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Holiday Studio Sale: June Hunter – November 25 to 27, 2016

24 Nov

junehunter3panelsEast Van artist, June Hunter, is gearing up for her annual Holiday Studio Sale which takes place on November 25-27, 2016. If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work.   June has a way with nature that shows in all her pieces, but we especially love her photography.  If you happened to catch the recent article in the Vancouver Sun on Forest Bathing, it is one of the up and coming trends of 2017. June’s been ahead of that curve (as have many of us) for years, but do check out June’s recent feature on Forest Bathing on her blog. Along with the article, you will find some amazing photographs in nature. We invite you to check them out and you will see the affects of forest bathing on her office mate, Geordie in before and after photos. 

And this weekend, you can meet June in person, see her amazing creations and check out her back yard studio. The studio is located in the back of her home for which she has to be one of the world’s shortest commutes. We are only a little bit envious. Add to that, she has some of the best work mates, Geordie and Edgar.  The first being a rescue dog that came from a high kill shelter earlier this year to his new loving home with his new pal Edgar the cat with serious catitude. As an animal lover, June is very well versed in all thing crows and you will see crows and other birds featured prominently in much of her work. At this weekend’s Holiday Sale, you can expect to find discounts on jewellery, tiles, magnets, crow-bar art panels, ornaments and wood panels as well as the opportunity to see some of her larger pieces like her new  raven/crow plexiglass pieces. Snacks and refreshments will be served among the twinkly lights around her studio. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Holiday Studio Sale takes place Friday, November 25th 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm and November 26th & 27th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you are not able to attend the Holiday Studio Sale, you can also catch June at the Make It Holiday Market December 8-11 happening at the PNE Forum Building, 2901 E. Hastings Street. You can also visit her Shop Online 24/7 or find some of her work at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive.

Photos Courtesy of June Hunter Images 

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Giving The Gift Of Experience This Holiday Season

23 Nov

giftboxbluestevenbulhoesIt’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 as one that lives in a condo with limited space and having acquired a lot of things over the years to fill that space, there is only so much room for more ‘things’.  Thus, we are big fans of giving the gift of experience which has the added benefit of creating memories and not just for the few minutes you are opening your gift, but for the many hours while the recipient enjoys your 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 by local craft beer enthusiast Ryan Mackey, Vancouver Brewery Tours offers behind the scences excursions to more than 18 local 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.  Having experienced this tour first hand, we can say they make this a great experience. Tour guides are knowledgeable about beer, the brewing process and the collaborative community behind the making of beer.  Any one of their 3 tours would make a great gift for the beer enthusiast.  Your options include a three-hour walking tour of Brewery Creek at $69.99, a four-hour van tour at $79.99 and you have the option of a  four-hour Beer and Food Tours at $89.99.

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.  They’ve expanded to other cities being Victoria and Banff so should you be buying a gift for someone out of the City, something to keep in mind. But for those buying for family or friends locally, Off The Eaten Track Tours offers their Railtown Urban Eats Tour for $59.99, Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour at $69.99 and Main Street Hidden Gems Tour for $69.99.  Each tour offers something a little different, but always tasty.  Having organized similar tours for friends in pockets of East Vancouver, we know first hand these tours are well received.

Les amis du FROMAGE – Wine & Cheese Tasting Classes

les amis du FROMAGE is a wonderful family owned and operated specialty cheese store with two locations in Vancouver, but our go to spot is their East Van location on East Hastings in Strathcona.  Outside of having an amazing selection of cheese both local and imported, they also have on hand charcuterie, frozen soups and meals as well as many items to help with your entertaining needs.  Add to that, they have some delicious Cheese Tasting Classes  which are held at their East Van location. As luck would have it, they’ve just released their upcoming classes for the New Year . Your choices include Cheese & Wine 101 January 25th, 2017 and Ole Espana on February 28th, 2017 and Vive la France on March 29th, 2017.   Heads up though, class size is limited and some of these classes do sell out. Classes generally run between $60 – $65 and wine is usually served with the tastings.  We think these would make a great gift for the cheese loving foodie on your giving gift listing.  

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

If know someone that loves to dance, then you may wish to consider a gift certificate to Federico’s Supper Club for a night of dinner and dancing.  Federico’s Supper Club has great Italian food in the heart of Little Italy on Commercial Drive. Add to that amazing staff and impeccable service.  Owner, Federico Fuoco, belts out great tunes most nights, but they often showcase special guests such as Abra Cadabra an Abba Tribute or Nearly Neil for a Neil Diamond Tribute along with many others.  For those that love to put on their dancing shoes, this would make a great gift.

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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Delish Holiday Classes At The Uncommon Café This December

22 Nov

UncommonCafeHoliday2016.pngThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting some delicious classes which will help you with your holiday entertaining and/or gift giving.  Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading classes this December perfect for holiday entertaining . You can learn to make Eggnog Cream Puffs and Orange Cranberry Almond Shortbread just to name two of the goodies. These sounds so good, you may not want to gave them away as a gift, but stash away for yourself. We’ve set out below two of the upcoming classes and what they will cover.

Eclairs and Cream Puff Holiday Special – Saturday, December 10th 6-9 pm

Valentine will teach you the basics of Choux pastry and how to decorate them with cheer while, of course, sipping on Champagne.  The fillings she will teach you will be sweet and savoury and include Candy Cane Eclairs, Eggnog Cream Puffs, Savory Gougeres (Cheese Puffs). You are asked to bring containers so you can take some of creations home, that is if you don’t eat them all. This class is $65 and runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  To register, visit Eventbrite. Register early and save $10.

Ultimate Holiday Baking Class With Champagne  Wednesday, December 21st 6-9 pm

In this holiday baking class, Valentine is going to teach you how to make some amazing holiday treats which make great gifts. In this class you will learn to make Peppermint Meringue, Chocolate Truffles, Orange Cranberry Almond Shortbread and Coconut Macaroons dipped in chocolate. They all just happen to be gluten free. During the class, you will be served champagne and canapes. Now this is how one prepares for the holidays.  Again, bring those containers so you can take your  creations home. This class is $65 and runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  To register, visit Eventbrite. Register early and save $10.

No baking experience? No worries, the recipes are easy, Valentine will walk you through it and make it fun.

Bon appetit!

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CREEPS Comes To The Cultch November 30 – December 10, 2016

21 Nov

creepstimmathesonThe play CREEPS premiered in 1971.  At that time, it was David E. Freeman’s first play for which he won the Chalmers Award for Outstanding Play Award, the New York Drama Award for Outstanding New Playright in 1973 and one of the six Edinburgh “Fringe” Festival Awards in 1979.   This is a unique and sometimes dark comedy that features a mix of abilities and as it is set in the 1970s the language from that time will raise some interesting questions.  Three cast members have disabilities and the other 4 cast members are from the professional theatre community. The play features men that work in a workshop doing rather mundane work. They become tired of the way they are treated and end up barricading themselves in a washroom. You are invited to join the cast for an evening of savage wit and uncompromising truth-telling. The play previews November 30th with Opening Night taking place on December 1st. The show runs to December 10th and its run happens to fall on International Day of Disability on December 3rd on which day a 2 for 1 special ticket price is being offered followed by a post-show reception.  Tickets start from $18 and are available online from The Cultch.

Photo Credit: Tim Matheson

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Eastside Culture Crawl – Bits, Bites, Beer & More On The Crawl

18 Nov

foodimageFor all those participating in this year’s Eastside Culture Crawl which is taking place November 17- 20, 2016, we have a few thoughts on where to stop to refuel. We know from first hand experience all that walking on the Crawl makes you hungry and thirsty and the opportunity to put your feet up for a bit, is a welcome one.   With that in mind, we thought we would set out some delish spots to check out for a bite, refreshment or more.  As the Crawl covers a great deal of ground, we have set it out by geographic area. Since our experience has been to pick a general area to concentrate on and stop in at a number of artists within walking distance.

Hastings Sunrise

In Hastings Sunrise, there is no lack of choices along the stretch of East Hastings. Some great options include Roundel Café, Jackalope’s Dive and Red Wagon Café for brunch for starters. For coffee, we’d hit Platform 7 Coffee. Of course, for lunch or brunch, Tacofino Commissary is a no brainer anytime. If you have a hankering for something sweet, well a couple of great options include Black Rook Bakehouse and East Village Bakery.

Grandview Woodlands

If you are wandering in the Grandview Woodlands area, you could start with breakfast or lunch at Scandillious at 25 Victoria Drive. Looking for coffee? We’d hit Pallet Roasters.  If it’s a stop for beer or a cocktail, check out Parallel 49 Brewing, Doan’s Craft Brewing, Storm Brewing or Odd Society Spirits.  Looking for something sweet, well the Pie Shoppe on Powell Street at Victoria has that covered off with a selection of handmade chocolate from Melt Confections on hand along with their amazing pie. If you are looking for dinner after the Crawl, Bistro Wagon Rogue that has casual French fare and it’s located right next to the Pie Shoppe on Powell Street.

Commercial Drive

On Commercial Drive you have a plethora of options whether it’s coffee, cocktails or a bite.  We couldn’t even begin to name them all, but a few that come to mind include Moja’s Coffee, Continental Coffee, The Drive Coffee Bar and Turks. For the perfect sandwhich to go (and big enough for two in most cases), we recommend La Grotta del Fromaggio. While there, we highly suggest a stop into Fratelli Bakery next door. If it’s brunch you are looking for, Havana Restaurant and is one of many great spots on the Drive. Just up the street you have Biercraft which also serves brunch and a great selection of beer.  Of course just a quick walk from The Drive down Venables is Uprising Breads for a great coffee and snack spot. Oh and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a favourite spot for licorice lovers, the Licorice Parlour.  If you are looking for pizza on The Drive, there are a few options Famoso, Lombardo’s, Marcello’s and just off The Drive on Victoria Drive is a personal favourite Via Tevere Pizzeria.

Strathcona/Railtown

Well there are some delish stops in this general area including the Settlement Building in Railtown which is a great spot for brunch before you start or a glass of beer or wine during or after. Les Amis du Fromage is hosting a Pop Up Shop with the Salty Cookie Company this Saturday, November 19th. So if you  have a sweet craving, we do encourage you stop by.  If you are looking for dinner after Ask for Luigi is in the area as is the MacKenzie Room directly across from Oppenheimer Park and The Heatley not far down the street.   If you wish to make a stop for coffee, the Wilder Snail in the heart of Strathcona is a quaint option.

Clark Drive

This is a developing area which we expect will be changing more in the coming years. Right now  it’s home to Strange Fellows Brewing which is featuring Moving Art as part of the Crawl, so beer and art under one roof. For coffee, check out Agro Roasters at Frances Avenue on Clark Drive. For sushi and something quick and reasonable, Fujiya at the corner of Clark and Venables. Of course, Yolks Breakfast at East Hastings has breakfast all day to fuel you and if it’s beer you are after Callister Brewing just off Clark on Franklin Street is a collaborative brewery which always has some great art on hand all year long.

Which every way you slice it and where you decide to Crawl, get out and see some great art!

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‘Little Red Riding Hood’ An East Van Panto At The York Theatre November 23rd to December 31

16 Nov

eastvanpantoThis December, we invite you to make some time for a bit of fun and check out the East Van Panto: Little Red Riding Hood.  Now in its 4th year, this production is brought to you by the creative minds at Theatre Replacement. The show will be playing at the York Theatre from November 23rd to December 31st. For those not familiar with the term panto, by definition a Panto (another name for Pantomime) is a tradition of holiday musical comedy theatre. Pantomime takes a familiar fairy tale, in this year’s case, Little Red Riding Hood and injects music, contemporary references and (best of all) audience participation to create raucous, noisy entertainment that is fun for all ages. In this year’s East Van Panto, Little Red Riding Hood will be bombing down the Adanac bike trail to deliver a basket of goodies to her sweet little granny. In easy path in theory right?  Well this IS the East Van Panto. Little Red Riding Hood will have to battle a few things along the way like some bike thieves along with some distracted drivers and, of course, The Big Bad Wolf. Will there be a murder of crows in her path? Or maybe it will be the Three Little Pigs. Well you will have to come out and find out and cheer her on.  During the show, expect  just a few (or well maybe many) East Van references that will be sure to make you laugh. Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the musical talents of Veda Hille who will be on hand for the first week after that Benjamin Elliott of Are We Cool Now? fame will be performing Veda’s signature tunes.    The East Van Panto is open to all ages 5 and up. Tickets start at $20, family packs are available which include 4 tickets for $120.  Note, all seats for ages 18 and under are $20.  Tickets are available at The Cultch either in person, by phone or online. The shows run begins November 23d at 7:00 pm and continues till December 31st. For those looking for a matinee, there are many 2:00 pm shows. For more information on tickets and performances, visit The Cultch. See you there! eastvanpantotimmatheson

Photo Credit: Tim Matheson

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20th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl November 17-20

15 Nov

eastsidecrawl2016The Eastside Culture Crawl is back for 4 days starting Thursday, November 17th.  This is a special year as the Crawl celebrates its 20th anniversary.  This 4 day arts extravaganza features over 500 artists in and around the heart of East Vancouver. Artists with a variety of mediums open their studio doors so you can see first hand their working space, their creative process and of course meet the artisans. On the Crawl, you will meet painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, wood carvers, photographers and so much more. The event grows each year and now comprises over 80 buildings from Main Street to Victoria Drive and First Avenue to Powell Street.  This year, the Crawl has a couple of new artists joining the event.

Engelbert Romero does fine arts photography and digital art and is located in Octopus Studios at 393 Powell Street.  Engelbert is a fine arts photographer originally from Venezuela.  His pieces aengelbertre based on architecture-inspired images.  He uses a digital camera to take photos of buildings, lines and patterns while keeping an eye out for unique shapes and forms.  He likes to capture images not evident to the naked eye.   We invite you to check out his work at Octopus Studios which we note is a hop skip and jump from the very popular McKenzie Room. We have featured one of his pieces below.

Aurelia Bizouard paints with tempered glass and plexiglass is located at 321 Railway Street in Railtown Studios.  Aurelia works in GLASSISM which is not easily defined but is a aureliatype of art working on glass and acrylic as a medium. She came up with the word GLASSISM, a visual art movement made out of paint on glass.  We invite you to check out  urelia’s beautiful pieces at Railtown Studios. She’s located a hop, skip and jump from Ask for Luigi. Of course, the Settlement Building is close to both these studios which offers bites, beer and wine.

While on the Crawl, we invite you to check out a very cool event happening at the Charles Clark Gallery located in Strange Fellow Brewing, 1345 Clark Drive. It is the 3rd Annual Film and Video Projection Series called Moving Art. This event takes place daily from November 17th – 20th from Noon to 11:00 pm.  Moving Art features evocative, art-based, contemporary silent films. So pop in and sample some great beer and check out art at the same time.  

What we love about the Eastside Culture Crawl is that there is no set schedule. You go where you want on The Crawl for as long as you want. There are of course so many great spots to stop for a bite and drink along the way. Whether you are in Strathcona, off the Drive, Railtown, Hastings Sunrise, Downtown Eastside or off the growing stretch off Clark Drive, there are countless options for coffee, beer, food and wine. To help guide you through some of the art available, the Eastside Culture Crawl has a great rundown of all the artists on their website including a printable .PDF map to help you find your way. The Crawl runs November 17th and 18th  from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 19th  and Sunday, November 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. See you on the Crawl.

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New In Town – Lullaby Stork Brings Memorable Gift For Your New Arrival

14 Nov

storkWe love finding the unique, different and creative things people are doing in and around East Vancouver. This brings us to our latest find. We’d like to introduce you to a new business brought to you by the one and only Deanna Knight. Some of you may know her as the gypsy-jazz chanteuse of the Hot Club of Mars for the last 15 years. They have been a regular staple in various live music venues on Commercial Drive.  In her newest incarnation, Deanna has created a wonderful new service for new parents called Lullaby Stork. It is a musical messenger service in which Deanna arrives as Lullaby Stork in full costume and delivers a blessing in song and poetry to new parents.  Your gift also comes with a Wee Blessing Bundle delivered to the new parents which contains an assortment of Canadian eco crafted gift items. Some of the items include cookies by Cookiella, Chewelery by Stardust Generation, coconut oil soap by Kootenay Soap Co., bamboo wash cloths, bibs and blankets. The base price for the Lullaby Stork to appear is $150, a little more than the Tooth Fairy, but what an amazing memory and experience for those new tired parents just finding their way with their bundle(s) of joy. To order your Lullaby  Stork, you can contact Deanna directly at 604.362.1280. 

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Artisan Markets & Craft Fairs In East Vancouver 2016

10 Nov

SnowflakeTis the season is upon us for an array of craft markets and artisan fairs. The collection of local talent is rather awe inspiring when you attend any of these events. If you are looking for a gift for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas, you are likely to find something at any one of these markets. You will find an array of items including art work, pottery, clothing accessories, baked goods, local spirits, gifts for that foodie in your life or beard kits for the man in your life. Of course, it goes without saying these markets are a great way to support local enterprising entrepreneurs.  Each market has its own unique feel, whether you are looking for a smaller market such as River District Winter Craft Fair or something on a bigger scale like Make It! At the PNE Fourm or Shiny Muddy Fuzzy.  We have set out below a rundown in date order of the upcoming markets in East Van for November and December. We will continue to update this list as we learn of more.  We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2016

Nov. 18: 33rd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair-Britannia Com Centre 3-8
Nov. 19: 33rd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair-Britannia Com Centre 10-5
Nov. 20: River District Winter Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11-4
Nov. 20: BLIM – Heritage Hall 120-6

Nov. 25: Italian Indoor Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 4-8
Nov. 25: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale  2 – 7 pm
Nov. 25: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4-9
Nov. 26: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale 10 – 5
Nov. 26: Strathcona Winter Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10-4
Nov. 26: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9-4
Nov. 26: Renfrew Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Community Centre 10-3

Nov. 27: River District Winter Craft Fair 11 – 4
Nov. 27: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale 10 – 5
Nov. 27: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9-4
Nov. 27: Market For A Cause (Canucks Autism Network) – Heritage Hall 11-4

DECEMBER 2016

Dec. 2: Eastside Flea – 1024 Main Street 6-10 pm
Dec. 2: TOQUE: Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair  6-10 pm
Dec. 3: Eastside Flea – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 3: Aboriginal Christmas Fair – 1607 East Hastings St. 10-5
Dec. 3: Artisan Market – Collingwood Neighbourhood House 11 – 4
Dec. 3: TOQUE: Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair  11-5
Dec. 3: Odd Fellows Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 4: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 4: Odd Fellows Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 4: Eastside Flea – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 4: Aboriginal Christmas Fair – 1607 East Hastings St. 10-5
Dec. 4: TOQUE: Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair  11-5
Dec. 4: Vintage Handmade Society Pop Up – Art & Leisure

Dec. 8: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm
Dec. 9: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm
Dec. 10: Holiday Sip & Shop – The Aviary 12-4 pm
Dec. 10:  East Van Ham – The Hall: 1739 Venables Street 11-6
Dec. 10: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 10: Make It! – PNE Forum 10 am – 6 pm
Dec. 11: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 11: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 5 pm

Dec. 17: Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Dec. 17: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 E. Kent Avenue 11 – 4
Dec. 17: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-5
Dec. 17: Winter Craft Fair – Homestead Junction 10-5
Dec. 18: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-5
Dec. 18: Winter Craft Fair – Homestead Junction 10-5
Dec. 18: Love It. Craft It. 2016 – The Aviary 10-5

 

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Main Street Vinyl Record Fair XIV At The Heritage Hall November 12 & 13

9 Nov

mainstreetrecordfairLove vinyl? Then you will want to check out the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair happening this weekend. It will be taking place November 12th and 13th at the Heritage Hall from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or trade new and/or used vinyl records, this is certainly the place to be. They will have LPs, 45s, 78s, turntables, vintage audio gear, record storage, over 100 independent vendors which translates to over 100,000 vinyl records available for purchase. They will also have a listening station set up by Thorens Phonograph Company  and of course a DJ spinning the tunes. If you are looking to discover rare records and/or stock up on bargain classics, you just might want to stop by. Admission for this event is $4.00 for adults, kids under 16 years of age are free.

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