Tag Archives: Croatian Cultural Centre

Off The Beaten Track – Casa Verde & Spartacus Books

19 Jul

ACasaVerdeccording to Robert Stone – I recommend the Netflix doc “ Get Me Robert Stone “- the past is prologue. Now if you donʼt subscribe to that theory then you most likely werenʼt inspired by my suggestions to stop in at what was once Commercial Village. But if you do, you may want to check out another curiosity. Right in the middle of Commercial Street, at 3532, is a restaurant. Itʼs called Casa Verde and unless you were looking for it, you wouldnʼt even give it a side glance. With itʼs fading green awning and neutral storefront, the place looks like one of those “ social clubs “Tony Sopranoʼs pals would hang at. But actually itʼs a real restaurant. A Portuguese restaurant thatʼs been run by the same family for twenty years. Iʼm not going to review Casa Verdeʼs fare. Which is a good thing. I may not be the best food critic given that I did not like the much praised and acclaimed Savio Volpe on Kingsway and Fraser. I can tell you that the proprietors of Casa Verde recommend the salted Cod or their weekend chicken barbecue special. But thatʼs not whatʼs interesting. Whatʼs interesting is that behind Casa Verdeʼs almost invisible storefront, thereʼs also a banquet hall that holds up to one hundred. The hall feels like it should be accessible through a bookcase operated secret passage. Itʼs discreet and it might be the perfect venue to roll out your start-up launch, or throw that party when your new single drops.

On the other hand, maybe you donʼt have time for something as frivolous as checking out a restaurant you may never dine in. How could you have time when thereʼs injustice and inequality in the world? After all, you are a social justice warrior. Thatʼs why you live in East Van the birthplace of Vancouverʼs progressive thought. East Van was home to the first Lefties on city council Bruces Yorke and Erickson and the Godfather of Progressive Vancouver Trout Laker Harry Rankin. Itʼs also home to long serving former NDP MP Libby Davies and future long serving NDP MP Jenny Kwan. So itʼs ironic that in your rush to those committee meetings youʼve never stopped, right at where Commercial Street meets Commercial Drive, and checked out Spartacus Books at 3378 Findlay.

Spartacus Books is Vancouverʼs original Lefty book store. Itʼs been around since 1973 and for years was a beacon of socialist thought on the Downtown East Side. But eventually evil forces – think developers not CSIS- conspired to run Spartacus Books out of itʼs long time location and over to this innocuous spot under the Sky Train behind the Croatian Cultural Centre. Banished to this location, Spartacus Books soldiers on encouraging truth justice and the East Van way. Theyʼre friendly folk, mostly volunteers, and they wonʼt try and force feed you Das Kapital or insist you watch a North Korean video. If youʼre trying to establish an ideological position, validate your East Van political street cred, or just worry about the fires of capitalism being highly infectious, Spartacus Books can help.SpartacusBooks

By Contributing Writer: Al Tee

 

 

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A Little East Van History – The Lakeview Disaster And The Wild West

12 Jul

LakeviewDisasterVancouverHeritageFoundationWe introduce you to a new contributing writer Al Tee. Al loves a good story and has his eye on East Van’s history.  His East Van roots go back to his grandmother’s childhood home and farm at 41st and Sophia. Today, he’s going to share a little East Van history in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage area.

You live in East Van, youʼre always rushing. In a hurry. Youʼre rushing for the bus, for the Skytrain. Youʼre riding in the bike lane rushing to make the next light. Youʼre rushing trying to avoid traffic from pop-up city road work. All that rushing, and no time to take a side glance at what youʼre rushing past in East Van. Short anomalous streets and tiny micro neighborhoods. All of them bubbling over with anecdotal history. Because if you hadnʼt realized, East Van is where Vancouver started.

So let me do the side glance for you while you rush. As you rush North down Victoria thereʼs a point where you hit a big curve that becomes Commercial Drive. On your right you pass a large patch of green that hides a community garden. Plenty of those in East Van, except this has some history. At the bottom of Lakeviewthe garden is a shed thatʼs been built like a replica of one of the old shelters for the Interurban. The Interurban was the original Skytrain, Vancouverʼs first rapid transit. These shelters offered both protection from the elements and often a ticket agent to sell riders their fare. More importantly the shed has a plaque, placed there to remind passersby of the events of the Lakeview Disaster.

In 1909 at the current location of the community garden, a BC Electric Interurban train collided with a runaway railcar loaded with timber. The collision resulted in 14 people killed and another 9 seriously injured. What happened at Lakeview became the worst transit accident in Vancouver history. While you give that a pause as you rush by, two blocks east is a short strip of Commercial Street that was itself once considered a village. The Commercial Street Cafe located at East 20th and Commercial Street, is particularly significant. While I canʼt vouch for the coffee – Iʼm too anti-social to have coffee anywhere but home – I can vouch that this was the sight of Vancouverʼs first armed robbery. The restored Cafe was once home to the Bank of Hamilton, a forerunner of the CIBC, and on one August Saturday night back in 1912, six armed men entered the bank and robbed it. While this was going on, members of a nearby gospel meeting began singing. At the same time two South Vancouver Police Constables Pcʼs Thomas and Winters happened by. There was a shoot-out. According to PC Winters; “ …men came running out of the bank and opened fire on me. Quite a fusillade was opened on me…I raised my revolver to shoot, but the crowd that had been singing and preaching now began to realize what was on and they scattered. “

Picture the opening scene in Sam Peckinpahʼs The Wild Bunch happening two blocks from the Croatian Cultural Centre. A running gun battle ensued and the robbers, some possibly wounded, escaped into the bush around Trout Lake. Which brings us back to Lakeview. Because these six “ desperate outlaws “ all passed by the sight of the cityʼs worst traffic accident ever. Think of it, a train wreck and an armed robbery with a shootout only a couple of blocks apart. Is this is a side glance of East Van? Or the Wild Wild West?

Contributing Writer: Al Tee

Photo Credit: Vancouver Heritage Foundation (above)
Photo Credit: Commercial Street Below (below)

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What’s On East Van: June 9, 2017

9 Jun

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALots happening in East Van this next week. We’ve set out below What’s On, but first we’d like to give a shout out to East Van artist June Hunter for creating this image for our new weekly series.  As you may know, the crow didn’t make it into the running for official bird for the City of Vancouver’s. We felt the crow needed a little love and recognition, so it’s officially our graphic for What’s On East Van. June Hunter is well versed in all things crow and she captures some amazing photos of them. We invite you to check out her art work and photos. For now let’s see What’s On East Van for the coming 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.

Driven – June 10, 2017

If you love cars, Driven is happening this Saturday at Pacific Coliseum. This is an aftermarket show featuring some 300 vehicles. Event runs from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Admission is $20. For more info, see DrivenShow.ca.

Main Street Bike Expo – June 10, 2017

If travelling by 2 wheels is more your style, you will want to check out the inaugural Main Street Bike Expo happening this Saturday at The Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street also home to the Eastside Flea. This event happens from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and features photography, exhibitors, workshops, free bike tune ups, show & shine bike beauty pageant and to top it off a brewery bike tour at 6:00 pm sharp.  Admission is $3.00.  For more info, see MainStreetBikeExpo.com.

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire – June 10 – 11, 2017

If you are curious how things are made, or just want to see some of the amazing talented makers we have in this City, you will want to check out the Vancouver Mini Maker Faire. This event happens at the PNE Forum. It is an all ages event where you will find everything from tech geeks, painters, potters, knitters, roboticists, artists, bakers and 3D printing enthusiasts and much more.  There will be over 150 makers on hand for this 2 day event happening at The PNE Forum June 10th and 11th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. For more info, see MakerFaire.com.

Italian Day – June 11, 2017

Honestly, Italian Day is one of our favourite community events. Commercial Drive from Grandview to Venables is blocked off from traffic. The space is turned into a large piazza with food, music, dancing, vendors, displays, people watching, activities for kids, patios for sipping & nibbling.  This year’s theme is Amore, which of course is Italian for love.  Event kicks off at Noon and runs till 8:00 pm. Free to attend.

Workshop Canning & Freezing Your Summer Bounty – June 11, 2017

If you wish to learn the basics of canning, the folks at The Uncommon Café in Strathcona are hosting a workshop on Sunday, June 11th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.  For more information or to register, visit TartineMapleCuisine.com.

Tasting Plates Riley Park – June 14, 2017

Vancouver Foodster (aka Richard Wolak) is hosting Tasting Plates at self-guided foodie tour in the Riley Park area on Wednesday,  June 14th.  The event kicks off at The Honey Shoppe on Main Street and continues to a number of delish spots in the area. For information on tickets see Vancouver Foodster.

Free Italian Opera – June 15, 2017

June is Italian Heritage Month and with that comes some cool events in Vancouver for the month. One of them is free outdoor opera at the Italian Cultural Centre Thursday, June 15th. Two of City Opera Vancouver’s young singers will fill the air with Neapolitan songs. Food and wine will be available for sale starting at 6:30 pm, the concert is free and starts at 7:00 pm. The event runs till 9:30 pm.

Retro Design & Antiques Fair – June 11, 2017

If you are on the hunt for antiques, vintage or collectable items, you may wish to check out the Retro Design & Antiques Fair being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Sunday, June 11th from 11:00 to 3:00 pm. Admission is $5.

Entertainment: Arts, Theatre, Comedy & Live Music

This weekend, An AcroYoga Show happens at The Cultch on Saturday with 2 shows at 3:00 and 7:00 pm.  Can you spot a liar? Check out Story Story Lie at Café Deux Soleils at 8:00 pm for its last show of the season.  Looking to listen to some live jazz, the Sara Kennedy Trio will be playing at Tangent Café on Commercial Drive from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.  Looking for comedy,  Trae Crowder billed as a Liberal redneck is performing at the Rio Theatre Saturday night. Instant Theatre hosts sketch comedy at the theatre at Havana Restaurant Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 pm. East Van Comedy picks things up on Sunday in the same spot.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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The Bridal Swap Is Happening At The Croatian Cultural Centre Sunday April 2, 2017

15 Mar

BridalSwapAre you planning a wedding this year or maybe next year?  If so, we have something for you. Weddings as many know are a fairly large expenditure, even if you are doing it on a budget.  That is why we love the concept of The Bridal Swap happening April 2nd at the Croatian Cultural Centre. If you are unfamiliar with this unique concept, it brings together past brides, brides to be, decorators, wedding planners and craft artisans all under one roof.  For brides to be, you have the opportunity to purchase gently used items from past brides and, of course, past brides have the opportunity to sell items from their weddings which could include the ‘dress’ and wedding décor including centerpieces, candles, linens, glassware and vases to name but a few items on hand. So instead of buying all new, it’s a great opportunity to re-use and repurpose items which we are big fans of.  The Bridal Swap will also have on hand an array of artisans offering handmade items or services for your wedding day including photographers, jewellery, cakes, wedding favours, flowers, invitations and the list goes on.  Bridal Swap takes place on Sunday, April 2nd from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite and you have two options $25 for early admission at 10:30 a.m. for first choice on items, or $15 for admission after 11:30 a.m. Now if you are a Past Bride and wish to sell some items, you are in luck, there are a few spots left. Tables are $50 and organizers are offering our followers $5 off with the discount code ILIVEINEASTVAN17.

 

 

 

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Elemental Trends Fall Harvest Market At The Croatian Cultural Centre October 23rd

18 Oct

fall-harvest-frontIf you have some birthdays coming up or want to get a jump on Christmas.  Alright we know some of you don’t want to think about Christmas until after Halloween. Generally speaking, we are in that camp as well, but reality is that it’s just over 8 weeks away and once Halloween is behind us, time will fly by quickly. So for those that wish to get a jump start on things, you may wish to check out the Elemental Trends Fall Harvest Market happening at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, this Sunday, October 23rd. They will have over 30 vendors lined up including Wild & Raven, Art & Soul Collective, Mixers & Elixirs, Spiceworks Food Creations, Sable Shortbread Co., Blossom Jewellery, C Yarn Hut, Canvas Candle and Beth & Olivia to name just a few.  The market runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and there will be shopping totes for the first 50 people through the door. For those that get hungry, we hear some food trucks will be on hand including the Cycling Croissant. Hope to see you there.

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Retro Design & Antiques Fair Sunday October 16th At Croatian Cultural Centre

11 Oct

21stAntiquesFairFeb2221st Century Promotions is holding a Retro Design & Antiques Fair on Sunday, October 16th  at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. There will be 175 vendors on hand with a variety of items including antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, jewellery, pottery, postcards, records, retro furnishings, dolls, toys and so much more. Should you be in need of having an item appraised, they will be holding ‘drop-in appraisals’ from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on a first come first served basis. They do ask that the items be small enough to carry, with a maximum of three items per person. The cost for a verbal appraisal is $10 per item or $25 for 3 items, cash only. The drop-in appraisals will be conduct by Gale Pirie, an independent accredited member of the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group. The fair runs from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. General admission is $5 at the door. There will also be a special early-bird admission for $20 from 7:00 am – 10:00 am for those wanting a jump on things. Children under 13 are free with adult admission. If you are not able to attend February’s Retro Design & Antiques Fair another one will be happening on December 4th .

Should you wish to have a coffee and/or lunch before or after your shop, consider Commercial Street Café for something close by. It’s a great little hidden gem tucked away only a block down the street from the Croatian Cultural Centre. Open Sunday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and located at 3599 Commercial Street at East 20th Avenue. Of course, going North up the Drive after the market, you have a whole host of great coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants to choose from.  Of course, if you are on the hunt for vintage items, you may wish to make a stop at great new little shop a very short walk from the Croatian Cultural Centre called Second Nature Home.  This store has an array of great eco-friendly and organic products for the home as well as their own selection of vintage items.  Second Nature Home is located at 1827 Victoria Diversion and is open 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sundays.

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The Original Bridal Swap At The Croatian Cultural Centre April 3rd

24 Mar

BridalSwapAre you planning on getting married anytime soon? If the answer is yes, you may wish to check out The Original Bridal Swap Wedding Dress Pop Up Shop on Saturday, April 2nd as well as The Original Bridal Swap on Sunday, April 3rd.  This weekend event brought to you by DreamGroup Productions brings together past brides, craft artisans, decorators and other vendors who have unique wedding related goods to help you plan the perfect wedding.  This is a fun event for brides to be who are looking for those perfect treasures and, of course, most importantly dresses.  These two back to back events take place at The Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive.   Tickets are available online for this event with general entry prices and early bird access for those that wish to get a jump on the selection.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Bridal Swap.com.

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Old School Dance Party At The Croatian Cultural Centre April 9

16 Mar

Old-School_Apr2016_instagram[1]Do you have lots of energy and love to dance? Maybe you wish to ‘get down tonight’?  Do you have some platform shoes that need to be dusted off?  If you answered yes to any of these, you may wish to check out the Old School Dance Party happening Saturday, April 9th at the Croatian Cultural Centre. This is a high energy, booty shakin’ evening which will take you down memory lane. OK well at least for for some of us it will be down memory lane. For music, think the Soul Train and grooving to Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Might Sparrow, Michael Jackson and our 3 personal favourites from that by gone era Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gay & Donna Summer.   Tickets for this event are $15 and are available online via Ticket Web or at the following locations Salon Supreme, Rehanah’s Roti, Highlife, Patty Shop, Piassa’s Hair Salon, Zulu and the Caribbean Market. Heads up, if you want to boogie till the sun comes up, this is a popular event and sold out last go around, so boogie on down and get your tickets sooner vs. later.

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Vancouver Farmers Market Holiday Market Croatian Cultural Centre December 12

10 Dec

HolidayMarketThe Vancouver Farmers Market is hosting their annual Holiday Market this Saturday, December 12th at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive.  Now in its 19th year, this event is a seasonal celebration of food and art and runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This Saturday, you will find over 60 vendors offering everything from delicious food items such as cheese, fresh bread, olive oil, chocolates jams, coffee and honey as well as handmade jewellery, delectable desserts including homemade pies plus home accessories such as handmade cutting boards.  There will be lots on hand perfect for gift giving or holiday entertaining this holiday seasons such as BC Wine Studio’s Siren’s Call Pinot Noir.   Admission to the market is $3.00, but free if you are a Market Member. Hint: If you check the most recent edition of the Georgia Straight, you will find a 2 for 1 coupon for entrance to the Holiday Market.

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21st Century Flea Market At The Croatian Cultural Centre September 20th

17 Sep

FleaMarket201521st Century Flea Market is holding a flea market this Sunday, September 20th at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. There will be 175 vendors on hand with a variety of items including antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, jewellery, pottery, postcards, records, retro furnishings, dolls, toys and so much more.  Should you be in need of having an item appraised, they will be holding ‘drop-in appraisals’ from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on a first come first served basis.  They do ask that the items be small enough to carry, with a maximum of three items per person.  The cost for a verbal appraisal is $10 per item or $25 for 3 items, cash only.   The drop-in appraisals will be conduct by Gale Pirie, an independent accredited member of the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group.   The market runs from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. General admission is $5 at the door. There will also be a special early-bird admission for $20 from 7:00 am – 10:00 am for those wanting a jump on things. Children under 13 are free with adult admission.

Should you wish to have a coffee and/or lunch before or after your shop, consider Commercial Street Café for something close by. It’s a great little hidden gem tucked away a few blocks down the street from the Croatian Cultural Centre. Open Sunday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and located at 3599 Commercial Street, at East 20th Avenue. Of course, going North up the Drive after the market, you have a whole host of great coffee shops and restaurants to choose from.

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