Tag Archives: Valentine’s Day

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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The Uncommon Café Offers Sweet Classes This February

23 Jan

 

eclairscreampuffsfebruary52017With Valentine’s Day approaching, our friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, are hosting a few delicious classes this February and if location is an issue, we see one of their upcoming classes, Eclairs and Cream Puffs, will be held at the Trout Lake Community Centre on a Sunday afternoon.  Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the various classes they have lined up which include learning how to make eclairs and cream puffs, the secrets of working with chocolate or making that perfect Valentine’s Dinner. We invite you to check out their upcoming classes.

Eclairs and Cream Puff: Choux Pastry Basics –  Sunday, February 5, 2017

Valentine will teach you the basics of the new pastry craze from France, Choux pastry  pronounced “shoo.” If unfamiliar with the term, they are a family of dessert, big and small puffs, all made with the same dough base. In this class, you will learn to make:

  • Profiteroles filled with vanilla whipped cream and covered with warm chocolate sauce
  • Chouquettes with are a simple little puff simply covered with crunchy sugar bits
  • Eclairs – the long version of the choux, filled with cream

Bring a container(s) so you can take some of your creations home.  If you don’t have  baking experience, no worries, it is not required. They assure us no fancy equipment is required either and you can easily make the items yourself at home.  This class runs Sunday afternoon at Trout Lake Community Centre from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Chocolate Lovers Class – Wednesday, February 8, 2017 

If you love chocolate and want to learn how to make easy decadent desserts, than this class is for you. Whether you wish to impress guests, or that special someone this Valentine’s Day. What you will learn to make in this class is:chocolateloversclass

  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Lava Cake
  • Chocolate Truffles
  • Chocolate Sauce to Drizzle

This is a demonstration cooking class after which you will get to enjoy your Lava Cake along with a glass of sparking wine. The rest of the goodies you get to take home with you.


Valentine’s Couple Cooking Demo & Dinner – February 10, 2017 SOLD OUT

This class is designed for pairs, so whether that be a romantic couple, or maybe you want to bring someone on a first date, or you bring your mom or best friend, the field is wide open. During this demonstration class, Valentine will show you how to make some delish French dishes which we’ve set out below. After the demonstration, you get to sit down and enjoy the prepared meal in their restaurant with a glass of wine with candlelight if you wish.  What you will learn to make includes:

Tarte flambée: Thin flatbread made right before your eyes, covered in onions, bacon and cream and cooked really high for extra crispiness. Served with green salad.

Aumoniere de Saumon: Salmon wrapped in purse shape phyllo dough served with a  traditional white wine sauce

Lava cake: The ultimate dark chocolate indulgence served with vanilla ice cream.

Now if you like the idea of this class, but your prefer a different date, they are offering another class on February 14th, with a bit different menu. Price for the demonstration cooking classes are $75 per person.  Keep an eye out for early registration offers which reduce the price by $10. To register, click on link above which takes you to the Eventbrite page for each class. Bon appetit.

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June Hunter Valentine’s Studio Sale February 6th

28 Jan

valentine print invite2 2016If you are looking for something special and unique for someone this Valentine’s Day, we have the spot for you. East Van artist, June Hunter, is having a Valentine’s Studio Sale on Saturday, February 6th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are unfamiliar with June’s work, she makes unique pieces of art and jewellery which are inspired by the nature that surrounds her.  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 upcoming Studio Sale, you can expect to find up to 50% off on jewellery, tiles, wood panel prints, photo prints (both framed and unframed) as well as large plexiglass metallic prints. Befitting the occasion, June will  have on hand special crow-themed Valentine cookies.  June’s studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). While there, be sure to ask June about The Great Bunting Giveaway. We understand there will be a door prize this time around which will be one of the rows of bunting on display, which consist of romantic rose and other floral images.  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.

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Photos Courtesy of June Hunter Images

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For The Love Of Craft Tour By Vancouver Brewery Tour February 14

20 Jan

ForTheLoveOfCraftLooking to do something different with your partner this Valentine’s Day? If you and your partner are beer lovers, than Vancouver Brewery Tours  has something for you.  They are offering a craft beer and food tour called the “For The Love of Craft” on Sunday, February 14th.  They will take you on a tour of some great local breweries including Storm Brewing, Strange Fellow Brewing and Big Rock Urban Brewery & Eatery. There will be food along your beer sampling route as well as finishing the whole day off with some decadent chocolate from local chocolatier Thomas Haas.  The For The Love Of Craft Tour runs Sunday, February 14th from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Tickets are available from Vancouver Brewery Tours for $85 per person. UPDATE: 2:00 pm tour is SOLD OUT, but a second tour has been added at Noon.

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The Uncommon Café Hosts Two New Cooking Classes

19 Jan

KitchenSkills#1UncommonThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting some fun new cooking classes to help you ‘sharpen’ your culinary skills.   Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the two upcoming classes.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café, located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  The Uncommon Café and Valentine have partnered to offer a series of cooking class once per month. The first one they have lined up is Wednesday, January 27th Kitchen Skills Series #1. Their first class is intended to help novice cooks get some basics in the kitchen. With the cold winter weather, their first class in this series will introduce you to making “Stocks, Soups and Stews”.  The cost of this class is $60, but get $10 off if you book early. You can register at Eventbrite.

On February 10th, you and your partner are invited to learn how to prepare a romantic dinner. This will be a demonstration cooking class.  You will be served the entire dinner prepared that evening by candle light which will be paired with wine. The cost of this class is $70. Again, to register visit Eventbrite. If you register in advance save $10 per person.   Bon Appetit!  UPDATE: February 10th class is SOLD OUT. A second class has been added February 13th and for those that book early, you can save 20% by using the code SAVE20. ValentineUncommonTartine

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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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