HEADS UP: Revamped Chinatown Night Market Announces Line Up Of Food Trucks
May 14, 2013
More tasty Chinatown Night Market news:
The much anticipated, revamped Vancouver Chinatown Night Market is ready to launch its 2013 season officially on June 1st.* After 17 years at the helm, the VCMA have welcomed a new group of volunteers to the project in order to “help give the Night Market a fresh look and feel,” says Henry Tom, VP of the VCMA and Chair of the Night Market Committee. After a long winter of hard work, the new team is eager to introduce its revitalized summer schedule revealing some of the best outdoor entertainment and shopping in the city as well as a weekly on-site food truck gathering organized by the Vancouver Street Food Society and will include favourites like Vij’s Railway, Roaming Dragon, Le Tigre, Tacofino, and Mogu. Read more
DINER: A Look Inside Chinatown’s Highly Anticipated Beer & Sausage Joint “Bestie”
May 13, 2013
by Andrew Morrison | It’s high time we provided an update on the highly anticipated Bestie at 105 East Pender St. in Chinatown. We first reported on its coming a year ago this week, and we’re happy to say that the 25 seat German-themed sausage and beer joint from Clinton McDougall and Dane Brown is well on its way. They’ve hammered down a menu of Thuringian sausages (pork) that will include brats and currywurst, plus a rotating poultry sausage and a special or two. The good folks at Oyama are making them, but execution is in the hands of chef Colin Johnson, who worked in Andrey Durbach’s kitchens for upwards of a decade. The fries will be hand-cut BC potatoes, double fried and served with a little metal pommesgabel (literally “French Fry Fork”), and the beers will be German-inspired but locally brewed (4 on tap with several others in bottle format). As you can see in one of the images above, the tapped beers can be had in 8oz, 12oz, or monstrous 24oz pours, the latter to be enjoyed from proper ceramic steins! David Stansfield, who you might know from Vancouver Urban Winery, is in charge of the tiny wine program. He has one red and one white cheap and cheerful planned for taps and tumblers, with a few supplemental bottles, all containing German varietals. The only spirit sold at Bestie will be schnapps. Because jawohl!
As far as the aesthetic goes, it’s worth remembering that Dane and Clinton come to the food trade from the design world, so they’ve considered the look as much as they have the sausages. It’s going to be on the bright side, with wooded paneling lit by high gloss white floors and white walls. Much of the seating will be convertible. A series of “booths” along the long wall facing the kitchen bar can readily be modified so that they become one large table, and above these booths will be an ever-changing canvas of wooden pegs. There are 116 holes in the wall to accommodate them, so expect to see hanging lights, magazines, and probably a jacket or two suspended above the modular booths. There’s also a sweet corner table at the front window that folds up so that sausages can be sold through the window deep into the night (hello Fortune revellers!). The rear wall will see rotating works from local artists (overseen by an obligatory cuckoo clock), and I suspect that we might hear some 1980′s Grauzone leading what I hope will be a chiefly German soundtrack. Dane and Clinton are doing nearly all the construction work themselves, with guidance from David Scott of local architecture firm Scott & Scott (recent recipients of some Cool Hunting love).
Because of its close proximity to the Scout office, I see a lot of currywurst in my future. Opening day, which can’t come soon enough, is on track for the early June.
ALL ANTICIPATED OPENINGS
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Andrew Morrison is the editor-in-chief of Scout and BC’s Senior Judge at the Canadian Culinary Championships. He contributes regularly to a wide range of publications, radio programs, and TV shows on local food, culture and travel. He live and works in the vibrant Strathcona neighbourhood, where he also collects inexpensive things and enjoys birds, skateboards, whisky, shoes, many songs, and the smell of wood fires.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: “Pizzeria Farina” On Main Street Hunting For Counterperson
May 8, 2013
Pizzeria Farina is located at 915 Main Street in Vancouver, BC | 604-681-9334 | www.pizzeriafarina.com
The GOODS from Pizzeria Farina
Vancouver, BC | Pizzeria Farina is looking to add a new counter person to their team! If you have customer service and restaurant industry experience, love working in a fast paced environment and are passionate about great pizza, send you resume to info@pizzeriafarina.com. Learn more… Read more
HONOUR BOUND: New “Chinatown Night Market” Gets Ready To Debut On May 17th
May 6, 2013
The Vancouver Chinatown Night Market has been making some game-changing additions to its roster of vendors for this summer. Vancouverites and visitors alike can now expect more live music, more food, more storytelling, new vendors, outdoor classic movie screenings, Mahjong, epic ping pong tournaments, and much more. Regulars can rest assured that imported wares (both fanciful and functional) will still be standard fare, as will such legendary snacks as the Potato Tornado, but by the magic of the moon (and overhead flood lights) – lo and behold! – something new will strike their fancy every weekend from June 1st to September 8th, from 6pm to 11pm.
Some of the new vendors for the revamped summertime market that sprawls down Keefer Street include Community Thrift and Vintage, Woo2cu, Draw Me a Lion, Project Space, Derek Gaw (Laser cutter), Mellifera Bees, The Window, Cocolico, Olla Flowers, Project Limelight, Poppytalk, Sharks + Hammers, Lissu/Ystava, Duchesse Vintage, Espiritu Design Studio, AKA Designs, China Cloud, Kaffe Coffee, We Are Local, The Soap Dispensary, and Sugo Sauce. New offerings will run the gamut from kitsch and classic to sweet and savoury.
So come spend some long, warm summer nights with your friends and family celebrating the Chinatown of yore and today while shopping, eating, playing, and creating new memories in what will always be a very special place!
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Honour Bound details the many cool things that we feel honour bound to check out because they either represent Vancouver exceptionally well or are inherently super awesome in one way or another
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Chinatown’s East Of Main Cafe On Lookout For Second Cook
April 22, 2013
East Of Main is located at 223 E. Georgia (between Main & Gore) in Vancouver BC | 604-899-2777 | eastofmaincafe.com
The GOODS from East of Main Cafe
Vancouver, BC | East of Main Café is looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking, ambitious full-time Second Cook to work closely with the Chef de Cuisine. The perfect candidate has a passion for mediterranean cuisine and 3 years experience in a professional kitchen. The candidate must fit the following criteria: minimum 3 years cooking experience, running a line and food prep; a passion and enthusiasm for cooking; the ability to work in a fast-paced environment mornings and evenings with little or no supervision; the ability to think on your feet and problem solve; the completion of a culinary program or equivalent; knowledge of sanitary methods used in food preparation; strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute to the team in various sections of the kitchen; Food Safe Level 1 or higher.
East of Main isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a social enterprise – all profits from East of Main benefit Project Limelight Society, a free performing arts program for kids living in the Downtown Eastside. If you are looking for a place to grow and want to be a part of something inspiring, drop off your resume in person to Laurence, 223 East Georgia St or email info@eastofmaincafe.com. Read more
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Chinatown’s Soon To Open “Bestie” In Need Of Kitchen Staff
April 16, 2013
Bestie is scheduled to open soon at 105 East Pender Street in Chinatown | Vancouver, BC | www.bestie.ca
The GOODS from Bestie
Vancouver, BC | We’re looking to add a few solid folks to the kitchen team for our our soon to be open 25-seat sausage and beer parlour. Bestie is inspired by German street food. This means sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, and hand-cut fries. There will be pickling, baking, fermentation, and the creative use of vegetables sourced from Vancouver’s urban farms.
Bestie will be a collaborative little restaurant with a tight crew where each member will contribute to make something special happen with food, service and the overall experience. Applicants must be passionate and, at times, nerdy about food. Work ethic, character, and positivity are things we value. Hard work will be required, duties will overlap, and a sense of humour will be necessary.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hello@bestie.ca. We appreciate all applications but due to the overwhelming amount of work on our plates right now, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Learn more about Bestie after the jump… Read more
GOODS: Consulting Chef Tina Fineza Tables New Menu For Chinatown’s “East Of Main”
April 15, 2013
East Of Main is located at 223 E. Georgia (between Main & Gore) in Vancouver BC | 604-899-2777 | eastofmaincafe.com
The GOODS from East of Main Cafe
Vancouver, BC | East of Main Cafe has launched a new menu for spring created by consulting chef, Tina Fineza. As Tina has been exposed to exotic foods her entire life, Mediterranean flavours come naturally to her. The new menu includes more tapas dishes and share plates, is intense with bright Mediterranean spices and focuses on ethically produced ingredients. Dishes include Lamb Tagine, Eggplant Moussaka, Seared Rare Albacore Tuna, Coffee & Pomegranate Cauliflower and Chickpea Kale Salad. The lunch menu has also been updated with a variety of fresh salads and wraps to reflect the Mediterranean theme. Check out the new menu here and learn more about East of Main after the jump Read more
GOODS: East Of Main Cafe To Host “Monday Night Live” Film Trade Storytelling Tonight!
April 8, 2013
East Of Main is located at 223 E. Georgia (between Main & Gore) in Vancouver BC | 604-899-2777 | eastofmaincafe.com
The GOODS from East of Main Cafe
Vancouver, BC | East of Main Cafe and Project Limelight Society proudly present Monday Night Live, a unique evening of storytelling featuring actors, directors, producers, agents, casting directors, and other film industry professionals. East of Main Cafe provides a topic and 7 minutes for film industry professionals to tell their story. Enthusiasts, fans and colleagues are encouraged to fill the audience. Admission is free but donations will be accepted to Project Limelight Society, a free performing arts program for children living in Vancouver’s DTES. Head to East of Main early for drinks and tapas in order to secure a seat for the 7pm start time. This intimate evening will conclude with a candid Q and A with the storytellers. 100% of the profits from East of Main Cafe benefit Project Limelight Society. Get all the details and find out who tonight’s storytellers are after the jump… Read more
SEEN IN VANCOUVER #438: “Helen Dreams Of Dumplings” Film From Keefer’s “Bao Bei”
April 3, 2013
Our friend Mike Babiarz of Warren Lane Pictures recently finished Helen Dreams Of Dumplings, a short film made for Chinatown’s Bao Bei about their awesome dumpling maker, Li Ben (aka Helen):
Meet Helen; dumpling making extraordinaire at Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie. We love Helen for her sweet smiles, dedication, and her special way of folding perfect little dumplings one after another. Not to mention her killer staff meals that remind us of mom.
Now, in addition to being hungry, we are a little bit in love.
EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: “The Keefer Bar” In Chinatown Is On The Lookout For A Cook
March 21, 2013
The Keefer Bar is located at 135 Keefer St in Vancouver, BC | 604-688-1961 | www.thekeeferbar.com
The GOODS from The Keefer Bar
Vancouver, BC | The Keefer Bar is Looking for a Cook. The ideal candidate will be personable, organized and able to work alone in our small kitchen. The position includes, ordering, shopping in Chinatown, food prep, washing dishes and kitchen cleaning. You must be an efficient muli-tasker able to handle fast paced environment and produce orders in a timely fashion. You will work along side our bar team and work with our Food Consultant, Free Lee, to create delicious small plates. Details after the jump… Read more
HEADS UP: “Lost In The City” Show Opens At Positive Negative Gallery In Chinatown
March 21, 2013
Lost In The City opens at Positive Negative Gallery this Thursday night. This show depicts life in an urban setting through the eyes of twelve contributing photographers who explore “the chaos of a metropolis”. All of the photos have been hand-printed, capturing the grit and layers of city life with a technique that carries with it all the beautiful imperfections that the human touch imparts. Seems appropriate and most probably compelling. Lost In The City continues until April 6.
Thursday, March 21 | 7pm | Positive Negative Gallery (436 Columbia St) | Free | DETAILS
DINER: Duprey & Zottenberg To Open “The Emerald” Restaurant On Gore In Chinatown
March 19, 2013
by Andrew Morrison | Rachel Zottenberg and David Duprey of The Narrow, Rumpus Room, Ricksaw, and upcoming Fox Cabaret have picked up the ancient second floor Fu Wah dim sum restaurant space at 555 Gore Avenue (on the eastern periphery of Chinatown between Keefer and East Pender). With it, they plan on opening a Rat Pack era, old school Vegas-themed joint called The Emerald.
It’s a massive, unused space, one that had been dormant for at least a decade before the duo picked it up earlier this year. “It was pretty gross in there,” says Zottenberg. “It’s one of those places that people would never know was there.” I can vouch from that. I live and work very close by and never knew that it existed. The address isn’t even visible, and the doors are so thoroughly boarded up that they appear to be walls.
Though the interior has already been gutted and the kitchen (which is bigger than all of Rumpus Room) cleaned up, Zottenberg, Duprey, designer Scott Cohen (see Acorn, Pronto, Nook, etc.) and the construction crew still have a lot of work to do. When it does open, we can expect a 25 seat lounge, a 65 seat dining room, and a couple of versatile private rooms. They have 4800 sqft to play with, not to mention 180 grandfathered seats. Not all of them, however, will be in play: “We’re going to have fewer seats than we’re actually allowed,” Zottenberg says. The real figure is closer to 100. Why? “Because what’s lacking in Vancouver right now is elbow room. We hear it a lot, and we want people to feel really comfortable here. We want them to hang out.”
The bar program is going to offer upwards of 35 drinks — a mix of classics, plays on classics and originals, while the food will follow the Vegas vibe with Chris Williams, lately of Boneta, Save On Meats, and Rumpus, doing the cooking. He’ll be working the neighbourhood for sourcing, which could mean things like a “catch of the day” from Hung Win Seafoods and duck from Money Foods, both of which are right downstairs from The Emerald. Beyond that, think updated takes on the classic shrimp cocktail, Turducken (for real), Steak Diane, et cetera. Dean Martin loved his spaghetti and meatballs and Sinatra was a sucker for Veal Milanese, so maybe we’ll see those, too. And despite the meat-centric traditions of Las Vegas, Zottenberg assures me that vegetarians and vegans will be looked after as well.
The projected opening date for The Emerald is early Summer
ALL ANTICIPATED OPENINGS
Revitalized “Chinatown Night Market” Now Accepting Vendor Applications For Summer
March 14, 2013
As Scout recently reported, Bao Bei owner Tannis Ling and pop-up organiser Ken Tsui have joined with the Vancouver Chinatown Merchant’s Association (VCMA) to reinvent the 18 year tradition we know as the Chinatown Night Market. They’re now calling for vendor applications!
This year, the Chinatown Night Market is mixing it up – old and new, imports and originals, mainstream and handmade – in an effort to celebrate our love of art, culture, summertime and the ever-changing Chinatown neighbourhood.
If what you do jives with this atmosphere, a vendor stall might be for you!
The New Night Market’s performances, workshops and attractions will draw a wide, culturally diverse audience with a full season seeing over 100,000 unique visitors. There’s something here for families, friends, young and old; for those from within the Chinatown community and beyond. Ideally, the assortment of vendors we assemble will collectively have something to appeal to one and all.
The right fit of wares–be it pins, preserves, perfumes or paper–can be unique or not, charming or simply utilitarian but should be “easy on the pocketbook”. In all practicality, keep in mind that the Night Market is a walkabout street fair, so smaller, “carry-able” items or those with innovative, transportable packaging are ideal.
The 2013 Chinatown Night Market is currently offering stall rentals on a monthly basis, half or full season. If you would like more information please email: contact [at] vancouverchinatownnightmarket.com
Learn all you need to here. Spread the word.
