Tag Archives: East Vancouver

East Side Beer Fest At Wise Hall March 11

13 Feb

EastSideBeerFestMarch11thLiberty Merchant Company presents the 3rd Annual East Side Beer Fest tasting event on Wednesday, March 11th at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. The event will feature craft beers from all over the world as well samples from food purveyors on Commercial Drive. Some of participants lined up for this event include 33 Acres Brewing Co., Parallel 49 Brewing Co., Dageraad Beer, Four Winds Brewing Company and Driftwood Beer from Victoria as well as Copper & Theory supplier of artisans beers and Untapped BC which imports craft beer & cider into BC.

This Liberty Merchant Company sponsored event is also a fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society which helps provide food for up to 25,000 people in need each week. All ticket sales and draw prizes directly support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Tickets are $24.99 each and you are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation the night of the event. Tickets are available at all Liberty Wine Merchant locations. In East Vancouver, visit them at 1622 Commercial Drive or call them at 604.633.1922. The event gets under way at 7:00 p.m. and goes till 9:00 pm.   We recommend you do not hesitate to purchase your ticket if you wish to attend this event.  The East Side Beer Fest was hands down the ‘most searched’ event on our website last year so if you like beer, hop to it.

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Retro Design & Antiques Fair February 22nd Croatian Cultural Centre

11 Feb

21stAntiquesFairFeb2221st Century Promotions is holding a Retro Design & Antiques Fair on Sunday, February 22nd 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 June 28th.

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, 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 a good 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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J&S Reclaimed Custom Wood Furniture – Check Out The Beautiful Things Joshua & Steve Are Making!

4 Feb

Joshua&SteveWe at ILiveInEastVan.com are always in awe of some of the amazing creative minds that are tucked away in pockets of East Vancouver.  Today we would like to introduce you two talented young men, Joshua Hooge and Steve McFarlane, who are making sustainable, eco-friendly furniture in SE Vancouver.  Joshua and Steve are the creative force and elbow grease behind J&S Reclaimed Wood Custom Furniture.  These two started building reclaimed wood furniture as a hobby. Soon friends and family started requesting custom pieces and word started to spread. As orders starting flowing in, they moved from their backyard operation to an East Vancouver garage and worked on production in the evenings and weekends.  They initially offered their custom woodwork services on Craigslist.  Then they became aware of Etsy and that’s when things really took off for these two entrepreneurs.  Not only did your average Joe find them on Etsy, but so did Vogue Magazine who wanted to feature their products in their next issue, then along came GQ Magazine, followed by Tatler Magazine. With the increase in demand for their furniture, about 2 years ago, J&S Reclaimed Wood moved into a historic 1920s warehouse located at #43-1640 East Kent Avenue on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver. They are located in one of about 50 work spaces on the site of Northern Building Supply.

Not only do Joshua & Steve make amazing custom wood furniture, they are good stewards of the environment. In their shop, no wood is wasted. Every last bit is used. As to where they get their wood, most recently Joshua and Steve worked tirelessly to dissemble a 100 year old barn (pictured below) in the Fraser Valley.  They also salvage wood from a variety of sources from heritage buildings to wooden shipping pallets.

As Joshua and Steve’s business grows, they have been using interns through Tradeworks. Tradeworks is a local non-profit based in Strathcona that provides training and hands-on experience for women in trades who have barriers to employment.  Joshua and Steve have now hired two of their interns.

J&S Reclaimed Custom Wood Furniture make an array of furniture from tables to bar stools to cabinetry and did we mention metal work?  One item that caught our eye was the two-tier wall mounted bike rack (pictured below) that is wrapped in leather scraps to protect the bike frame and allow you to keep two bikes securely stored indoors in a space saving manner. Joshua is a certified red seal heavy duty mechanic so he does their custom metal work.  The piece pictured below will run you approximately $430.  We also fell for a beautiful floor to ceiling mirror (pictured below) which price ranges from $300 – $800 depending on the type of wood used.  You can also find examples of their work around town including Liberty Distillers, La Cantina Urban Taco Bar in Whistler and Big Rock Brewery opening soon in the Olympic Village. So this means, if you would them to make you a beautiful piece of furniture, you best place your order. They have a 2 month waiting list now, but for furniture that will be sure to last you a life time, more than worth the wait.  To learn more about J&S Reclaimed Custom Wood Furniture, you can visit their website, Etsy site, or contact them directly by phone at T: 778-991-2707, or by email contact@jsreclaimedwood.com. You can also find them on Twitter.

Photos Courtesy J&S Reclaimed Wood Custom Furniture

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June Hunter Valentine’s Studio Sale February 7th

2 Feb

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JuneHunterShopify_about_2_1024x1024One of our favourite East Van artists, June Hunter, is having a Valentine’s Studio Sale on Saturday, February 7th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you don’t know her work, June has a way with nature that shows in all her pieces. Her work has been featured in Style at Home House and Home and Where Vancouver as well as on CBC’s Living Vancouver.

At June’s Studio Sale, you can expect to find sale prices on jewellery, tiles, magnets as well as the opportunity to see some of her larger pieces as well as one of a kinds. She will also have on hand special crow-themed Valentine cookies and a free special Valentine’s button for every visitor. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). This is a “perfect chance to pick up that special something for that nature-loving sweetheart of yours.”

If you are not able to make the Studio Sale, you can also visit her Shop Online or find some of her work at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive.

Photos Courtesy of June Hunter Images

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Rescue Me: Decost Is The Cat’s Meow And Is Looking For His Forever Home

1 Feb

DecostSPCAWelcome 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 to a sweet boy named Decost.  He is a 9 year old short hair cat that has personality plus.  Decost has been hanging out at the Vancouver SPCA for 60 days now. This boy was a stray for about a year prior to that so really needs a home to call his own.  Speaking of home, you will know you are at home with this boy around.  His meow is a raspy sounding thing which will be sure to keep you entertained.   Decost loves his treats and is responding to clicker training. His friends at the Vancouver SPCA say he will be shaking a paw soon.   Decost is best-suited to a cat-saavy adult home.  He is accustomed to indoor/outdoor living, so a good fit would be with someone that is willing to safely introduce him to supervised outdoor outings. Although the shelter is better than being a stray, Decost is a tad bored at the shelter and would really like his forever home. Could it be yours? If so, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter, 1205 East 7th Avenue would love to hear from you. Stop by for a visit anytime. If you would like more information about Decost, the Vancouver SPCA would love to hear from you. You can reach them by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca. As always, we thank you in advance for sharing this information to help find Decost his forever home.

UPDATED February 10, 2015: We are pleased to report Decost has found his forever home.

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New In Town: Bâtard Boulangerie & Cafe Moderne Comes To The Fraserhood

30 Jan

Batard2We would like to introduce you to the newly opened Bâtard Boulangerie & Cafe Moderne located at 3958 Fraser Street.  This is a French style bakery brought to you by  Chris Brown of Rise Artisan Bakery and Bruno and Sally Born restaurateurs and owners of Finest at Sea.  This is a great addition to the Fraserhood. Outside of the amazing French style sweets and excellent coffees, there is the bread. Big levain loaves and dense rye breads that you can purchase by the 100 grams instead of a large loaf.  They also carry a great selection of Farm House Cheeses and a selection of French cheeses from Les Amis de Fromage and charcuterie from Oyama Sausages.  You can also expect to find Chris Brown’s award winning artisanal marmalades “The Bitter End”.  These are truly heavenly marmalades.

Bâtard Boulangerie is perfectly situated on Fraser Street next door to Graze Restaurant which is next to Earnest Ice Cream between 23rd and 24th Avenue.  Now, does that not make for a delicious block we ask?  The 100 year old space they renovated is beautiful, cozy and makes for a great meeting spot. And as of June 2015, Bâtard Boulangerie is now open 7 days a week from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Batard3

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3rd Annual Spring Fling At The Biltmore Cabaret January 28th & 29th

28 Jan

StringFling2015The 3rd Annual String Fling concert takes place at the Biltmore Cabaret January 28th and 29th. This event is presented by Four on the Floor, a  Vancouver-based string quartet.  The line-up for this year’s String Fling includes Jim Byrnes, Ryan Guldemond, Dustin Bentall, Parker Bossley, Hannah Epperson, Dominique Fricot, Dan Moxon and Tonye Aganaba. Each artist will be performing three songs with the quartet and Four on the Floor will be playing original pieces and covers in between the sets. Tickets are $20 and available in advance at Red Cat Records, Zulu Records and hipcity.ca. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show begins at 8:00 pm. To learn more about Four On The Floor, check out their video interview with Stuart Derdeyn of The Province.

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New In Town: DiOliva Tasting Bar In The East Village

26 Jan

DiOliva2We would like to introduce you to a new business in town, one that all food lovers should make a detour to.  It’s called Di Oliva Tasting Bar located at 2632 on East Hastings Street in the East Village.  Di Oliva Tasting Bar is brought to you by owner,  Lisa Funaro.  Lisa brings you an amazing selection of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from various parts of the world including Australia, Peru, Chile, Southern France and Italy to name a few.  All the olive oils are cold pressed for high quality and freshness. The balsamic vinegars are from Modena, Italy and aged up to 25 years. The olive oils and balsamic vinegars are all organic and infused with 100% natural ingredients meaning no artificial flavours, colours or additives. And yes, tasting is encouraged and made very easy with their set up.  You will find very different types of olive oils including the more grassy flavours, as well as the mild tasting ones great for baking or those with very robust peppery flavours.  As for the balsamic vinegars, we can only say wow!   Some of our favourites include Blueberry Balsamic, Honey Ginger Balsamic and the Espresso Balsamic was hands down our favourite.  There are descriptions on the face of each which sets out the flavours/notes of each much like a wine.  Generally, oils and vinegars are $12 for a 200 ml bottle, $20 for a 375 ml and $32 for a 750 ml bottle. There are some exceptions for a couple of specialty items like the Toasted Sesame Oil for $15 for 200 ml, $22 for 375 ml and $37 for a 750 ml.  This is one of the bottles that made a return trip home with us.  Amazing flavor.  There are also sample bottles for $5.00 and sets of 4 for $20 which make a perfect gift.

Outside of the oils and vinegars, you will also find some delectable sauces like the one that founds its way home with us which was a tomato, olive & ouzo sauce.   Lisa will soon be offering free tasting events in the evenings for groups of 8 to 10 people at which time all attendees also get 10% off their purchases. Di Oliva provides the appies, you provide the people.   They are also working on a Recipe Board and have a host of ideas for how to use the oils and vinegars in cooking, baking and beyond.  We encourage to check out this great new addition to East Vancouver.  Di Oliva Tasting Bar is open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and closed Mondays.

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Fundraising Dinner At Graze Restaurant For The Vancouver BC SPCA February 3rd

23 Jan

GrazeRest#2You are invited to Graze Restaurant, 3980 Fraser Street, on Tuesday, February 3rd for a fundraising dinner for the Vancouver Branch of the BC SPCA. The SPCA is a non-profit organization that helps nearly 37,000 injured, abused and homeless animals each year and relies on generous donations from supporters. On February 3rd, dine at Graze Restaurant between 5:00 – 10:00 pm and Graze will donate 20% of the sales from your bill to the Vancouver SPCA. Graze Restaurant is a vegan restaurant that provides locally and organically produced ingredients. Their food is creative, nutritionally well-balanced and simply delicious. Whether you are a strict vegetarian, a flexitarian who enjoys trying everything or an omnivore who simply wants a familiar and satiating meal, Graze was something for you. One of their delicious entrees has made it onto Erin Ireland’s Must Try Five List. That being their now rather famous Vegan Perogies with crispy shallots served with an intensely smoked coconut cheddar sauce, sour coconut cream and spicy tomato jam. As Erin would say, it’s To Die For.  You can make your reservation by contacting Graze Restaurant at T:  604-620-8822. Come out and support this charity that does so much for animal welfare within our community.

Photo Credit: Graze Restaurant

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Beer Chocolate & Spirits Tour By Vancouver Brewery Tours On February 14th SOLD OUT

22 Jan

VDayVBTFeb14Ryan Mackey owner of local tour company, Vancouver Brewery Tours, is hosting a unique tour for Valentine’s Day “For The Love of Craft”.  Vancouver Brewery Tours will take you on a tour of some great East Vancouver spots.  In no particular order, they will take you to the newest craft brewery in town Strange Fellows Brewing located at 1345 Clark Drive with a great space, then to Storm Brewing. Owner and head brewmaster, James Walton, has been on the craft brewery scene since 1995, then a delectable detour to one of our favourite places for chocolate, the Schokolade Chocolate Café in the East Village. They have a dark chocolate bar with caramel, lavender and sea salt that is a must try should you get the chance.  Then off to another local favourite Odd Society Spirits which are the makers of many spirits including East Van Vodka, Crème de Cassis and Wallflower Gin. Odd Society Spirits makes some creative cocktails in their Tasting Lounge including a fennel sour that caught our eye.  The For The Love Of Craft runs Saturday, February 14th from 2:00 pm to 5:45 pm. Tickets are available from Vancouver Brewery Tours for $79 per person.  Beer, chocolates and spirits really how can one go wrong?

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