Tag Archives: East Vancouver

Vinyl Record Fair At Cambrian Hall This Weekend

17 May

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Looking to buy, sell or trade new and/or used vinyl records?  If so, you are in luck. This weekend, Robert Privett and Badbird Media are hosting a Vinyl Record Fair at Cambrian Hall, 215 East 17th Avenue (Main & 17th).  There will be thousands of records for sale as well as a selection of used turntables.   There will also be vinyl spinning DJs on hand and my favourite, food trucks!  The event runs for two days, Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with different vendors on each day.  Admission is $2.00 at the door. Get spinning.

Screening Premiere of Into Darkness At The Rio Theatre – Thursday, May 16th

16 May

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Star Trek fans it has been a long wait, but the time has finally come. The newest Star Trek movie,  Into Darkness, is finally here and premieres today at the Rio Theatre,  1660 E. Broadway. The Rio is offering a matinee showing at 1:00 p.m. and a late night showing  at 11:30 p.m. with bar service I might add for the late night showing only.

Into Darkness is the 12th installment in the Star Trek series and the sequel to 2009’s Star Trek, The Future Begins.  The crew of the Enterprise is called back home, and on returning they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their organization. Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

Regular screening of Into Darkness runs from May 17th to May 30th at the Rio Theatre.  Why not see the movie at the last independent movie house in the City!   You can purchase tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca.

New In East Van – Giving Gifts & Company

15 May

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Things have been percolating along in one little reclaimed retail space on Main Street.  4570 Main Street is the home of a new co-operative store called Giving Gifts & Company (Main & 30th Avenue).  It opened its doors officially on April 6th and on May 2nd had a very successful grand opening.   Giving Gifts & Company started as a pop up shop and is now a unique concept in retail. It is a co-operative store made of variety of local vendors and artisans.   There are 2 regular vendors and stakeholders in this co-operative. Firstly, Lisa Pozin of Giving Gifts which sells fair trade and eco-friendly items many of  which make perfect gifts for children.  Secondly, Lesley Morris of Upscale Swag on Main  which sells some beautiful clothing and hand bags from designers in Los Angeles and New York as well as exclusive one of a kind fashion jewellery.

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The remainder of the shop comprises of a number of rotating vendors, the number of which may vary, at present there are 9.  There is quite an array of items.   Currently on hand are vintage clothing, shoes and accessories by Clare’s Collectibles, some amazing chocolates by Cocoa Nymph Chocolates, handmade kids clothing including bamboo baby blankets by Little MoSo, antique collectibles by Once Twice Vintage Design, stunning colourful artwork by Julia DiSano of Ebi Emporium and Green With Envy which specializes in air plants in well-designed terrariums. Then there is jewellery by Earth Essence Jewellery.  Certainly a little bit of something for everyone.   The rotating vendors are there generally for one month at a time, but some may be there for longer. It does mean there will always be something in different in store.  This new co-operative is an amazing opportunity for local artisans to get some exposure.  The store is open 6 days a week Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. and closed Mondays.    Definitely worth stopping by and taking a look.

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New Culinary Walking Tour: Main Street Restaurant and Cocktail Tour

13 May

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The ladies from Off The Eaten Track Tours launch a new culinary walking tour on Thursday, May 16th.   It is called the Main Street Restaurant and Cocktail Tour. This new tour hopes to capitalize on all the great buzz this neighbourhood has been generating with great restaurants, pubs, boutiques, antique and coffee shops.  Co-owner, Bonnie Todd, says  “This is a neighbourhood that is beloved by locals and has such a diverse and lively dining scene yet it is rarely visited by tourists. We are shaking things up and showing visitors there is more to Vancouver than just the downtown core.”

This new tour is a progressive dinner that involves five courses and two alcoholic beverages.   The tour starts at Trafiq Café for a savoury appetizer, a glass of wine, and a private tour of their amazing bakery where they make all of their pastries and cakes from scratch. Then the tour heads to Trilussa for some very authentic Roman style pizza. The next stop is an entrée of fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine at a neighbourhood classic, Locus Restaurant & Lounge. Next up is a cheeky cocktail at the newly opened Shameful Tiki, then the tour finishes at Sweet Revenge for some sinful deserts.

The tour runs every Thursday and Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm. The cost of the tour is $65 per person and includes all food and beverage samples, tour guide, taxes, and private transportation. You must be 19+ in order to participate in this tour. For more information  or to purchase your tickets, visit www.offtheeatentracktours.ca or call 778.918.4584.

The Farmers Market Returns to Trout Lake Saturday, May 11th

10 May

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The ever popular farmers market that spent the winter next to Nat Bailey Stadium returns to Trout Lake this Saturday, May 11th.  There will be over 60 vendors at this Saturday’s market with some popular favourites including:  A Bread Affair, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Pate Pastiche to name but a few.

For the month of May, Vancouver Farmers Markets will be hosting Garden Month. At Trout Lake Aloe Designs will be presenting free mini garden workshops for children over the next few weeks. There will also be lots opportunities to grow your garden whether it’s bedding plants, herbs or that hanging basket for mom. As always, there will be lots of fresh produce, local artisans, live music and food carts.  Food carts on deck this weekend include local favourites Creperie La Boheme and the Chili Tank. The summer market will be located at the North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park.   Market starts bright and early at 9:00 a.m. and runs till 2:00 p.m.  See you there!

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Gourmet Warehouse Customer Appreciation Day Saturday, May 4th

3 May

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There are two places in this city, I could get lost in for hours. The first would be any library or bookstore,  the second is Gourmet Warehouse. I love good food, making it, eating it, or just thinking about making or eating it. Gourmet Warehouse has pretty much everything a cook, baker or entertainer could want or need.  There is the cook ware, the bake ware, sauces, snacks, prepared foods, frozen foods, small appliances, gift ware, aprons, cookbooks, candles, every utensil you could imagine and wine glasses. And of course storage containers to help you organize your kitchen so you can find what you need when you need it! This is just the short list.

So if there is anything you want or need, this Saturday, May 4th is the day to head down to Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 East Hastings Street, for their Customer Appreciation Day.   Everything in the store is 10% off from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The first 120 customers to make a purchase will receive a free Epicurean Cutting Board.   There will also be a draw for a SodaStream machine. Like most Saturdays in the store, there will be delectable goodies for tasting. Yum!

Vancouver International Burlesque Festival At The Rio Theatre May 2nd

1 May

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The first night of the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is coming to the Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, this Thursday, May 2nd.  Did you know that last year’s festival was one of the highest attended burlesque festivals in the world, per night?  Yes, Vancouver has a greater attendance record than the big boys, being New York, Chicago and London.

This year’s festival kicks things off with The Wet Spots. This is the husband and wife team of Cass King and John Woods who will be hosting and entertaining the crowd with their songs about sex.  The line up includes Rock and Roll Burlesque Motown style which will be performed with a live band. Think the Supremes, The Temptations and the Jackson 5. Next up is Gypsy Rose Lee at Minsky’s Burlesque then the production of Paint & Pasties which showcases the work of the VanDolls. They will take the work of famous artists and bring them to life.   Tickets are $35 and available through Northern Tickets.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and show starts at 8:00 p.m.  The festival continues on May 3rd and 4th at the Vogue Theatre for those that miss the festivities at the Rio Theatre.

River District Farmers Market Starts Saturday, May 4th

29 Apr

RiverDistrictFarmersMarket2013 River District Farmers Market begins this Saturday May 4th at the foot of Kerr Street in SE Vancouver (8683 Kerr Street).  If unfamiliar with the area, you only need to travel one block South of SE Marine Drive along Kerr Street and you are at East Kent Avenue.  Once there, you will see Romer’s Burger Bar to your right and just beyond it a view of the Fraser River.

After an inaugural first run last year, this Farmers Market is back for another season every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. until October 26th.  There will be more vendors on hand with fresh local produce, prepared food, local artisans showcasing  handmade products as well as musical entertainment.

This is a great scenic spot to cycle or walk along the riverfront, or stop in at Romer’s Burger Bar situated right next to the market for brunch, snack or early dinner after the market. I know burgers are their specialty, but if you don’t try their Whiskey Doughnuts, you have missed something truly heavenly. I must confess I have lived along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver for many years and this is a unique and special place.  If you haven’t already checked out this secret little oasis tucked away in East Vancouver, the Farmers Market is a perfect time to make your way down.

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Clockwork Universe – A Steampunk Art Happening At Havana Gallery April 28th

24 Apr

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Avenue for/des Arts is a Vancouver not-for-profit visual arts group that is presenting  Clockwork Universe – A Steampunk Art Happening on Sunday, April 28th at the Havana Gallery, 1212 Commercial Drive. What is Steampunk you might ask?  Wikipedia describes it as:

“… any of the artistic styles, clothing fashions, or subcultures, that have developed from the aesthetics of steampunk fiction, Victorian-era fiction, and films from the mid-20th century.Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by individual artisans into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical “steampunk” style, and a number of visual and musical artists have been described as steampunk.”

Think science fiction and futuristic then throw in some Victorian dress, fantasy and maybe a little technofantasy imagery.  This weekend’s opening show will explore Steampunk ideas and icons. The show will also feature 14 pieces of Steampunk-influenced art as well as  local musicians and performers. To round out the experience, Vancouver Alternative Fashion will be presenting a Steampunk Fashion Parade of local designers.   Everyone is encouraged to participate and come dressed in their Steampunk finery. The art show runs from April 26th to May 7th. The opening and cabaret happens this Sunday, April 28th from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

I Love East Van Pins

23 Apr

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I Love East Van Pins are currently available at Safeway’s Commercial Drive & Broadway location (1780 Broadway) for $2.00. All proceeds from the sale of the pin benefit Easter Seals and the Special Olympics. For sale while quantities last.  Support two great causes and show your East Van pride.  I’ve got mine. Do you have yours?