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

If booze is your thing (and we suspect it might be, being November and all), don’t miss the Hopscotch Festival. The Great Tasting Hall is already full, but don’t fret, some of the satellite events sound great. The Molson Brewery Tour? Awesome. The Islay Whisky Brunch? Rad. Events are selling out, so get on it.
November 14 – 20 | Rocky Mountaineer Station 1755 Cottrell St. | Website

Cornucopia Wine & Food Festival is arguably the most decadently consumptive weekend on the calendar, and it’s fast approaching. “Cornucopia is Whistler’s premier wine and food extravaganza. The annual event is a unique opportunity to mingle, mix and learn from acclaimed chefs, sommeliers, vintners and restaurateurs’ visiting Whistler”. There will be hands-on seminars, fascinating winemaker dinners, gala tasting events and after-parties of a magnitude you have never seen. Araxi’s Bubbles is a must do and the lo, Bearfoot Bistro’s Masquerave has returned this year! Scout recommends a room at Nita Lake. Get going!
November 11-14 | Whistler | Cornucopia Wine & Food Festival | Website

The Salt Cellar throws down with A Taste of Spain and Italy. Spanish cheeses with Spanish wine and Italian charcuterie with Italian wine (complete with matching condiments). Bonus: fresh bread and crackers. Tickets here.
Tuesday November 15 | 7pm | Salt Cellar (Blood Alley, Gastown) | $40

Heads Up For Next Week:

Everyone loves a spontaneous pop-up dinner, right?  Meet new people, have a good laugh and share some good food, what’s not to love? Well, we have a good tip for you: there’s just such a dinner going down next weekend. Actually, there are two. Five courses, lively conversations, unique location, two nights. It’s called Fish Bowl and it’s going to be a good time put together by a couple of stand-up Vancouverites going by the names of Ludzu & Xie Xie. They plan to do monthly pop-up dinners in different venues all over town, starting with Main Street’s infamous Gene coffee house (what a beautiful space for a long-table meal). Seats are limited and will be snapped up before you know it, so don’t wait! Contact [email protected] to scoop a seat (or two). Perfect way to end a day of Eastside Culture Crawling. Just sayin’…
November 18 & 19  | 8pm | Gene (2404 Main Street)  | $48

Slow Food Vancouver is putting on something called ‘The Joy of Preserving’ next week and we thought you’d want to know about it. They’re taking a look at the “big picture of preserving food: conserving the land it’s grown on, supporting the people who grow our local food, learning about traditional ways of preserving.” Meet local farmers, chefs and community groups working to build a healthier food system. “All proceeds will go toward our Terra Madre Fund, which sends local farmers to Italy to attend the international Terra Madre meeting. The meeting is like a United Nations of food where producers, chefs and academics get together to share ideas about food sustainability. Our farmers come back from Terra Madre inspired and committed to producing food that’s good for us and good for the planet.” Important stuff.
Saturday, November 19 | 4-9pm | W2 Woodwards (152 Cordova)

It’s oyster season and the community of Tofino in beautiful Clayoquot Sound goes to great lengths to celebrate ’em. So great, in fact, that they are, at this very minute, preparing for their 15th annual Oyster Festival.  And so should you. Really. Events include oyster farm tours, educational seminars, the Mermaid’s Ball, and the legendary Oyster Gala. Scout will be there, and so should you  (Andrew is the MC). Tickets are available here. Think about it: storm watching, Tofino Brewery beer, fresh oysters, awesome people. This is a seriously fantastic event and well worth making advance arrangements for. We hope to see you there.
November 17, 18, 19 | Various locations around Tofino | For more details on festival events, click here

CULTURE

Wade Davis is in town. The scientist, anthropologist, and best-selling author will be at St. Andrew’s–Wesley Church Thursday to chat about his latest book Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest.
November 10 | 7:30pm | St. Andrew’s–Wesley Church (1022 Nelson) $21

North Vancouver’s Presentation House Gallery is having an interesting sounding panel discussion about voyeurism and photography. “Clint Burnham, Catherine Soussloff, Shep Steiner, and Althea Thauberger explore perspectives on the invasive camera and voyeurism, ethical issues in contemporary photography, surveillance as an aesthetic strategy, and power relations between photographers and human subjects.”
Sunday, November 13 | 1 pm | Presentation House Gallery (333 Chesterfield)

There’s a fascinating lecture about Revitalizing Wood Architecture happening at the Mueum of Vancouver on November 17th. From the Museum of Vancouver: “This talk will focus on how Canadians live on the edge of the largest forests on earth. A precious part of our natural and cultural heritage, these forests also represent one of the greatest carbon sinks on the planet. Each tree is a beautiful part of the answer to climate change, and yet we are only beginning to ask of its potential. Each time we choose to build in wood we are part of a critically important chain of responsibility that will see the elegance of the living tree through to a new life in a building. This presentation provides a vital context within which we can better understand and examine the exciting future potential of wood as a building material.” More here. Reception with cash bar to follow.
November 17 | 7pm | Museum of Vancouver | $12

Vancouver Comic Con is on! Hold on to your hats! There will be appearances by Peter Chiykowski (Rock, Paper, Cynic), Jim Mahfood (Marijuanaman), Dave Crosland (Yo Gabba Gabba! Comic Book Time), Derek DeLand (Copyright Infringers) and Kim Glennie (Girls’ Room).
Sunday, November 13 | 11am-5pm | Heritage Hall (3102 Main) | $4

Canzine Festival of Zines and Underground Culture hits the Eastside on Sunday. “With a focus on zines and independent publishing, Canzine West is an opportunity for creators and admirers of indie culture to meet, swap stories, and share their wares.The heart of Canzine West will be a giant zine fair running throughout the day and featuring zines, comics, small press books, and so much more! Over one hundred titles on display!” Check out the schedule of events at Broken Pencil.
Sunday, November 13 | 1-7pm | Ukrainian Hall (Strathcona)

How social media is changing politics is the topic of discussion down at Robson Square next Tuesday. Blogger and journalist Frances Bula, director of the Social + Interactive Media Centre at Emily Carr University Alexandra Samuel, and communications and political consultant Tony Roy will be on hand to ponder the ways in which twitter has changed the world of politics. More information at www.cstudies.ubc.ca/community.
Tuesday, November 14 | 7-9 pm | UBC Robson Square (800 Robson) | Free

Oooh, there’s a Collage Button Workshop at Blim Monday night. And not just your average button-making workshop, this one is an ‘all you can make collage buffet!’ Paper collage, wood collage, button collage, fabric collage, vinyl sticker paper, fabric scraps, specialty papers, inks, tapes, glues, puffy inks, stickers. Woot! Pay one price, make all the collage you want. Call 604 872 8180 or [email protected] to register. Check it.
Monday, November 14 | 6pm-9pm | Blim (115 E Pender) | $20.00

UPCOMING:

In our books, the East Side Culture Crawl the greatest thing about November in Vancouver. We look forward to this event all year long. The annual three day event sees East Side artists (painters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, musicians, weavers, potters, printmakers, photographers, etc) open their studios to the public. There’s no schedule per se; only the one you choose to structure for yourself. There’s no pressure to buy, as it’s treated as a chance to float from one studio to the next, talking to artists about their processes and enjoying the diversity of art that the East Side has to offer. The Crawl can be quiet and introspective or engaging and social. It’s entirely up to you. Factor in a stop for coffee and baked goods at the Wilder Snail, a warm lunch at the Dunlevy Snack Bar and a finishing glass of wine at Au Petit Chavignol. Now that’s a pretty perfect November day! Grab a map and get crawling (available at studios and shops in the community or online at the Crawl website)
November 18, 19, 20 | East Side, baby | Free

We dig food. Have you noticed? We also dig Pecha Kucha. So imagine our great delight when we learned that Pecha Kucha was planning a food themed event! For the three readers who are wondering “But, what is Pecha Kucha?” It is this: in dozens of cities around the world, different groups of people from the local “creative” community are asked to speak in front of their peers. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, and each one is shown for 20 seconds. This gives each presenter 6 minutes and 40 seconds before the lights dim and the next presenter is announced, keeping it concise and episodic with the interest level always topped up, giving more people the chance to show and tell. Pecha Kucha is pretty much guaranteed to sell out early, so don’t wait – grab your tickets here. From what we understand the line-up for Volume 19 is looking pretty sweet with plenty of awesome chefs, producers and restaurateurs (Scout editor Andrew is co-hosting).
November 24 | 6:30 pm | The Vogue Theatre (918 Granville) | $15

FILM

There’s a screening of the documentary Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? going down at the Ridge Theatre. This award-winning film is about the global bee crisis. Local folks working with bees will be at the theatre to share their wisdom. Tickets are just $29 with proceeds going to FarmFolk CityFolk and The World in a Garden. Ticket includes food, drink, speakers from the community, and a gift bag full of bee-related goodies. Find out more here.
Thursday, November 10 | 7-9:30pm | Ridge (3131 Arbutus) | $29

The Vancouver Jewish Film Festival opens Friday.
Friday, November 11 – 20 | Various times | Various Locations | Festival Pass (Includes Opening and Closing Galas) $144; Five Film Pack $55

All Quiet on the Western Front is playing at the Georgia Street location of the Vancouver Public Library. Based on the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, this 1930 anti-war film tells the story of German soldiers in the trenches during World War I.
Thursday, November 10 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Vancouver Public Library (350 W. Georgia) | Free admission

War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death is playing at Pacific Cinémathèque.
Friday, November 11 | 8pm | Pacific Cinémathèque (1131 Howe) | Free all-ages

At the WISE Hall, The World Peace Forum Society plans to reveal the “shocking truth behind the ruby slippers’ by examining the ‘subversive sub-text of the Wizard of Oz’. The evening includes a screening of the film classic, as wella as songs by Veda Hille, and speakers ‘deconstructing what was really behind the curtain that masked the reality of the world monetary system and capitalism.’ More information at www.peaceforumteachin.org.
Friday, November 11 | 12pm | WISE Hall (1882 Adanac) | Suggested donation $10 

Looking for something a little less serious? Consider the midnight screening of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas at the Rio. “The hallucinogenic misadventures of sportswriter Raoul Duke and his Samoan lawyer, Dr. Gonzo, on a three-day romp from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Motoring across the Mojave Desert on the way to Sin City, Duke and his purple haze passenger ingest a cornucopia of drugs ranging from acid to ether.” It’s a gooder. Details.
Friday, November 11 | Rio Theatre | 11:55pm | $8 ($7 with costume).

Or go waaay fluffy with a double bill Friends with Benefits (7pm) and Horrible Bosses (9:15pm). “Guaranteed laughs, or your money back!” Hmm.
Now through November 13 | UBC Norm Theatre | $5

MUSIC

Yukon Blonde plays the Biltmore Thursday. Gonna be a great show.
November 10 | doors 8, show 9:30 | Biltmore (2755 Prince Edward) | $12

The Arkells have come all the way from Hamilton to play the Commodore Friday night. Welcome boys. We’re glad you’re here.
Friday, November 11 | Doors 8pm, show 9:30pm | Commodore Ballroom | $22

Drew Grow & the Pastors’ Wives are at the Biltmore Saturday night.
November 12 | 9pm | Biltmore Cabaret | $16 

Cuban-born, B.C. based soul-pop singer-songwriter and guitarist Alex Cuba rocks The Vogue Friday. Nobody ever left a Alex Cuba gig feeling down.
Friday, November 11 | 9 pm | Vogue Theatre (918 Granville) | Website

Opera Pro Cantanti is performing Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi Sunday night. “I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues) is Bellini’s rendition of that age old tale of “star-cross’d lovers,” Romeo and Juliet. Drawn from older sources than the version used by Shakespeare, you will still recognize the two young hearts inextricably bound in love–and family strife.”
Sunday, November 13 | 7pm | Cambrian Hall (215 E 17@ Main) | $18

Christopher Bagan will be at the Cellar to play the complete piano works of Arnold Schoenberg. From Music on Main: “Don’t miss this rare chance to hear music that shook the world. Arnold Schoenberg changed the face of classical music forever when he declared atonal music the “emancipation of dissonance.” Yet the heart of Schoenberg’s piano music always remained Romantic. Discover rising star Christopher Bagan as he performs Schoenberg’s complete solo piano works.”
Tuesday, November 15 | Doors 6:30 pm | Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club | 3611 W Broadway

Dan Mangan is at the Waldorf Tuesday. Take note: first come, first served.
Tuesday, November 15 | Doors at 7pm | Waldorf Hotel (1489 E. Hastings) | Free

Next week: Feist hits The Centre In Vancouver For Performing Arts
Friday, November 18 | 8pm | Tickets

GET OUTSIDE

Cypress is open. Beat that for good news!

The good folks at Surfrider Vancouver are gearing up to clean up Wreck Beach and they could use everyone’s help. Head down to the stairs at trail 6 in Pacific Spirit Park to help clean up the beach that has contributed so much to the character of this city. Bringing your own reusable gloves and bags is a great help. Oh, and there is an afterparty at the Academic Public House. For more information visit the Surfruder facebook page here.
Sunday, November 12 | 1-4 pm | Trail 6 in Pacific Spirit Park | Free AND good karma

Do you have good bird identification skills? Put that stuff to good use! On Sunday morning you can Join Stanley Park Ecological Society staff and volunteers as they count every bird they can find along the Stanley Park Seawall. “Conduct surveys with the experts and practice your bird identification skills. All experience levels welcomed to attend. Meet at the Nature House on Lost Lagoon.” For more information email [email protected]
Sunday, November 13 | 10am | Nature House on Lost Lagoon | Free

BUY LOCAL

Circle Craft is on RIGHT NOW. Head to the new Vancouver COnvention Centre to check out locally made trinkets. Don’t go to the mall, buy things from people who live in your community. Check out Circle Craft.

Fieldwork is at Walrus tonight. The collaborative group of designers are at Walrus to introduce a unique series of drinking cups that “bridge art, craft and design. Exclusive to Walrus, for a limited time, the Fieldwork design collective brings new interpretations to a classic product. Each cup is hand-crafted and in limited production. Each was conceived, developed and made in Vancouver.” Opening receptions are so happy. Maybe it has something to do with the free wine. See you there.
Opening reception tonight (November 10) | 6 – 9pm | WALRUS 3408 Cambie | Free

Buy stuff at the Winter Farmers Market! Shoot over to 30th and Ontario to load up on all of those healthy local fruits and veggies that will keep you strong and happy in these dark times.
Saturdays, through to April 28 | 10am-2pm | East Parking Lot Nat Bailey Stadium – 30/Ontario

There’s a 21st Century Flea Market going on Sunday. Never know what you’ll find at the flea market.
Sunday, November 13 | 10am-3pm | Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial) 

Fab Fair is on the books for next weekend. Score indie jewellery and accessories like handbags, scarves, mittens, hair accessories, belts, and beauty products.
November 19 & 20 | 11am–5pm | Heritage Hall (3102 Main) | $2/kids get in for free

Bocci’s second annual warehouse sale goes down next weekend (November 17,18). You may want to clear a little space on the schedule. Details here.

Looks like The Window Community Art Shop is almost ready to open. The Portland Hotel Society throws down with yet another community building venture. This one is a unique retail/studio space where people can buy, make and create art and crafts. The not-quite-ready-website might be here one day. For now, hook up with The Window on Facebook.
Sometime Soon | Tuesday – Saturday | 10am-6pm | The Window Community Art Shop (9 West Hastings)

Strathcona Community Centre is holding a Winter Craft Fair on November 26. You know Strathcona is hopping with all manner of artistic people, right? Well then, it would make sense that a craft fair in Strathcona would be the bomb, yes? Yes it will. See you all there. Oh, did I mention that there will be door prizes and homemade treats? Proceeds go to the community centre’s childcare centre, and they need the dough.
November 26 | 10am-5pm | Strathcona Community Centre (601 Keefer)
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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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