Tag Archives: Valentine’s Day

Gourmet Warehouse Lines Up Delish Cooking Classes This The New Year

16 Jan


Gourmet Warehouse
 has lined up another round of great cooking and baking classes this New Year. If you haven’t already experienced one of their classes, it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with some like-minded food lovers. If you have participated, you know it’s a great way to pick up some knowledge and great tips in the kitchen. Added bonus is that after each cooking and/or baking class all the participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set out a few of their upcoming classes that caught our eye.  For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes. Heads up if you see a class you like, we encourage you to book your spot, classes do regularly sell out.

COOKIES WITH LIZZY: EAT YOUR HEART OUT – February 4, 2024

Chef Lizzy Wong from Butter Baked Goods with be on hand to teach you how to decorate cookies for that special occasion. Chef Wong will be using classic Royal Icing Techniques for this class. Specifically, you will learn about consistencies, colour, piping and much more so you have some showpiece cookies for Valentine’s Day. On arrival, you will be greeted with a mimosa as well as baked goods and small bites to nibble on during class. Plus, each participant will leave beautifully decorated cookies to take home.

MENU

• Doughnut Heart.
• Heart Pizza
• Ice Cream Heart

OPA! A NIGHT IN THE GREEK ISLANDS –
March 13, 2024

Chef Deniz Tarakcioglu is back to host this popular cooking class in which you will learn about the vibrant flavours from this part of the Mediterranean. These includes some traditional favourites such as Spanakopita, Ling Cod Souvlaki and Baklava. The menu for this upcoming class is set out below:

MENU

• Spanakopita, Traditional Greek Spinach Pie with Barrel Aged Feta, Leeks and Herbs, Dressed Watercress.
• Roasted Halloumi with Coriander Honey and Pistachios, Crispy Pita.
• Ling Cod Souvlaki with Wild Oregano and Herb Marinade, Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Greek Salad with Olives, Tzatziki.
• Walnut Baklava with Sweet Cream.

FREE & FLAVOURFUL: GLUTEN FREE & DAIRY FREE DELIGHTS –
March 26, 2024

Learn to make flavourful dishes with Chef Alan Pavlakovic while accommodating dietary restrictions. Chef Alan will teach you tips and techniques so that you are not compromising taste or texture by eliminating gluten or dairy from your cooking repertoire. The menu for this upcoming class is set out below:

MENU

• Nu Waldorf Salad, Sweet Apples, Creamy Herb Dressing, and Candied Walnuts.
• Aleppo Beef Stuffed Peppers with Smoked Paprika Cashew “Cheese” Sauce.
• Chicken and Salumi Risotto with Porcini and Asparagus.
• Avocado Chocolate Mousse.

To see all the classes being offered and or to register, we invite you to visit GourmetWarehouse.ca.

Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse

Workshop: Make A Glass Heart February 11, 2023 At Terminal City Glass

2 Jan

Looking for something fun and different to do for Valentine’s Day this year?  Check out this Make A Glass Heart workshop being offered by Terminal City Glass on February 11th? In this workshop, two people will work with a professional glass artist to make a colourful glass heart-shaped paperweight that will be a keepsake for years to come.  No experience is required, but you must be a least 16 years of age. There are a number of time slots throughout the day, but note each time slot has a limit of 4 spaces.    To register or for more information, visit Terminal City Glass Co-Op.

Photo: Terminal City Glass Co-Op

Local Love This Valentine’s Day

10 Feb

We know not every one gets behind Valentine’s Day. Some see it as a made up day. Even if that’s your view, considering what a struggle this past year, why not show someone special a little love just because. It can be your partner or a good friend who has been a great support for you this past year, your sister, mother, brother. Or what about that next door neighbour or isolated senior? Whomever it might be, there are so many ways to say “I Care”. As we love our local businesses, we wanted to highlight a few you can throw your support behind this Valentine’s Day.

Soprasotto

Pizza Love

A few East Van pizza joints (and likely more) are doing heart shaped pizzas for Valentine’s Day. Check out Lombardo’s Ristorante and Soprasotto on Commercial Drive and Pizza Farina on Main Street.

Flowers

Who does not love to get flowers? There are so many great options in East Van whether it’s local florist shops like the Flower Factory at 4285 Main or Full Bloom on Commercial Drive. If you are lucky enough to have a neighbourhood corner store, be sure to check them out. They often have a nice selection on hand. If you are in River District this Sunday, you can also stop by the Brock Floral Cart which will be on site at the foot of Kerr Street near Romer’s Burger Bar. This is a mobile floral cart that will have a selection of flowers available from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm or until sold out. It won’t be quite as pictured, but you get the idea.

Sweet Treats

Oh Sweet Day

So many great local businesses are offering sweet treats for Valentine’s Day whether it’s chocolates at Beta 5 or the Purdy’s outlet store on Kingsway. If it’s cookies you are after, Oh Sweet Day, Bench Bakehouse and many others have a great selection. To see a full list of our Favourite East Van Bakeries, click the link. If you are looking for sweet treats for the kids (big and small), don’t forget the Licorice Parlour. They’ve added some new items so not just licorice.

Jewellery

White Sapphire Anna

If this is the year, you are going big on the jewellery front, we invite you to check out Era Design Jewellery at 1795 Venables Street near Commercial. They design some beautiful jewellery whether custom or ready made.

Love Songs

Jill Barber

If you are looking to set the mood with beautiful love songs, you will want to catch Jill Barber’s live streamed performance from The Cultch on February 14th.

Whether you celebrate the ‘day’ or not, be sure to show your local businesses some local love this weekend.

Virtual Cooking Class With Just Giulia February 12th

9 Feb

Giulia Lombardo invites you to join her for a virtual cooking class this Friday, February 12th. Giulia is going to teach you how easy it is to make fresh pasta. You can follow along step by step as she cooks, or watch her cook and then try it on your own after the cooking class. The menu for this upcoming class is:

Squash and Mascarpone Filled Heart Shaped Ravioli with
Sage and Brown Butter Sauce
Suggested Wine Pairing: Poplar Grove Pinot Gris

The cost of the cooking class is $20 with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The fun kicks off at 6:00 pm. To register, email her directly at justgiulialombardo@gmail.com. Note, space is limited. You can also find Giulia on Instagram @justguiliaa or check her out You Tube. We’ve included one of her delish You Tube videos below. Mangia bene (translation: eat well).

A Valentine’s Day With MAD Jazz Live

5 Feb

If you are looking to kick it up a notch and romance someone this Valentine’s Day, you have lots of options this year. If you enjoy live jazz, then you may wish to check out the virtual presentation by MAD Jazz Live happening on February 14th. This is a great opportunity to set the mood, chill some bubbly, maybe pick up a great meal from a local restaurant and relax to the music of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and many more. Music will be performed by Mandy Rushton, Aaron Pang and Dane Warren. The evening also includes a special guest host Jay Joseph joining them all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada. The performance runs for 2 hours and kicks off at 8:00 pm Pacific Standard Time. Tickets start at $20. To grab your tickets, visit Dane Warren Entertainment.

Love Songs With Jill Barber February 14th

3 Feb

The Cultch along with The National Arts Centre invite you for an evening of live music by Jill Barber this Valentine’s Day. Jill will be performing some heartbreak ballads, steamy love songs and classic French chansons. The event will be live streamed from The Cultch to your living room. You can get dressed up for the occasion, or well not. Entirely your call. As with most celebrations this past year, Valentine’s Day will be a little different. This is a great way to support local arts and take in some beautiful music. This performance will be live streamed at 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time and 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time on February 14, 2021. Tickets start at $17.93. To purchase yours, visit The Cultch. If you aren’t familiar with Jill Barber, we invite you to give this You Tube clip a listen.

Valentine’s Day Cheese Tasting Event For Two – SOLD OUT

22 Jan

Like many things this past year, Valentine’s Day will be a little different. Whether you believe in the ‘day’ or not, there’s no harm in showing some love to those you care about whether that’s your partner or a close friend. For us cheese, wine, chocolate and bread is just a little piece of heaven. With that in mind, we wanted to share a fun event the good folks at les amis du FROMAGE are hosting. It is a virtual Facebook Live event hosted by Allison Spurrell. Les amis du FROMAGE will set you up with a tasting kit to pick up just prior to Valentine’s Day which includes:

Cheese (8 types)
Crackers
Chez Christophe flutes
Accompaniments 
Kasama Karkar Island dark chocolate bar
Tasting menu

The Facebook Live event runs for one hour. Cost is $95 for your kit loaded with delish goodies which will be available for pick up from the East Vancouver store on 3 different days. Note, wine is not included but they do have some recommendations for you. Cut off for ticket purchase is February 7th. To grab your ticket, or get more information visit, les amis du FROMAGE.

June Hunter Valentine’s Studio Sale February 9th and 10th

4 Feb

JuneHunterStudioSaleFeb.2019

East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting her Valentine’s Studio Sale this weekend. If you have a special someone to buy for who is a nature lover, then this is the spot for you. June has again been working on some new colourful designs. This weekend you can expect to find a host of beautiful items including heart shaped jewellery, cusjunehuntervalentine_cookies_1024x1024hion covers, totes, small prints, iPad covers, greeting cards, note pads, large scale wall art, tiles and much more.  As you will notice, nature and/or wildlife is a theme through all of her work.  In celebration of Valentine’s Day, heart shaped cookies will be available for nibbling and Geordie her rescue dog will be ready to greet you.  June Hunter’s studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Studio Sale takes place Saturday, February 9th and Sunday, February 10th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you are not able to attend this weekend’s Valentine’s Studio Sale, we invite you check out her online shop which is open 24/7.  You can also find some of June’s pieces at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive and Bird on A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street in East Van as well as the Vancouver Art Gallery store downtown.

Valentine Day Activities Happening Around East Vancouver

7 Feb

Valentine'sDayOK I know many of you say it’s just a day on the calendar, and well to some extent, we have to agree.  But it CAN be a day you show someone they hold a special place in your life.  It doesn’t need to be romantic.  It can be a dear friend, a senior living alone, a pet, the dog walker, your favourite teacher. Honestly, who doesn’t like to feel special and know that someone was thinking about them?  With that in mind, we are going to set a few things that are happening that you can or cannot participate in that is happening in and around Valentine’s in East Vancouver for big kids and little ones.

Hearts Workshop – Britannia Community Centre – February 10th 

A Hearts Workshop is happening this Saturday at Britannia Community Centre from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Express your love with a myriad of collage, colour and sparkle options in this hands-on workshop. Make a gift for someone special, or how about love bombing your neighbourhood? All materials are supplied and all ages are welcome.

Valentine’s Kids Crafts – River District Neighbourhood Centre – February 11th

If you have kids looking to make some handmade crafts for Valentine’s, then River District has the set up for you this Sunday, February 11th.   They will be hosting a Valentine’s Kids Craft session from 2:30 – 4:30 pm this Sunday, February 11th.  This is a free event, everyone welcome, but parent participation is requested.

Storm Crow Tavern – Speed Gaming – February 14th

If you are single this Valentine’s Day and love games, we love this event at Storm Crow Tavern. It’s play-tonic Speed Gaming. What that means is for a $15 ticket you get to play a series of quick 10 minute games with a new person every 10 minutes.  This event is open to all ages, all genders and orientations.  Event kicks off at 7:00 pm and runs till 10:00 pm.  To get your ticket, visit Eventbrite.

Federico’s Supper Club – Love To Share – February 14th

If you are looking to splurge, check out the 4 course dinner at Federico’s Supper Club on February 14th.  Along with dinner, you have an evening of live music and dancing. Cost is $100 per person. To make your reservation contact Federico’s Supper Club.

Valentine’s Day Cooking Demo & Dinner – The Uncommon Café – February 10th & 14th

The Uncommon Café in Railtown will be hosting a couples only cooking class & demo. Having said this, they mean in pairs, so that pair could be 2 best friends, mom and daughter, father and son. Come learn how to make a great French meal, then enjoy the meal prepared during the demo with a glass of wine.  Cost is $85 per person or $170 per couple.   You can purchase tickets for the dinners through Eventbrite.

East Van Artist June Hunter Hosting Valentine Studio Sale February 11 & 12

10 Feb

junehunterjewellery2016East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a Valentine’s Studio Sale this weekend, February 11th and 12th.  If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work.  Nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic East Van landmarks. If you wish to know more about the crows that inhabit the green space in our neck of the woods, you may wish to check out some of her blog posts. She regularly features crows and other birds that come to visit her idyllic backyard which houses her working studio. This weekend, her working studio will be transformed to showcase all her creative works which include jewellery, small prints, large scale wall art, crow-bars, wall decals as well as some discontinued items. Befitting June’s fondness for crows, you will find Valentine Day cookies available with crows and hot chocolate to keep you warm while you shop.  Her rescue dog Geordie will be on hand as ambassador to greet you. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Valentine Studio Sale takes place Saturday, February 11th and 12th from 10:00 am. to 5:00 pm.

If you are not able to attend the Valentine Studio Sale, but want to pick up a special piece of  jewellery for someone this Valentine’s Day, we invite you check out her online shop which is open 24/7. June also offers Gift Cards, so that special person can pick out exactly what they’d like since she has so many beautiful pieces, it could be hard to choose.  You can also find some of June’s pieces at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive and Bird on A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street.

 

Photo Credit: June Hunter Images