A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

DINER: “Restaurant Rumble” Ring Girls & Announcers To Throwdown At The Cobalt

On Sunday, June 24 guys and gals from the local service industry will get a chance to compete for a coveted spot as a Ring Girl or Ring Announcer for Restaurant Rumble 2012. They’ll get a chance to strut their stuff in the ring and show off their vocal prowess with a microphone. For 12 weeks, contenders will train in a real gym with real fighters. After weeks of intense training, the final 16 fighters will be chosen to battle head to head at centre ring. They will experience the lights, the energy and the adrenaline while they duel in a battle of fisticuffs in front of hundreds of their peers. Scores will be settled and champions will be crowned, but most importantly, a difference will be made. All proceeds of the Ring Girl and Ring Announcer Competition will go to the Aprons for Gloves Boxing Association – helping to create positive change in the lives of underprivileged youth by supporting their future through sport. Funds from Restaurant Rumble 2012 will be used to find a permanent training space for at risk youth in Vancouver, where they can build self esteem and confidence through boxing and mentorship. Details after the jump…

Aprons for Gloves and Simon Fraser University Woodwards Presents
The Ring Girl and Ring Announcer Competition
Sunday, June 24 at The Cobalt
Doors Open at 9pm
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from the contenders or at the door

Villa Lobos: Skate Kids, Sharp Knives, Sold-Out Dinners

A group of skate kids from King George started cooking for each other and ended up building something bigger than they expected. Now they’re running sold-out dinners, with strong community backing.

Vancouver’s Best Japanese Curries, Our Favourites Mapped

Japanese curry doesn’t chase the spotlight the way ramen or gyoza do, but it has always been one of Japan’s most reliable comfort meals: hot, filling, and easy on the wallet. With Vancouver’s cooler weather still lingering, it’s exactly the kind of satisfying bowl that hits the spot.

AnnaLena’s Long Game

Most restaurants leave well enough alone. AnnaLena doesn’t. Whether bold or subtle, the changes they make carry weight. Here’s what shifted during the annual closure and why it matters.

Gujarati Jalso: The Burnaby Restaurant Giving Gujarati Food Top Billing

Edmonds Street in Burnaby is home to Gujarati Jalso, where the focus is entirely on vegetarian food from India’s western coast.