Inside Vancouver

Vancouver Farmers’ Market season opens May 11

by Miranda Post in Green City on May 10, 2013

Photo source: Eatlocal.org

Like a Whitecaps Southsider at the beginning of the Major League Soccer season, I count down the days until the summer Vancouver Farmers Markets open. While soccer friends herald the return of the Mattocks, DeWit or Camilo each March, I cheer for the return of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, Empire Valley Beef and Cropthorne Farms each May.

My ‘season’ starts with Trout Lake and Kitsilano Markets opening on May 11 and 12 respectively. Later, in June the West End (June 1), Main Street Station (June 5), and Kerrisdale (June 15) markets all commence to provide Vancouverites and visitors alike with delicious local eats, live music and handcrafted goodies like ceramics and jewelry.

Breakfast lovers, coffee devotees and food truck followers all have a place at the farmers markets, too. Besides the regulars like La Boheme Creperie, The Bean Buggy and Vij’s Railway Express, new mobile eateries will be added to the repertoire this year.

Between my missions for creamy goat brie and crinkly heirloom tomatoes this summer, I’ll be checking out the various market events. Not only will the summer farmers markets contribute to our community’s pantry but also to our community itself with family, gardening and foodie-focused happenings.

What’s up at your neighborhood farmers market this season? Take a sneak peak after the jump.

Continue reading:
Vancouver Farmers’ Market season opens May 11

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15 Cool Things To Do in Vancouver in May 2013

by Taraneh in Events on May 1, 2013

Photo credit: Vancouver Chinatown Night Market

May in Vancouver is full of decadent food and drink events, fine entertainment, and multicultural festivals. From the annual BC Spot Prawn Festival to sudsy Vancouver Craft Beer Week, titillating Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and the launch of the revitalized Vancouver Chinatown Night Market, we’ve got your must-attend May events below.

Don’t forget, all this sunshine cues the launch of annual Vancouver outdoor summer traditions, including opening day for the outdoor swimming pools at Kitsilano and Second Beach, as well as the start of the Vancouver Farmers Markets. And now for the list:

15 Cool Things To Do in Vancouver in May 2013

1) Lounge on one of Vancouver’s best new patios
The sun is in town for a little while. Help launch patio season 2013 by hanging out at the the best new patios including The Fish Shack on Granville, the roof at Black + Blue, Cactus Club in Coal Harbour, and Tap & Barrel in Olympic Village–the roof is for wine buffs, ground level is for craft beer lovers. Both have a sea view.

2) Try out lululemon’s new, free Om Finder app for iOS
Think of it as a PA who will find the best yoga and fitness classes for your schedule/needs. You can also use it to invite friends. Continue reading:
15 Cool Things To Do in Vancouver in May 2013

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February Food Truck Fest – Double the Food Trucks at Vancouver Farmers Markets All February

by Taraneh in Food & Drink on January 28, 2013

Photo credit: Yolk’s Breakfast Food Truck

Attention Vancouver eaters. Although Street Food City II has just ended, Vancouver’s food trucks just keep on trucking – collaborating on more exciting opportunities for diners in search of food cart pods.

Vancouver Farmers Markets is hosting its first ever February Food Truck Fest. All February, you’ll find double the usual number of food trucks at the Winter Farmers Market, held Saturdays from 10am to 2pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Buttermilk pancakes and maple whipped cream from Yolk’s Breakfast. Panko-breaded fish and Kennebec chips from Feastro. Fig and chickpea tagine from Ze Bite. Comforting congee from JJ’s. Try them all and weigh in.

February Food Truck Fest is a food truck audition. Vancouver Farmers Market shoppers are invited to vote on their favourite food trucks and the most popular will be invited to join the roster as regulars at the busy summer markets. There are two categories to vote on: “Best Market Menu Item” and “Best of the New Recruits.”

Get the full list of participating food trucks after the jump. Continue reading:
February Food Truck Fest – Double the Food Trucks at Vancouver Farmers Markets All February

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5 Free Things to Do This January

by Taraneh in Events on January 8, 2013

Photo credit: T. Jerven

It’s January. The holidays are over and there’s a general air of restrained spending, resolution-inspired fitness, and more kale than chocolate. We’re on our best behaviour, but we all still need to have a little fun. And the less we have to spend to find it, the better.

Here are five January events and activities that are free!

5 Free Things to Do This January

1) Ice Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink, through February 28
Location-wise, it doesn’t get much better. The Robson Square Ice Rink is in the heart of downtown Vancouver – ideal for visiting a temporary food cart pod or the Vancouver Art Gallery before taking a few slick laps with friends and family. Bring your own skates and it’s free to use. Or pay a mere $4 to rent.

2) Street Food City II, January 23-27
Before or after free ice skating at Robson Square, head over to the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery to visit a temporary, Portland-style food cart pod – one of the top events of Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2013. Entry is free! Yes, there will be heated, tented seating and live music. Of course you will have to compensate the clever chef-entrepreneurs for their goods – think wood-fired personal pizzas, Japanese-fusion pulled pork sandwiches, perogies, fish tacos, grilled cheese and more. Continue reading:
5 Free Things to Do This January

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10 Free Things To Do in Vancouver in September

by Taraneh in Events on September 11, 2012

Photo credit: Flickr user janheuninck

Cooler days. Harvest fests. Autumn mooncakes. Free fun this month is all about seasonal change. Here are ten free events and activities to help you love September in Vancouver.

Have something to add? Help out by commenting below.

10 Free Things to Do in Vancouver in September

1) Pit For Your Supper at the Irish Heather: Sept 12.; Sept. 19; Sept. 26
Plenty of Vancouver foodies pony up $16 to dine at the Irish Heather’s legendary Long Table Series, featuring roasts ranging from suckling pig to roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and help pit seasonal fruit for two hours, you can eat and drink for free Wednesdays throughout September. Sign up here.

2) Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Sept. 15-23
Every summer we lounge, socialize and picnic on Vancouver beaches. And every September, upstanding citizens help clean up. The annual Shoreline Cleanup, organized by the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF, is a great way to give back and make friends. While I can’t promise treasure, you might even find something cool(er than an empty plastic bottle). Continue reading:
10 Free Things To Do in Vancouver in September

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