We recently stopped in to check out a new spot Aleph Eatery located at 1889 Powell Street. Aleph Eatery features Middle Eastern cuisine in a bright modern space that is at the same cozy. All the food on the menu is designed for sharing and items come in the order listed on the menu. We were a group of 4 so tried a variety of items starting with a sampler called Silk Road which included eggplant, labneh, hummus, zaatar and honey. It was served with an amazing flatbread filled with herbs, onion and oil called chimichurri saj. Our group will likely return for just this dish alone, the labneh which is a yogurt cheese was a big hit. Next up was a flavourful Fattoush Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, croutons and a pomegranate vinaigrette. After that we tried the Halloumi Grilled Cheese Sandwich with fig jam and served with some of the best tomato soup any of us have ever had. This course was followed by Turmeric Cauliflower served with tahini and sliced almonds. This dish will have you wanting to eat your vegetables if you don’t already. Next up was the Ultra Crispy Potatoes served with tahini dressing, Aleppo and roasted red peppers. Last but not least, another big hit, the Coconut Chocolate Tart which was light, rich not overly sweet, but packed with flavor. Aleph Eatery offers a few unique cocktails and a wine menu comprising mostly of wines from Lebanon and Israel. The menu is vegetarian, but even if you aren’t vegetarian, you will walk away satisfied. We recommend stopping by and checking out this sweet spot. Aleph Eatery serves lunch, brunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday. Aleph Eatery does not take reservations unless you are a group of 8 or more. If you encounter a longer than expected wait, local distiller Odd Society Spirits is just the street for a pre-dinner cocktail as is the Trans Am Restaurant just a couple of doors down. To meet the creators behind this concept, check out this cool feature on Novus TV.
Aleph Eatery Where East Meets West
14 Mar
Giving The Gift Of Experience This Holiday Season – 2017
20 Dec
It’s that time of year when gift giving is front of mind for the holiday season. We love to receive thoughtful gifts over the holiday season, but with more people downsizing and living in condos, space becomes an issue. Thus, over the years we have been fans of giving the gift of experience. Not only is it fun, but you are also creating memories, not just for the few minutes you are opening your gift, but for the many hours while the recipient enjoys the gifted experience. In East Vancouver, there are some great options for gifting an experience. We have set out below a sampling of ideas that speak to us.
Founded in 2013, Vancouver Brewery Tours offers behind the scences excursions to craft breweries.. Vancouver Brewery Tours offers walking tours as well as ones in their comfortable vans that take you to various breweries for some VIP treatment. From first hand experience, we can attest that tour guides are knowledgeable about beer, the brewing process and the collaborative community behind the making of beer. They offer a variety of tours on different days of the weekend and/or weekends. To see what’s offered, visit Vancouver Brewery Tours.
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 including nights featuring ABBA music, 80s and R&B.
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 in 2018. They have some delicious classes lined up for the New Year.
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 the art of cheesemaking and these ones tend to sell out. Most classes are demonstration vs. hands on, but certainly informative.
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, first on our list is Hot Honey Brown, but there are many other great productions already lined up.
Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours
The ladies behind Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours provide some delicious walking tours in which you get to taste your way around the City. Every tour offers something a little different, but always tasty. It’s a fun way to spend some time with friends. To see what tours are offered, visit Off The Eaten Track Tours.
The gift of experience is a gift that keeps on giving, the memories will stay with them for many years to come. Add to that, it’s eco-friendly and supports local. Win win all around as we see it.
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Winter Farmer Markets Are Back At Nat Bailey Stadium & Hastings Park
31 Oct
Vancouver Farmers Market hosts two winter farmer markets this year. Both kick off this weekend. Nat Bailey Stadium kicks off this Saturday, November 4th and Hastings Park happens Sunday, November 5th. These markets happen rain or shine and continue into April. So if they can be out there in all the elements, so can we to support our local growers and makers.
Nat Bailey Stadium – November 4 to April 21 / 10 – 2
The biggest Winter Farmers Market is at Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street on Saturday November 4th and runs each Saturday until April 22nd, 2018 save for December 30th. The market runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Hastings Park – November 5 to April 29 / 10 – 2
If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out the now popular market at Hastings Park. This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until April 30, 2018 save for December 24th and December 31st. The market is located on the Centregrounds.
Photo Credit: Eric Urquhart
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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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Vancouver Greek SummerFest July 6 – 16, 2017
5 Jul
The Vancouver Greek Summerfest is back for its 31st consecutive year. The festival kicks off Thursday, July 6th and runs until Sunday, July 16th. This is a fun community event with great Greek food including BBQ Lamb, Loukoumade, souvalaki, gyros and more. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the dancing, there will be lots of it, belly dancing, folk dancing, Serbian dancing and of course those attending will be encouraged to dance. Organizers also have a great music line up including performances by bands Zougla, Urban Myth, Asi Somos, Dolphin Jazz and Golden Thread Orchestra, Jim Byrnes as well as Steve “Elvis” Elliot tribute artist. When there are not live performances, a DJ will be spinning tunes. The event takes place in the parking lot behind the Greek Orthodox Community Church of East Vancouver at 4641 Boundary Road which is located on the border of Vancouver and Burnaby. If you are coming from Vancouver, the intersection is 29th Avenue. If you are coming from Burnaby, it is Moscrop. The event is free to attend. Note, as there is food and lots of moving bodies, pets are not permitted and in the summer heat, they’ll be happier at home. During the week, Monday to Wednesday, activities take place from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and from Thursday to Sunday, things go from Noon to 11:00 pm. To learn more about the event, what’s available for food or which musician is playing on which date, check out Greek SummerFest. Opa! Live and eat like a Greek for a day.
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The Uncommon Café Hosts Delish Workshops This June
31 May
Our friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have another great line up of classes this Spring. Whether you wish to brush up on your baking skills, canning skills or need a little help with that summer party, they’ve got you covered. Classes are led by Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple. 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 and regularly hosts classes. We’ve set out below their next series of classes which we expect will be delicious and fun.
Cooking Class: Brioche Making – June 7th 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Valentine will teach you how to make Brioche. Once you have the basic dough mastered, she will teach you how to make a Basic Brioche Loaf, Braided Brioche, Brioche Cinnamon Rolls and Brioche BBQ Pork Buns. What I love best about their classes, you get to enjoy a class of wine while brushing up on your kitchen skills. You can book your spot online through Eventbrite.
Preserve The Summer Bounty – June 11th 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Valentine will demonstrate the basics of canning and will teach you how to make Strawberry Jam, Pickled Beets & Carrots, Preserved Lemons and Rhubarb Sauce. While the demonstration happens, you get to sip on a glass of wine and you get to go home with items made in class. Again, registration is through Eventbrite.
Plan A Summer Party – Wednesday, June 21st 6:00 pm– 9:00 pm
This class will get you ready to host your next summer party. Recipes chosen are easy and perfect for a crowd. Some of the items you will be learning to make include:
o Gazpacho: Spanish cold tomato soup served with all the trimming; timeless and refreshing
o Focaccia: Italian flatbread; top it with anything and add to the side of all your party tables
o Beef Kofta Kebabs: Lebanese inspired dish pack with flavor! Served with Pitta bread and Tzatziki.
o Season’s Fruits Pana Cotta:
Once the food has been prepared, you will get to sit back and enjoy what’s been prepared with a glass of wine. To register, visit Eventbrite.
It just happens that they are currently offering 20% off all classes. Not sure how long that will last, but if you wish to take advantage of it while it’s offered, use the code SAVE20 when registering.
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Chocolate Challenge Returns To The Gourmet Warehouse April 27, 2017
3 Apr
If you love chocolate, the Gourmet Warehouse is the place to be on Thursday, April 27th. They are once again hosting the very delish Chocolate Challenge. This event pits 8 chocolatiers against each other to create something decadent with chocolate. You have the opportunity to taste and vote who wins top prize for the best creation. In addition to chocolate, your ticket includes tastings from Earnest Ice Cream, The Preservatory, Stumptown Coffee, Tacomio, Tartine Tarts, Terra Breads, and Yorshire Tea. Best part of all 100% of ticket sales, silent and live auction proceeds will go to the Strathcona Backpack Program, Project Chef and the Vancouver Firefighters `Snacks for Kids` Program. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased directly from Gourmet Warehouse. Event gets under way at 6:30 pm. Come out and support this fun evening for 3 great local causes.
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Bodegas Lustau Sherry Tasting Experience At Cabrito Tapas February 28th
27 Jan
Do you love sherry? Granted this libation isn’t for everyone, or maybe it’s just the ones you’ve tried. Either way, if you would like to learn a bit more about sherry, than Cabrito Tapas on The Drive has an event for you. If you don’t know Cabrito Tapas, well you are missing out, it is a delish spot on the Drive serving Spanish tapas. On February 28th, they will be hosting their first ever Sherry Experience. They will be featuring 7 different sherries from Bodegas Lustau in Spain. Not only will you get to experience the sherries, but Chef Alex will be pairing them with tapas to highlight both the food and the sherries. Cost of this event is $75 which includes tax and tip. To register, visit Cabrito Tapas.
Photo Credit: Cabrito Tapas
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Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2017 Happens January 20 – February 5
9 Jan
Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest restaurant festival gets under way January 20th for its 15th season with over 280 restaurants participating. For the restaurants participating in Dine Out, they will be offering 3 prix-fixe menus, $20, $30 or $40. As in past years, there are also a number of special events as part of Dine Out. The gang at Off the Eaten Track Tours is offering a few delish tours including Sip, Savour & Shop Main Tour, Discover Railtown Culinary Tour and Discover The East Village Culinary Tour. Vancouver Foodster’s Richard Wolak will be doing two brunch crawls in East Vancouver. First up, will be the East Village Brunch Crawl on Saturday, January 28th followed by the Commercial Drive Brunch Crawl on Sunday, February 5th. If you wish to participate in any of the special events during Dine Out, we recommend purchasing tickets promptly, many sell out quickly. If you have a particular restaurant, you wish to try again make your reservation early. Many fill up quickly and reservations open Monday, January 9th (today). For a full rundown of all the participating restaurants and events, visit Dine Out Vancouver.
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Sunday School Returns To Vancouver Urban Winery September 18th
13 Sep
Starting this Sunday, September 18th, Vancouver Urban Winery’s Sunday School is back with some fun wine education classes. You are invited to join the hosts David Stansfield and Lisa Cook, both sommeliers, for an engaging wine seminar. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you know about wines, there will be something to learn for everyone. This weekend’s class is “BC Wines v. The World VIII” and will feature an interactive, brown bag, blind tasting. Each round squares off a local wine against a global challenger in the Rocky III of wine tastings. Sunday School classes take place from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Vancouver Urban Winery, 55 Dunlevy, in the heart of Strathcona. The cost is $40 per person and tickets are available via Eventbrite. If you miss this week’s Sunday School, they have two more sessions lined up in October and December. We’ve set out their upcoming classes below.
Oct. 16: Sommelier Smackdown VIII – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Equal parts ‘Bloodsport’ and ‘Sideways,’ this seminar sees the sommeliers, Dave and Lisa, pit their favourite wines against each other in a vicious street fight for wine geek supremacy. You get to act as the judge and jury over five rounds of tasting.
Dec. 11: True Lies – 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Everything you know about wine is wrong. Or is it? Join them for this myth busting seminar that puts wine’s biggest (mis)conceptions to the test as you drink your way to the truth.
If you haven’t already checked out this great spot in Strathcona, we recommend you do. Belgard Kitchen is on site should you wish to stay for a bite to eat after class.
ILiveInEastVan.com 