The main objective of this website is to scout out and promote the things that make Vancouver such a sweet place to be. We do this with an emphasis on the city’s independent spirit to foster a sense of connectedness within and between our communities, and to introduce our readers to the people who grow and cook our food, play the raddest tunes in our better venues, create our most interesting art, and design everything from what we wear to the spaces we inhabit.

The Scout List is our carefully considered, first rate agenda of super awesome things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week. From our calendar to yours…

GLUTTONY

The Pacific Salmon Foundation is putting on their Pink Salmon Festival this Sunday and guess what that means? Free salmon for all! Wait…what?! “With returns of 17.5 million pink salmon projected to return to the Fraser River in August, the second biennial Pink Salmon Festival will serve up delicious complimentary pink salmon to the public and promote pink salmon as a sustainable seafood choice.” And who better to represent than Vancouver’s ocean ambassador than chef Robert Clark of “C”? A free chunk of Robert Clark-cooked salmon? That is certainly worth the trip to Vanier Park!
Sunday, August 28 | 12noon – 5pm | Vanier Park | Free

‘Reflections’ opens at the Hotel Georgia this week. Overlook the soap opera-esque name and swing by the new bar and lounge to try out the summer menu (salads and items from the grill; fresh shucked oysters, charcuterie and cheeses, grilled lobster panini, beef sliders, grilled pizzas and lamb popsicles). Word has it that there’s a waterfall, a fire pit, over-sized teak couches and an outdoor island bar lit by lanterns. Andrew toured it many months ago while it was under construction and told me it was going to be a sweet place to imbibe. If you go, let us know what you think. Open daily from noon.

Salt Cellar hooks up with Driftwood Brewery for an evening of fine beer and tasty meats on Tuesday night. Hand brewed in small batches, beers such as Driftwood Ale, Farmhand Ale and Blackstone Porter will be paired with artisan cheeses and locally sourced charcuterie. How’s THAT for a Tuesday night? Get a seat.
Tuesday August 30 | 7pm | Salt Tasting Room | $40 (+ tax and gratuity)

Didn’t get your fill of cocktails over the weekend? Head to the Refinery on Wednesday to make up the difference. This is the final season for The Refinery’s Cocktail Kitchen program and you’re invited. Get the scoop on what to expect here.
Wednesday, August 31 | 7- 10pm | The Refinery (1115 Granville) | $35

CULTURE

There’s a free double bill in Strathcona on Saturday night: Andre – The Gypsy in Me followed by “Young at Heart”.  The first tells the moving account of a homeless Vancouver musician living on the streets of North America for over 40 years: “A gypsy since the age of 11 and now in his 60’s, Andre uses his rare talent for music to earn a living, fight his cancer and bring happiness to all those around him. A harrowing journey of the human spirit through the power of music.” Stick around afterward for the second: “a film about a New England senior citizens chorus that has delighted audiences worldwide with their covers of songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay”.
Saturday, August 27 | 8-10:30pm | Chalk Xchange 593 E. Georgia St. (Princess St.) | Free

MUSIC

Santana is in town, so get you Black Magic Woman on.

So is Ben Harper, but good luck with that. Everyone is sold out.

Hometown rock heroes, Japandroids, play  The Waldorf (Bass Drum of Death opens).
Saturday, August 28 | 8pm | The Waldorf Hotel | $12

Antisocial looks to have something planned as well. Check out the poster for their gig here.

And The Reverend Horton Heat is the big deal at the Commodore. That’s Wednesday night (August 31).

BUY LOCAL

Gastown’s Old Faithful throws down with a farmers market with over-the-top cool factor participants like Moonstruck Organic Cheese, Glorious Organics Coop and Rondriso Farms, Le Marche St. George, sunflower sprouts from My Urban Farm as well as pastries, breads and preserves from Nelson the Seagull and more. Honest Food. Honest people. Check it.  See you there.
Sunday, August 28 | 11am-6pm | Old Faithful Shop (320 W Cordova)

Portobello West is on. Always a good place to score handmade trinkets (and sometimes chocolate and cupcakes). Find out precisely who’ll be there selling what by a quick look at the Portobello website here.
Sunday August 28 | 11 am–5 pm | | Creekside Community Recreation Centre ( 1 Athletes Way ) | $2

You can always find something at the Blim Community Market. This Sunday’s will include 60+ vendors flogging everything from vintage clothing, fine art, soap and note cards to vinyl and superhip t-shirts. There’ll also be hot food, beverages, and music. If you absolutely can’t wait to know who’ll be there, have a peek at the Blim website for details.
Sunday, August 28 | 12-5pm | Robson / Granville | Free

COMMUNITY

Tibet Fest goes down at Van Dusen on Saturday. The idea is that you pay a little to enjoy some Tibetan music, dance, food, and art and organizers use your money to benefit the government initiative to relocate 1,000 Tibetan refugees to Canada. We could use some of that good karma around here, not to mention some Tibetans! Check it out.
Saturday, August 27 | 11am-7pm | VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak)

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House goes under the knife this Autumn and they’re throwing a little of a pre-reno shindig to honour their volunteers, staff, neighbours and  community. Count on live music, entertainment, refreshments, a community art project, a historical costume contest, a kids area and, wait for it… a bouncy castle! Because everyone loves a bouncy castle.
Saturday August 27 | 1-4pm | West 7 @ Vine | Free

Lastly, there’s a Raw Food Workshop happening at this week. Learn all sorts of cool bits, like how to make hazelnut milk & butter, kale chips, zucchini pasta and pumpkin pie. All proceeds go to support The World In A Garden, and that’s a good cause. To register, contact Alicia Baddorf: 604-257-51 ext. 213 | [email protected]
Monday, August 29 | 6-9pm | Indigo Food Café (2589 West 16) | $55/person (All proceeds benefit The World In A Garden)

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended Bond University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives in beautiful Strathcona and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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