All bargain and vintage hunters it’s time to mark your calendars OR alternatively to get organized to participate. The Great Grandview Garage Sale is back for a third year on Saturday, June 18th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. This is a multi-family garage sale that takes place all throughout the Grandview-Woodlands area of East Vancouver. Specifically from Broadway to the Burrard Inlet and from Clark Drive to Nanaimo Street. If you live in the area, you are invited to participate and it is FREE to sign up. Whether you live in a home, walk up apartment building, co-operative housing, no matter, everyone is welcome to participate. If you are the one looking for those bargains or vintage finds, think of it as one big treasure hunt. Who knows what you might come across in your travels. The Great Grandview Garage Sale will go ahead rain or shine. To sign up to participate, or see a map of the current locations, visit Great Grandview Garage Sale. Remember, the old adage “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure”. And for the wee ones or teens, there will be many thirsty shoppers in the area, so a lemonade stand or something similar, certainly wouldn’t be out of place. If you have a budding entrepreneur in your home, time to get them organized. Look forward to seeing on what we expect will be a fun treasure hunt.
The 3rd Annual Great Grandview Garage Sale Is Back June 18
9 MaySFU’s Philosphers’ Café Comes To Commercial Street Café Starting May 4th
3 May
SFU’s Philosophers’ Café is coming to the Commercial Street Café starting Wednesday, May 4th. The Philosophers’ Café is a series of informal public discussions throughout the City on a variety of topics. Founded in 1998 by Yosef Wosk, these discussions are aimed at creating cutting-edge, safe and stimulating environment for public conversation. More than 70,000 people have attended Philosophers’ Cafés at 90 different venues across B.C. So whether you are a student, senior, scholar, philosopher, community minded, or just plain curious, you are encouraged to attend and share your ideas. The events are free to attend and no registration is required. We have set out below the discussions that will be taking place at the Commercial Street Café. This is a great gem of a cafe located at 3599 Commercial Street at East 20th Avenue.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 6:30 pm
Mobility and Urban Densification: Do we need rapid transit?
Moderator: Peter Holt
Monday, May 23, 2016 6:30 pm
Wealth Is Associated With Money & Assets: But What Makes You Feel Rich?
Moderator: Peter Holt
Thursday, June 23, 2016 6:30 pm
The Sharing Economy: Is This The End of Ownership?
Moderator: Peter Holt
“Thinking the unthinkable, imagining the impossible, and discussing
the improbable”
Treat Your Mom To A Brunch Tour Saturday May 7th
28 Apr
Want to do something tasty and fun with your mom for Mother’s Day? Well Off The Eaten Track Tours is offering their Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour in the heart of the East Village with a discount on Saturday, May 7th. You are invited to join them on Saturday morning at 9:30 am to meet some local businesses and nosh your way through a progressive brunch. On this tour, you will visit 5 culinary spots including a 35-year old Italian deli, a funky southern restaurant, a bakery, a local butcher shop and Vancouver’s smallest tea shop. There are only 10 spaces available on this tour. If you wish to get your seats, be sure to use the promo code TREATMOM to receive a 10% discount. For more information on the tour, or to purchase your spots, visit Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour.
Photo Credit: Off The Eaten Track
Some Great Ways To Shop Local This Weekend
27 Apr
If you have some gift shopping to do whether a baby shower, wedding shower, birthday or Mother’s Day, there are some great opportunities to shop local this weekend. Each spot will have perfect items for gift giving whatever you may be shopping for. First up, there is the:
Modern Fort – The Market That Gives Back – Saturday, April 30th
The Modern Fort is hosting The Market That Gives Back which is also a fundraising event benefitting families with austism. The market happens this Saturday, April 30th at The Aviary, 637 East 15th Avenue from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. All participating vendors will be donating a percentage of their sales to Canucks Autism Network. Some of the local businesses on hand include Loulou Lollipop, Emerson Apparel, Giving Gifts, Linden’s Art Gallery, K’Pure and a photo session with East Van’s Klik Photographic.
Giving Gifts 3rd Anniversary Party – Sunday, May 1st
Giving Gifts is a great cooperative shop with an ethical focus located at 4075 Main Street. This Sunday, May 1st they are having their 3rd Anniversary Party so along with balloons and treats, there will be some deals to be had as well as an opportunity to win a $300 gift certificate to the store. The celebration gets under way at 2:00 pm and goes till 5:00 pm.
June Hunter Spring Studio Sale April 29th – May 1st
June Hunter is opening up her East Van Studio for a Spring Sale this weekend from April 29th to May 1st. June’s studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew Street). You can expect to find jewellery, tiles, wood panel prints, photo prints and unique pieces of art and yes, sale prices as well. Nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic spots around East Van. You can check it out for yourself on Friday, April 29th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday this weekend from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Winter Farmers Market – Hastings Park Sunday May 1st
Lastly, if you have a foodie in your life, we recommend the last winter farmers market of the season at Hastings Park which happens this Sunday, May 1st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You are sure to find something delectable that makes a great gift, or a collection of a few items from this market.
Photo Credit: June Hunter Images
Spring & Summer Farmer Markets In East Van
26 Apr
The warm Spring weather is now here which also means more great local produce. We are fortunate to have yet another season of farmers markets lined up which offers us not only produce, but handmade goods, artisans breads, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries and makers of spirits are now on hand offering tastings as well. Each market is unique and offers a little something different. Trout Lake is the largest and a great place to sit down and have a picnic on the spot at the park with your new purchases. River District is one of the smaller markets situated just below Marine Drive at the foot of Kerr Street in SE Vancouver, but generally different vendors than the markets organized by Vancouver Farmers Market. Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is also smaller than Trout Lake, but we love that it’s on a Sunday so giving some options when faced with a busy weekend. The Italian Market is held on Friday afternoons in front of the Italian Cultural Centre and is a personal favourite. Along with produce, you will find artisans, food trucks, coffee and more. The added bonus is the Italian Cultural Centre usually has a number of other events going on including art on display, live music and/or dancing. The Main Street Farmers Market is a great afternoon market and perfect for those just leaving downtown for home, or a quick cycle from Mount Pleasant and the Olympic Village. We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season.
Trout Lake Farmers Market:
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday May 7th – October 22nd
Location: North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake between Templeton and Lakewood south of the 13th Avenue Alley
Main Street Station Farmers Market:
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday June 1st to October 5th
Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday June 12th – October 9th
Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park)
River District Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Saturday May 14th – October 15th
Location: 8683 Kerr Street (at E. Kent Avenue S.)
Il Mercato: Italian Market:
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
June 17th, July 15th and August 19th
Location: Il Centro, Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street (off Grandview Highway)
We encourage you to come out and support these local producers and vendors.
Main Street Vinyl Record Fair XIII May 1 At The Heritage Hall
25 Apr
If you love vinyl, you may wish to check out the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair on Sunday, May 1st.. The event takes place at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or trade new and/or used vinyl records, this is certainly the place to be. You can expect to find LPs, 45s, 78s, turntables, vintage audio gear, record storage and more with over 50 independent vendors. That translates to over 50,000 vinyl records on sale. If you are looking to discover rare records and/or stock up on bargain classics, we invite you to stop by the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair on May 1st. Admission is $4.00 for adults, kids are free.
New In Town: Me & Monty Dog Spa Products
19 Apr
Here at ILiveInEastVan.com we love featuring local East Van businesses and makers. Today we would like to introduce you to Marina Hebert and her new business, Me & Monty Dog Spa Products. As a dog owner, Marina’s product caught our eye. Marina lives in East Van off Commercial Drive with her partner, daughter, Isabel, their dog Monty (pictured) and a rotating cast of foster animals. Marina has a passion for animals and animal welfare and has been volunteering in this area for several years. Her professional background is in non-profit administration and development which should bode well as she embarks on this new adventure featuring natural care products for dogs. She has been making soap as a hobby for a number of years and began taking classes at Vancouver Soap Making School. She considered starting a business after adopting her Chihuahua, Monty. Marina had difficulty locating natural, organic grooming products for him that were dog-safe. So Marina embarked on a course at EMBERS Eastside Movement For Business and Economic Renewal Society from which she continues to receive mentorship as her business grows.
Marina sources all her products locally and purchases organic whenever possible. We like that Me & Monty Dog Spa Products do not contain any palm oil, artificial scents, preservatives, sulfates or animal ingredients. Marina currently makes 3 products, bar soap, dog shampoo and nose & paw butter. All the products are 100% safe for consumption should the dogs lick or ingest any of the product. Prices range from $14 for the 5 ounce bar soap, $14.50 for the nose & paw butter and $13.50 for the 8 ounce dog shampoo and $26 for the 16 ounce bottle. You can find Me & Monty Dog Spa Products at The Bloom Bloom Room in New Westminster, The Moonlight Dog Cafe and Long Live Cats and Dogs on East Hastings Street. You can also purchase products online via her Etsy Shop with pick up available in East Vancouver. You can also expect to see her products available at local groomers soon. Should you be one, she offers free sample packs to try out her products. We invite you to check out Me & Monty Dog Spa Products and look forward to seeing more of Me & Monty Dog Spa Products in and around the City.

Photo Credit: Karla Wakefield Photography
Eastside Flea Grand Opening Weekend April 16 & 17
14 Apr
In case you hadn’t heard, the Eastside Flea has found a new permanent home at the Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street. This flea market features it all including vintage goods, vinyl records, collectibles and handmade items by local artisans. This weekend is the Grand Opening of their new space and it will be a 2 day event on April 16th and 17th. They have been busy reworking their new digs and are ready to show it off. Added bonus is Tacofino Food Truck will be on hand for those that get hungry while shopping. There will also be deejays on hand as well an artist show room and a few other surprises. The Eastside Flea will be open this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Come on down and check out their new space.
Stone Soup Festival May 7th At The Britannia Community Centre/Napier Greenway
13 Apr
Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, is hosting the 21st Annual Stone Soup Festival on Saturday, May 7th. This annual event is a celebration of food, art, environment and community. You can expect to find a food market, local artists, community groups, talks and workshops, live music, tea leaf reading, children’s activities, free soup and much more. The Stone Soup Festival aims to bring awareness to the issues of food security, the benefits of sharing resources and eating ‘local’ and celebrating the diversity of food in our neighbourhood, the environment and its importance to the culture of our community. Some of the highlights from this year’s festival include:
Urban Foraging & Medicine Making with Lori Snyder
Free Drop-In Workshop & Walkabout
Family Activity Room 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Greenhorn Community Music Project
Performance 1:00 pm West Kid’s Area
Children’s Interactive Music with George Rahi (from Gamelan Bike Bike)
West Kid’s Area 2:00 pm
“Saving Our Wild Salmon” Slide Show & Talk by Eddie Gardner
Britannia Library 3:00 pm
There will be live music on the Commercial Drive Stage starting at Noon with the Carnival Band kicking things off, then at 1:00 pm Backspin takes the stage followed by the Tim Sars Duo at 2:00 pm. After that The Vancouver Fiddle Club keep things moving about 3:00 pm which are followed by Rio Samaya at 4:00 p.m. The Stone Soup Festival kicks off at Noon and runs till 5:00 pm. This is a family friendly event with lots of activities for the kids including face painting, storytelling and a kids activity area. For more information, contact the Britannia Community Centre at T: 604.718.5800.
Delish New Cooking Classes At Gourmet Warehouse This Spring
11 Apr
The Gourmet Warehouse has some great new cooking classes lined up for the Spring. Having personally attended one of these classes, it is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Of course, there is always shopping after the cooking class as participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes. Below we have set out a sampling of some of their upcoming classes.
Flavours of Vietnam – Saturday, May 28th 11:00 am ($65) SOLD OUT
In this demonstration cooking class, Chef Cindy Low is going to teach you all about Vietnamese cuisine which she says is one of Asia’s best kept secrets. She will focus on fresh Asian herbs and vegetables which makes for light and healthy meals. Chef Low will teach you how to make homemade chicken broth which is the base for Vietnamese pho. You will also learn to make salad rolls, shaking beef with arugula and Vietnamese coffee ice cream. As always, you are encouraged to come hungry, you will be eating the items made in class and this is a popular one. What you will learn to make includes:
Vietnamese salad rolls with prawns, served with a
hoi sin and peanut dipping sauce
Shaking beef with arugula, served banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) style
Chicken pho – classic Vietnamese soup with rice noodles in a homemade
chicken broth, fresh Asian herbs, bean sprouts
Homemade Vietnamese carrot and daikon pickles
Vietnamese coffee ice cream
Cake Pops – Sunday, June 26th 11:00 am ($65) SOLD OUT
You are invited to this hands-on-class with in-house baker, Rick Gaspard. He will demonstrate how easy it is to make Cake Pops. You will learn all the tips on how to shape them, dip them and roll and decorate them. Cake pops are fun variation and perfect for a wedding favours, birthday treats and make a great decorative flair at wedding or baby showers. As this is a hands-on-class, you are asked to bring an apron as well as a container to bring home your freshly created cake pops.
Greek Night– Saturday, June 18th 11:00 am ($65) NEWLY ADDED
In this demonstration cooking class, Chef Cindy Low is going to teach you not only about the distinctive flavours of Greek dishes, but how truly simple the dishes are to make. Cindy will also discuss the Mediterranean diet which is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Some of the delicious dishes you will learn to make include:
Horiataki Salata (Greek salad) with tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives,
green pepper, oregano and extra virgin olive oil
Prawns Saganaki – prawns baked with tomatoes and feta
Chicken Souvlaki – tender cubes of chicken breast, marinated and grilled to perfection
Roasted Lemon Potatoes
Tzatziki – yogurt and cucumber dip
Baklava “Bites” – classic Greek dessert of nuts, honey, filo pastry
If you are interested in any of the cooking classes, be sure to register early to avoid disappointment, classes do sell out. Bon Appetit!
