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Bakery Pop Up At Les Amis Du Fromage’s East Van Location April 28, 2018

11 Apr

LoavesOfBreadIn case you hadn’t heard the news, les amis du fromage’s East Van location at 843 East Hastings Street is hosting bakery pop up shops.  We hear their first one was a great success and sold out in no time. No surprise to us. Amazing bread and les amis du fromage’s selection of cheeses make for a winning combination.  Your next opportunity to check out their Bakery Pop Up is Saturday, April 28th. This one features guest bakers Two Bald Bakers who will be selling handmade loaves of bread made with ancient grains from Noon to 5:00 pm. Noam Dagan and Mendi Yuda have created a seed to loaf bakery that uses only 100% traceable grains that they mill. Note, all their breads are vegan a swell.  Stop by Saturday, April 28th to support these local bakers.

Now if you are a baker yourself and have people salivating over your baked goods, you may be interested in hosting a pop up shop yourself at les amis du fromage.  If so, contact les amis du formage directly. They’d love to hear from you.

Vancouver’s Zero Waste Centre = No Excuses

10 Apr

ZeroWasteWe recently stopped by Vancouver’s new Zero Waste Centre located in SE Vancouver at 8588 Yukon Street just off Marine Drive near Cambie. This facility takes a long list of recyclable items for free. It’s well organized with lots of signage as well as attendants to point you in the right direction or answer any questions. We had been carrying around some used LED light bulbs we had hoped to recycle, which it turned out the Zero Waste Centre did not take, but with lightening speed the attendant pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket with a map and address of the South Van Bottle Depot two blocks over which did take the bulbs. So if the Zero Waste Centre doesn’t take something, we’d venture a guess they would be able to tell you who would take it.  Generally speaking it’s handy to have a vehicle to attend at this location if you have a number of larger items, but if you have a few small items that you can carry, this location is not far from the Cambie and Marine Skytrain Station and bus loop. As big fans of recycling and repurposing, we are pleased to see this new addition to the City’s Waste Management Services. Check out below the long list of items, they do take at the Zero Waste facility:

Materials accepted for free recycling

​Bicycles and accessories
​Books
​Cardboard (flattened)
Cell phones
​Clothing and textiles
​Cooking oil (maximum 10L per day per resident)
​Electronics
​Fire extinguishers (maximum 2 per day per resident)
​Foam packaging (no foam peanuts)
​Glass bottles and jars
Household batteries
​Large appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, maximum 3)
​Lead acid car and truck batteries
​Metal containers (cans, tins, foil, empty aerosol cans excluding spray paint cans)
​Paper containers (tetra-packs, coffee cups)
​Plastic bags and overwrap (not Ziploc bags though)
​Plastic containers (jars, jugs, bottles)
​Power tools
​Printed paper and paper packaging (newspaper, magazines, catalogues, writing paper, paper bags)
​Propane tanks (maximum 4 disposable and 2 refillable)
​Scrap metal
​Small appliances
​Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
​Thermostats

There are a number of items that are NOT accepted which include:

Antifreeze and empty antifreeze containers
Broken televisions and computer monitors
Flammable liquids
Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes
Medications
Paint and empty paint cans
Pesticides
Tires
Used oil, oil filters, and empty oil containers

If you wish to know what to do with the items, they don’t accept, check out the City’s Waste Wizard.

Chocolate Challenge At The Gourmet Warehouse May 10

9 Apr

ChocolateChallenge2018The Chocolate Challenge is back at the Gourmet Warehouse on May 10, 2018. If you love chocolate, this is the place to be.  The Chocolate Challenge is truly a decadent event for chocolate lovers.  This event pits local chocolatiers against each other to create something amazing, both beautiful and delish, with chocolate.  You have the opportunity to taste their creations and vote on them.  This event is a fundraiser for 3 great local charities, specifically the Strathcona Backpack Program, Project Chef and the Vancouver Firefighters `Snacks for Kids` Program. Tickets are $79 and 100% of ticket sale proceeds go towards these charities. As well, there will be a silent auction featuring a host of items including a round trip flight and hotel accommodations to San Francisco, hands-on sushi making workshop, chef’s table tasting menus at some local restaurants and more all to help raise funds.  To keep you fed and hydrated during this evening event, there will be gourmet food stations situated around the store along with a wine bar.  Event gets under way at 6:30 pm.  Come out and try some amazing chocolate, socialize with other chocolate lovers and support local charities doing great work in our community. To purchase tickets for this event, visit Gourmet Warehouse.  

A World Without Us At The Cultch April 17 – 29, 2018

4 Apr

WorldWithoutUsThe Cultch is bringing an interesting production to the stage,  one which features an eco-disaster.   World Without Us is a new production about the end of humanity and what comes after it. Think about it … no more mortgage, no more long lines at the bank, no coffee shops, no honey in glass jars, no Skytrain, no buses, animals running wild, no more towers being built, no exercise class, no swimming pools.  Ontroerend Goed, creators of Fight Night, ask the question would it ever get this far?  Would we find a solution? Read the news any given day, some days you think it might just come to this. So what would a world without us be like? To find out, check out this poignant production coming April 17th to 29th at The Cultch.

What people are saying about World With Us:

A poignant premonition of eco-disaster” — The Guardian

As ever, it is the clarity, simplicity and brilliance of the form found in order to express specific content that dazzles when it comes to Ontroerend Goed’s work” — exeunt magazine

The story is compelling, inventively written and implacably delivered” — The Stage

An Evening Of Storytelling At The Cottage Bistro April 10th

3 Apr

StorySlamApril10Vancouver Story Slam is back at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street on Tuesday, April 10th for an evening of storytelling.  These monthly gatherings are organized by Susan Cormier and hosted by Bryant Ross. Ten storytellers will take the stage and share their original stories with you. Those participating this April include Alix Born, Chris Cannon, Katharine Moore, Lalo Espejo, Maia Brundage, Michele Luchs, Mike Funergy, Naomi Steinberg, Trish Irvin, and Zach Allan. The event will open with a guest story from special guest storyteller T.J. Mair. The event is $5 at the door which gets you a ballot giving you the opportunity to vote on your favourite story.  There are cash prizes awarded to the winners.   If you wish to learn more about this event or participate in an upcoming event, email them directly at Vancouverstoryslam@yahoo.com. If you can’t make this one, future dates are posted on their Facebook page. Note, space is limited at this venue. So if you don’t want to miss it, best to get their early.

Nifty For Fifty At Heritage Hall Sunday April 15th

2 Apr

NiftyFor50One of the best sales in the City is back on Sunday, April 15th at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street.  Nifty for Fifty was founded by Adhesif Clothing designer, Melissa Ferreira, in 2007 with 12 designers. It has now grown to 30 sellers with over 3,000 shoppers attending the one day sale. If you are not familiar with Nifty For Fifty, the sale is a way for designers to show gratitude to their customers by clearing out local merchandise all of which is $50 or less. You can expect to find clothing, jewelry, sketchbooks, pottery, bags, scarves and much more by some great local designers. Some of the designers on hand include Adhesif Clothing, Dahlia Drive, Daub & Design, Cord & Stone, Devi Arts Collective and many more.  A number of items available on this day will be up to 80% off. So mark your calendar for this shopping event, but just a reminder this is a mainly cash event. For those that want the best selection or first dibs at some of the great deals, we recommend you get their early. The sale starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door.

 

What’s On East Van: March 30th Edition

30 Mar

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out lots more cool events for the upcoming long weekend.   Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Rio Theatre – Old School #SaveTheRio Fundraisers – March 30th and 31st 

If you are a fan of the Rio Theatre and wish to support a great spot for independent theatre, musicians and performers, check out the telethon like fundraising events happening this weekend. First up, is An Evening With Kevin Smith. There are 2 shows 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm on Friday, March 30th. Advance tickets are sold out, but there will be some tickets at the door. Saturday, March 31st is a telethon style fundraising event which is a little bit of everything. To learn more, visit Secret Screening #SaveTheRioFundraiser. Doors open 4:30 pm.

Butcher – The Cultch – Till March 31st

Last weekend to catch this psychological crime thriller at The Cultch. Check out our contributing writer’s review on Butcher.

Golden Egg Hunt – River District – April 1st

River District in SE Vancouver is hosting a golden egg hunt Sunday, April 1st from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. There will be chocolate egg hunts, balloons, cotton candy, crafts, face painting and a chocolate bunny draw.  Starbucks will be on hand serving hot chocolate and coffee. Romer’s Burgers providing frozen yogurt and mini doughnuts. This is a free event, but registration is requested.

Easter Eggstravaganza Swim – Britannia Pool – April 1st 

Britannia Pool at Britannia Community Centre is hosting a free family swim this Sunday, April 1st from 2:30 – 5:00 pm. They will also have some Easter treats on hand and games for everyone to play.

Holiday Free Skate – Britannia  Ice Rink – April 2nd

If you are looking to ice skate, Britannia Ice Rink is hosting a free family skate this Monday, April 2nd from 1:00 to 3:30 pm.

Chelsea Hotel: Songs Of Leonard Cohen – Firehall Arts Centre – April 21st

Haunted by memories of his tumultuous love life, a writer checks into New York’s infamous Chelsea Hotel desperate to find the words and inspiration for his next song. Wading through past relationships, he reluctantly comes face to face with the love of the present, a love he wishes he could not only forget, but erase from memory. This is the premise of the Chelsa Hotel which pays tribute to the songs of Leonard Cohen. This production on its final run continues this weekend. For tickets and information, visit the Firehall Arts Centre.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

If you are looking for some live music this weekend, the Kin Balam Quartet is at Café Deux Soleils Saturday night at 8:00 pm. The Winter Farmer Markets continue this weekend with Saturday’s being held at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday at Hastings Parking 10 am to 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing. Happy Easter.

Image Credit: June Hunter

 

Little Conversations An Evening Of Music & Words With Blue Dirt Girl At The Cultch April 6th

28 Mar

LittleConversationsReal. Honest. Sad. Funny. Whether they’re in-depth talks or brief exchanges on the street, conversations are how we connect with the world.  Through her music, blue dirt girl unearths, unbuttons and examines all of her conversations—from her working and writing sessions with her bandmates to the regular Friday morning discussions with the women behind Thinking Ship poems, and Sob Stories podcasts to the spontaneous chats she has with the people she meets throughout the day. Out of these little conversations come inspiration and collaboration.

On April 6th you have the rare opportunity to listen in on the conversation between the music of blue dirt girl and the poems of Thinking Ship; take a moment to engage with Sob Stories who will be collecting conversations for the podcast in the Founders’ Lounge at The Cultch.  A performance follows at 8:00 pm in the Historic Theatre. Tickets are $25 and available online from The Cultch.

If you aren’t familiar with Blue Dirt Girl, it is Kathryn Sutherland on lead vocals and electric guitar, AlbertKlassen on stand up and electric bass and vocals, and Jason Overy on drums and percussion. After collaborating on and off for 17 years, the trio formed blue dirt girl in 2016 and recorded their first album, Crazy Beautiful in 2017. With a sound that moves from swing to pop and back again, blue dirt girl pulls it all together with a jazzy vibe and Kathryn’s soulful vocals.

Start a conversation, more than likely, it will change your day.

Delish Cooking Classes At Gourmet Warehouse This Spring

27 Mar

PaellaPartyThe Gourmet Warehouse has another round of delicious cooking classes lined up this Spring. These classes are a great way to spend an afternoon and meet some like-minded food lovers. Personally, we also like the shopping after the cooking class as participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set out a couple of their upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes.

Paella Party – Saturday, April 28, 2018

Chef Cindy Low invites you to a taste of Spain.  Spain is the home of paella and endless tapas. Come learn the secrets to making a great paella and delish tapas. Some of the dishes you will learn to make include:

  • Chicken and Chorizo Paella with Spanish Rice, Saffron and Vegetables
  • Prawns With Garlic
  • Tapas Platter
  • Salad with romaine, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, olives and sherry vinaigrette
  • Blood Orange Ice Cream

You will be able to eat the dishes that are made after class, so bring your appetite. Cost of this class if $75. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

Modern Thai Kitchen – Saturday,  June 16, 2018 

In this demonstration class, Chef Cindy Low will teach you how to make some delicious Thai food. She’ll also pass on some tips on how to buy, use and store the ingredients. You will learn how to make the following dishes:

  • Thai Salad with ripe papaya, apples, organic greens, fresh Asian herbs, chili lime dressingThaiHomeCookingGW
  • Grilled chicken skewers, spicy peanut dippinig sauce
  • Chiang Mai Noodle Bowl – egg noodles in a light coconut curry broth with prawns, vegetables and Asian herbs
  • Pineapple fried rice with chorizo, egg, fresh pineapple & Thai basil
  • Lychee ice cream

Come hungry, you will get to eat everything that is made the day of the class. After class, everyone has the opportunity to shop in store with a 10% discount on items purchased the day of your class. Cost of the class is $75. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

Bon appetit!

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse

Side Glance With Al Tee – Honest Nat’s Department Store – History On Fraser Street

26 Mar

HonestNat'sDept.StoreSometimes travelling around East Van, it feels like being part of something on National Geographic or History Channel. One of those programs about lost civilizations. Worlds that no longer exist and what fragments remain.

There’s an old radio jingle that’s an example of the lost world of East Van. The ad was for Honest Nat’s Department Store and if you’ve lived here long enough you know what three words follow the store’s name.

But beyond the jingle there’s no history of a department store that once was an anchor on the principal commercial ribbon of East Vancouver. Located at 6394 Fraser, Honest Nat’s was the brainchild of Nathan Lacterman. A prairie orphan who escaped Winnipeg and came West, Lacterman made several unsuccessful stabs at the retail business in Vancouver.  Then a chance visit to Toronto lead him to stumble across the famed discount store Honest Ed’s at Bloor and Bathhurst. Inspired, Honest Nat’s was born.

Honest Nat’s department store would last at 48th and Fraser for 40 plus years. Supporting the community, sponsoring teams, doling out balloons to customer’s kids, Honest Nat Lacterman acted as the unofficial mayor of Fraser Street. Eventually Honest Nat fell ill and his daughter took over. But Fraser Street started to change. A Superstore came in at the bottom of Fraser along Marine Drive. When Nat’s daughter started hearing patrons tell her that they’d looked all over town for an item they couldn’t find, but knew Honest Nat’s would have it, she saw the writing on the wall. Why weren’t they coming straight to Honest Nat’s in the first place?  Honest Nat’s Department Store closed in 1989 and the building was sold. Shortly afterwards, it was destroyed by fire.

All that remains now of Honest Nat’s Department store is this artifact, the jingle.

By Contributing Writer: Al Tee