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Dine Out – January 11 to February 4, 2018

8 Jan

 

Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest restaurant festival gets under way January 11th. Restaurants participating in Dine Out, will be offering 3 prix-fixe menus, $20, $30 or $40. Note, if you are an Aeroplan member, you get a heads up and first dibs at reservations as of January 8th.     As in past years, there are also a number of special events as part of Dine Out. We’ve set out below a few that caught our eye: 

Vancouver Brewery Tours East Van Craft Brewery & Food Tour

This tour now being offered for the 5th year in a row by Vancouver Brewery Tours is a fun one.   They’ve hand picked some of their favourite East Van breweries including Strange Fellows Brewing, Italian influenced Luppolo Brewing Co. and Columbian influenced Andina Brewing Co. Vancouver Brewery Tours will take you on a brewery tour while you taste your way through East Van’s great food scene.  The tour happen on a number of dates including:  January 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 &  February 1, 2, 3. Costs is $99.50. To learn more, or purchase your ticket(s), visit Dine Out Vancouver.

Get Crafty Main Street – Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.

For one night only, Tuesday, January 30th, the Main Street location of Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. is hosting ‘Get Crafty’.  You get the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and make your perfect artisan pizza.  Your evening also includes a choice of 2 starters, along with your creative pizza and the choice of 3 delish desserts.  Each course is paired with beer tastings from R&B Brewing whose founder will be on hand to share his knowledge and answer any questions.  The fun happens from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Cost is $40.50 which is a pretty great deal for a fun experience. To learn more, or purchase your ticket(s), visit Dine Out Vancouver.

Railtown After Dark Pop-Up Dinner – Railtown Catering 

On Saturday, February 3rd, the creative team at Railtown Catering will be hosting a pop up dinner at the Railtown Café at 397 Railway Street.   They will be transforming the  café into long table dining for 30 people.  On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome cocktail and canapés. After which you will be seated for a multi-course menu with wine pairings.  Menu includes side stripe ceviche, coconut, basil, rice cup, foie gras torchon, umeboshi, nashi pear, shiso, sesame streusel, grilled mackerel, burdock, turnip, water spinach, dashi, yuzu kosho pork ribs, maitake, scallion, ponzu, genmaicha panna cotta, quince, lemon crumb.  All sounds pretty delish to us. The pop up dinner kicks off at 6:30 pm. Cost is $107.00. To learn more, or purchase ticket(s), visit Dine Out Vancouver.

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What’s On East Van: January 5, 2018 Edition

5 Jan

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Lots happening in East Van this first week of the New Year. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week.  Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Community Skate at PNE Agrodome – January 5th

PNE Agrodome is hosting another ice skating session Friday, January 5th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $3 for adult, $2.50 for youth/senior, $2 for kids 3-12 and kids under 2 are free. Note, there are no skate rentals or helmets, you will need to bring your own.

A Tolkien Burlesque Night – Rio Theatre – January 5th

The Geekenders & Kitty Glitter present Lord of the Schwings. If you are looking for a silly and sexy evening filled with hobbits, elves, wizards and burlesque, then grab your tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door. See Rio Theatre for tickets.

Live Christmas Tree Chipping Event – Trout Lake – January 6th & 7th

For those that have a live Christmas tree and not the benefit of curb side pick up, there’s a chipping event at the Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot this weekend. Happens Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Note, there is also a chipping tree event Sunday, January 7th at the Kingsgate Mall Parking Lot 10-4.

East Van Panto – York Theatre – Until January 6th

This is your last weekend to catch the fun that is the East Van Panto on now at The York Theatre until Saturday, January 6th. Fun for the whole family. Tickets start at $22. For  more information, check our recent write on the East Van Panto.

75th Annual Golden Globes Award Viewing Party – Rio Theatre – January 7th 

This year Seth Meyers hosts the 75th Annual Globe Awards which should provide a good bit of entertainment.  Fittingly, The Rio Theatre is again opening its doors for those that wish to watch the winners announced en masse. This is a free event, but items at the snack bar are not, but he seats are. First come first serve.  Event happens 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

Dancing the Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji – The Cultch – January 8th

Did you know The Cultch is hosting free events once a month?  The event is called Dark Day Monday and each month anyone from the Vancouver community can teach others something new. It can be whatever you’d like it, maybe it’s hip hop dancing, a yoga class, tai chi, meditation, an 80s dance party, a cooking class, chess, you name it, options are almost limitless.  The Cultch is providing a space to learn, create and come together. The next in the series Dark Day #5 happening Monday, January 8th is Dancing The Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji. You are invited to come out learn how to make Vancouver’s best kept secret hummus recipes with Shiraz Ramji while dancing.  Things kick off at 6:00 pm.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Reminder the Winter Farmer Markets are back at both Nat Bailey Stadium (Saturday) and Hastings Park (Sunday) from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Weekly Stories At The Drive Coffee Bar

3 Jan

WeeklyStoriesIf you love storytelling, whether watching or listening to it in an intimate venue, then you may wish to check out Weekly Stories at The Drive Coffee Bar, 1670 Commercial Drive located near 1st Avenue.  This 1 hour storytelling show is hosted by local organizer extraordinaire Jo Dworschak of Story Story Lie and Coop Radio’s Fruit Salad.  You will hear tales from some seasoned storytellers, but each week they do try and get a new face up to take a turn.  The venue is a favourite of ours for the great coffee, selection of Cartem Donuts and some of the best sandwiches in the City by La Grotta del Fromaggio plus they also serve wine and beer.  Event runs from 7:30 to 9:00 pm every Wednesday night.  Admission is by donation. If you have a story to share, stop by and sign up or email Jo in advance at e: storystoryshows@gmail.com.

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The Pipeline Project At The Firehall Arts Centre January 10 – 20, 2018

1 Jan

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We can’t say we have any answers on this issue, but we do think this production is an important conversation. Writers Sebastien Archibald, Kevin Loring and Quelemia Sparrow bring The Pipeline Project to the Firehall Arts Centre this January. This production brings together three actors that have created a play about the political conflicts within Canada’s oil industry. Each actor is sent on a journey of discovery and self-reflection. Along the way they confront prejudices while wrestling with their own fossil fuel dependency, cultural heritage and first world privilege. No matter where you stand on this issue, it’s a conversation worth having. The Pipeline Project runs January 10th to 20th, 2018. Tickets are available online at Firehall Arts Centre.

Photo Credit: David Cooper

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What’s On East Van: December 29, 2017 Edition

29 Dec

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Lots happening in East Van being New Year’s Eve is this Sunday.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week which highlights some of the New Year celebrations. Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Community Skate at PNE Agrodome – December 29, 2017 + January 3, 2018

PNE Agrodome is hosting ice skating Friday, December 29th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $3 for adult, $2.50 for youth/senior, $2 for kids 3-12 and kids under 2 are free. Note, there are no skate rentals or helmets, you will need to bring your own. If you miss the skate on December 29th, it happens again January 3rd and 5th same time.

New Year’s Eve In East Van  – December 31, 2017 

You have a number of choices depending on what you are looking for.  If you are looking for dinner and dancing, we recommend Federico’s Supper Club. Perfect venue with great food, excellent service, dancing and a great night out.  If you prefer something a little on the naughty side, you may wish to check out Patrick Maliha’s 5th Annual Naughty Little New Year’s Eve Party at The Rio Theatre.  If you are looking for a family night out, Rocky Mountain Flatbread on Main Street is again hosting a 3 course dinner for adults and kids which includes pizza or pasta making.  For a laid back adult evening, Bodega on Main is hosting a casual event starting at 10:30 pm with a live DJ. There is a $20 cover charge which gets you in the door with a glass of champagne and canapes served which are served until 4:00 am.  The Cascade Room is hosting a British themed New Year’s Eve party from 2:00 pm as well as a  Late Night Menu from 10 pm to 2 am.

Transit Free – New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2017 to January 1, 2018

For those planning a night out this New Year’s Eve, we hope you plan to travel safe. We know all too well, cabs are near impossible to find. So keep in mind, transit is free from 5:00 pm on December 31st to 5:00 am on January 1st with an extended service. To see, what service is available, check out the Holiday Schedule which we’ve included a link to.

New Year’s Day In East Van – January 1, 2017 

Peruvian restaurant, ChiCha’s in Mount Pleasant is doing an New Year’s Brunch all day long. We hear it’s happy hour all brunch long.  Britannia Ice Rink at the Britannia Community Centre is hosting a free skate from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

East Van Panto – York Theatre – Until January 6th

This is your last week to catch the fun that is the East Van Panto on now at The York Theatre until January 6, 2018.  This is one show you don’t want to miss. Great family fun, the music alone is worth attending, but the performance, storylines and few political jabs just too much fun to pass up. Tickets start at $22. For  more information, check our recent write on the East Van Panto.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Looking to take in a classic movie?  The Rio Theatre is featuring The Shining this Saturday, December 30th at 7:30 pm   Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets are not on this weekend at either Nat Bailey Stadium or Hastings Park. They will return next weekend.   To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Some Delish Cooking Classes Coming In 2018

27 Dec

EastCountryPatesA New Year is upon us.  Who hasn’t made a resolution to learn something new.  We try and kick our cooking skills up a notch.  Thus love spending time at cooking classes learning new dishes especially this time of year when it’s cold outside.  We’ve put together a selection of upcoming classes whether you are a beginner or seasoned cook, we are sure you can take away something from these classes to do at home.

French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pâtés – Uncommon Cafe – January 24, 2018

Valentine of Tartine Maple introduces a cooking class series that will take you on a culinary tour of France. Each class in the series brings you food from a different region of France. While learning about culinary and cultural facts, Valentine will prepare a main dish and sides typical of the chosen region. The first class in this series begins January 24th entitled French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pates. This class will focus on East “Terroir”. You will learn to make:

  • Chicken Liver Mousse: The easiest pate.
  • “Terrine Campagnard”. A rich meat pâté, delicious served for appetizer with bread and pickles.
  • Pâté en Croûte: the richness of a warm porc and poultry pâté cooked in puff pastry.

After the class, you get to sit in the restaurant and enjoy the food with a glass of wine. For $65, you get a cooking class, great meal and bit of a culinary tour. To register, visit Eventbrite.

The Raspberry Trio – Gourmet Warehouse – February 4, 2018 

Chef Steven Hodge, Owner/Chef of West Vancouver’s “Temper Pastry & Chocolate” hosts this demonstration class.  You will learn three different techniques to use raspberries in a dessert to create some amazing dishes including:RaspberryTrioGourmetWarehouse

  • Light raspberry mousse
  • Raspberry gelee
  • Dark chocolate sponge
  • Raspberry spherification

After class, everyone has the opportunity to shop in store at Gourmet Warehouse with a 10% discount on items purchased the day of your class. Cost of the class is $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

Thai Home Cooking – Gourmet Warehouse – March 18, 2018 

In this demonstration class, you will learn classic Thai cooking techniques and get to know some staple Thai ingredients including how to buy, use and store them. You will learn to make the following dishes:

  • Coconut Galangal chicken soupThaiHomeCookingGW
  • Corn Cucumber salad with salted duck eggs
  • Eggplant & pork stir-fry with Thai basil
  • Red curry chicken with kabocha squash

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 $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

Bon appetit!

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Merry Christmas, Buon Natale, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Frohe Weihnachten East Vancouver

24 Dec

MerryXmas

Merry Christmas

Frohe Weihnachten

Buon Natale

 Joyeux Noël

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Natal

Maligayang PaskoSretan Božić

Vrolijk kerstfeest

 Wesołych Świąt

Καλά Χριστούγεννα

Giving The Gift Of Experience This Holiday Season – 2017

20 Dec

JustForYouGiftsIt’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.

Vancouver Brewery Tours

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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Shop Local With These East Van Shops

19 Dec

WhiteChristmasFinished your Christmas shopping? If not, the countdown is on. We recommend skipping the craziness that is the malls. Why not stop into one of these great local businesses that will a) not only appreciate the business, but b) offer some truly great service.  We’ve set out a few of our favourite spots we think are great for gift giving. Note, many of the stores have extended hours this week to help you with your Christmas shopping.

Les amis du fromage – 843 East Hastings Street

For the cheese lover, this is a great spot, but that’s not all they have.  They have a host of kitchen accessories and gourmet condiments perfect for giving gift.  Add to that, they are hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop with delish items from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar until December 24th.  If you know a true cheese lover, take note of their upcoming Wine & Cheese Tasting classes in the New Year.

Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 East Hastings Street

Who does not love to receive great food at Christmas?  There is such an array of delectable food items in store at Gourmet Warehouse whether for entertaining over the holidays or gift giving.  You can find just about everything here whether it’s small appliances, knives, condiments, baking items or maybe a gift certificate for an upcoming cooking class. There are lots of great gift ideas in store.  This week, they are making it easy for you. Gourmet Warehouse is open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm until December 22nd. Saturday, December 23rd 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and December 24th 8:30 to 4:30 pm.

Bird On A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street

Bird On A Wire Creations is located near Kingsway on Main Street and features a host of new as well as established Canadian artists. They have an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind items.    If you missed artisan markets and craft fairs, you will find many of local makers in this store.  They are are open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm this week.

Giving Gifts Co., 4570 Main Street

Giving Gifts is a unique concept store made up of 5 rooms with items from over 70 local artists and small businesses in one lovely boutique shop.  The items are also eco-friendly and fair trade made. This store also has a great selection of gifts for kids and toddlers.

Little Mountain Pop Up Shop, 4386 Main Street

The Little Mountain Pop Up Shop is currently hosting ‘Holid-eh!’ featuring over 20 Canadian makers.  A few participants include Fox & Fancy, Bar Skin Bar, True North Trading Post and more.  They are open for holiday shopping until December 24th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and for those last minute shoppers, December 24th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Olive & Wild, 4391 Main Street

If you are looking for some beautiful unique home décor items for gift giving this year, we recommend checking out Olive & Wild. Lots of beautiful items in store sourced locally and globally.

Second Nature Home, 3565 Commercial Street

Second Nature Home is great little shop just steps away from the Commercial Street Café in a great little stretch of road nestled next to the Toso Wood Gallery.  It boasts an array of eco-friendly items from Canadian artisans many of them local.  There is a wide selection of products and we might add great knowledgeable service. This week, they are open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday, December 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive

Doctor Vigari on The Drive boasts quite a collection of art from BC and Canadian artists whether you are looking for large or small pieces, there’s lots of choose from including tiles, prints, jewellery, sculptures, furniture, ceramics and much more.  Also framing is available in store to finish off that perfect piece of art whether purchased in store or elsewhere.

Lala’s On The Drive, 1748 Commercial Drive

A newer addition to The Drive, Lala’s has an array of gift giving items, some silly, some sassy, many just plain fun.  Lots of unique items for gift giving.

Wherever you shop, we hope you will continue to support our local businesses.

 

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What’s On East Van: December 15th Edition

15 Dec

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

Chinese Lantern Festival – The PNE – Dec. 15, 2017 to Jan. 21, 2018

This weekend kicks off a 5 week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, live performances, storytelling, food trucks including Beaver Tails and Red Velvet Mini Donuts along with baristas offering coffee, hot chocolate spiked with Baileys if you want it. There will be two live performances nightly Sunday to Thursday at 6:30 and 8:30 pm and Friday and Saturday 6:30 and 9:30 pm.   You can purchase tickets in advance online which gets you a better price or at the gate. For ticket information and pricing visit Vancouver Lantern Festival.

Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre – December 16, 2017

Crafty Affaire Market is a great spot to put a serious dent in your Christmas List all in one spot. You can expect to find an array of vendors showcasing handmade creations, one-of-a-kind treasures, some vintage items and we are hearing lots of edible treats for nibbling or gift giving. Crafty Affaire happens Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Admission is $2.00.

June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a 2 day studio sale this weekend. It’s a great opportunity to finish up some Christmas shopping, or get started whichever the case may be for the nature lover in your life.  June has a great selection of nature inspired jewellery, prints, cards, tiles and more.  Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street stop by either day between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

The 24th Annual Women’s Winter Faire happens at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, this Saturday and Sunday. Expect to find a range for items for gift giving for that lovely lady in your life including jewellery, clothing, gourmet foods and much more.  Event happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Admission is by donation with $3-5 suggested which goes to support local charitable organizations.  We see since the inception of the Women’s Winter Faire, organizers have raised over $108,400 for local charities. Hats off to them!

Burlesque, Burlesque, Burlesque – Rio Theatre –  Dec. 15, 16 & 17, 2017

If you are looking to kick up your heels, or well maybe watch someone else kick up their heels on stage, Rio Theatre has you covered this weekend.  Burlesque is happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Kitty Nights Presents Pee Wee’s Burlesque on Friday and Saturday, 8:00 pm start and Sunday it’s Harry Potter Christmas Burlesque.

Sweet Pop Up Shop With Lisa Lou’s – les amis du fromage  – December 14 – 23, 2017

The Strathcona location of les amis du fromaage at 843 East Hastings is hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop now until December 23rd.  The sweets being those from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar.  There looks to be a great selection of their sweet treats.  Stop by anytime between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

If you are a night owl and wish to take in a late movie, Edward Scissorhands is playing at the Rio Theatre Friday night 11:30 pm. If you are a fan of Jane Goddall, you may wish to catch the documentary Jane at the Rio Theatre Sunday afternoon 2:15 pm or on December 22nd at 6:00 pm. Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets for your Christmas shopping. Nat Bailey Stadium on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm and Hastings Park on Sunday also from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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