On this New Year’s Eve, we wish to say thank you. We love highlighting all the great people, businesses and events that make East Van such a great place to live and work. We appreciate all those that share our stories and help our community grow. We wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year and leave you with a few photos from 2015.
Richard Wolak of Vancouver Foodster is hosting a Main Street Brunch Crawl on January 31st as part of the upcoming Dine Out happening in the New Year. So if you love brunch, this might be the ticket for you. The event is a culinary roving tour that takes place at different food and/or beverage establishments. You register for the event at the designated spot in this case, The Honey Shoppe, 4125 Main Street. Thereafter, you wander whether by bike, foot, car or transit to the various venues and nibble away to your hearts content. Each location will have specific menu items on offer for the Brunch Crawl.
We understand there will be six stops on this Brunch Crawl which will include juices, smoothies, coffee, eggs benedict, pancakes, french toast, omelettes, brunch pizza, hash browns, desserts and more. Although names are still being added to the list, some confirmed stops include Rosemary Rocksalt with delish Montreal style bagels, Radicle Juice which is a new juicer offering pressed juices and smoothies and a little spot off the radar, Dock Lunch which specializes in comfort food from all over the world. As mentioned, more restaurants are being added, check Vancouver Foodster for the latest updates, but we expect it will be delicious. Tickets for the Main Street Brunch Crawl are now available online. Advance ticket prices are $45 before December 31st after that, ticket price is $60 per person. The event runs from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm with registration starting at 9:30 am at The Honey Shoppe.
An interesting new show is coming to The York Theatre in the New Year called Leftovers. The show is part of the upcoming PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Leftovers is created by Charlie Demers with Marcus Youssef of Neworld Theatre and is a political comedy like none you’ve ever seen. Charlie Demers, if you don’t know him, is one talented guy. He has worn many hats including one of the stars of CBC Radio’s the Debators, playwright of the East Van Panto – Jack & The Beanstalk and more recently a creative writing instructor at UBC best-selling author. Charlie Demers was born in 1980, between the elections of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, and emerged from that era as a proud socialist. This January, Charlie brings you a complex comedy which we expect will move quickly and touch on many subjects including ideology, dreams and politics. It will be serious and hilarious and this is one show we will be lining up to see. Leftovers runs from January 26 to 30 at The York Theatre. Tickets start at $10 and are available online from The Cultch. A post-show talkback happens on January 27th which we expect will be an exceptional evening. Also, a matinee show has been added for Saturday, January 30th at 2:00 pm. This show has a short run, so if you wish to be entertained, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If you wish to learn a bit more about Charlie Demers, we invite you to check out this write up in BC BookLook.
Photo Credit: Simon Hayter
An interesting show is premiering in Vancouver in the New Year at the Firehall Arts Centre. The Motherf**ker with the Hat is the inaugural production of Haberdashery Theatre Co., a company whose mandate is to contribute to the local theatre scene by doing edgier, issue driven plays. This story features 12 Steps, 3 Heart, 1 Hat as well as love and addiction. The story begins in New York City and moves to the Downtown Eastside. It features Jackie an ex-con and addict who is determined to stay clean and get his life back track with the help of his sponsor. Jackie’s efforts are challenged by Veronica, the love of his life, who is an alcoholic/addict and he suspects is cheating on him with a ‘mofo’ with a hat. The play is being billed as “blisteringly funny and poignant”. The Motherf**ker with the Hat previews January 16th at 8:00 pm and continues until January 30th at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street. Tickets are available online from $16 – $33 and Wednesday matinee shows are Pay What You Can.
Shiny Fuzzy Muddy is back at the beautiful historic Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, December 12 & 13. This collaborative event is brought to you by 4 core members and local makers, Janna Hurtzig, Kari Woo, Arleigh Wood and Frances Dickinson. They formed a non-profit collective to create events that bring art to people. Shiny Fuzzy Muddy brings together 25 local artists to meet and share their craftsmanship in an environment that opposes the large mass produced products. They hand pick the artists that join them each year so you can expect some returning favourites as well as some new guest artists that will be exhibiting their work. This year you will find jewellery, ceramics, fine art, clothing, textiles from local artists including Toodlebunny, Arleigh Wood, Julie MacKinnon Ceramics, Westerly Shoes, LUprints, Daub & Design, Adhesif Clothing Company and kari woo contemporary art jewellery, flight path designs to be name but a few. Shiny Fuzzy Muddy runs Saturday, December 12th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 13th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $2.00 and these funds will go to an Emerging Artists Scholarship. To learn more, visit Shiny Fuzzy Muddy.
New York’s infamous hotel, The Chelsea Hotel, makes a return to the Firehall Arts Centre December 15th to January 9th. Leonard Cohen’s powerful and inspirational music is the heartbeat of Chelsea Hotel, as six performers play seventeen different instruments in a rollicking tribute to the remarkable writer. Through Cohen’s transcendent songs and the honesty of his lyrics, you will be transfixed by this eclectic cabaret of loves won and lost. Opening night for Chelsea Hotel is December 15th and the show runs till January 9th with Pay What You Can shows on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm. Tickets are available online and anyone under 30, gets in for $23 any day. You also have the opportunity to ring in the New Year with the Chelsea Hotel. The Firehall Arts Centre will be throwing a bohemian New Year’s bash which includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres, a DJ and, of course, lots of Leonard Cohen songs. Tickets are available for $75 which includes entry to the Chelsea Hotel show, appetizers and a glass of champagne.
It’s Winter time at Le Marche St. George, 4393 St. Georgia (at 28th Avenue). This past weekend, I enjoyed the perfect mocha at this idyllic spot after a leisurely walk around QE Park. Le Marche St. George is decked out for Christmas in a beautiful under stated way which makes it the perfect spot to get cozy with someone on a cold day. Another reason to go is their Winter Shop located upstairs. This is where they have a beautifully decked out display of items including ceramics by Janakin Larsen, photography by Klee Larsen, women’s outerwear and accessories by Mandula and much more. They have some beautiful photos online with pricing, if you wish to take a look online. We learnt that due to one disgruntled neighbor, The Winter Shop was moving and have learnt their new location will be 11 East 7th Avenue. It will open this Saturday, December 5th at 10:00 am and will be continue at this location until December 22nd. In the meantime, show some love for this great spot which is a hop, skip and jump away from the Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium and a perfect place to warm up after a shop at the market. This Saturday, Le Marche St. George had planned to host pictures with Santa from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm by donation with all proceeds raised going towards assisting Syrian refugees settling in Vancouver. This event may be moved to their new location as well. Stay tuned.
Photo Credit: Le Marche St. George
Christmas is officially less than one month away. We here at IliveInEastVan.com are big fans of supporting local. With that in mind, we would like to highlight some of the many East Van businesses and artisans that have an online shop which of course allows you to shop from your laptop, home computer or your smart phone. Some will even offer a pick up service so you can save money on shipping costs. We’ve tried to include a variety of businesses, but if you think there’s one that should be listed that isn’t, we invite you to drop us a line. Note, we have included a link to each business, just click on their name.
ANTIPOD Workshop is a creative design studio with a focus on bold textiles in particular, handmade pillows. They are made by transplanted local Stephanie Symns who hails from New Zealand. Thus, the name of her business. Antipod which is an affectionate term for a Kiwi or Aussie. Did we mention, Stephanie also holds workshops on how to make the pillows yourself should you be so inclined. Or you can check out her bold collection online anytime.
This is a great shop located in Mount Pleasant at 2535 Main Street. Bird on a Wire Creations supports artists, artisans and the buy local movement. They curate Vancouver’s best art and artisanal objects and all one-of-a-kind and handmade. They have a large selection instore and online and free shipping in Canada for all orders over $100.
Locally made here in Strathcona by Spencer Baker and Dustin Bentall. BB Gun Leather makes a range of leather products including bags, wallets, belts, guitar straps, purses and small luggage. Did we mention the beautiful designs? Their working studio is located 1133 Keefer Street and their online store available 24/7.
Award winning chocolates, need we say more? Purchases can be made online or you can visit them in person at 413 Industrial Avenue (off Main Street).
Dilly Dally is an independent toy store that likes to inspire play and creativity. They carry toys made from around the world including a great selection of wooden toys which also make great heirlooms to be passed on to future generations. They are located on The Drive at 1161 Commercial Street and have a great online store. Note, they are also offering free shipping for orders over $100.
Fable Naturals is based in Mount Pleasant and makes a line of fair trade certified bath and body products. They are inspired by locally sourced ingredients as well as ethically sourced ingredients from afar. All of their products are made by hand in small batches in their Mount Pleasant studio. Their line includes organic lip balms, skin exfoliators, moisturizers, soaps, lotions, body wash, sugar scrubs and more. You will find Gwen and Chris at craft and artisan fairs this holiday season including TOQUE on December 5 & 6. They also have a great online store. Right now, if you sign up for their newsletter, receive $5 off your first order.
Truth be told, we love June Hunter, have for many years. Many of her pieces whether art or jewellery are inspired by the nature that surrounds us and well that speaks to us. You will also find June Hunter in many of the craft and artisan fairs this holiday season as well as her Festive Studio Sale on December 11th and 12th at her East Van studio. Her online shop is currently offering 20% off until Monday, November 30th.
Know someone that loves entertaining and enjoys making great cocktails, then you should check out Good Sips Cocktail Emporium. They have everything to make the perfect cocktail minus the alcohol, think bitters, syrups, cocktail shakers, martini glasses, flasks, recipe books and so much more. If you can’t decide online, you can check out their store at 339 E. Broadway. For those wishing to make an online purchase, note they are offering FREE shipping till the end of November for all orders over $20.
If you have a foodie in your life, this is the place to go whether in store or online. They have everything for the cook, baker and entertainer. The store is an array of choices which include olive oils, balsamic vinegars, salts, sauces, cookbooks, jams and of course all the utensils needed to cook and bake everything. You can find their physical location at 1340 East Hastings (at Clark Drive).
Mike Jackson’s Grubwear Brand of clothing was born out of the back of a Honda Civic hatchback way back in the day. Today he is located in Mount Pleasant at 617 Kingsway in a very happening area just around the corner from Robson Park. He has a great selection of t-shirts, bags, hoodies and hats many that will showcase your East Van pride. His online store features the full line up clothing.
Decadent gourmet handmade marshmallows made by Carly Bloch in some truly amazing flavours such as Salted Caramel, Holiday Mint Chocolate and Classic Baileys and Cream. You can order her marshmallows 24/7 online and what a great stocking stuffer or house warming gift these would make. You can also find her marshmallow at Much & Little at 2541 Main Street or visit Carly at the Baker’s Market on December 6th & 13th at the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre.
Love where you live? Then you may wish to check out their East Van toque for $35 available online only from Neighbourhood Threads.
The MakerLabs at 780 East Cordova Street has recently launched a retail space on the first floor of this working studio which is open from Noon to 9:00 pm daily. If you are unfamiliar with the MakerLabs, it is a 26,000 square foot that provides people with the tools, space and skills to make just about anything. There are many great artisans working out of this space and their products are also available online 24/7.
If you wish to give a gift basket this holiday season, whether large or small, practical or not, we invite you to check to check out any one of the following:
By Broken Arrow – An East Van Gifter
Wantful Gift Boxes
SPUD Vancouver
Saul Good Gift Company
We are passionate about supporting local. We hope you are too. Happy shopping.
This December, make some time for a bit of fun and check out the East Van Panto: Hansel & Gretel. This production is brought to you by the creative minds at Theatre Replacement and will be playing at The York Theatre from December 2nd to January 3rd, 2015. For those not familiar with the term panto, by definition a Panto (another name for Pantomime) is a tradition of holiday musical comedy theatre. Pantomime takes a familiar fairy tale, in this case Hansel & Gretel, and injects music, contemporary references and (best of all) audience participation to create raucous, noisy entertainment that’s fun for all ages. This year’s show we hear steps way off the beaten path with the weird and wonderful Hansel and Gretel complete with an edible house, a butt-kicking brother and sister team and a cute little cannibal witch. Hansel & Gretel lure you deep into the East Van wilderness to deliver a fantastic holiday treat. As you might expect, there will be a few (or many) East Van references that will be sure to make you laugh. The East Van Panto is open to all ages 5 and up. Tickets start at 20, family packs are available which include 4 tickets for $115. Note, all seats for ages 18 and under are $20. Tickets are available at The Cultch either in person, by phone or online. The show begins December 2nd at 7:00 pm and continues till January 3rd. For those looking for a matinee, there are many 2:00 pm shows. For more information on tickets and performances, visit The Cultch. We’ll be seeing you there!
The Daisy Theatre returns to The Cultch for a run on December 1 – 20. This show is returning to Vancouver after two sold out runs and has been billed by The Georgia Straight as “one of the best shows you’ll ever see”. Each performance is different, daring, ridiculous and honestly dam funny. Ronnie Burkett, puppeteer provocateur and his company of over 40 marionettes will have you roaring in the aisles. Be forewarned if you are seated in front, you may be drawn into an act or two. Tickets start at $20 and are available online at The Cultch. Note, due to the mature content this is a 19+ show. If you haven’t yet seen this show, we highly recommend it. We dare you not to laugh.
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