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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Hot Honey Brown At The York Theatre January 9 – 27, 2018

18 Dec

HotHoneyBrown4This January, The Cultch presents a production that promises to turn up the heat with Hot Brown Honey. This smash hit from Australia took the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm with a group of six sassy women who know how to make some noise and defiantly smash stereotypes.  We see this as part of the evolution of our changing cultural landscape as it relates to women.    The #metoo campaign shook the tree, we think Hot Honey Brown lends voice to some of the empowerment that comes from stepping out of the shadows and speaking up. See a production that speaks with sass along with hip hop, dance, poetry, comedy, circus, song and striptease to push boundaries and defy labels.  We’ve learnt an extra week has been added due to popular demand for tickets. So if you wish to see this production, we recommend grabbing your tickets sooner vs. later. Tickets start at $22 and are available online at The Cultch.

What people are saying about Hot Honey Brown:

★★★★★
Gleefully challenges stereotypes of sex and race with a full grin, bared
chest and raised middle finger.” 
Edinburgh 49

★★★★★
It’s gobsmacking the talent and message this show has to offer: how it challenges
everyone to review their views, and inspires everyone to rock the boat”
Theatre Press

★★★★★
A powerhouse performance of passion and poignancy” 
Broadway World

★★★★★
Unapologetic, almost aggressively graceful and fabulously fierce…”
Theatre People

 

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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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Shop Local: Gifts Ideas Under $50

13 Dec

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We are big fans of local, shopping and buying local where we can.  There are so many great opportunities to support local with gift giving, we thought we’d highlight some great finds under $50 to help you with your Christmas shopping.

Walnut Boards $20 & $30 

The folTheWoodShopWalnutBoardsks at The Wood Shop have created these beautiful wooden boards made from reclaimed black walnut. Perfect for serving appetizers or charcuterie. Add a unique cheese, a small jam, some nuts, you are set. Small board is $20 and large is $30.  To order yours, visit them online at The Wood Shop.


Starters, Salads & Sexy Sides $24.95Starters Salads & Sexy Sides

Caren McSherry, owner and chef of Gourmet Warehouse, recently published a cookbook Starters, Salads & Sexy Sides. This is a collection of over 80 creative recipes for the foodie in your life. Book retails for $24.95 and is available at Gourmet Warehouse in store or online.

Nip In The Butt – $10

This is forNipInTheButtColours the cat lovers, or those looking for a fun gift for the cat lover. 2 Fork Designs has created this fun whimsical design called Nip In The Butt.  This cool catnip cat toy is made with 4 layers of felt and comes in a host of different colours all for $10.  To purchase your Nip In The Butt, check out their Etsy Shop.  Pssst 2 Fork Designs is offering our readers a 20% discount use code 1217EASTVAN20 to get your discount.

Sriracha Revolver Gift Pack – $24

Know someone that loves sauces? We recommend this Gift SrirachaRevolverGiftPack (2)Pack by local East Van business, Sriracha Revolver. It includes their 3 sauces for $24.00 – Beets + Tequila, Cilantro + Lime Sriracha and Clean Mango Sriracha. The Gift Pack is currently only available at the Blitzen Pop Up Shop at 623 Kingsway which is open Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 to 8:00 pm.  You can also order their sauces individually online, or visit their website to see where you can purchase them.

Silver Wrapped Pearl Earrings – $45

SilverWrappedRoseEarringsC&SKnow a special woman that deserves something unique and pretty? We are sure you do and we bet she might like these freshwater pearls wrapped with pure Argentium sterling silver wire. They give the impression of small rose buds in bloom. They are made by local jewellery designers, Cord & Stone and are available online, but you can also find some of their pieces at Second Nature Home on Commercial Street and Scout & Co. in Steveston. To see all their designs, visit them at Crafty Affaire at The Croatian Cultural Centre December 16th.

Carrall Credit & Debit Card Wallet – $30

For the guy that doesn’t like to carry a wallet, but just a few cards. These woodeCarrallKonisaStudiosn credit/debit card holders designed by Jeremy Lee of Konisa Studios hold up to 6 cards. As you might imagine, the wood does keep the cards from bending or breaking.  This is cool gift that will last and at $30 we think a steal. You can find the Carrall Credit/Debit Wallet in person at Kyubu Market located in the Maker Labs or online at Konisa Studios.

Em’Say Lil Squares Planters – $20/$25

We are qEm'SayLilSquaresuite in love with the concrete planters created by Nadia M’Seffar of Em’Say.  Nadia has created a number of different planters in various shapes and sizes, but we quite like the Lil Squares Planters which range from $20 to $25, whether you have 1, 2 or 3 side by side with a living plant, they look darn cool and make a great gift this Christmas. To purchase, visit her store online or stop by the Eastside Flea this weekend for the Holiday Market Saturday and Sunday. Outside of that, you can purchase them at Octopus Studios by appointment.

Macaron 6 Piece Gift Box – Le Gateau Bake Shop – $MacaronsLeGateau215

Who does not love to receive macarons? They are delish and usually gluten free. They make a great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or maybe that  Secret Santa gift at the office.  You can’t go wrong with this 6 piece set in a beautiful gift box from Le Gateau Bake Shop located on 3458 East Hasting Street (at Cassiar).  Pop by in person, or place your order in advance.

 

East Van Mule Kit – Odd Society Spirits-$60

OK we know this isn’t under $50, but just over but we think it makes a great gift so felt MuleKitOSScompelled to include.  Check out this East Van Mule Kit by the good folks at Odd Society Spirits which comes with a Moscow Mule Cup, Rootside Provisions Ginger Beer Mix, a bottle of their East Van Vodka and a few fresh limes.  To order your East Van Mule Kit, contact Odd Society Spirits or drop by the distillery.

We hope you will consider shopping local and supporting all the amazing small businesses in our community.

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Review Of How Star Wars Saved My Life

12 Dec

StarWarsContributing writer, Tiva Quinn, steps outside of East Van to review an important production that just completed a short run at Performance Works on Granville Island. Although it’s completed, we wish to feature it as it provides valuable information and insight for survivors of sexual abuse.

How Star Wars Saved My Life is intended first and foremost as a cathartic experience for sexual abuse survivors and an awareness-raising piece, but it also succeeds brilliantly as an entertaining one man show. Writer/Performer Nicholas Harrison is a theatre instructor at Capilano College with a lengthy and distinguished history as an actor, writer, director, fight director and stunt performer, so it’s hardly surprising that he knows how to take deeply emotional material and make a good story from it.

The most noticeable thing about all this talent is that when Nick chooses to perform as his younger self, he sells it completely – he takes us through highs and lows of his young life with the full level of joy, fascination, shock and terror that children experience. And when he becomes more withdrawn as he gets older, he makes us feel the reality of being withdrawn and keeping secrets, as well – no small task.

The set was also a very effective piece of this performance, with a minimalist design that works brilliantly for a story where the past and the present are the two most important locations.

The play is often funny, but it’s also quite serious about the work it’s here to do. Each performance is followed by a 15-minute talkback with Don Wright, of the Vancouver Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Noa Rabin of Jericho Counseling, Nick’s therapist. Nick has given Noa permission to share information about their therapy sessions in response to audience questions so that people can learn more about what types of issues come up in therapy for sexual abuse.

In keeping with the spirit of the production to share information and resources with anyone who might need them, I would encourage any survivors who might be interested in this topic to check out Nick’s blog, which covers a lot of the same material. Another organization that provides assistance is the local chapter of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse who also provide services to trans survivors.

By Contributing Writer Tiva Quinn

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Blitzen Pop Up On Now Till December 23, 2017

11 Dec

IBlitzen Shopn the space next to Heartbreaker Salon, was Whiskey Cake Home, who we’ve learnt has left this space to focus on their store on Main Street. Which means a great little retail space in the midst of a host of restaurants such as Les Faux Bourgeois, Osteria Savio Volpe, Matchstick Coffee, Los Cuervos at the corner of Kingsway and Fraser.  Most of these spots have waits and line ups, so while you wait for your table, why not pop in to the Blitzen Pop Up and get a bit of Christmas shopping done.  Blitzen Pop Up features a range of products from local makers including:

Anita Sikma Jewelry
Handwoven rugs/pillows/garlic baskets by Becky Brisco
Candles by EastWix
Leather Goods by Hannah Joan
Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce
Patch Planters
Batch salts/scrubs/room sprays By Kis•met Essentials
Andrew Pommier’s Limited Edition Artist Prints
Locally designed textiles and baby swaddlers by Anara
The Vancouver Shop – local neighbourhood patches, prints & giftware
Pacific Northwest Prints
Silk Scarves By Mona Sultan
Handmade Soaps & Balms by Violet Alchemy
Kids clothing and colouring cards by Jamie Anderson
Local Pickles and Pickled Onions by Deandra Vaughn

Blitzen Pop Up is local at 623 Kingsway, corner of Fraser & Kingsway and is open Wednesday to Saturday from Noon to 8:00 pm. Stop by and see what’s in store or check them out on Instagram @blitzenpop.

 

 

 

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What’s On East Van: December 8th Edition

8 Dec

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALots 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.

Brock House Big Band – Trout Lake Community Centre – December 8, 2017

Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting the Brock House Big Band on Friday, December 8th. This is a free concert happening from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. So you are invited to stop by, sing or dance-a-long.

Christmas Tree Pop Up Sale – Luppolo Brewing Company – December 9, 2017

Luppolo Brewing Company in Strathcona is hosting a one day Christmas tree sale with proceeds benefitting Leah’s Place.  Pop Up runs from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm so you have the full day to pop by and grab a tree.

GotCraft? – Maritime Labour Musuem – December 9 & 10, 2017 

If you wish to shop local, this is a great weekend to do it.  Choices abound, first up Got Craft? At the Maritime Labour Museum Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Get thirsty, you have some great craft breweries and Pallet Coffee close by if you need to recharge.

Make It! Vancouver – PNE Forum –  December 7-10, 2017

Make It! Vancouver is on now at the PNE Forum showcasing some amazing Canadian talent. Expect to find over 265 exhibitors selling handcrafted items. They will also have a beer garden and food trucks to round out the shopping experience.   Make It! Is on Friday, December 8th from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday, December 9th from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.  Admission is $8, but they are offering a $2 off coupon on their website.

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall – December 9 & 10, 2017

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy happens at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, this Saturday (11:00 to 6:00 pm) and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm) with over 30 artisans offering a range of items. Admission is $3.00.

The 19th Annual Animation Show of Shows – Rio Theatre – December 10, 2017

The Rio Theatre hosts the 19th Edition of Ron Diamond’s wonderfully curated Animation Show of Shows this Sunday, December 10th at 2:15 pm.  More films will be showcased December 11th and 18th.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Looking for humour, The Geekenders Presents How I Met My Mother: A Back To The Future Parody Musical at the Rio Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 8:00 pm.  Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets are in full swing at 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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This New East Van Business Is Sriracha Hot!

7 Dec

SrirachaRevolverIn case you hadn’t heard, Srircha is hot, literally and figuratively. If you aren’t familiar with Sriracha, it is a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt.  It varies in consistency, ingredients and hotness.  We recently met Jordan Hocking, owner of the new Sriracha Revolver, an East Van business that’s only been in operation since June of this year, but has been flying off the shelves literally.  Their sriracha-style hot sauce is made in a local commissary in small batches. They use all natural and fresh ingredients to make something unique and delicious. 

Jordan started making sriracha in 2012 when she was 9 months pregnant with her second child. She made and canned small jars as gifts one Christmas and everyone loved them.  Jordan then started experimenting with recipes. We learnt that most sriracha recipes call for red jalapeños, but Jordan wasn’t a fan of the taste so she substituted Thai chili peppers. Once she had the hot sauce down, she experimented with other recipes and created one based on her favourite flavours Beets + Tequila. In The Spring of 2013, a friend took her sauces to foodie party and next thing you know she was receiving orders and requests to buy her sauces. 

Not only do the sauces pair nicely with a variety of foods, we hear they are perfect for cocktails. Jordan says that each sauce works perfectly in a caesar and encourages those to try tequila instead of vodka in their caesars.   We see a cool new drink in the lounge at Odd Society Spirits with this local business, hint hint, nudge nudge.

If you wish to try these sauces for yourself, you have a few options. They have an online shop open 24/7. Cost of a small bottle is $8 plus shipping.  You can also find their sauces on the menu at a few restaurants around town including The Shameful Tiki Room on Main Street.  Sriracha Revolver has lined up a number or retailers already including most recently Gourmet Warehouse. To see the full line up of retailers, visit their website’s Where To Find Us. If you wish to do a bit of taste testing and buy their gift pack with all 3 sauces, check them out this weekend at Got Craft? happening December 9 & 10 at the Maritime Labour Museum from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you missed them at Got Craft?, you can purchase the Gift Pack at Blitzen Pop Up Shop at 623 Kingsway.  Stop by and see what’s hot in East Van. 

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Premiere of Web Series – The Dangers Of Online Dating

6 Dec

DOODContributing writer, Nicole Alivojvodic recently checked out the premiere of the new web series The Dangers of Online Dating.  No matter where you live, East Side or West Side, this applies to us all and this show is funny! Here’s what Nicole has to say about this new series:

Five years in the making, award-winning filmmaker Brianne Nord-Stewart launches her web series The Dangers of Online Dating, which follows a young sexual health nurse stumbling through the world of online dating in a hilarious and relatable way. The launch party, held at Vancouver’s historic Penthouse Nightclub, screened the first two seasons in full, had a question and answer period with the cast and creator and a contest for prizes like no other.

The first season began filming in 2012, shortly before the online dating game made the transition from taboo to “everybody’s doing it”. However, while the technology and the stigma have changed, the actual experience of dating online has evidently not. The web series covers all the common online dating fails and more: everything from crazy tattoos to misleading profiles to getting ghosted. It also showcases Nurse Paula’s relatable blunders as she searches for love online, whether she’s sending 1 (or 10) texts too many, licking her hot yoga teacher or trying to steal her French lover’s pee, this series will have you cracking up and covering your eyes in horror at the oh so relatable struggle.

To watch the first episode and subscribe visit The Dangers of Online Dating You Tube Channel. The Dangers of Online Dating launched on YouTube on November 23. A new  episode will be released each week.

By Contributing Writer Nicole Alivojovdic

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Shiny Fuzzy Muddy At The Heritage Hall December 9 & 10, 2017

5 Dec

SFM xmascard 2017 Print (002) Shiny Fuzzy Muddy happens this weekend at the Heritage Hall. This well curated market is now in its 15th year and is brought to you by artists, Kari Woo, Janna Hurtzig, Arleigh Wood and Frances Dickinson.  This year they showcase some new talent including Russell Hackney with ceramics, Kat Cadegan who is coming from Revelstoke to showcase her jewellery. They will be along side, Zed Handmade, Sans Soucie Textile, Claudia Schultz and many more.  All artists chosen for this market exhibit a high level of craftsmanship and quality in their designs. We invite you to stop by and check out Shiny Fuzzy Muddy this weekend. It runs Saturday, December 9th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 10th to 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $3.00 at the door.

 

 

 

 

 

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