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Italian Day Sunday June 11, 2017

29 May

ItalianDay2017One of our favourite community events is back, Italian Day which will be held on Sunday, June 11th. This year’s theme is Amore, which means love in Italian. Organizers chose the theme because “love lies at the heart of Italian culture and its lifestyle. It is  a universal language and an exchange evoking many things: affection, romance, passion, respect, creativity, and commitment.  It is life, unity and the pursuit for an emotional connection and is shared in relationships, arts and culture, at the dinner table, in our daily work, in pursued dreams, and in community.” For Italian Day 2017, organizers wish to celebrate Amore in all aspects of life and the magical power it holds to inspire, connect and create infinite possibilities and experiences, both individually and collectively.

For Italian Day, Commercial Drive from Broadway to Grandview will be turned into one long piazza. Many of the restaurants will have outdoor seating areas, food trucks will be dotted along the stretch, live music will take place on several stages and much more. This year, we hear there will be some talent flown in from Italy to celebrate.  Danilo Ciaccia and his band ItalyAMO will be performing. As well 2 DJs from an Italian Radio Station, DJ Osso and Pippo Lorusso will be on hand at the 5th Avenue Stage mixing things up. You can also expect Federico Fuoco to entertain the crowds as will be singers from Vancouver Opera. If you stop by the Napier Greenway at the Britannia Community Centre, East Van artist Paula Luther will be hosting a free workshop ‘Little Hearts Project’. Materials are supplied and everyone is welcome to stop by and participate. This event runs from 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Italian Day kicks off at Noon and the party runs till 8:00 pm. Just a reminder that vehicle traffic on Commercial Drive is blocked off, so it is best to take transit, walk or cycle in. For those cycling to Italian Day, there will be a Bike Valet set up at the Royal Bank of Canada at 1st Avenue & Commercial. We invite you come out and celebrate all things Italian.

Photo Credit: Italian Day

 

 

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The East Van Bazaar At The Hall Saturday May 27, 2017

19 May

EastVanBazaarMay2017The East Van Bazaar is back on Saturday, May 27th at The Hall which is located at 1739 Venables Street (at the corner of Commercial Drive). The organizers have put together another great mix of local makers, artisans and collectors of vintage. Some of the vendors you can expect to see include artisanal wine by Waterside Winery, delish pie and sweet treats from Rose & June’s Bakeshop, beautiful teas by Tea Lani, jewellery by Meraki Escential Love, The One & Only and Rish Jewellery.  If you happen to be looking for vintage items, you may wish to stop by and check out She Wolf Paper & Vintage which will be on hand with retro clothing, books and more. For a full rundown of vendors, visit East Van Bazaar. They are updating their site as new vendors are added. The event kicks off at 11:00 am and runs till 5:00 pm. Admission is a suggested $2 donation. We invite you to pop down and check out all the local talent which of course is a hop skip and jump from some great spots on The Drive. Although, we do recommend stopping in at Uprising Breads just one block down the street.  We are rather addicted to their Ginger Cookies.

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East Van Extravaganza Saturday May 20, 2017 At The Rio Theatre

17 May

AffordableConcertSeriesIf you are looking for a fun night out, maybe listen to some live music and dance, you may wish to check out this East Van Extravaganza happening Saturday at the Rio Theatre. They are hosting the Affordable Concert Series which consists of a line up of 4 bands, being Disco Funeral with an energetic and electric vibe, then there’s Hard Rock Miners with Hillbilly Party Punk, next up is Rio Samaya with their South American Latin fusion and The Walkins which we hear will get you grinding and grooving.  As this is East Van, this event is come as you are whether it’s your Daytons, Blundstones, Berkinstocks or anything in between, you are invited to come down and get into the groove.  Tickets are a very reasonable $20 in advance or $25 at the door.  If you are organized and plan to go with a group of friends, you can purchase a group pack of 10 tickets for $150.  Note, this event has bar service thus not suitable for minors. Must be 19+. Come get your groove on. To get your tickets in advance, visit Rio Theatre.

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East Van Artist June Hunter Hosting Studio Sale May 6-7, 2017

5 May

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East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a Studio Sale this weekend, May 6th and 7th, just in time for Mother’s Day.  If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work.  Nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic East Van landmarks. If you wish to know more about the crows that inhabit the green space in our neck of the woods, you may wish to check out some of her blog posts. She regularly features crows and other birds that come to visit her idyllic backyard which houses her working studio. This weekend, her working studio will be transformed to showcase all her creative works which include jewellery, small prints, large scale wall art, crow-bars, wall decals as well as some discontinued items.  Her rescue dog Geordie will again be on hand as ambassador to greet you. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Studio Sale takes place Saturday, May 6th and Sunday, May 7th from 10:00 am. to 5:00 pm.

If you are not able to attend this weekend’s Studio Sale, we invite you check out her online shop which is open 24/7.  You can also find some of June’s pieces at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive and Bird on A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street.

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Spring & Summer Farmer Markets In East Vancouver 2017

3 May

The warm Spring weather is now finally here which also brings with it more options for local produce.  We are fortunate to have yet another season of farmers markets lined up which offers us not only produce, but handmade goods, artisans breads, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries and makers of spirits are now on hand offering tastings as well.  Each market is unique and offers a little something different. Trout Lake is the largest and a great place to sit down and have a picnic on the spot at the park with your new purchases. River District is one of the smaller markets situated just below Marine Drive at the foot of Kerr Street in SE Vancouver, but generally different vendors than the markets organized by Vancouver Farmers Market.  Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is also smaller than Trout Lake, but we love that it’s on a Sunday so giving some options when faced with a busy weekend. The Italian Market is held on Friday afternoons in front of the Italian Cultural Centre and is a personal favourite. Along with produce, you will find artisans, food trucks, coffee and more. The added bonus is the Italian Cultural Centre often has other events going on including art on display, live music and/or dancing.  The Main Street Farmers Market is a great afternoon market and perfect for those just leaving downtown for home, or a quick cycle from Mount Pleasant and the Olympic Village.  We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season. We invite you to get out and support local.

Trout Lake Farmers Market
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: May 6 – October 21, 2017
Location: Lakewood Drive & E 13th Avenue

Main Street Station Farmers Market
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday: May 31 – October 4, 2017
Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday: May 28, 2017 – October 8, 2017
 Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park/Dude Chilling Park)

Riley Park Farmers Market (New This Year)
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: June 24, 2017 – October 28, 2017
Location: 30th Avenue & Ontario Street

River District Farmers Market
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Saturday:  May 13, 2017 – October 14, 2017
Location: 8683 Kerr Street (at E. Kent Avenue S.)

Il Mercato: Italian Market
Fridays: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2017
Location: Il Centro, Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street (off Grandview Highway)

 

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Got Craft? Happens At Maritime Labour Centre May 6-7, 2017

28 Apr

GotCraft2017If you are not familiar with Got Craft?, it is one of Vancouver’s largest indie craft fairs. It started in 2007 with 20 vendors and 500 attendees and has now grown to 75 vendors and some 5,000 attendees coming to check out the local talent.  The aim of organizers is to create a boutique event that showcases their favourite handmade artists and also provides  the opportunity to shop and meet those makers in person. This year the event is again happening at the Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, on May 6 and 7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  We see they will be showcasing a number of our favourite makers which include East Van Jam, SeaLuxe,  East Van Light, Sarah Mulder Jewellery, Laughing Sparrow and Tessa Manu Photography to name a few.  To see the full line up of vendors, we invite you to check out Got Craft?  Tickets are available to purchase in advance online for $3 or you can purchase tickets at the door for $5.  While in the area, be sure to check out some of the great spots close by including, Scandillious to fill up before or after shopping, or The Pie Shoppe for a sweet stop, or if you get thirsty Doan’s Craft Brewing is a short walk away as is Odd Society Spirits. While wandering around the neighbourhood, we are quite sure you’ll stumble across a few other great spots.   

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Hop Circuit 2017 – East Van Craft Breweries Open House

26 Apr

HopCurcuitApril30thIf you like beer and want to drink beer, talk about beer or learn more about how it’s made, Hop Circuit is the place to be this Sunday, April 30th. East Van breweries and distilleries open their doors for the afternoon and allow you behind the scences access to their breweries. After last year’s smashing success, the event is back for its second year.  You can partake in this event by doing your own self-guided walking or cycling tour, or you can sign up with Vancouver Brewery Tours who will drive you to the various breweries. There are some 14 breweries participating which are located in the Strathcona, Hastings Sunrise and Grandview Woodland areas.  The day would not be complete without food trucks which will be scattered around the area in full force for the day, so fear not food will always be close at hand.  We’ve learnt that The Reef’s Food Truck will be located at Strange Fellows Brewing on Clark Drive, Aussie Pie Guy at Callister Brewing and the Community Pizzeria at Storm Brewing, but you will find many more around this area which is now affectionately known as “Yeast Van”.  The event runs from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. We’ve included the Hop Circuit map which sets out the breweries and distilleries participating and their location. Stop by and see what’s happening in Yeast Van. Cheers!

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The Uncommon Café Lines Up More Delish Cooking Classes

24 Apr

Eclairs&CreamPuffsFebruary5,2017The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting another delicious line of up cooking and baking classes this Spring. Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the classes which will be held at two locations one of which is Trout Lake Community Centre. We’ve set out below a few of their upcoming classes. No baking or cooking experience? No worries, the recipes are easy, Valentine will walk you through it and make it fun.

Eclairs & Cream Puffs: Sunday, April 30th – Trout Lake Community Centre 2-4 pm

Valentine will teach you the basics of Choux pastry which will then be filled with cream and covered with a warm chocolate sauce. The eclairs are the long version that are filled with a bit of heaven.  You are asked to bring containers so you can take some of your creations home, that is if you don’t eat them all. This class is $57.14 and runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Note, registration for this event is through the Trout Lake Community Centre. Hint: We’ve tasted Valentine’s cream puffs made with pistachio filling that is hands down one of the best things we’ve ever tasted. We guarantee it will impress your guests. Personally, we’d ask for that recipe.


Chocolate Lovers Cooking Class – May 7th – Trout Lake Community Centre 2-4 pm

If you love chocolate and want to learn how to make easy decadent desserts, than this class is for you. Whether you wish to impress guests, or that special someone or keep it all for yourself, no judgment. What you will learn to make in this class is:chocolateloversclass

  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Lava Cake
  • Chocolate Truffles
  • Chocolate Sauce to Drizzle

This is a demonstration cooking class after which you will get to enjoy your Lava Cake. The rest of the goodies you get to take home with you.

Mother’s Day Brunch & Bake – Sunday, May 14th – The Uncommon Café 11-2

You are invited to bring your mom to a fun food event in which Valentine will demonstrate some easy brunch recipes including:

  • Beet Soup with Whipped Goat Cheese
  • Mini Asparagus & Bacon Quiches
  • Homemade Baba Ganoush and Tapenade with Toasted Tortillas
  • Eclairs and Cream Puffs for dessert 
This class is a demonstration class in which you get to eat all the delish dishes in the dining area after class at The Uncommon Café along with a refreshing Mimosa.  There is a bit of hands on for those that wish to participate, or you can sit back and relax.   Cost of this class is $69 and there is a $10 discount for early registration. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

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Make It! At PNE Forum April 21 – 23

19 Apr

MakeIt!VancouverIf you haven’t heard of Make It! you may be living under a rock. This event founded by siblings Chandler Herbut and Jenna Herbut in 2008, showcases artists, crafters and makers from all over Canada. This year, you will find over 200 exhibitors or ‘Makies’ at the PNE Forum from April 21st to April 23rd. You will find a wide variety of items including some personal favourites such as Beth & Olivia, The Lemon Square, Sea Luxe, Sable Shortbread, Laughing Sparrow, East Van Light, Amara Blue Designs, DIG Leather, Irit Sorokin Designs and Tessa Manu Photography. Alright, so that’s a long list. These are some of the many we will be checking out this weekend.  Shopping isn’t the only thing happening at Make It! There will be music, food trucks and a beer garden as well as a silent auction with items donated by the makies with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Union Gospel Mission. Make It! kicks off this Friday, April 21st at 11:00 am. Tickets are $5 at the door with kids under 12 free. 

 

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Whiskey & Tapas Experience At Cabrito Tapas April 25th

17 Apr

whiskeydenisedochertyLove whiskey and great food?  Cabritos Tapas on The Drive is hosting another Whiskey and Tapas Experience on Tuesday, April 25th.  Their guest, Colin Bussiere, President of Only Hearts Spirits will be walking and talking you through the whiskey they will be pouring that evening.  Chef Alex will pair each whiskey tasting with what we expect will be very delish tapas.  Tickets for this event are $95 per person and available online at Cabrito Tapas. Event kicks off at 6:00 pm.

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