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Vista D’oro Pop Shoppe at 843 East Hastings Until Nov. 24th

18 Nov

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So after taking in some amazing art during the Eastside Culture Crawl on Sunday, I did manage to swing by the Vista D’oro Pop Up Shoppe. Vista D’oro Farms & Winery is located in Langley and having visited their farm, it is such a treat to have them here in East Vancouver. If you didn’t manage to get in a taste of this great little shop this weekend, best do so quick. The Preservatory Pop Up Shoppe is only up until November 24th at 843 East Hastings Street next to les amis du fromage. 

If you have any food lovers on your Christmas list, there preserves make for great gifts whether a housewarming gift, or part of gift basket for that foodie you know. There are many great flavours to choose from including Peach & Lemon Verbena with Champagne, Mango, Passionfruit & Kirsch, Pineapple Candied Ginger & Sake, Spiced Cranberry & Ice Wine, Raspberry Merlot with Peppercorns, Fig and Walnut Wine to name but a few.  The one that sold me was the Plum with Vanilla and Star Anise which for a 220g jar retails for $9.95. The flavour of the star anise just lingers on the taste buds and was amazing with a hint of licorice. There are tastings spoons for all flavours on hand, so you can try before you buy. You can also purchase ‘Trio packs’ of three perserves for $33 which includes recipes for each preserve. They come in five varieties to appeal to specific taste buds such as The Entertainer, The Bachelor, The Mixologist, The Sweet Tooth and The Eupicurean. There are also a few smaller 40 ml jars available in two of the flavours, but best be quick on those before they are gone. 

Also in store this week from a neighbouring farm in Langley are their friends from Lavender Eight Farms offering Lavender Sugar. The lavender sugar can be used in tea or what caught my attention was using it in baking. Lavender sugar in that Christmas shortbread or pound cake?  Sounds pretty delicious to me.  Small jars of Lavender Sugar are available for $6.95 or a bag is $18.95. Vista d’Oro Farms has also collaborated with Chocolate Arts to create exquisite chocolates using their wine or preserves from the farm.

les amis du fromage will have a few of their preserves on hand after November 24th, but if you want the selection and the opportunity to taste test all the great varieties, I suggest you stop by before November 24th. The Vista D’oro Pop Up Shoppe is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

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If You Love Licorice, You Have To Check Out The Commercial Drive Licorice Parlour

12 Nov
LicorceParlourSignI recently had a nice trip down memory lane with Mary Jean Dunsdon (also known as Watermelon).The name Watermelon comes from 20 years of selling watermelon at Wreck Beach over the summer months. This is one energetic, eccentric and passionate enterpreneur, also one that has her hands in a number of pots, but her mainstay is licorice. Mary Jean owns the Commercial Drive Licorice Parlour, 1002 Commercial Drive and let me tell you this woman knows licorice.  Mary Jean opened her licorice parlour in October of last year and fell into some dedicated licorice lovers. The previous tenant of her space, Dutch Girl Chocolates, had carried licorice to a loyal faithful fan base, although many people didn’t know it. A number of people were in withdrawals when Dutch Girl Chocolates closed its doors, so much so, Mary Jean put up a sign that said we are bringing the licorice back. As Mary Jean tells me some people really love their licorice. But then she didn’t really have to sell me.  What landed me in the Licorice Parlour was hearing that they carried salted licorice with many varieties from Europe. That’s all I needed to hear.  I have vivid childhood memories of Christmas in East Vancouver.  Each year, my grandfather would send a big brown parcel filled with delectable treats from Germany. My favourites were the licorice many of them salted, not an easy find in Vancouver. That hunt for salted licorice took to me see to Mary Jean on a rainy weekend over a cup of tea, licorice, of course.
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If there is a type of licorice you like, the Licorice Parlour is likely to have it and I’m sure they will have flavours you will love that you haven’t even discovered yet.  If you require gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, they have that too.  If you want to know about the medicinal properties of licorice they can tell you that as well. They now have 65 types of licorice in store.  They sell for $2.50 for 100 grams. With Christmas coming up, why not bring a fun and original house warming gift. The ladies at the Licorice Parlour can put together a take out box of many varieties of licorice from about $8 for a small to $15 for a large which they guarantee will be a hit. Did you know licorice elevates your mood?  It certainly did mine after my taste testing. 
Now licorice is not all they have in store. At the Licorice Parlour, you will also find ice cream with cocoa, lavendar and licorice. Delicious I might add and dairy free.  Quinoa waffles which are gluten free and dairy free and made with Mary Jean’s homemade almond milk. You can purchase her waffles in store fresh for $3.00 or frozen to go for $2.50 each. She is aware of everything that goes into what she makes, she is a health nut in a sweets store and she’s in the best shape of her life.  Although I think the hula hoops have helped a little with that.  When you walk in the store, you will certainly find a very retro feel to the store with the black & white checkered floors, record player in the corner and the hula hoops hanging in the store. If you want to tighten your core muscles, Mary Jean is firm, hula hoops are the way to go. You are welcome to come down and take one for a test run any time. The hula hoops are available for purchase and the prices range from $25 – $116. 
 
This is definitely a spot worth checking out if you haven’t already. Once you have, I’m sure you will be back. I know I will be. Licorice Parlour is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Maria Coletsis  
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SE Vancouver in October: Pie Making Contest, Pumpkin Patch, Free Movies & More

18 Oct

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Lots going on at the River District in SE Vancouver this October.  There are so many events, we have set them out by date order.  

Friday, October 18th

Free showing of Tim Burton’s animated movie the Corpse Bride at 4:00 pm. As always, popcorn will be served.

Saturday, October 19th

River District Farmers Market is on from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Only two more markets left in the season. This Saturday’s market, they will be handing out 25 umbrellas to the first visitors to the Information Tent. Yoga classes routinely run on Saturdays at 11:00 am and 12:15 pm.

Sunday, October 20th

The Pumpkin Patch is back this Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm.  Come play in the pumpkin patch, pose for photos and pick out your perfect Halloween pumpkin. Urban Digs Farms will be selling pumpkins for $5 each (cash only). There will also be lots of fun activities and crafts for the kids happening inside the Centre.

River District Knitting Club meets on Sunday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.   All ages are welcome. No experience is required. You are asked to bring your own materials and equipment. If you miss this week’s MeetUp, the Club will be meeting bi-weekly on Sundays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. You can RSVP for this event at MeetUp.com or by calling T: 604.431.5594.

Saturday, October 26th

The last River District Farmers Market of the season takes place on October 26th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Come out and stock up on some local goodies.

Did you perfect your pie making skills over the Thanksgiving long weekend?  If so, you may wish to enter the Pie Making Contest being held on October 26th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. which will take place after the last Farmers Market for the season. Prizes include:  1st Prize: Metropolis Gift Card $150, 2nd Prize: $50 Gift Card to Romer’s Burger Bar and 3rd Prize: $25 Gift Card Starbucks.  Apply in person at River District or online by October 24th.

Sunday, October 27th

Halloween Party: Princesses, Pirates & Creatures Party will be taking place. Come dressed in your favourite princess, pirate or magical creative costume. There will be a costume contest crafts and other fun activities for the kids.  The event runs from 1:00 – 3:00 pm   And at 3:00 pm, there will be a free Munchkin Matinee showing of Escape From Planet Earth with popcorn, of course.

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Saturday Night Concerts: Tipper Supper Series Begins October 19th

16 Oct

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The Tipper Restaurant and Review Room begins their 2013/2014 Saturday Night Concert Series this Saturday, October 19th.  On deck this Saturday are Pearl, that being Kathy Francis and Andrea Smith. These two soulful performers have been a big part of west coast music camps over the years and pop-up at coffee house and festivals whenever asked. From swing to folk to old time, this duo will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone with their lush harmonies and varied instrumental support including guitar, mandolin, clarinet, ukes and percussion.  Add in a few original songs and pearls—what’s not to like? These ladies will also be launching their new CD ‘Happy to Roam’ this Saturday which will be available for sale for $15, for those that are interested.  Music begins at 8:00 p.m., but doors open at 7:15 p.m. Reservations are not available, thus it is recommended to come early to grab your seat, or better yet come early for dinner. Cost for the show is $10, or what you can pay. The Tipper Restaurant and Review Room is located at 2066 Kingsway at Victoria Drive.

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Fall Harvest Community Dance at Trout Lake Community Centre October 18th

16 Oct

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Bring the family for a fun filled evening of square dancing, music and dinner at Trout Lake Community Centre this Friday.  Admission is $6 per person (children under 2 years of age are free). For dinner, you will receive a hearty soup/stew, fresh bread, beverage and a beautiful pottery bowl made and donated by the Trout Lake Pottery Club to eat from. Yes, you get to take it home. Enjoy making arts and crafts at the supervised teen station. You are asked to pre-register for this event at Trout Lake Community Centre, 3360 Victoria Drive, T: 604.257.6955. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and goes to 8:00 p.m.

Photo Credit: Bev Lloyd-Roberts

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4th Annual BC Beer Awards & Beer Festival October 19th Croatian Cultural Centre

15 Oct

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Eagerly anticipated by many, the 4th Annual British Columbia Beer Awards takes place this Saturday, October 19th at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. This event will showcase the very best of locally made beer. Open to the public, this one day event will include not only the awards ceremony but will play host to BC’s best breweries showcasing what they do best, making great beer!

The event kicks off at 1:00 p.m. and runs till 6:00 p.m. Tickets for this event are available for $35. This includes 4 drink tokens and a 4 oz taster glass (yours to keep).  You can purchase additional drink tokens for $1.25 each.  Note: VIP Packages for groups of 6 were being offered at $400 a pop as was a Hops Connect Class, but these two options are already sold out.  Do we love our beer or what?!

The Beer Awards & Beer Festival will have two local charities on hand. One, The Greater Vancouver Food Bank which will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations at the door. Also on hand, will be the BC Hospitality Foundation who provide assistance to those working in the hospitality industry that are struck by illness.

Food for the event will be provided by Re-Up, Swiss Bakery, Biercraft and The Croatian Cultural Centre.  To purchase, your ticket(s), visit Eventbrite. 

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Celebrate The 5th Annual Sustenance Festival

10 Oct

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This October celebrate the 5th Annual Sustenance Festival. Sustenance is a celebration which reflects local and global intersections of art, culture, food, and sustainability. The festival is based at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, but Sustenance is a city-wide festival with satellite activities in various parts of Vancouver.  For a listing of some of the events happening in East Vancouver see the events listed below. For a full run down of events, visit Sustenance Festival.

Saturday October 12th 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

New People / First Peoples: Food Sharings Harmonizing Dance,
 Art, Music, and Ritual
Host: Grandview Woodlands Food Connection
Location: Britannia Community Centre
(Upstairs Canuck Family Education Centre)
1655 William Street Off Grandview Park
For Information:  604-718-5895
Suggested Donation: $10 – $15

Saturday, October 12th 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

South Vancouver Community Harvest Potluck
Host: South Vancouver Neighborhood House
Location: Nancy Styles Hall, 5988 Nanaimo Street

You are requested to bring a dish to share and join the South Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Network for a community meal. Sample nibbles from their Tasting Kitchen, enjoy live music and activities and purchase affordable veggies and fruit at their mobile market. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information contact: Zinnia Clark at E: southvancouverliteracy@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 17th 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Krazy Kale
Host: Hastings Sunrise Community Food Network
Location: Clinton Park Slocan and Grant Street by the field house.

You are invited to visit the Kale Plot at this community garden where you will received information and kale, seeds and how to grow your own. Village Vancouver will be on site with their seed library – bring some seeds to swap if you’d like.  This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.  For more information  contact Eva Aboud at T: 604 761 9828 at Frog Hollow. 

Thursday, October 17th 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Garden Tours
Host: Hastings Sunrise Community Food Network
Location: Hastings Community Learning Garden, East Hastings & Lillooet

You are invited to a one hour free garden tour to learn about permaculture, how to garden and about their upcoming workshops. Village Vancouver will be on site with their seed library. You are welcome to bring seeds to swap. For more information contact Grant Watson at E: grant@gourmetgardens.ca.

Saturday October 19th 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Beginner’s Seed Saving
Host: Village Vancouver
Location: Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver

This free workshop will focus on the basics of seed saving as well as annual and biennial food plants. They will help you  identify self-pollinators and cross-pollinators and talk about the best seeds to start saving. They will also discuss the easiest seeds to save in small gardens and why, and how to harvest, dry and store seeds. They will also show you how to clean seeds. The event will cover the basics outlined in the booklet, The 5 Levels of Seed Saving. Workshops limited to 20 participants. To register for this class, visit Village Vancouver.

Saturday, October 19th  – 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Advanced Seed Saving
Host: Village Vancouver
Location: Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver

This free workshop is for those that understand the basics of seed saving. They will discuss topics that relate to saving more challenging food plants, such as cross pollinators (squash) and biennials especially as they relate to seed saving challenges in city gardens. Bring your questions. This workshop is also limited to 20 participants. To register for this class, visit Village Vancouver.

Monday, October 21st 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Canning and Preserving with Caitlin Dorward
Host:  Village Vancouver
Location: Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer St., Vancouver
Fee: $30

In this workshop you will learn how to can and preserve some of your fall bounty. This workshop will focus on jam and pickles and participants will be able to take some home at the end. To register call, T: 604-713-1838 or register in person at the Strathcona Community Centre. Advance registration is requested.

 

Fall/Winter Schedule for East Vancouver Farmers Markets

5 Oct

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There is something about the Farmers Market in the fall when many grocery stores seem to have less local produce available. In the the fall and winter, going to the Farmers Market is one of my favourite things. Something about bundling up in the fresh brisk air and wandering about. Of course, there is so much more than produce at these markets.  This coming week you can expect to find squash, cranberries, soup, breads, cheese, eggs and so much more.   As for which farmers markets are on when and for how long this fall and winter,  see the rundown below: 

Main Street:  This market has finished for this season. Last one was Wednesday, October 2nd.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market:  Has only 2 more weekends. You can still catch it Sunday, October 6th and October 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Guelph Street between 7th and 8th Avenue.

Trout Lake Farmers Market:  This market continues at John Hendry Park on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. until  October 19th.

River District Farmers Market:  Four more markets to go for this season.  You can catch this market on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the River District, 8683 Kerr St, in SE Vancouver until October 26th.

Nat Bailey Stadium Farmers Market: The Winter Market starts November 2nd at Nat Bailey Stadium for its third season.  Vancouver Farmers Market is planning a great vendor line up  as well as hot food choices and heated seating areas. You will be able to find vendor listings for each week over the winter on the Vancouver Farmers Market website.  This Winter Market will run until April 26th with one day off on Saturday,  December 28th.

Whichever market you choose to visit, come out and support these local vendors!

Photo Credit: Deborah Waller

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4th Annual Jazz Brunch Sunday October 6th At Trout Lake Community Centre

2 Oct

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The East Van GoGos invite you to their 4th Annual Jazz Brunch this Sunday October 6th.   What is a GoGo you might ask? Gogo is a Zulu word meaning “grandmother”. The Greater Van Gogos which includes chapters in various parts of the Lower Mainland are grandmothers and ‘grandothers’ working in groups to support African grandmothers raising a generation of children orphaned by AIDS.  This network of grandmother groups in south western BC are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign and the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

In March 2006, Stephen Lewis, a Canadian humanitarian and former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, issued a call to Canadian grandmothers to bond with their African counterparts. In his travels, Lewis noticed the phenomenal grandmothers who had buried their adult children and stepped in to raise the orphans left behind. They needed money for school fees and uniforms, food and other necessities. In the Vancouver area, three women answered the call. They invited a few others and launched Greater Van Gogos in the summer of 2006 with four groups. Although grandmothers in Africa’s many countries are addressed in different ways – ja ja in Uganda, sho sho in Kenya or nyana in Zambia – the word gogo felt right.  Many years later, there are 20 groups registered with approximately 600 members from Vancouver and the surrounding areas.  Together they have raised more than $1 million for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.   The funds are distributed to community level projects supporting grandmothers and the children in their care in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. 

This Sunday’s brunch is a fundraiser for the East Van GoGos at which will be performed vintage jazz, ol’ country and blues with the six-piece band, Black Gardenia, featuring Daphne Roubini. Snacks and beverages included. Suggested donation is $25. Limited seats for this event. To order your ticket contact Sharon, 604-254-4071 or eastvangogos@gmail.com.  The brunch takes place from 12:30 – 2:30 pm in the Grandview Room at the Trout Lake Community Centre, 3360 Victoria Drive.   Come out and support these great GoGos!

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River District This Weekend: Farmers Market, BC Rivers Day & March Of The Penguins

28 Sep

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It is another busy weekend at the River District with lots of great activities. First, today kicks off with the River District Farmers Market which is located at the foot of Kerr Street just one block South of SE Marine Drive.  Lots of great local produce, cheese, crafters, garden plants, bread and more.  The market runs every  Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. until October 26th.

Sunday, September 29th,  is BC Rivers Day which the River District is celebrating with a sustainability-themed event that will run from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.   There will be a kids clothing sale from 10:00 a.m. – Noon. They will have on hand gently-worn clothing for infants and children under 5. All items will be priced $1, $2 or $5 and will be cash only.  All proceeds from the clothing sale will support Fraserlands Family Place for the purchase of new toys, books and educational items.

Victory Gardens will be on hand with planter demos and activities for the kids including newspaper pots and decorating seed packs.  If you have gardening questions, you are encouraged to bring them. This is a knowledgeable team that specializes in transforming all types of urban space for food production.

Free Geek Vancouver will be on site to collect your e-waste for responsible disposal.    View their website for what items are acceptable to bring.

Lastly, at 3:00 p.m. River District will have a FREE screening of March of the Penguins. This is a documentary about the annual journey of the Emperor Penguins of Antarctica. The film follows the penguins as they return to their ancestral breeding grounds every autumn, strive for a successful courtship and if their chick hatches, then both parents have to make multiple trips between the ocean and the breeding grounds to ensure the survival of their chick.  This film won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

If you get hungry before, during or after any of these activities, Romer’s Burger Bar is located directly next to the River District. They have a long list of good eats, but I do recommend the Drunken Doughnuts, the Hali Burger and onion rings. All delicious! 

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