Tag Archives: East Vancouver

Upcoming Foodie Events In East Vancouver

24 Jul

We love food and checking out foodie events in and around East Vancouver. Honestly, there are a swack of them to choose from this summer and into the fall months.  Some from past experience we’ve learnt do sell out quickly. Thus, if there is something that’s up your alley, we recommend grabbing tickets sooner vs. later.  Whether you like pie, cookbooks, BBQ, wine, cocktails or cheese, we think there’s something for everyone.

Sushi Workshop – Gourmet Warehouse – September 23, 2017

If you wish to learn how to make your own sushi, you may wish to check out the workshop being offered at Gourmet Warehouse on September 23rd.   Seasoned pro Chef Cindy Low will teach you how to make sushi in this hands on class. She will cover it all, how to make sushi rice, mix wasabi, prepare a variety of fillings and will cover rolls, cones and a variety of other shapes.  She will even give you tips on how to host your own do-it-yourself sushi party.  Workshop runs from 11:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 23rd. Cost of the class if $79. To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.  Added bonus 10% off your purchases in store the day of your class.

September – November 2017: Cheese & Wine Tasting – les amis du fromage

 The fine folks at les amis du fromage have a great line of cheese & wine tasting classes starting September 12th with Wine & Cheese 101. More classes follow in September featuring cheese from Italy, France and Quebec. Price runs $65 – 70 per person per class and includes wine with your cheese tasting. Although the dates seem a little ways off, these classes do sell out.  To purchase your ticket(s), visit les amis du fromage. Note, all classes take place at their East Vancouver location at 843 East Hastings Street.

August – September 2017: Summer Pie Workshops – The Pie Shoppe

We can personally speak to the pie making talents of the French sisters that created this shop. These two sisters have some serious pie making experience under their belts and we have to say make some pretty dam fine pie.  They are teaching a number of workshops this summer if wish to master the art of pie making. If you prefer to start with pastry fundamentals, they have a workshop dedicated solely to that on September 13th. To register for their workshops, visit The Pie Shoppe.

October 5, 2017: Book Launch ‘Starters, Salads & Sexy Sides’ by Caren McSherry – Gourmet Warehouse

Caren McSherry, chef and owner of the Gourmet Warehouse, has written a cookbook ‘Starters, Salads and Sexy Sides’. They are hosting a book launch on ThursdSexyStarters&SidesKarenMcSherryay, October 5th which includes a cast of local culinary talent such as Scott Jaeger from The Pear Tree, Robert Clark from The Fish Counter, Trevor Bird from the Fable Kitchen to name a few.  Tickets for the evening event are $50 and include a copy of Caren’s new cookbook. To reserve your spot, we recommend you call the store directly at 604. 253.3022.  

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse 

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

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

 

 

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

RecycleFest At Trout Lake July 22, 2017

10 Jul

RecycleFestWe are big fans of recycling. It honestly pains us to throw things away and we endeavor to keep that to a minimum.  Each and every person makes a difference, it may be small, but collectively it’s big. We invite you to check out the upcoming RecycleFest happening Saturday, July 22nd at Trout Lake. The event is hosted by ElectroRecycle which is BC’s small appliance and power tool recycling program. Bring down your broken, old and unwanted small electrical appliances and power tools with the view of keeping these items out of landfills, our water ways, streets and parks.  Along with recycling, there will be a host of family friendly activities including a hot dog BBQ, bouncy castle, arts and crafts, a photo booth, caricaturist and more.  The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Heads up for those wishing to clean house, ElectroRecycle program does not accept electronics such as computers, televisions, cellphones or batteries. To learn where those can be recycled, visit ElectroRecycle.ca.

ElectroRecycleInfo

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Vancouver Greek SummerFest July 6 – 16, 2017

5 Jul

 

GreekFestival2017The Vancouver Greek Summerfest is back for its 31st  consecutive year. The festival kicks off Thursday, July 6th and runs until Sunday, July 16th.  This is a fun community event with great Greek food including BBQ Lamb, Loukoumade, souvalaki, gyros and more. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the dancing, there will be lots of it, belly dancing, folk dancing, Serbian dancing and of course those attending will be encouraged to dance.  Organizers also have a great music line up including performances by bands Zougla, Urban Myth, Asi Somos, Dolphin Jazz and Golden Thread Orchestra, Jim Byrnes as well as Steve “Elvis” Elliot tribute artist.  When there are not live performances, a DJ will be spinning tunes.   The event takes place in the parking lot behind the Greek Orthodox Community Church of East Vancouver at 4641 Boundary Road which is located on the border of Vancouver and Burnaby.  If you are coming from Vancouver, the intersection is 29th Avenue. If you are coming from Burnaby, it is Moscrop.  The event is free to attend. Note, as there is food and lots of moving bodies, pets are not permitted and in the summer heat, they’ll be happier at home. During the week, Monday to Wednesday, activities take place from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and from Thursday to Sunday, things go from Noon to 11:00 pm. To learn more about the event, what’s available for food or which musician is playing on which date, check out Greek SummerFest. Opa! Live and eat like a Greek for a day.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Ice Cream Ice Cream We All Scream For Ice Cream!

3 Jul

 

We are blessed in East Vancouver with an array of frozen treats whether it’s ice cream, gelato, non-dairy, vegan ice cream or sorbet, options abound. While we are now truly into summer we thought we’d highlight some of the many spots worth checking out for ice cream.

Earnest Ice Cream

Admittedly we are die hard fans of Earnest Ice Cream which now has not 1, not 2, but 3 locations to serve you in East Vancouver, Fraser Street, Quebec Street and now their new location on Frances Street. Not only do we love their ice cream, we also love the Company’s philosophy to support local, be sustainable and environmentally friendly. If you’d asked us to choose one favourite flavor, we’d be hard pressed, Salted Caramel is up there, but then Whiskey Hazelnut not far behind. For seasonal, Lemon and Rhubarb Oatmeal are in our freezer now.

La Casa Gelato

The pink palace in East Vancouver located at 1033 Venables Street. A favourite spot as well, the choice of flavours beyond amazing. La Casa Gelato boasts some 238 flavours which include gelato and sorbets as well as other options including non-dairy and sugar free. They have a great outdoor seating space just across the street. Added bonus is they are open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm each day and we do mean every day as in 365 days a year.

Dolce Amore

Dolce Amore is a gelato spot located on Commercial Drive next to Merchant’s Oyster Bar. They have of course some delish gelato as well as some other sweet treats. We noticed a vegan Blueberry Basil Sorbetto in their line up which sounds pretty great. That’s on our list to try.

Rooster’s Ice Cream

Rooster’s Ice Cream is a great boutique ice cream shop located at 1309 East Broadway just West of the the Vancouver Community College campus. We checked out this spot last summer and it was a hit. They had some unique flavours and this year, we have our eye on their Lime Lavender.

Gourmet Ice Cream & Pizza Tour

If you prefer to taste test ice cream at a few different spots for something fun to do, you may wish to check out the Gourmet Ice Cream & Pizza Tour. This is offered by Off The Eaten Track Tours who regularly host foodie tours around the City. This delish tour runs from June 1st into September. Cost is $45.99 and runs weekly Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon for 2 hours. To register, or learn more, visit Off The Eaten Track Tours.

Innocent Ice Cream

Innocent Ice Cream is a sweet spot located at 4895 Main Street at 33rd Avenue that offers gluten free ice cream sandwiches, handmade all natural ice cream as well as coffee, so affogatos are available as well.   Some of the ice cream flavours include Salty Peanut, peanut butter and salted caramel and the Canadian, maple walnut and oatmeal.  We liked their flights of 3 mini ice-cream sandwiches. There are small seating areas inside and out. Definitely worth checking out.

Brown Paper Packages

We’ve been hearing great things about Brown Paper Packages which specialize in small batch handcrafted ice cream and ice cream sandwhiches. You can find their sweet treats at various events around town, but regularly at Pazzo Chow located at 620 Quebec Street at Keefer.  They are open Monday to Friday 10:30 am to 4:30 pm closed Saturday and Sunday.

Elephant Creamery 

The Elephant Creamery is the newest addition located at 2080 Commercial Street.  The  Georgia Straight featured some of their unique flavours that were coming down the pike. They are open daily 12:00 to 9:00 pm save for Tuesdays.  We have yet to check this one yet, but looking forward to trying it.

READER’S RECOMMENDATION: For a cone with familiar flavours, Bianca Maria at 2469 East Hastings and Renzuli at 1370 Nanaimo Street at Charles Street.

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

What’s On East Van: June 30, 2017

30 Jun

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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.

Canada Day – July 1, 2017

It’s Canada’s 150th birthday and there are a few events happening in East Van if you wish to celebrate close to home. The Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting a free celebration at Grandview Park that begins at Noon with live music and activities for the kids such as face painting, balloons, inflatable slide and ends with singing O’Canada at 3:00 pm and, of course, birthday cake.  Sunset Community Sunset Centre also be hosting Canada Day Celebrations from Noon – 4:00 pm with lots of activities, music and a BBQ.   Renfrew Park Community Centre and Kensington Community Centre will also be hosting family friendly activities from Noon to 4:00 pm.

Farmers Market  – July 1 & 2, 2017

This weekend you have the opportunity to check out 4 farmer markets.  First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 1st. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Also on Saturday, Riley Park hosts a farmers market at 30th Street & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm which will feature 30 local farms and producers. On Sunday, July 2nd Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Dali + Hopper – July 4 – 9, 2017

Dali & Hopper is an original play about a group of young adults who deal with love and self-acceptance through the role their subconscious plays in their reality. The show runs at The Cultch and tickets are $20.25.

Workshop: Frozen Desserts Without A Machine July 5, 2017

The Uncommon Café hosts a great workshop on Wednesday, July 5th in which you will learn how to make some delish frozen desserts, no ice cream maker required.  You will need a blender and mixer mind you.  Class takes place in Railtown, cost is $59.99. Use the code SAVE20 to save 20%. To register, visit Tartine & Maple.

Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre

Looking for fun and games? Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend. If you are looking to get out of the heat this weekend, the Rio Theatre is showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show Sunday, July 2nd at 11:00 pm. Great weather weekend to check out some local art, the new murals in Strathcona would make a great wander with a stop at brewery nearby, but we also hear visual artist, Amanda Cassidy will be showcasing her art at the Wise Hall on Sunday, July 2nd from 8:00 to 11:00 pm.   Plus, the International Jazz Festival to July 2nd with great talent at Tangent Café and Pat’s Pub.

Whatever you get up to have a great Canada Day long weekend.  Red Canada 150 Logo

 

Image: June Hunter

Tags: , , , ,

2nd Annual Eastside Culture Crawl Brewery Tour & Fundraiser July 8, 2017

28 Jun

EastsideCultureCrawl2The Eastside Culture Crawl Society invites you to an afternoon of beer tasting. The 2nd Annual Eastside Culture Crawl Brewery Tour is a fundraiser for the Eastside Culture Crawl Society which showcases the amazing artistic talent in East Vancouver.  On July 8th, the price of a ticket gets you a tour and tasting at 4 craft breweries including Luppolo Brewing Company, Storm Brewing and Strathcona Beer Company. The afternoon finishes off with a wrap up party at Strange Fellows Brewing. The event goes ahead rain or shine, you can cycle or walk the tour, but you must be 19 years or older to participate. Starting point is 1000 Parker Street parking lot.  Tickets are $52 each and available through Eventbrite.

Image Credit: Eastside Culture Crawl Society

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series Returns July 5, 2017

26 Jun

DSCF8778_cropThe Trout Lake Outdoor Summer Concert Series is back for another year starting Wednesday, July 5th. If you have not checked out this great free summer event, you truly are missing out.  This annual event is hosted by the Trout Lake Community Center at 3360 Victoria Drive.  Concerts happen every Wednesday evening throughout the summer rain or shine. If it rains, concerts go indoors to the Grandview Room. We’ve had the opportunity to take in some of the concerts on a nice summer evening and we have to say, it is a pretty perfect way to spend an evening. Bring a blanket, your friends, or the dog or both and a picnic and you are set. There are a few new additions this year including a BBQ and the Carousel Café to grab some food while there.  For parents with young children, there will also be a kids art station as well as the great playground near the concert stage.  We have set out the musical line up for this summer below.  Each evening kicks off at 6:30 pm.  By the way, dancing is encouraged, so don’t be shy. Others certainly aren’t. If you are lucky, you will see a few couples showing off their exceptional dancing skills which we witnessed one year which certainly added to our evening.  We encourage you to check out this popular free family friendly event.

July 5
SANCTUARY ALL STARS
A 17 piece big swing jazz band led by Bob Liley.

July 12
DEANNA KNIGHT & THE HOT CLUB OF MARS
Travel back in time to the early jazz era of the 1920’s & 30’s and experience one of Vancouver’s most eclectic gypsy-jazz ensembles.

July 19
SODA CRACKERS
Vintage country, jazz and roots music.

July 26
WHEAT IN THE BARLEY
A blend of their traditional tunes will be a big hit with all-ages audiences.

August 2
DAMASCO SOUL SYSTEM

August 9
RIO SAMAYA BAND
Original music of songs and poetry in a magical combination of Latin, Reggae & Rhumba.

August 16
SILK ROAD
A musical adventure that explores China and beyond. Silk Road Music delivers virtuosity and imagination.

August 23
SWEET PAN

August 30
CHECO TOHOMASO

DSCF8769

 

 

Photo Credit: Deanna Knight

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

What’s On East Van: June 23, 2017

23 Jun

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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.

Strathcona Street Party – June 24, 2017

The Vancouver Mural Festival and the Strathcona BIA have joined forces to create a street party to kick off summer. It will take place on Cordova Street where you can watch 9 large scale murals come to life. The Strathcona Street Party also features a beer garden, live music and family fun from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Eastside Pride – June 24, 2017

Pride Season kicks off in East Vancouver this Saturday in Grandview Park. There are a host of activities planned from Noon – 6:00 pm. This is a family friendly all ages event.

Farmers Market  – June 24 & 25, 2017

This weekend, you have the opportunity to check out 4 farmer markets.  First up, is the largest hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 24th. Also on Saturday, you will find River District Farmers Market on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver just below SE Marine Drive at Kerr Street from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Also on Saturday, Riley Park hosts a farmers market first of the season at 30th Street & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm which will feature 30 local farms and producers. On Sunday, June 25th  Vancouver Farmers Market hosts the Mount Pleasant Market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

 Intro to Tools: Folding Beach Chair – June 25, 2017

There is a great ‘do-it-yourself’ spot that hosts workshops every now and again called Vancouver Tool Library, 3448 Commercial Street (just down the way from the Commercial Street Café).  They are hosting an Intro to Tools Workshop this Sunday, June 25th.  In this class you will learn to use a table saw, drill and other power tools with the aim of making a folding chair. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.  There are 2 classes one morning session at 10:00 am and an afternoon session at 2:00 pm. To register, visit Eventbrite.

Pricing Artwork – June 27, 2017

If you are in artist in East Vancouver and needing a little assistance with the business side of things, you may wish to check out this workshop Pricing Artwork happening Thursday, June 27th.  The Eastside Culture Crawl Society is hosting the event and bringing in artist, Annie Briard, who brings a depth of knowledge to the subject matter.  We hear there are a few spots open. Classes are a very reasonable $20 and take place at 716 East Hastings Street just steps away from The Heatley.

Entertainment, Comedy, Live Music + Theatre

Looking for fun and games? Playland is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this weekend.  Rio Theatre is hosting the Affordable Summer Concert Series with R&B Allstars June 24th.  If it’s local comedy you are after, be sure to check out the Little Mountain Gallery this Saturday. They are hosting a fundraiser for their space at 8:00 pm. If it’s live music you are after, Falconetti’s has the Bottom Shelf Bourbon Trio on Friday, June 23rd. Plus, the International Jazz Festival is now on and continues to July 2nd with great talent at Tangent Café and Pat’s Pub. If you love piano and storytelling, you may wish to check out Declan O’Donovan who hails from the East. He brings you his new album Broken Sky and a guest home town boy Adam Farnsworth at the Wise Hall Friday, June 23rd.

Image: June Hunter  

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

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →