Welcome to the next installment of Rescue Me in which we feature pets waiting for adoption at the Vancouver SPCA. Today we would like to introduce you Marjorie. She is a 9 year old tabby cat. Our friends at the Vancouver SPCA tell us that Marjorie is a terrific cat. We hear that she puts the A in affection and heads butts are her specialty. This lovely girl will begin purring as soon as she sees you. Marjorie has lived with a gentle dog in the past, but the Vancouver SPCA thinks she would probably prefer to be just with you. She enjoys watching the goings-on at a busy window and is best suited to a calm home with adults or cat savvy older kids. Marjorie does require a special diet due to some renal issues and will require ongoing vet care with regular blood work. Otherwise, Marjorie is a happy, healthy, loving girl. If you think you can give her a forever home, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter would love to hear from you. You can find them at 1205 East 7th Avenue or you can reach them by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca. UPDATE Marjorie has found her forever home.
Rescue Me: Marjorie 9 Year Old Tabby Looking For Her Forever Home
17 Nov
Eastside Culture Crawl November 19-22: 457 Artists + 83 Buildings
12 Nov
The Eastside Culture Crawl is back again for 4 days starting Thursday, November 20th. This 4 day arts extravaganza really is a must see. During “the Crawl” over 400 artists in and around the heart of East Vancouver open their studios to the public. The event which grows each year now comprises some 83 buildings from Main Street to Victoria Drive and First Avenue to Powell Street. The mediums vary and include painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, wood carvers and photographers. There is no set schedule for this event, you go where your mood and interests take you and the array of talent is amazing. To help guide you, the Eastside Culture Crawl has a great rundown of all the artists on their website including a printable .PDF map to help you find your way. The Crawl runs November 19th and 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To figure out what you wish to see and when, check out the Issuu magazine online.
If you wish to mix things up and do some side trips in and around East Vancouver while on the Crawl, there are so many great stops en route. For instance, in Railtown there is Vancouver Urban Winery & Lounge which is a perfect start for brunch in the Belgard Kitchen before the Crawl or for a bit of wine or beer tasting after. There are more beer options if you head West a little ways including Parallel 49 Brewing Company, Bomber Brewing, Powell Street Craft Brewery and a newcomer Doan’s Craft Brewing. If Belgian beer is more up your alley Biercraft on Commercial Drive which is also a good spot for brunch before the Crawl. If you are looking for the perfect cocktail, we recommend Odd Society Spirits. Personally, we will be making a stop for brunch first before the Crawl. There are so many options in the Hastings Sunrise area and on The Drive including amazing coffee shops. If you are looking for suggestions to eat before the Crawl, in Hastings Sunrise there is the Roundel Café, Yolk’s Breakfast and Red Wagon Café for starters. On the Drive, there is Havana Restaurant, Scandillious or for the perfect sandwhich to go (big enough to share) we recommend La Grotta del Fromaggio. While there, we suggest making the walk next door to Fratelli Bakery for something sweet. You won’t be disappointed.
During the Crawl, les amis du fromage, 843 East Hastings, is another great spot to stop in and do a bit of cheese sampling. They will also have some local vendors in store doing Pop Up Shoppes. On Saturday, November 21st from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm they will have Mixers & Elixers. They produce small batch shrubs also known as drinking vinegar used in soda water and cocktails. Also on hand Saturday will be Grain which sources exclusively Canadian dry good products from farmers and processors they know. On Sunday, November 21st Noon – 4:00 pm, you will find SaltSpring Kitchen Co. in store. Melanie Mulherin makes delicious small batch preserves in some unique flavours such as Meyer Lemon & Lavender Marmalade, Sour Cherry, Rhubarb & Rosemary Jam, Blueberry & Basil Jam and the one that caught our eye Winter Wonderjam (Strawberry, Cranberry, Orange & Bourbon). Les amis du fromage is perfectly situated in Strathcona within walking distance of many artist studios.
For some more sweet stuff, the Licorice Parlour is a great stop with over 65 flavours on hand. If you are looking for coffee, there are many great options including the Wilder Snail in the heart of Strathcona, Pallet Roasters, 323 Semlin Drive and Platform 7, 2331 East Hastings St. Of course, there are an array of excellent choices along Commercial Drive including Continental Café, Moja’s Coffee and Prado Café to name but a few. If you find yourself in the Stratchona area, might we suggest a stop at Crackle Crème at 245 Union Street. This sweet little dessert cafe serves up artisan crème brûlée and authentic Belgian liège waffles as well as coffee. There will be many local restaurants, breweries and coffee shops at the ready to help you recharge your batteries before, during or after the Crawl.
See you on the Crawl.
Share this:
Marsh&Mallow – Decadent Gourmet Marshmallows
9 Nov
Here at ILiveInEastVan.com we love featuring local East Van businesses and makers. Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsh&Mallow which is the brain child of Carly Bloch. As the name eludes, Marsh&Mallow makes handmade gourmet marshallows in some amazing decadent flavours. Added bonus is that they are gluten free. Carly admits her first attempt at making handmade marshmallows “was an epic fail”. Through trial and error though she has truly mastered the process. Carly has a career in finance, but needed a creative outlet and loved creating sweet treats and has turned Marsh&Mallow into a successful side business. We hear the special orders are flying in. And for those itching to place their order, you can purchase Marsh&Mallow through her online store which sets out all the delicious flavours. You will also find her marshmallows in gift baskets being offered by local businesses such as Wantful Gifts and By Broken Arrow. Carly is working on some retail distribution locations and you will soon see her marshmallows in Much & Little on Main Street. But Carly is sticking with her core values which is producing small batches which allows her continue to source products and locally whenever possible.
If you are wondering what her most popular flavour is. We hear it’s her Signature Salted Caramel marshmallow. Carly says “Each batch starts with classic vanilla marshmallows, then salted caramel sauce is swirled right in. The salted caramel sauce is made in house and is the perfect balance of dark and sultry caramelized sugar which is transformed into creamy rich caramel, finished with pink Himalayan sea salt.” That said, this is one of her best sellers along with Raspberry and Classic Baileys and Cream. For a limited time during the holiday season, you can order Holiday Mint Chocolate which is a “squishy cool mint marshmallows coated in premium cocoa powder are drizzled with dark chocolate ganache and crushed candy cane.” Sounds like a piece of heaven to us. Prices start at $15.00 per bag for 6 large marshmallows. Personally, we think these would a unique hostess gift this holiday season. We’re just saying. We invite you to check out her online store at Marsh&Mallow.
You will also find Carly’s delicious offerings at this year’s Baker’s Market at the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre in SE Vancouver on Sunday, December 6th and 13th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. We sure to stop by and say hi and try a sample.
Share this:
52 Pick Up At The Havana Theatre November 13 – 29
6 Nov
A very interesting show called 52 Pick Up is coming to the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. The premise is there are 52 scene titles written on a deck of cards that are thrown into the air. As the performers pick up the cards, they perform the scenes, one by one, revealing a hilarious or maybe heartbreaking love story. No two performances will are the same. The show features comedian Dan Willows and Sarah Andrina Brown which we think should make for a fun evening. 52 Pick Up begins November 13th and runs till November 29th. Tickets are available online at Theatre Wire and range from $21 – $28 for adults and $18 -$23 for those under 30 and seniors. There will also be two Pay What You Can Performances on November 15 and 22. Come shuffle the deck.
Share this:
All Craft And Artisan Fairs In East Vancouver
5 Nov
‘Tis the season for craft and artisan fairs. Local makers have been working hard preparing for the upcoming holiday season. The fairs are a great way to support local when gift giving this holiday season. We have already checked out the first Winter Craft Fair of the season held at River District in SE Vancouver this past Sunday. This one will run every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm until December 27th. For those that don’t like crowds, this is a smaller market with great vendors. If you are looking for bigger markets with choices galore, there are many options including Shiny Fuzzy Muddy at the Heritage Hall, Make It!, TOQUE and Vancouver Farmer’s Market Holiday Market and new this year the Italian Christmas Market. We have set out below a rundown of the upcoming markets in East Van for November and December. We will continue to update this list as we learn of more. We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.
NOVEMBER 2015
Nov. 8: River District Winter Craft Fair 11- 4
Nov. 10: Crafty Daze – Diwali – Mount Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Nov. 13-15: 32nd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair
Nov. 14: Love It. Craft It – Heritage Hall 11-6
Nov. 14&15: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall
Nov. 14: Holiday Craft Fair – Killarney Community Centre
Nov. 15: River District Winter Craft Fair – River District 11-4
Nov. 20: Italian Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 4-8
Nov. 22: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 22: Blim Market – Heritage Hall 12-6
Nov. 27: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4-9 pm
Nov. 28: Strathcona Winter Craft Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10-4
Nov. 28 & 29: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 – 4
Nov. 28: Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Comm. Centre – 10-3
Nov. 29: Bakers Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Nov. 29: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 29: Renegade Winter Art & Craft Market – 2980 Nanaimo Street 11-5
DECEMBER 2015
Dec. 3-6: Make It! Handmade Revolution – PNE Forum
Dec. 4-6: TOQUE Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair
Dec. 5: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington Community Centre 10-4
Dec. 6: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Dec. 6: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 12: Vancouver Farmer’s Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-4
Dec. 12: East Van Ham – 1739 Venables Street
Dec. 12-13: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 13: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 13: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 14: Crafty Daze–Hannukah – Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 19&20: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 19&20: 22nd Annual Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall
Dec. 22: Crafty Daze-Winter Solstice-Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 20: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 27: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
For those wishing to participate in a craft fair, we have heard that as of today’s writing there are still some tables available at Holiday Craft Fair at Killarney Community Centre on November 14th and Renfrew Park Community Center’s Craft Fair on November 28th. We don’t expect that these spaces will last long though. So if interested, be quick.
Share this:
Light The Candles – The Fictionals Are Celebrating 5 Years Of Making People Laugh
4 Nov
You are invited to come out and help The Fictionals celebrate 5 years of making people laugh. If you don’t know them, The Fictionals’ first show was Show Us Your Wits, an Improv and Burlesque mashup at the former Mermaid Cafe. Since then, the comedy troupe has performed in hundreds of shows, expanded to a cast of 12 players and perform regularly at Cafe Deux Soleils and the Rio Theatre in East Van. On Wednesday, November 18th they will putting on Improv Against Humanity which will be an interactive comedy show at the Rio Theatre. And really who couldn’t use more laughter in their life. It’s like exercise, but sitting down. It’s good for you. Add to that, there will be cake! You can purchase tickets in advance online for $10, or at the door for $12. The laughs get under way at 8:00 pm.
Share this:
Dare To Be Square West Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall November 13
2 Nov
Would you like to learn how to square dance? Well now you can. Dare To Be Square West is a festival that brings 3 public dances that feature live music and on the spot instructions for the beginners. We hear that this event draws a “a young, diverse, and enthusiastic crowd from all over the west coast, including Portland, Seattle and Oakland California, which boast vibrant old time dance scenes” Dare to Be Square West is hosting a weekend of events with workshops that teach beginners the basics of old time dance and dance calling as well as strengthening the skills of experienced callers, dancers and musicians. We have set out below the 3 events lined up for this upcoming festival:
Kick Off Party At The Wise Hall Friday November 13
This evening will feature music by Yomada and Shout!WhiteDragon and include callers Paul Silveria, Craig Marcuk and Anne Louise Genest. Tickets for this event are $20 and available online from Brown Paper Tickets. The event kicks off at 8:00 pm. Again, beginners are welcome.
Southern Squares & French Canadian Dancing At The Ukrainian Hall November 14
This evening will feature the calling of Fred Park coming from North Carolina and music by No Mean Feat . There will also be a performance of French Canadian square dances by Suzanne Girardot with La Famille Leger. The event takes place at the Ukranian Hall, 805 E. Pender Street and kicks off at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Family Dance At The Ukranian Hall November 15
This event kicks off in the afternoon at 4:30 pm and will feature family-friendly dances called by Sherry Nevins with the Royal Coachmen and an opening set by Professor Banjo and a “crankie” performance by Dejah Leger (Seattle). This is an all ages event. Tickets are $5.00 per person and tickets are also available online at Brown Paper Tickets.
This event is organized by Paul Silveria who is a Vancouver based square dance caller. Originally from Portland Oregon, Paul learned to call from veteran dance caller Bill Martin surrounded by a thriving old-time music community. Paul has been growing Vancouver’s live-music square dance scene for the past 4 years and is excited to bring this festival to Canada for the first time. 
Share this:
Winter Farmer Markets In East Vancouver
29 Oct
Nat Bailey Stadium – November 7 to April 26 / 10 – 2
Vancouver Farmers Market returns to Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street for their winter market starting Saturday November 7th and will run each Saturday until April 23 save for December 26th. The market will run each day from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to shop local all winter long. Each week you can expect to find locally grown fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods and prepared foods. Also on hand, as usual, will be a few food trucks, hot drink vendors and a little live music to keep you entertained.
Hastings Park – November 8 to May 1 / 10 – 2
If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out the market at Hastings Park beginning Sunday November 8th. This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until May 1, 2016 save for December 27th. The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark. This market will also feature a great selection of local produce, including fish, poultry, meat and dairy products. You will also find locally sourced artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts and food trucks serving hot food to keep you warm in the cooler months. Come out and support local this winter.
Photo Credit: Deborah Waller
Share this:
Opening Reception: Mosaic Art Exhibit of Lilian Broca Italian Cultural Centre November 12, 2015
28 Oct
You are invited to an opening reception for an exhibit of mosaic art by award-winning Lilian Broca. Her exhibition, Heroine of a Thousand Pieces: The Judith Mosaics of Lilian Broca, features seven large mosaic panels created in Italian smalto glass. The panels, which took Lilian Broca 3 years to complete, weigh approximately 80 pounds and range from 70 to 78 inches tall and 48 inches wide. Her work depicts powerful mythical women whose stories are relevant to today’s social and gender issues. Mosaics have for centuries been displayed on church walls and domed ceilings, but Broca wants to make mosaics accessible to all. Lilian Broca also has a desire to tell stories of spirited women whose sacrifices, courage and sheer force of will resulted in powerful social changes. The Judith Mosaics which will be on display reveal Broca’s interpretation of an ancient story that raises ideas about women’s role in society, encouraging contemporary women to possess the courage and inner strength of the independent. The opening reception for this exhibition takes place on Thursday, November 12th at the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. You are invited to come out and meet the artist herself. If you are unable to attend the opening reception, the exhibition runs until March 31, 2016 before heading to Toronto. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. To learn more about Lilian Broca and her work visit her
website.
Share this:
Let’s Do Brunch – Hastings Sunrise
23 Oct
We are often asked where is a good place to go for brunch, coffee, dinner, live music or drinks in East Van. So in the coming months we will be featuring a list of some of our personal favourites as well as those we’ve been hearing great things about. As East Van covers are fair of bit land mass, we will be breaking up our lists into geographic areas such as Mount Pleasant, The Drive, Fraser Street and Main Street. Today, we are starting with brunch in Hastings Sunrise and its surrounding area and wish to thank our friends over at Vancouver East Village for sharing some of their tips. So here’s some spots we recommend.
Aleph Eatery: 1889 Powell Street – Brunch Served Wed to Sun 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Aleph Eatery is a Middle Eastern restaurant that opened in December 2017. They have a simple brunch menu which is vegetarian. One of the their brunch items includes Shakshuka a classic Middle Eastern breakfast dish with a spiced tomato sauce, organic eggs and fresh herbs. This is served with their amazing flatbread. Having been to this spot for dinner only so far, we can attest to some of the amazing flavours which explains why brunch is already a busy spot here.
Chomp Vegan Eatery – 2234 Hastings Street – Sundays 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Chomp Vegan Eatery is now serving brunch on Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This still relatively new spot serves Berry Full French Toast, Bananana Pancakes, Memphis Slow Cooked Pulled-Pork Sandwich which is BBQ’d jackfruit, Avocado Toast and more. They use organic products whenever possible and have gluten free options available. For their full menu, visit Chomp Vegan Eatery.
Jackalope’s Dive: 2257 East Hastings Street Brunch Served Sat & Sun 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
So this is a newish spot in the Hastings Sunrise area offering Southern comfort and cold drinks. The décor we are going to describe simply as ‘eclectic’. For food, you will find corn cakes with baked beans, mac and cheese and slow cooked meal dishes along with cheesy egg bennies for brunch. As the owners are vegetarians, there are lots of veggie alternative items.
Scandillious: 25 Victoria Drive – Breakfast Served All Day
If you are looking for waffles, this is the spot. Whether it’s sweet or savoury, they have you covered with a few varieties all with a Scanadivian twist. Gluten free options are also available. If you aren’t brunching on the weekend, keep an eye out for Toonie Tuesdays and you get a plain waffle with syrup for $2.00. Breakfast is served all day Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Red Wagon Café: 2296 East Hastings Street – Breakfast Served Sat & Sun 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
If you are any kind of foodie, you will know the Red Wagon Café was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and their Pulled Pork Pancakes with Jack Daniels spiked maple syrup is now legendary. Although, if you follow them on Twitter or Instagram, you will see they make some amazing meals and the term ‘diner’ and ‘café’ is a bit deceiving, as they offer some great dishes. Again, line ups are common, so be prepared. Oh and remember to bring your appetite, no small portions here, great spot for sharing with friends.
Roundel Café: 2465 East Hastings St. – Breakfast Served 7 Days A Week Mon to Fri 9-4/Sat & Sun 9-5
Roundel Cafe is a funky spot that looks like an old diner all grown up. It has “retro tables like your grandma’s, booths to cozy into, fresh and vintage tunes in the background. Park the bike and the pup right out front and on sunny days the windows opened up. Often a full house, this is one of the oldest and most popular diners in East Van.” Say our friends at Vancouver East Village. The focus here is fresh, locally sourced, grass fed meats and organic eats. The brunches we hear are outstanding. The service is casual, fun and sometimes sassy. They are licensed with a few local beers on tap and offer ‘Spiked Boozy Shakes’.
Yolk’s Breakfast: 1598 East Hastings St – Breakfast Served Daily 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Yolk’s Breakfast has truly mastered the art of the perfect egg and that is their specialty as the name infers. Mind you, there are a few other things they are known for such as their fried chicken with waffles, beignets and of course a personal favourite the Truffle Lemon Hashbrowns (pictured below). Take note, there is pretty much always a line, so expect to wait for a bit. Having said that, we do give this spot high marks for hustling and keep things moving along. Food is great as is the service. Added bonus is they are now in new swanky digs at 1598 as of the end of November 2017, just blocks away from their former location.
While you are in this part of East Van, there is so much else to see and do. If you are looking to carry on after brunch and do a bit of wandering, you certainly don’t have to wander far. Less than a block from Yolk’s Breakfast, you can do some antiquing at the Antiques Warehouse. And mere steps from the Antiques Warehouse is one of East Van’s newer breweries, Callister Brewing. So you can pop in for some beer tasting. If you wish to walk a bit more, a few blocks away on Powell Street, you will also find Doan’s Craft Brewing. Doan’s not only has German style beer, but one thing we truly love, an arcade game with some 80 games include Pac Man and Galatica and only .25 cents per game. Other craft beer tasting options include Parallel 49 Brewing, Storm Brewing which are all within easy walking or cycling distance. In the same neighborhood at 1725 Powell Street is one of our favourite spots Odd Society Spirits which make East Van Vodka, Wallflower Gin, Mongrel and Crème de Cassis. If you get a chance, be sure to check out their cool lounge which serves some amazing cocktails. If you prefer tasting on the non-alcoholic front, there is Da Oliva Tasting Bar at 2632 East Hastings near Slocan. They have an amazing selection of olive oils and vinegars to taste. We could keep going as this area has so much to offer, but we will let you discover that on your own.
If we missed your favourite brunch spot that you think should be included, drop up us a line ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com and tell us why it should be included.
ILiveInEastVan.com 