Tag Archives: les amis du FROMAGE

Giving The Gift Of Experience This Holiday Season – 2017

20 Dec

JustForYouGiftsIt’s that time of year when gift giving is front of mind for the holiday season.  We love to receive thoughtful gifts over the holiday season, but with more people downsizing and living in condos, space becomes an issue.  Thus, over the years we have been fans of  giving the gift of experience. Not only is it fun, but you are also creating memories, not just for the few minutes you are opening your gift, but for the many hours while the recipient enjoys the gifted experience. In East Vancouver, there are some great options for gifting an experience. We have set out below a sampling of ideas that speak to us.

Vancouver Brewery Tours

Founded in 2013, Vancouver Brewery Tours offers behind the scences excursions to craft breweries.. Vancouver Brewery Tours offers walking tours as well as ones in their comfortable vans that take you to various breweries for some VIP treatment.  From first hand experience, we can attest that tour guides are knowledgeable about beer, the brewing process and the collaborative community behind the making of beer.  They offer a variety of tours on different days of the weekend and/or weekends. To see what’s offered, visit Vancouver Brewery Tours.

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

What about a gift certificate for an evening of dinner and dancing? Federico’s Supper Club offers amazing Italian food, wine and impeccable service. You will regularly find owner, Federico Fuoco, belting out tunes but they regularly bring in lots of local talent to mix things up including nights featuring ABBA music, 80s and R&B.

Les Amis Du Fromage – Wine & Cheese Tasting

If you know someone that loves cheese, you may wish to consider purchasing a ticket(s) to one of Les Amis Du Fromage’s upcoming wine & cheese tasting classes in 2018. They have some delicious classes lined up for the New Year.

The Gourmet Warehouse – Cooking Classes

Have a foodie in your life that loves cooking? Or someone that wishes to kick up their cooking skills a notch to impress that special someone? The Gourmet Warehouse offers some delicious and fun cooking classes. In the New Year they are offering the art of cheesemaking and these ones tend to sell out. Most classes are demonstration vs. hands on, but certainly informative.  

The Cultch – Live Theatre

This is a favourite spot of ours. The Cultch has an amazing array of talent that graces their stages whether drama, comedy, musical, historical, they cover all the bases. In the New Year, first on our list is Hot Honey Brown, but there are many other great productions already lined up.

Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours

The ladies behind Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours provide some delicious walking tours in which you get to taste your way around the City. Every tour offers something a little different, but always tasty.  It’s a fun way to spend some time with friends. To see what tours are offered, visit Off The Eaten Track Tours.

The gift of experience is a gift that keeps on giving, the memories will stay with them for many years to come.  Add to that, it’s eco-friendly and supports local. Win win all around as we see it.

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Shop Local With These East Van Shops

19 Dec

WhiteChristmasFinished your Christmas shopping? If not, the countdown is on. We recommend skipping the craziness that is the malls. Why not stop into one of these great local businesses that will a) not only appreciate the business, but b) offer some truly great service.  We’ve set out a few of our favourite spots we think are great for gift giving. Note, many of the stores have extended hours this week to help you with your Christmas shopping.

Les amis du fromage – 843 East Hastings Street

For the cheese lover, this is a great spot, but that’s not all they have.  They have a host of kitchen accessories and gourmet condiments perfect for giving gift.  Add to that, they are hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop with delish items from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar until December 24th.  If you know a true cheese lover, take note of their upcoming Wine & Cheese Tasting classes in the New Year.

Gourmet Warehouse, 1340 East Hastings Street

Who does not love to receive great food at Christmas?  There is such an array of delectable food items in store at Gourmet Warehouse whether for entertaining over the holidays or gift giving.  You can find just about everything here whether it’s small appliances, knives, condiments, baking items or maybe a gift certificate for an upcoming cooking class. There are lots of great gift ideas in store.  This week, they are making it easy for you. Gourmet Warehouse is open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm until December 22nd. Saturday, December 23rd 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and December 24th 8:30 to 4:30 pm.

Bird On A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street

Bird On A Wire Creations is located near Kingsway on Main Street and features a host of new as well as established Canadian artists. They have an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind items.    If you missed artisan markets and craft fairs, you will find many of local makers in this store.  They are are open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm this week.

Giving Gifts Co., 4570 Main Street

Giving Gifts is a unique concept store made up of 5 rooms with items from over 70 local artists and small businesses in one lovely boutique shop.  The items are also eco-friendly and fair trade made. This store also has a great selection of gifts for kids and toddlers.

Little Mountain Pop Up Shop, 4386 Main Street

The Little Mountain Pop Up Shop is currently hosting ‘Holid-eh!’ featuring over 20 Canadian makers.  A few participants include Fox & Fancy, Bar Skin Bar, True North Trading Post and more.  They are open for holiday shopping until December 24th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and for those last minute shoppers, December 24th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Olive & Wild, 4391 Main Street

If you are looking for some beautiful unique home décor items for gift giving this year, we recommend checking out Olive & Wild. Lots of beautiful items in store sourced locally and globally.

Second Nature Home, 3565 Commercial Street

Second Nature Home is great little shop just steps away from the Commercial Street Café in a great little stretch of road nestled next to the Toso Wood Gallery.  It boasts an array of eco-friendly items from Canadian artisans many of them local.  There is a wide selection of products and we might add great knowledgeable service. This week, they are open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday, December 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive

Doctor Vigari on The Drive boasts quite a collection of art from BC and Canadian artists whether you are looking for large or small pieces, there’s lots of choose from including tiles, prints, jewellery, sculptures, furniture, ceramics and much more.  Also framing is available in store to finish off that perfect piece of art whether purchased in store or elsewhere.

Lala’s On The Drive, 1748 Commercial Drive

A newer addition to The Drive, Lala’s has an array of gift giving items, some silly, some sassy, many just plain fun.  Lots of unique items for gift giving.

Wherever you shop, we hope you will continue to support our local businesses.

 

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What’s On East Van: December 15th Edition

15 Dec

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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.

Chinese Lantern Festival – The PNE – Dec. 15, 2017 to Jan. 21, 2018

This weekend kicks off a 5 week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, live performances, storytelling, food trucks including Beaver Tails and Red Velvet Mini Donuts along with baristas offering coffee, hot chocolate spiked with Baileys if you want it. There will be two live performances nightly Sunday to Thursday at 6:30 and 8:30 pm and Friday and Saturday 6:30 and 9:30 pm.   You can purchase tickets in advance online which gets you a better price or at the gate. For ticket information and pricing visit Vancouver Lantern Festival.

Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre – December 16, 2017

Crafty Affaire Market is a great spot to put a serious dent in your Christmas List all in one spot. You can expect to find an array of vendors showcasing handmade creations, one-of-a-kind treasures, some vintage items and we are hearing lots of edible treats for nibbling or gift giving. Crafty Affaire happens Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Admission is $2.00.

June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a 2 day studio sale this weekend. It’s a great opportunity to finish up some Christmas shopping, or get started whichever the case may be for the nature lover in your life.  June has a great selection of nature inspired jewellery, prints, cards, tiles and more.  Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street stop by either day between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall – Dec. 16 & 17, 2017

The 24th Annual Women’s Winter Faire happens at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, this Saturday and Sunday. Expect to find a range for items for gift giving for that lovely lady in your life including jewellery, clothing, gourmet foods and much more.  Event happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Admission is by donation with $3-5 suggested which goes to support local charitable organizations.  We see since the inception of the Women’s Winter Faire, organizers have raised over $108,400 for local charities. Hats off to them!

Burlesque, Burlesque, Burlesque – Rio Theatre –  Dec. 15, 16 & 17, 2017

If you are looking to kick up your heels, or well maybe watch someone else kick up their heels on stage, Rio Theatre has you covered this weekend.  Burlesque is happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Kitty Nights Presents Pee Wee’s Burlesque on Friday and Saturday, 8:00 pm start and Sunday it’s Harry Potter Christmas Burlesque.

Sweet Pop Up Shop With Lisa Lou’s – les amis du fromage  – December 14 – 23, 2017

The Strathcona location of les amis du fromaage at 843 East Hastings is hosting a Sweet Pop Up Shop now until December 23rd.  The sweets being those from Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar.  There looks to be a great selection of their sweet treats.  Stop by anytime between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

If you are a night owl and wish to take in a late movie, Edward Scissorhands is playing at the Rio Theatre Friday night 11:30 pm. If you are a fan of Jane Goddall, you may wish to catch the documentary Jane at the Rio Theatre Sunday afternoon 2:15 pm or on December 22nd at 6:00 pm. Don’t forget the Winter farmer markets for your Christmas shopping. Nat Bailey Stadium on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm and Hastings Park on Sunday also from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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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 

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Valentine’s Day … This Year We Could All Use Some Love

6 Feb

rocksvalentinesdayValentine’s Day is just around the corner and we know that a number of people are opposed to the day itself in principal because really for those you love and care about, you shouldn’t need a reminder one day of the year to express yourself. But this year, to be honest, I think we could all use a little love. With world news being what it is these days, it’s rather disheartening, whether you are talking travel bans, or the recent events in Quebec and France. We could go on, but won’t. Instead, we’d prefer to focus on the positive and what you can do to make someone feel just a little bit better. It could mean buying or making something small for someone, or just taking some time out to spend with someone.  It could be a dinner for two with your partner in life, or your best friend or maybe a new friend. It could be as simple as a sweet treat and a card, a single flower or plant, a coffee/tea/cocktail or dog walk in the park, or doing something kind for a stranger. No matter the what, it is the action in doing and saying I value you and honestly, we think we could all use a bit of these days. So we’ve set out just a few ideas and some local businesses you can support while at the same time making someone feel special.

If you are looking for a romantic dinner out for two, no one quite does it like the French, we love Les Faux Bourgeois in Mount Pleasant and their Valentine’s Day menu is up on their site. Also, Bistro Wagon Rogue on Powell Street has a great menu, but note it is a small venue.  If you are thinking Italian, Federico’s Supper Club is offering a ‘full evening of love to share’ with a special Valentine’s Dinner for $80 per person which includes a 4 course meal, live music and dancing. Of course, Campagnola Roma is another great option as is Ask For Luigi.

Of course, there is always the option to eat in in which case, there are many great spots that can provide some help even if you are not the best cook. Gourmet Warehouse has a freezer section with some pre-made items as does Les Amis du Fromage on East Hastings plus great cheese to start or finish off the evening.   For dessert, we have so many favourites, but a few that come to mind include Fratelli Bakery on Commercial Drive, Batard Bakery and Breka Bakery on Fraser Street. Of course, Batard is situated nicely steps away from Earnest Ice Cream which we think is pretty perfect.

Looking for flowers, we have so many great florist shops in East Vancouver and red roses can be a little cliché for some and not to mention overpriced on Valentine’s Day. There are so many other flowers to choose from and great florists in East Van who will be happy to help you with some alternatives to roses. Check out Flower Factory on Main Street, The Flower Box on Commercial Drive and Full Bloom Flowers tucked behind Uprising Breads which incidently is now stocking some beautiful handmade jewellery from local artisans. If you know someone how loves nature, then we invite you to check out East Van artist, June Hunter, who is having a Valentine’s Studio Sale this weekend February 11th & 12th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at her studio on 2785 Parker Street.

If you are looking for a special gift for Valentine’s Day, there are an array of choices in East Van. Our recommendation is to think personal.  If it’s sexy you want, Womyns’ Ware on Commercial Drive is your spot. Now if that’s too adventurous, Second Nature Home has some amazing soy candles that double as massage oil/body wax once melted by Earth To Body. They come in two sizes, minis for $5 and $21 for a jar, no breaking the bank here.  If it’s jewellery you are after, we see that local maker Devi Arts also has a nice selection of jewellery at Second Nature Home.  The Little Mountain Pop Up Shop on Main Street is having a Pop Up Shop For Lovers February 4th – 14th with lots of great gifts by local makers.  If chocolate is on your list, Lisa Lou’s Chocolate Bar and Beta 5 Chocolates will have something special for those wishing to give something sweet.

It’s not how much money you spend, it is all about making a small effort to make someone feel valued. It will make them feel better and we are pretty sure, it will make you feel better as well. Show some love this Valentine’s Day. sandheartestyzesty

 

 

 

 

 

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Giving The Gift Of Experience This Holiday Season

23 Nov

giftboxbluestevenbulhoesIt’s that time of year when gift giving is front of mind for the holiday season.  We love to receive thoughtful gifts over the holiday season, but as one that lives in a condo with limited space and having acquired a lot of things over the years to fill that space, there is only so much room for more ‘things’.  Thus, we are big fans of giving the gift of experience which has the added benefit of creating memories and not just for the few minutes you are opening your gift, but for the many hours while the recipient enjoys your gifted experience. In East Vancouver, there are some great options for gifting an experience. We have set out below a sampling of ideas that speak to us.

Vancouver Brewery Tours

Founded in 2013 by local craft beer enthusiast Ryan Mackey, Vancouver Brewery Tours offers behind the scences excursions to more than 18 local craft breweries. Vancouver Brewery Tours offers walking tours as well as ones in their comfortable vans that take you to various breweries for some VIP treatment.  Having experienced this tour first hand, we can say they make this a great experience. Tour guides are knowledgeable about beer, the brewing process and the collaborative community behind the making of beer.  Any one of their 3 tours would make a great gift for the beer enthusiast.  Your options include a three-hour walking tour of Brewery Creek at $69.99, a four-hour van tour at $79.99 and you have the option of a  four-hour Beer and Food Tours at $89.99.

Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours

The ladies behind Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours provide some delicious walking tours in which you get to taste your way around the City.  They’ve expanded to other cities being Victoria and Banff so should you be buying a gift for someone out of the City, something to keep in mind. But for those buying for family or friends locally, Off The Eaten Track Tours offers their Railtown Urban Eats Tour for $59.99, Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour at $69.99 and Main Street Hidden Gems Tour for $69.99.  Each tour offers something a little different, but always tasty.  Having organized similar tours for friends in pockets of East Vancouver, we know first hand these tours are well received.

Les amis du FROMAGE – Wine & Cheese Tasting Classes

les amis du FROMAGE is a wonderful family owned and operated specialty cheese store with two locations in Vancouver, but our go to spot is their East Van location on East Hastings in Strathcona.  Outside of having an amazing selection of cheese both local and imported, they also have on hand charcuterie, frozen soups and meals as well as many items to help with your entertaining needs.  Add to that, they have some delicious Cheese Tasting Classes  which are held at their East Van location. As luck would have it, they’ve just released their upcoming classes for the New Year . Your choices include Cheese & Wine 101 January 25th, 2017 and Ole Espana on February 28th, 2017 and Vive la France on March 29th, 2017.   Heads up though, class size is limited and some of these classes do sell out. Classes generally run between $60 – $65 and wine is usually served with the tastings.  We think these would make a great gift for the cheese loving foodie on your giving gift listing.  

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

If know someone that loves to dance, then you may wish to consider a gift certificate to Federico’s Supper Club for a night of dinner and dancing.  Federico’s Supper Club has great Italian food in the heart of Little Italy on Commercial Drive. Add to that amazing staff and impeccable service.  Owner, Federico Fuoco, belts out great tunes most nights, but they often showcase special guests such as Abra Cadabra an Abba Tribute or Nearly Neil for a Neil Diamond Tribute along with many others.  For those that love to put on their dancing shoes, this would make a great gift.

The gift of experience is a gift that keeps on giving, the memories will stay with them for many years to come.  Add to that, it’s eco-friendly and supports local. Win win all around as we see it.

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Wine & Cheese Tasting At les amis du Fromage

25 Jul

BlueCheeseIf you haven’t stopped in at les amis du FROMAGE on 843 East Hastings, you are missing out. If you love cheese or want to learn more about cheese, this is the place to go. This fall they will be again be sharing some of their vast knowledge of cheese and offering some great classes in store including:

Wine and Cheese 101 – September 14th 6:30 – 8:30 pm $60

One of the owners Allison Spurrell will provide you with a roadmap for matching various cheese types and the wines that best suit them. Allison will introduce cheese basics, including milk types, textures, flavours, how to care for and serve fine cheeses. You will learn how best to pair wine with cheese. And yes, of course, there will be samples so you can discover what is perfect for you.

Vive la France – October 26th 6:30 – 8:30 pm $65

Allison will take you on a tour of taste with a selection of French cheeses and the many regions they come from. This tasting we hear will will feature some of the best France has to offer and will include wines from the Alsace, Loire valley and Bordeaux.

If you hadn’t heard les amis du FROMAGE has been voted “Best Cheese Shop” by readers of The Georgia Straight, The Westender and The Courier. They have another location in Kitsilano, but the tasting events are being held at the East Van location. Tickets for these are available online. Although these classes seems a little ways off into the future, note these classes do sell out quickly. So if interested, we suggest you reserve your spot(s).

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Knifewear Pop Up Shop May 1 – July 31 At 845 East Hastings Street

11 May

KnifeWearLesAmisMelWooIf you love to cook, or know someone that does, then we suggest you make your way down to the Knifewear Pop Up Shop at 845 East Hastings Street. This pop up shop is now on until July 31st in the great space next to les amis du fromage in Strathcona. We recently popped in as they were getting set up on their first day and the place was packed!  What’s in store is an amazing selection of handmade Japanese knives which are yes, ‘scary sharp’ and oh so beautiful to boot.  Everyone working in the store is an ex-chef, so they can answer a whole host of questions and provide some advice on what knives work best for your personal needs. There are some other items on hand in store such as beautiful cutting boards made of Larch wood.  If you need knives sharpened, bring them down and watch it first hand. Of course, if stop in at Knifewear, we do recommend you also stop in next door at les amis du fromage and check out the amazing selection of cheeses. Outside of their cheese selection, they also have a delicious selection of gourmet frozen foods, giftware, cutting boards, crackers, olive oils and much more. And if the idea hasn’t already crossed your mind, you could easily pop in and throw together just about everything you need for a picnic.  If you wish to learn more about Knifewear and what makes their knives so you unique, we invite you to check out their website or pop by their Pop Up Shop on till July 31st.

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Gifting An East Van Experience This Holiday Season

17 Dec

GiftBoxXmasWe here at ILiveInEastVan.com are big fans of gifting experiences. There is so much to see and do close to home and sometimes we just get busy and don’t get organized to put it together. So why not gift someone a fun East Van experience this holiday season?   We have set out below a few of our favourites which include brewery and foodie tours, cooking classes, theatre as well as dinner and dancing.  We have included links which take you directly to each site to make that gift giving easier.

Vancouver Brewery Tour – East Van Brewery Tour

Vancouver Brewery Tours does great brewery tours in and around East Vancouver. A $75 gift certificate gets you onto one of their regularly scheduled brewery tours which run approximately 3 hours. Another option is purchasing tickets for their Beer and Food Pairing Tours which happen in January 2016 for Dine Out.

Off The Eaten Track – Culinary Tours

Off The Eaten Track offers a number of culinary tours including Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour which takes you through the Hastings Sunrise area for $65. There is also the Railtown Urban Eats Tour runs you $55 and starts in the historic ‘Japantown’ and takes you to a number of stops including Railtown Café and the Settlement Building.  Also on offer are the Main Street Hidden Gems Culinary Tour for $65. Then a personal favourite, the Vancouver Distillery Tour which stops at a number of local distilleries and provides tours, tastings and bites for $75.  Tours all begin at the Waterfront Station and times vary but approximately 2 ½ hours for each.

Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing

What about a gift certificate for an evening of dinner and dancing. Federico’s Supper Club offers amazing Italian food, wine and impeccable service. You will regularly find owner, Federico Fuoco, belting out tunes but they regularly bring in lots of local talent to mix things up.

Les Amis Du Fromage – Wine & Cheese Tasting

If you know someone that loves cheese, you may wish to consider purchasing a ticket(s) to one of Les Amis Du Fromage’s upcoming wine & cheese tasting classes. They have some delicious classes lined up for the New Year including  Viva Le France on January 27th and March 9th for $65 and a Wine & Cheese Tasting Class on February 23 for $60.

The Gourmet Warehouse – Cooking Classes

Have a foodie in your life that loves cooking? Or someone that wishes to kick up their cooking skills a notch to impress that special someone? The Gourmet Warehouse offers some delicious and fun cooking classes. In the New Year they are offering Flavours of Morocco on January 23rd for $65,  David Robertson of ‘The Dirty Apron’ will be on hand the evening of January 28th showing you how to make some delish dishes for $75, or if you are feeding a crowd for SuperBowl this year, there is Game Day – Feeding A Crowd for $65. Most classes are instructional vs. hands on, but certainly informative.  To purchase tickets, call the store at T: 604.253.3022.

The Cultch – Live Theatre

This is a favourite spot of ours. The Cultch has an amazing array of talent that graces their stages whether drama, comedy, musical, historical, they cover all the bases. In the New Year, they have an interesting show we have our eye on called Leftovers. It features Charlie Demers, one of the stars of CBC Radio’s the Debators and best-selling author. This is a political comedy which we hear will cut through decades of BS.   Tickets are available online from $10. Note the show itself takes place at the York Theatre between  January 26 – 30, 2016.

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Eastside Culture Crawl November 19-22: 457 Artists + 83 Buildings

12 Nov

EastsideCultureCrawlThe 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.

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