, is there such a thing as shoe repair gentrification?
By Contributing Writer Al Tee
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Upcoming Foodie Events In East Vancouver
24 Jul We love food and checking out foodie events in and around East Vancouver. Honestly, there are a swack of them to choose from this summer and into the fall months. Some from past experience we’ve learnt do sell out quickly. Thus, if there is something that’s up your alley, we recommend grabbing tickets sooner vs. later. Whether you like pie, cookbooks, BBQ, wine, cocktails or cheese, we think there’s something for everyone.
Sushi Workshop – Gourmet Warehouse – September 23, 2017
If you wish to learn how to make your own sushi, you may wish to check out the workshop being offered at Gourmet Warehouse on September 23rd. Seasoned pro Chef Cindy Low will teach you how to make sushi in this hands on class. She will cover it all, how to make sushi rice, mix wasabi, prepare a variety of fillings and will cover rolls, cones and a variety of other shapes. She will even give you tips on how to host your own do-it-yourself sushi party. Workshop runs from 11:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 23rd. Cost of the class if $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse. Added bonus 10% off your purchases in store the day of your class.
September – November 2017: Cheese & Wine Tasting – les amis du fromage
The fine folks at les amis du fromage have a great line of cheese & wine tasting classes starting September 12th with Wine & Cheese 101. More classes follow in September featuring cheese from Italy, France and Quebec. Price runs $65 – 70 per person per class and includes wine with your cheese tasting. Although the dates seem a little ways off, these classes do sell out. To purchase your ticket(s), visit les amis du fromage. Note, all classes take place at their East Vancouver location at 843 East Hastings Street.
August – September 2017: Summer Pie Workshops – The Pie Shoppe
We can personally speak to the pie making talents of the French sisters that created this shop. These two sisters have some serious pie making experience under their belts and we have to say make some pretty dam fine pie. They are teaching a number of workshops this summer if wish to master the art of pie making. If you prefer to start with pastry fundamentals, they have a workshop dedicated solely to that on September 13th. To register for their workshops, visit The Pie Shoppe.
October 5, 2017: Book Launch ‘Starters, Salads & Sexy Sides’ by Caren McSherry – Gourmet Warehouse
Caren McSherry, chef and owner of the Gourmet Warehouse, has written a cookbook ‘Starters, Salads and Sexy Sides’. They are hosting a book launch on Thursd
ay, October 5th which includes a cast of local culinary talent such as Scott Jaeger from The Pear Tree, Robert Clark from The Fish Counter, Trevor Bird from the Fable Kitchen to name a few. Tickets for the evening event are $50 and include a copy of Caren’s new cookbook. To reserve your spot, we recommend you call the store directly at 604. 253.3022.
Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse
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What’s On East Van: July 21, 2017
21 Jul
Lots happening in East Van this next week. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.
Italian Market – July 21, 2017
The Italian Cultural Centre is back hosting their monthly outdoor market which runs from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Lots of great local vendors, food trucks and if you feel like taking in some dancing, tango lessons will be happening from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Or you could join in, cost is $20.
Grease Sing-A-Long – July 22, 2017
If you missed a recent showing of Grease at The Rio Theatre complete with Sing-A-Long, you are in luck it’s back by popular demand Saturday, July 22nd at 7:30 pm. For advance tickets, visit Rio Theatre.
MacDonald Park Block Party – July 22, 2017
The residents of South Hill are hosting a big neighbourhood potluck lunch at MacDonald Park from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The afternoon includes kite making, face painting, bike decorating, ice cream for the kids and a book swap. So have a book to share, bring it down.
You Can Can! Preserve The Summer Bounty – July 26, 2017
The Uncommon Café is hosting a class on canning. They will demonstrate how to make Blueberry Jam, Pesto, Raspberry Vinegar and Dill Pickles. While they show you how it’s done, you get to sip on a glass of wine, all very civil and of course you get to home with samples of everything made during the class. To register, visit Tartine & Maple.
Wheat In The Barley – July 26, 2017
Trout Lake Community Centre is playing host to a line up of free concerts every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This week Wheat In The Barley takes the stage. In the event of rain, the event goes indoors.
Free Opera ‘Laughter & Love’ – July 26, 2017
The Italian Cultural Centre is hosting an evening of love and laughter. It will be brought to you by two young opera singers in a program of operatic duets. The performance features humour and scheming between lovers. A host will fill in the plot details. This a free show beginning at 7:00 pm. Food and drinks are available for sale if you wish from 6:30 pm.
Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre
Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday and plays host to adult only evening Friday, July 21st from 7:00 pm to midnight. Looking for live music Breaking Boundaries is at Café Deux Soleils Friday at 9:00 pm. If you are interested in checking out some East Van history, Powell Street Walking Tour happens this Saturday afternoon. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Image: June Hunter
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Off The Beaten Track – Casa Verde & Spartacus Books
19 JulA
ccording to Robert Stone – I recommend the Netflix doc “ Get Me Robert Stone “- the past is prologue. Now if you donʼt subscribe to that theory then you most likely werenʼt inspired by my suggestions to stop in at what was once Commercial Village. But if you do, you may want to check out another curiosity. Right in the middle of Commercial Street, at 3532, is a restaurant. Itʼs called Casa Verde and unless you were looking for it, you wouldnʼt even give it a side glance. With itʼs fading green awning and neutral storefront, the place looks like one of those “ social clubs “Tony Sopranoʼs pals would hang at. But actually itʼs a real restaurant. A Portuguese restaurant thatʼs been run by the same family for twenty years. Iʼm not going to review Casa Verdeʼs fare. Which is a good thing. I may not be the best food critic given that I did not like the much praised and acclaimed Savio Volpe on Kingsway and Fraser. I can tell you that the proprietors of Casa Verde recommend the salted Cod or their weekend chicken barbecue special. But thatʼs not whatʼs interesting. Whatʼs interesting is that behind Casa Verdeʼs almost invisible storefront, thereʼs also a banquet hall that holds up to one hundred. The hall feels like it should be accessible through a bookcase operated secret passage. Itʼs discreet and it might be the perfect venue to roll out your start-up launch, or throw that party when your new single drops.
On the other hand, maybe you donʼt have time for something as frivolous as checking out a restaurant you may never dine in. How could you have time when thereʼs injustice and inequality in the world? After all, you are a social justice warrior. Thatʼs why you live in East Van the birthplace of Vancouverʼs progressive thought. East Van was home to the first Lefties on city council Bruces Yorke and Erickson and the Godfather of Progressive Vancouver Trout Laker Harry Rankin. Itʼs also home to long serving former NDP MP Libby Davies and future long serving NDP MP Jenny Kwan. So itʼs ironic that in your rush to those committee meetings youʼve never stopped, right at where Commercial Street meets Commercial Drive, and checked out Spartacus Books at 3378 Findlay.
Spartacus Books is Vancouverʼs original Lefty book store. Itʼs been around since 1973 and for years was a beacon of socialist thought on the Downtown East Side. But eventually evil forces – think developers not CSIS- conspired to run Spartacus Books out of itʼs long time location and over to this innocuous spot under the Sky Train behind the Croatian Cultural Centre. Banished to this location, Spartacus Books soldiers on encouraging truth justice and the East Van way. Theyʼre friendly folk, mostly volunteers, and they wonʼt try and force feed you Das Kapital or insist you watch a North Korean video. If youʼre trying to establish an ideological position, validate your East Van political street cred, or just worry about the fires of capitalism being highly infectious, Spartacus Books can help.
By Contributing Writer: Al Tee
ILiveInEastVan.com 