Tag Archives: Commercial Drive

East Side Brunch Crawl January 26th

9 Jan

EastsideBrunchCrawl

Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest restaurant festival gets under way January 17th with another fun event in East Vancouver, the East Side Brunch Crawl.  This event is being presented by Vancouver Foodster (Richard Wolak) and the Drive Business Improvement Association.  The event will take place on Sunday, January 26th and begins at 10:00 am at LaLa’s, 1748 Commercial Drive. Here you will pick up your “passport” which is your guide to 8 restaurants on Commercial Drive.  From there, you begin your food crawl which includes fresh juices, smoothies, coffees, eggs benedict, pancakes, French toast, omelettes, meats, desserts and more.  Some of the participating restaurants include Timbre Restaurant, Dolce Amore, Yolks Breakfast and Turks Coffee.  Outside of your passport, we do recommend you bring your appetite. Cost for the East Side Brunch Crawl is $40 and includes all food and beverage samples at participating locations. Note, tax and gratuities not included. To purchase your tickets for the East Side Brunch Crawl, visit Tickets Tonight.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

An Evening With Fidel At Havana Restaurant From January 8th – 11th

7 Jan

FidelCastroYou are invited to An Evening with Fidel in the theatre at Havana Restaurant, 1212 Commercial Drive.  This is a play that will be performed in two acts by way of Bravura acting.  The play created and performed by Tim Perez will recreate scenes from the life of one of the most complex characters of our times. Tim Perez will use Fidel’s own words, gleaned from interviews, speeches and personal recollections.  The play will also incorporate historic film footage and mixed media set design.  The play runs from January 8th through to January 11th at 8:00 pm each evening. Tickets are available online through Brown Paper Tickets at a cost of $20, or are available at the door (cash only).

Tags: , , , , ,

Live & Work In East Van? East End Food Co-Op Is Hiring A General Manager

2 Dec

EastEndFoodCo-OpHiringThe East End Food Co-op located at 1034 Commercial Drive is on the hunt for a new General Manager. This person will help bring to fruition the East End Food Co-op’s unique potential as a thriving, community-driven food co-op.

The East End Food Co-op was founded in 1975 specializing in meeting the community’s demand for products that promote a socially just and ecologically sound food system which includes local, fair trade and organic products.

The East End Food Co-op is seeking someone with the proven skills, experience, enthusiasm and the capacity for risk-taking to guide the Co-op through storefront expansion and modernization. For a full job description, please see:  http://east-end-food.coop/wp-content/uploads/EEFC-General-Manager-Job-Posting.pdf

Deadline for applications are January 6, 2014, but eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Fundraiser #Unbreakable at Fets Whisky Kitchen Tuesday November 26th

25 Nov

FetsWhiskeySignFets Whisky Kitchen, 1230 Commercial Drive, has partnered with June Iida of RE/MAX Crest Realty Westside and local artist, Laurell, to present #UNBREAKABLE.  #Unbreakable is a fundraiser for the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre.  The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre provides a safe place for women and children in the Downtown Eastside. They provide support, basic necessities and hot nutritious meals to over 300 women and children every day.

You are invited to this great event which will feature cocktails and appetizers starting at 6:00 p.m and a silent auction as well as live entertainment by local artist, Laurell. Tickets for the event are available online only for $45. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Ghost Light Projects presents Boys In The Band at Havana Theatre Nov. 21 – 30

20 Nov

BoysInTheBand

Ghost Light Projects presents a piece of classic theatre starting this Thursday at the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. This play which first premiered in 1968 off Broadway shocked many mainstream audiences. It is a show that broke down barriers nearly half a century ago and is as powerful and moving today as it was then.  The play at Havana Theatre is directed by Randie Parliament and Greg Bishop and will show you what happens when there is too much liquor, party games and a bitter Queen in attendance.   The Boys in the Band runs from November 21st – 23rd and November 26th – 30th.  Tickets range from $15 – $35 and are available online at Brown Paper Tickets.  

Tags: , , , , , ,

If You Love Licorice, You Have To Check Out The Commercial Drive Licorice Parlour

12 Nov
LicorceParlourSignI recently had a nice trip down memory lane with Mary Jean Dunsdon (also known as Watermelon).The name Watermelon comes from 20 years of selling watermelon at Wreck Beach over the summer months. This is one energetic, eccentric and passionate enterpreneur, also one that has her hands in a number of pots, but her mainstay is licorice. Mary Jean owns the Commercial Drive Licorice Parlour, 1002 Commercial Drive and let me tell you this woman knows licorice.  Mary Jean opened her licorice parlour in October of last year and fell into some dedicated licorice lovers. The previous tenant of her space, Dutch Girl Chocolates, had carried licorice to a loyal faithful fan base, although many people didn’t know it. A number of people were in withdrawals when Dutch Girl Chocolates closed its doors, so much so, Mary Jean put up a sign that said we are bringing the licorice back. As Mary Jean tells me some people really love their licorice. But then she didn’t really have to sell me.  What landed me in the Licorice Parlour was hearing that they carried salted licorice with many varieties from Europe. That’s all I needed to hear.  I have vivid childhood memories of Christmas in East Vancouver.  Each year, my grandfather would send a big brown parcel filled with delectable treats from Germany. My favourites were the licorice many of them salted, not an easy find in Vancouver. That hunt for salted licorice took to me see to Mary Jean on a rainy weekend over a cup of tea, licorice, of course.
WatermelonLP
If there is a type of licorice you like, the Licorice Parlour is likely to have it and I’m sure they will have flavours you will love that you haven’t even discovered yet.  If you require gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, they have that too.  If you want to know about the medicinal properties of licorice they can tell you that as well. They now have 65 types of licorice in store.  They sell for $2.50 for 100 grams. With Christmas coming up, why not bring a fun and original house warming gift. The ladies at the Licorice Parlour can put together a take out box of many varieties of licorice from about $8 for a small to $15 for a large which they guarantee will be a hit. Did you know licorice elevates your mood?  It certainly did mine after my taste testing. 
Now licorice is not all they have in store. At the Licorice Parlour, you will also find ice cream with cocoa, lavendar and licorice. Delicious I might add and dairy free.  Quinoa waffles which are gluten free and dairy free and made with Mary Jean’s homemade almond milk. You can purchase her waffles in store fresh for $3.00 or frozen to go for $2.50 each. She is aware of everything that goes into what she makes, she is a health nut in a sweets store and she’s in the best shape of her life.  Although I think the hula hoops have helped a little with that.  When you walk in the store, you will certainly find a very retro feel to the store with the black & white checkered floors, record player in the corner and the hula hoops hanging in the store. If you want to tighten your core muscles, Mary Jean is firm, hula hoops are the way to go. You are welcome to come down and take one for a test run any time. The hula hoops are available for purchase and the prices range from $25 – $116. 
 
This is definitely a spot worth checking out if you haven’t already. Once you have, I’m sure you will be back. I know I will be. Licorice Parlour is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Maria Coletsis  
LicorceSwirlyLP LicorceRedLP LicorceHalf&HalfLP LicoriceSalted

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Call To Artists For Redesign Of Vancity Credit Union Commercial Drive Branch

30 Oct

photography by | www.facebook.com/winstonwongphoto | www.winstonwong.com

Vancity Credit Union is seeking applications from artists or teams of artists to redesign the Vancity Branch on Commercial Drive.  One part of the redesign involves asking local artists to submit applications with images of available, completed artwork and expressions of interest in creating a commissioned artwork for the branch that reflects the community if services.

There will be two Artist Information Sessions held at the Commercial Drive branch located at 1675 Commercial Drive on:

–  Thursday, November 7th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm

–  Saturday, November 9th, 4:00 to 6:30 pm

If you are interested in attending either of these sessions, you are asked to RSVP by email to: Anna_Lambert@vancity.com.  For submission guidelines and further information about the call to artists, visit Vancity’s website.  You can also contact  Tanya Slingsby, Artists Facilitator, at Vancity Credit Union by email at Tanya_Slingsby@vancity.com or by phone at T: 1 778-889-4240.

Tags: , , , , ,

Don’t Forget Your Pants On Now At The Havana Theatre

18 Jul

Don'tForgetYourPantsShare Production brings you a fun filled comedy Don’t Forget Your Pants at the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. This is an original play with colourful characters, witty dialogue and absurd situations. You follow the misadventures of four characters as they struggle to assert themselves in society.

The play contains three major narratives that weave together. After making a series of questionable decisions, Chauncey touches on a moral core that he has ignored for years. Lewis, neurotic and insecure, tests the limits of his relationship with Serena and his unreasonable demands.  Serena only wants to get married. Meanwhile, Todd, just wants a hug.

The play is satirical, comical and at times savage but is essentially light hearted fun. It deals with morality, friendship, loneliness and compromise in relationships. It is on now at Havana Theatre  until July 27th.  Show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available through www.brownpapertickets.ca.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Car Free Day – Commercial Drive & Main Street – June 16th

13 Jun

CarFreeDayPoster

Come out and meet your neighbours and take back the streets this Sunday, June 16th and celebrate Car Free Day. The event resembles one big street party which is not by coincidence since this annual event evolved from an impromptu game of street hockey on Commercial Drive 9 years ago.   There will be two Car Free Days in East Vancouver. One along Main Street from Broadway to 30th Avenue and the other along Commercial Drive from Venables Street to North Grandview Hwy/Central Valley Greenway Bike Lane. Both events run from Noon to 7:00 p.m.

Each area has its own unique charm. On Commercial Drive, you will find fish frying over the fire, drummers performing,  DJs spinning beats and live music. Last but not least, roller disco! If your roller blades are collecting dust in the back of the closet, it’s time to dust them off.   The music on the main stage gets going at Noon with Banjo Mando and finishes up at 5:15 with Eastside Jam featuring Verncular, Simply Twisted and The All Nighters which go till 7:00 p.m.

On Main Street, you will find a kids’ yoga tent and art activities, bike lessons and also live music. There will also be artisan markets, roller derby, dance zones and a fashion show at 4:00 p.m. on the stage at 30th co-ordinated by Kandis Ivy Designs featuring fashion and jewellery by vendors at Giving Gifts & Company, Upscale Swag and iFound.  Then there’s my favourite thing, food!  Ice cream sandwiches from Brown Paper Packages, caramels from In the Oven and baked desserts from Blackforest Desserts will all be available on the last block of the festival. So if you needed a reason to make it from one end of the festival to the other, now you have some incentive.

To see a full listing of events, visit Car Free Day Vancouver.   Car Free Day is 100% produced by volunteers. Come out and support your community!

CarFreeDay

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Italian Day Coming To The Drive Sunday, June 9th

3 Jun


ItalianDays2013

How would you like to be Italian for just one day? Well on Sunday, June 9th, you will get the chance to experience everything Italian from the food, to the music to the culture.  The 4th Annual Italian Day returns to the Drive with this year’s theme being Carnevale di Venezia.  The Drive which is very much alive most days of the week will be transformed into a ‘Venetian style’ which will include masks, costumes, street entertainers, music, food, fashion, contests and much more.

The day will be filled with activities including outdoor cooking demonstrations which be hosted by award-winning Chef/Instructor Romy Prasad. Cooking demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon and are conducted by 3 different Vancouver Chefs showcasing some yummy Italian favourites! The audience even has an opportunity to sample some of these delightful treats. This is where you will find me! I heard a Twitter rumor that there will be Scroppinos available.  What is that you might ask? A Scroppino is a Venetian drink made with lemon sorbet, vodka and white wine. Bellissimo!

Some favourite contests will be returning which you can participate in including pizza tossing, grape stomping, pasta eating and watermelon eating. And, of course, there will be music. The musical lineup includes showman Federico Fuoco, international singer/songwriter Carmelina Cupo and Langley’s youth Ukulele Ensemble. Britannia Community Centre will be offering a drop-in mask-making workshop. The Italian Cultural Centre will be selling pastries and setting up a “Little Italy” Kids Zone in Grandview Park.

While on the Drive, don’t forget to purchase raffle tickets for the big draw. Prizes include:  Two tickets to Italy compliments of Columbus World Travel,  ECM Espresso Coffee Machine,  spa package for two compliments of Flaming June Day and a deluxe specialty food basket, courtesy of Renzullo Food Market.  Raffle tickets will be available at the BIA Information Booth as well as other locations along the Drive. The raffle draw date is August 15, 2013. Italian Day kicks off at Noon and goes till 8:00 p.m.  Come out and be Italian for a day! Ciao.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →