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The Perky Parsnip Offers Vegan & Gluten Free Cooking Classes

3 Feb

PPAppieWe love food and we enjoy cooking food and are always interested in the abundance of classes being offered in and around Vancouver. Recently we came across The Perky Parsnip which offers classes for those that are interested in vegan and gluten free cooking.  The classes are hosted by Alicia Meek and are held in the evenings at The Float On Bakeshop located at 4384 Fraser Street.  Alicia likes to bring a fun and interactive atmosphere to her cooking class which is suitable for the whole family.  She will teach you how to make dishes that are healthy, organic and high in nutrition.   All her classes are $59 per person with discounts for groups of 4 or more.  Some of her upcoming classes include:

Healthy Sushi At Home – February 28th & April 1st

Alicia will show you the secrets to making delicious sushi at home. This is a hands-on class and each person will be selecting and preparing ingredients for their roll and cone.

Healthy in a Hurry Entrees – February 28th, March 4th & April 1st

Alicia changes the menu for this class depending on what’s in season. She will teach you about carb-free wraps and noodles as well as soy-free meat alternatives and how to make delicious sauces.

Healthy in a Hurry Snacks – March 4th

Come to be inspired and learn how to make satisfying snacks for your family and entertaining. This is again a hands-on-class. You are asked to bring a to-go container.

Guilt-Free Chocolate From Scratch – March 5th

Learn to make chocolate dipped Strawberries, Peanut Butter Cups and more delicious treats with chocolate! Again, this is a hands-on class and a to-go container is recommended so you can take some of your sweet treats home.

Healthy in a Hurry Breakfast – April 2nd

Alicia will teach you how to take 20 minutes preparation time and have days of delicious and healthful breakfasts.

To register for the classes or to learn more about Alicia, visit The Perky Parsnip.

Photo Credit: The Perky Parsnip

East Van’s What It Is Returns To The Cottage Bistro For Some Soul

2 Feb

WhatItIs!PhotoEast Van’s Soul returns to the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, this Saturday, February 6th.  Come check out the sounds of What It Is!  This group consists of four amazing East Van ladies, being Mebrat “Mimi” Beyene, Cass King, Patti Powell and Carol Wiedemann.  Together they are a powerhouse of a cappella soul. If you don’t know them, their sound is steeped in the soulful sounds of such greats as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Etta James.  They are engaging performers and will be sure to have you singing and clapping along with them.  These ladies bring heart to their East Van Soul. If you get the chance, be sure to stop by the Cottage Bistro and give them a listen.  They take the stage at 8:00 pm. The event is $10 at the door or Pay What You Will.

Photo Credit: What It Is!

Family Day On The Drive February 8 With Free Skate, Lion Dance & More

27 Jan

FamilyDay2016The Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting ‘Family Day On The Drive’ on Monday, February 8th.  This is a free community event with a number of activities lined up for the afternoon at the Britannia Community Centre.  The events kick off with a Lion Dance Performance at 2:00 pm. From 2:00 to 4:00 pm, you will find face painting, balloon twister and a caricature artist on hand.  There will be a free skate planned at the Britannia Ice Rink from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For those that prefer something warmer, there will also be a free Public Swim from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Britannia Community Pool.  As an added bonus, many of the merchants on The Drive will be offering special deals for Family Day, so keep an eye out or visit The Drive’s website for more details.

Exhibit Opening At The Cultch Gallery January 27

26 Jan

Jeff-Wilson-Grandview Smoke ShopThis Wednesday, January 27th, The Cultch Gallery, 1895 Venables Street, invites you to the opening of a new exhibit.   The Cultch Gallery will be showcasing the works of Harold Coego and Jeff Wilson.  Harold Coego originates from Havana, Cuba but now resides in Vancouver and is a self taught artist.  Harold Coego uses various art forms to express himself including painting, drawing, writing and film making.  Jeff Wilson is also a self taught artist and a native of Scotland.  He worked in the mining industry for most of his life before becoming a painter.  Jeff Wilson first exhibited his work in 2011 and in 2013 he became a full-time artist.  He likes to create socially relevant paintings that are bright, bold and exciting. You are invited to attend the opening reception of this new exhibit which will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday,  January 29th.  The exhibit runs until February 20th and can be viewed from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturdays. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening reception.

HaroldCoego_Landscape

Artist Credit: Jeff Wilson Above
Artist Credit: Harold Coego Below

The Creaking Planks 11th Anniversary Party At The Wise Hall January 29

25 Jan

CreakingPlanks2This Friday, The Creaking Planks are hosting their 11th Anniversary Party at The Wise Hall. The Creaking Planks, if you don’t know them, are “East Van’s jug band of the damned (that will) take to the stage to do their unique combination of holy idiocy, colliding the canny with the foolish, the sacred with the profane, and Britney Spears with the accordion.” Really we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.  This Friday, they will have guests including the Myrtle Family Band and Vancouver’s own Sidewalk Cellist who will take classics from the concert hall and take them the streets.  She provides a musical mix of everything from Bach to Nirvana, jazz to heavy metal and more.  The events kicks off at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Collide and Conquer Comes To Café Deux Soleils January 27

21 Jan

CollideAndConquerCuriosity Collider wants to shift how you experience science.  On January 27th, they present Collide and Conquer which will be a Pecha Kucha-esque type show that brings together art, science, technology and the business community at Café Deux Soleils. They have 3 speakers lined up which include:

Astronomer Jaymie Matthews
on his collaboration with Chloe Z (shadow puppeteer)
“N-body Pornography! – When galaxies and puppets collide”

Artist Dzee Louise and Roboteer Daniel DeGagne
on their Newreal Pathways BrainBot CC-DD 1.50

Artist Colleen McLaughlin Barlow on her artist residencies at the
Canada France Hawaii Telescope & the Gemini Telescope “Making Art at 14,000 Feet

After which, they will be hosting an open mic portion so you can share your idea on stage for 90 seconds.  If you don’t have a creative idea to share, maybe you have a great experience to contribute.  You are invited to come out and chat with, collaborate with other art and science enthusiasts for what we expect to be an engaging evening.   Cost for the event is $5 at the door, doors open at 7:30 pm with the show getting under way at 8:00 pm.

The Uncommon Café Hosts Two New Cooking Classes

19 Jan

KitchenSkills#1UncommonThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting some fun new cooking classes to help you ‘sharpen’ your culinary skills.   Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the two upcoming classes.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café, located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  The Uncommon Café and Valentine have partnered to offer a series of cooking class once per month. The first one they have lined up is Wednesday, January 27th Kitchen Skills Series #1. Their first class is intended to help novice cooks get some basics in the kitchen. With the cold winter weather, their first class in this series will introduce you to making “Stocks, Soups and Stews”.  The cost of this class is $60, but get $10 off if you book early. You can register at Eventbrite.

On February 10th, you and your partner are invited to learn how to prepare a romantic dinner. This will be a demonstration cooking class.  You will be served the entire dinner prepared that evening by candle light which will be paired with wine. The cost of this class is $70. Again, to register visit Eventbrite. If you register in advance save $10 per person.   Bon Appetit!  UPDATE: February 10th class is SOLD OUT. A second class has been added February 13th and for those that book early, you can save 20% by using the code SAVE20. ValentineUncommonTartine

Valentine’s Day Themed Improv Against Humanity At The Rio Theatre February 10

18 Jan

ImproveOur favourite improv group has something special planned for Valentine’s Day. They will be serving up Bad Medicine at the Rio Theatre on February 10th. You are invited to a special Valentine’s Day themed Improv Against Humanity. There will be Cards Against Humanity, Cupid inspired comedy, Innuendo and the crowning of the next Horrible Person in Vancouver.  Oh yes, and there will be prizes.  The show gets under way at 8:00 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm.  Tickets are available in advance for $10 at Rio Theatre or $12 at the door.

Photo Credit: The Fictionals

3rd Annual South Hill Community Dance January 31

14 Jan

CommunityDanceYou are invited to the 3rd Annual South Hill Community Dance being held at Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre on January 31st.   This is a family affair for all ages presented by South Hill Neighbours.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  As expected, there will be dancing which will be led by several different dance teachers. You will travel around the globe learning dances from various cultures.  The aim is to get you up on the dance floor to move, laugh and, of course, dance. You don’t need a partner, just show up and join in. There will be food and light refreshments on hand. The Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre is located at Prince Albert and 60th Avenue in SE Vancouver. The event runs from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Come out and join the fun.

6th Annual Hot Chocolate Festival January 16 – February 14

12 Jan

HotCocoaThe 6th Annual Hot Chocolate Festival presented by CityFood Magazine is back again. The event runs from January 16 to February 14 in various locations around Vancouver. There are over 24 chocolateries and cafes participating in this year’s event. Each venue will make one or more special hot chocolates which will only be available during the festival. We expect some delicious concoctions to tantalize your taste buds.  In East Vancouver, lots of personal favourite spots are participating in this year’s festival including East Van Roasters, French Made Baking in Mount Pleasant. As well as Schokolade Artisan Chocolate in the Hastings Sunrise area. They are offering a hot chocolate that will have us running over. It’s called I Need You! and has 100% dark chocolate, double foam and caramel expresso and is garnished with dark chocolate meringue. Hello!  Last Crumb Cafe on Main Street also has us drooling with both of their selections. One titled His Lordship HC is a vanilla Early Grey hot chocolate served with a vanilla bean butter cookie plus their Bananarama which we hear tastes like a chocolate banana cream pie sounds pretty amazing. New to the festival this year is 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters + Lucky’s  Doughnuts, Earnest Ice Cream (Quebec Street location only) and Railtown Café whose offering is a Pandance With Me which is a lime leaf and chili infused coconut milk hot chocolate served with a housemade pandan whippet cookie. Wowzers! To see the full list of venues participating, check out City Food Magazine’s Calendar of Events.