I sometimes find interesting events on Eventbrite, this Brunch with Benefits last Saturday, hosted by Meccanica by Cressey, was one of them. It was like an open house with some food. Each floor had a component of the brunch. Ground floor, we registered and received a card to get stamps at each floor.


On the 2nd floor, we wet our tongues with a mimosa while we toured the 1-bedroom suite. 3rd floor had a choice of baked goods and the 2-bedroom suite. The suites were very nice - real hard wood flooring! The 7th floor communal garden had the main "brunch" - we munched on fruits and received a choice of bacon & egg or ham & egg English muffin. Then we went up to the rooftop to see the view.















 
Lastly, we went down to the ground level and looked at the artwork on display in the Revolving Door presentation centre. Cressy Group is trying to promote this space in order to cultivate a deeper sense of community in the area. It is a space where artists and community members can showcase there work or host events. Each event also raises money for the Revolving Door resident’s charity of choice thanks to Handybook. See what events are happening here: http://www.cressey.com/meccanica/revolvingdoor-yvr/. 

A couple weeks back, I attended a dinner at West courtesy of Lincoln Motors. The luxury auto company hosts these "Savour the City" dinner events across the country, where for a test drive of their newest line of automobiles, they treat you to a three-course meal. This time, they were promoting the new Lincoln MKC.


 I thought this feature was pretty nifty. When a light with the Lincoln logo shines onto the ground when you unlock the doors to the car.

The Lincoln MKC is a beauty; the smallest Lincoln but will packs a punch. Customizable interior lighting and THX sound system were nice touches. After a short test drive, we were ushered to our table at West Restaurant for dinner.
 


 We were treated to some assorted bread with olive oil and butter to start.

Lingerie & Lace - bombay shapphire gin, "Ain't Jermaine" Elderflower liqueur, raspberry, lemon juice + soda

Dinner also came with two complimentary drinks. The Lingerie & Lace intrigued me. I liked it; very fruity.

Tomato and Gin Soup - aged cheddar gougere, basil emulsion

 For appetizers, we chose one of each from the menu. K and I both had the risotto.

Kale 'Caesar' - double smoked bacon, anchovy, brioche croutons

Biodynamic Risotto - side stripe prawn, summer squash, roasted peppers

Wild Point Grey Sockeye Salmon - Salt baked beetroot, grilled octopus, horseradish dill sauce

Our whole table chose the salmon as the main. And we were not disappointed at all. The dish was a piece of art and the salmon, cooked to perfection. It tasted AMAZING! Just thinking about it again has my mouth watering. Mmmm.

Mixed Berry Tart - goat cheese mousse, peppermint ice cream

 All the dessert plates had a Lincoln logo drawn on with chocolate! Nice touch!

Chocolate Maple Pecan Charlotte - orange couus, chocolate sorbet

Delicious cherry truffles to end a delightful night!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Artists for Conservation Festival - $31.95
Sept 26 - Oct 5
Grouse Mountain
 A 10-day art and environmental education happening, featuring the world-top conservation themed art exhibit and sale with leading nature and wildlife artists and naturalists. The opening gala for the fourth annual Artists for Conservation Festival will draw both art lovers and nature enthusiasts to Grouse Mountain.  This year’s festival focuses on bears. Tickets for the opening gala on Friday, September 26 and Wine & Cheese on Saturday, September 27 are available online. The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 27 and runs until Sunday, October 5 on Grouse Mountain. A special family weekend is planned for Saturday, October 4 through Sunday, October 5.

Culture Days
Friday, Sept 26 to Sunday, Sept 28
See official website for individual event times and locations
Culture Days is a national 3-day annual occurrence that celebrates arts and culture. It features free, hands-on, interactive activities and “behind the scenes” experiences where you can get up close and discover a world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.


Vancouver Design Week Events
Various times and locations 
Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation. Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Interior Design Show West - $15-25
 September 25 - 28
Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Interior Design Show West showcases the best in interior design from Vancouver, North America, and the world. IDSwest is a sophisticated celebration of contemporary interior design, blending hundreds of world class exhibits, collaborative features and presentations by your favourite design icons.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Walking Tour: Behind the Scenes at the Bloedel Conservatory and Queen Elizabeth Park - $20
Saturday, 10am - 1pm
Entrance of Bloedel Floral Conservatory  Vancouver, BC
$20 includes entrance fee to the Conservatory Meet at Entrance to Bloedel Conservatory All Proceeds benefit Heritage Vancouver Society and the Bloedel Committee, VanDusen Botanical Garden Association. Heritage Vancouver Society and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association invite you to join Park Board Commissioner, John Coupar and VanDusen Botanical Garden Governor, Vicky Earle for a tour of the Conservatory and Gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park.  Find out about the history of the park and conservatory, the techniques being used to restore the roof and life of the plants and birds that call Bloedel home. Allow time after the tour for a leisurely stroll through the conservatory and the gardens.

Etsy Made In Canada Market
Saturday, 10am - 5pm
Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 3B7
On September 27th, from 10am-5pm, Etsy Vancouver in collaboration with the Emily Carr Etsy Team will be hosting the Vancouver edition of the Etsy 'Made in Canada marketplace' at the ice rink in Robson Square, downtown Vancouver!  In this first ever nation-wide Etsy pop-up market, we will be showcasing Vancouver's most talented artisans, artists and makers. Come and support your local handmade community!

2nd Annual Salmon Chowder Cook-Off
Saturday, September 27, 2014 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
RiverFest NewWest 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, British Columbia V3M 6Z6
The 2nd Annual Salmon Chowder Cookoff is happening this year on Saturday September 27th.  Come and join us during River Fest hosted by Fraser River Discovery Centre, as we see five businesses battle it out for the Chowder Champion title.  This year we have the following teams competing:      The Hub Restaurant     Wild Rice Market Bistro     Longtail Thai Kitchen     Donald’s Market. The salmon chowder sampler will be available for purchase for $5.00 (price subject to change)  Taste Testing - 12:00pm to 1:00pm; Award Announcement at 1:45 on the YVR Riverside Stage

Third Annual Pie Baking Competition
Saturday, 12pm - 2pm
In the park beside the Tourism Richmond Visitor Centre and Steveston Musuem and Post Office Address: 3811 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC V7E 3A7
To celebrate Culture Days in Canada, Tourism Richmond will be hosting its Third Annual Pie Baking Competition (commercial kitchens only) as part of an annual celebration of the Visitor Centre located in the Steveston Museum and Post Office.  After judging enjoy a slice of pie and a cup of coffee provided by Steveston Coffee Company with a minimum $2.00 donation with all proceeds going towards the Tourism Richmond Endowment Fund.

Brunch with Benefits
Saturday, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Meccanica by Cressey 102 E 1st Avenue Vancouver, BC V5T 1A4
Meccanica by Cressey is a collection of the coolest condos that you absolutely need to see. But don't take our word for it, construction has finished so come see for yourself. Join us for a different kind of Open House on Saturday, September 27th: BRUNCH WITH BENEFITS.  Come on out from 12 - 3 PM on Saturday, September 27th to enjoy the benefits (or until the deliciousness runs out):      Beats by Local DJs     Sparkling beverages in decorated showhomes     Rooftop brunch with a view     Hourly prize draws     Bike valet by charity donation     Free underground parking     All donations benefit the awesome charities chosen by the Residents of Revolving Door.

MetamorFest
Saturday, 27 September 2014 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Mt Pleasant Neighbourhood House 800 East Broadway Vancouver, BC V5T 1Y1
MetamorFest is an annual community festival hosted by the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. This fun-filled day includes great live music, an interactive art walk, workshops, booths, and many activities for children, seniors, and everyone in between. It is a great event for people of all ages and backgrounds! With a focus on arts and culture, we are celebrating the diversity of the Mount Pleasant community and providing its members with opportunities to learn and grow. The event also includes a Silent Auction, which is a special way to contribute to the continual hosting of this event. There are great prizes from businesses from all over Vancouver! Join us in the celebration and enjoy great food, music, and fun!

Book Signing with Danielle Walker
Saturday, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Chapters, 2505 Granville Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3G7
Please join Danielle Walker for a book signing for her new book, Meals Made Simple! Note that both of books, Against All Grain and Meals Made Simple will be on-hand for purchase.

Hawkers Market - $10  POSTPONED TO NEXT WEEK
Saturday, 4pm - midnight
Hawkers Market 188 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5T 3J2
Hawkers Market returns September 27th   with Loud Music by BESTiE, Claire Morifee and Ashar Kazi !  Stay tuned for loads of details to come!  FOOD IS THE NEW ROCK  #hawkersmarket #BESTiE   MUSIC LINEUP!  DJ CITO - DJ SETS - 4pm - 9pm  Claire Mortifee - 9pm - 10pm  Mausiki - 10pm - 11pm  BESTiE 11pm - Midnight!

Slow Fish Mystery Dinner - $79
Saturday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pacific Institute Of Culinary Arts 1505 W 2nd Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
It’s Vancouver’s first Slow Fish Mystery Chefs Dinner. Presented by the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia and set to raise awareness about a Slow Food initiative called Slow Fish, on September 27 join eight surprise chefs, who will each cook in one of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’ professional kitchens, and prepare delicious dishes focused around a unique local, sustainable seafood ingredient. A great event to enjoy local beverages, taste new flavours, meet chefs and socialize while learning about sustainable seafood.

Vancouver Design Week Events
Various times and locations 
Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation. Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Culture Days
Friday, Sept 26 to Sunday, Sept 28
See official website for individual event times and locations
Culture Days is a national 3-day annual occurrence that celebrates arts and culture. It features free, hands-on, interactive activities and “behind the scenes” experiences where you can get up close and discover a world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.


Artists for Conservation Festival - $31.95
Sept 26 - Oct 5
Grouse Mountain
 A 10-day art and environmental education happening, featuring the world-top conservation themed art exhibit and sale with leading nature and wildlife artists and naturalists. The opening gala for the fourth annual Artists for Conservation Festival will draw both art lovers and nature enthusiasts to Grouse Mountain.  This year’s festival focuses on bears. Tickets for the opening gala on Friday, September 26 and Wine & Cheese on Saturday, September 27 are available online. The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 27 and runs until Sunday, October 5 on Grouse Mountain. A special family weekend is planned for Saturday, October 4 through Sunday, October 5.

Interior Design Show West - $15-25
 September 25 - 28
Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Interior Design Show West showcases the best in interior design from Vancouver, North America, and the world. IDSwest is a sophisticated celebration of contemporary interior design, blending hundreds of world class exhibits, collaborative features and presentations by your favourite design icons.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Made From Scratch - $5
Sunday, 10am - 6pm
188 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5T 3J2
Made From Scratch is a new local space by Hawkers Market, focusing on a family style event with Food Workshops, Folk Music, Kid Friendly entertainment, Food Trucks, Long Table Dining and Craft Beer by 33 Acres.

Go Solar Tours
Sunday, 10:30am - 12pm
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) 130 W Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3
Come join our Go Solar Tours this summer to learn how to:       -Identify different types of solar panels  -Determine the costs and savings of Installing a solar panel  -Make your home/building solar ready  -Integrate solar energy Into a building   -Move away from fossil fuels and into renewables.

Vancouver Design Week Events
Various times and locations 
Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation. Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Culture Days
Friday, Sept 26 to Sunday, Sept 28
See official website for individual event times and locations
Culture Days is a national 3-day annual occurrence that celebrates arts and culture. It features free, hands-on, interactive activities and “behind the scenes” experiences where you can get up close and discover a world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.


Artists for Conservation Festival - $31.95
Sept 26 - Oct 5
Grouse Mountain
 A 10-day art and environmental education happening, featuring the world-top conservation themed art exhibit and sale with leading nature and wildlife artists and naturalists. The opening gala for the fourth annual Artists for Conservation Festival will draw both art lovers and nature enthusiasts to Grouse Mountain.  This year’s festival focuses on bears. Tickets for the opening gala on Friday, September 26 and Wine & Cheese on Saturday, September 27 are available online. The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 27 and runs until Sunday, October 5 on Grouse Mountain. A special family weekend is planned for Saturday, October 4 through Sunday, October 5.

Interior Design Show West - $15-25
September 25 - 28
Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Interior Design Show West showcases the best in interior design from Vancouver, North America, and the world. IDSwest is a sophisticated celebration of contemporary interior design, blending hundreds of world class exhibits, collaborative features and presentations by your favourite design icons.

Reoccurring Events

Night Markets:

Richmond Night Market - $2
Fri-Sat  7PM - 12AM  May 16 - Oct 13
Sun & Stat Holidays  7PM - 11PM
8351 River Road, Richmond BC
Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. $2 fee for regular admission (Subject to changes). FREE admission for children 10 & under and FREE admission for Seniors 60 & up. $10 and $20 Zoom Passes are available for purchase.

MERCATO: Italian Night Market 
3pm - 7pm every 3rd Friday of the month until until Friday, November 21st, 2014
Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street at Grandview Highway
IL CENTRO Italian Cultural Centre is proud to host and present Il MERCATO, the city’s first Farmer and Italian Night Market starting this Friday. This market is the first of its kind in Vancouver bringing together the tastes of Italy with the produce grown in local farms. We invite the community to come shop for a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade products from local artisans and delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef. The Italian community market element allows you the opportunity to bring home a taste of Italy every month. Stay for live Italian music featuring the classic mandolin and accordion, and children’s activities provided by our Italian School teachers.

Farmers Markets:

Vancouver Farmers Market - Trout Lake
free 30 minute public tours at 11:00am
UBC Farm, 3461 Ross Drive, Vancouver

Vancouver Farmers Markets - West End
Saturdays, 10:00am - 3:00pm from May3 - Oct18
Kerr Street Plaza – on Kerr Street, one block South of SE Marine Drive, Vancouver

Kitsilano Farmers Market  
Sundays, 10am - 2pm from June 15 - October 12, 2014 
Guelph Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park

FOSS Farm Market Days 
Fridays in June, July and August from 10:30am - 5pm 
Saturdays in September and October from 12-4pm 
6767 Balaclava St at West 51st Ave, Vancouver

Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market
1st & 3rd Sundays, May through September, from 10 am- 4 pm
August 3rd and 17th , September 7th and 21st 
Moncton St & Third Ave Richmond, BC V7E

Discover sausages, beer, Top Chefs and gluten free living at the 7th annual Fraser Valley Food Show on Friday, October 3th to Sunday, October 5th, 2014!  The Fraser Valley Food Show is showcasing the magic of food and cooking at the Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford, BC. Experience food both local and international, celebrity chef demonstrations, cooking competitions, sausage making competitions, cheese and wine seminars, Bite of the Valley participating restaurants and the Grapes and Hops wine/beer/spirits tasting pavilion.

New feature at this year's show:  

• Butcher’s Showcase Stage, presented by BC Pork and Passion for Pork. Butchers from all over B.C. will demonstrate the art of meat cutting, sausage making, knife skills, and more. Presentations will take place throughout the weekend.

Notable things at the show: 

• Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition - The 3rd Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition takes centre stage at the Fraser Valley Food Show again on October 4th. Dozens of professional sausage makers from all over the province will have over a hundred sausage entries in a dozen categories ranging from chorizo to bratwurst.

• Gluten Free Living Show - The 2nd Gluten Free Living Show within the 7th annual Fraser Valley Food Show is presented by Nature's Path Foods. Candice Macalino of Nature's Path and Adam Hart, author of The Power of Food, will present their winning gluten-free recipes on the Gusto TV Celebrity Cooking Stage. Show will highlight gluten-free products from manufacturers and a wide range of food producers. Guests can discover, taste, learn from, and buy these hard-to-find items.

•  Gusto TV Celebrity Cooking Stage - Meet Lower Mainland’s favourite food personalities including Chef Ned Bell Executive Chef of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, including YEW seafood + bar!

•  The Bite of the Valley - Taste menu selections from some of the Lower Mainland’s favourite restaurants for $1 to $6.00 per portion. 2014 participants include: An Indian Affair Restaurant, Old Country Pierogi (Food Truck), Poomba's Smokehouse (Food Truck) and Over The Top turkey (Food Truck).

Attendees will also enjoy offerings from over 100 food and beverage exhibitors, and participate in the other featured areas:

• Wine, Beer & Spirits Tasting Pavilion
• Grapes & Hops Presentation Stage
• Dairy Farmers of Canada Cheese Seminars

Event details 

When:
Friday October 3, 2-9pm;
Saturday October 4, 10-8pm;
Sunday October 5, 10-5pm

Where: TRADEX Trade & Exhibition Centre,
1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6H5

Tickets:
$9 adults ($7 online),
$7 seniors,
$5 youth aged 13-16,
Free for kids 12 & under

Information and tickets: www.fraservalleyfoodshow.com

Giveaway!

Fraser Valley Food Show has generously offered my readers a chance to win 2 tickets to the show! Giveway ends on Sunday, Sept 28 at 11:59pm. The tickets will be held for the winner to pick up at the Tradex Centre. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 19, 2014

Vancouver Design Week Events
Various times and locations 
Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation. Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Friends of the VPL: Fall Sidewalk Used Book Sale
Friday, Saturday 10am - 5pm
Promenade Central Library 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Gently used books, CDs and DVDs, and comics galore (Angel, Robotech, X-Men) from the 1980s onward - all at great prices! Books and comics are half-price on Saturday.

POOCH PHOTO SHOOT
Friday, 4:00PM - 10:00PM 
Meccanica by Cressey, 102 E 1st Avenue Vancouver, BC V5T 1A4
 ENTRY: FREE, PICTURES BY DONATION  Book your spot by calling 604.999.6177 or simply stop by with your furry friend (there might be some wait time for drop-ins, pre-booking is encouraged).  An avid animal lover and Vancouver-based artist, Monika Blichar regularly turns her dogs’ adventures into pet-loving art and is inviting the community to do the same at her one-day "Pet Portrait Fundraiser" hosted at Meccanica and facilitated by MAB Art Studio & Gallery. Along with a display of kid-created “pet portraits,” created at MAB Art Studio’s Summer Art Camps, the event will feature a pet apparel and accessory sale as well as light refreshments. Bring your pet down with his or her accessories, get a photo of your best buddy and support the local animal shelter (North Shore Animal Welfare Society + SPCA) and Make and Break Arts Foundation.

Reflections at The Vancouver Lookout Closing Gala
Friday, 5pm - 9pm
The Vancouver Lookout 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B4N6
Live painting + Refreshments + Free admission  We are a collective of 30 up-and-coming artists studying illustration and graphic design at Capilano University. We have created a collection of paintings that celebrate the fresh, exciting and modern spirit of our city.  We invite you to enjoy our work in a unique setting with a 360° view of Vancouver as the backdrop.

A POP-UP AFFAIR PRESENTS PEEP SHOW 
Friday, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM 
MakerLabs, 196 Kingsway, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T3J2 
Peep Show is the inaugural event for a collective of designers and makers promoting new design and creative conversations. Through the concept of ‘Transparency’, we bring education, design rationale, and the creative process to the surface as a way to question and provoke the current modes of consumption. Peep Show will feature work created by the collective members and other creatives in the community.

VANCOUVER IS AWESOME - MAKER SERIES OPENING NIGHT
Friday, 7:00 PM 
MakerLabs, 196 Kingsway, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T3J2
Maker Series is partnering with MakerLabs, a local makerspace, to feature the design processes of several local designers, makers and artists. The exhibition is happening alongside A Pop Up Affair Presents: Peep Show. Join us for this exciting social event, get a first look at the exhibit and meet Vancouver's designers and makers.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Vancouver Design Week Events
Various times and locations 
Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation. Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Bootlegger Sample Sale
Saturday, 9:00am - 11:30am
4460 Jacombs Road, Richmond, BC
SAMPLE SALE: All items from $1 - $25! Cash only.  Saturday, Sep 20th from 9AM to 11:30AM @ 4460 Jacombs Road, Richmond, BC - entrance located at rear of building.  No fitting rooms on premises, please dress accordingly!

Vancouver Tugboat Fesival
Saturday, Sunday 10am - 5pm
Granville Island, Vancouver
The first annual Vancouver Tugboat Festival on Granville Island will allow the public to board a variety of tugboats from older heritage tugs to more modern designs and learn not only about the tugs and how they operate but about the fascinating history as well as the vital importance of tugboats to BC’s West Coast and the Port of Vancouver, and even today for Ocean Concrete on Granville Island. The flagship of the festival is the SS Master which has become part of Granville Island’s waterfront during the summer. The tugs will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and part of Sunday from 10am. Sunday afternoon the tugs will leave the docks and parade around False Creek and English Bay. 

Friends of the VPL: Fall Sidewalk Used Book Sale
Friday, Saturday 10am - 5pm
Promenade Central Library 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Gently used books, CDs and DVDs, and comics galore (Angel, Robotech, X-Men) from the 1980s onward - all at great prices! Books and comics are half-price on Saturday. 

Eating Green Workshop
11am
at Dunbar Harvest Festival, Dunbar Village
Learn to eat greener year round with Holistic Nutritionist Tricia Sedgwick & Urban Gardener Joey Liu from The World In A Garden!

Dunbar Harvest Festival
Saturday, 11am - 3pm
Dunbar Village, Dunbar Street between West 16th and West 41st Ave, Vancouver
This family-friendly street festival is a “must attend” event. Taking place in all three areas of Dunbar, there’ll be live music, activities for adults & kids, community groups presentations, and games & giveaways from the businesses.

Wesbrook Village Festival
Saturday, 11am - 4pm
Wesbrook Village, UBC
4th Annual Wesbrook Village Festival. Live music, FREE BBQ, Rock climbing wall, bouncy castle, kids crafts & games, face painting and more! Wesbrook Village will be filled with music and performances brought to stage by Will Stroet, Dr. Strangelove, UBC opera, UBC Dance Team and many more. 

Vancouver Modern Home Tour - $30 
Saturday, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Various locations
Modern Home Tours is pleased to announce the 2014 Vancouver Modern Home Tour in conjunction with Western Living Magazine’s Design Week and Vancouver Design Week.  Curated by Western Living Magazine Editor-in-Chief Anicka Quin and Modern Home Tours, the second annual Vancouver Modern Home Tour offers tourgoers the opportunity for a rare look inside some of the most cutting-edge dwellings in the city. 

VDW BLOCK PARTY / HAWKERS MARKET -SPECIAL VDW EDTION
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Railway Street between Dunlevy & Jackson, Vancouver
VDW in collaboration with Hawkers Market re-designs the "block party". Take your taste buds for a walk as you continue along your VDW Open Studio and Sampling adventure.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Vancouver Design Week Events
Various times and locations 
Sept 15 - 28, 2014
Vancouver Design Week is a 14-day-long collection of events and programming to explore the unique design ecosystem of our city. Join the conversation. Learn and share. Show up and help shape Vancouver's design future.

Vancouver Tugboat Fesival
Saturday, Sunday 10am - 5pm
Granville Island, Vancouver
The first annual Vancouver Tugboat Festival on Granville Island will allow the public to board a variety of tugboats from older heritage tugs to more modern designs and learn not only about the tugs and how they operate but about the fascinating history as well as the vital importance of tugboats to BC’s West Coast and the Port of Vancouver, and even today for Ocean Concrete on Granville Island. The flagship of the festival is the SS Master which has become part of Granville Island’s waterfront during the summer. The tugs will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and part of Sunday from 10am. Sunday afternoon the tugs will leave the docks and parade around False Creek and English Bay.

Pandora Park Fall Fair
1pm - 4pm
Pandora Park, 2325 Franklin Street 1 block north of Hastings and Nanaimo streets, Vancouver
On Sunday, September 21. 2014 from 1:00 – 4:00pm, all are welcome to the Pandora Park Fall Fair where there will be free fun for all ages with a country fair that includes arts and crafts, music and dance, games and activities, a bbq and more.

Reoccurring Events

Night Markets:

Richmond Night Market - $2
Fri-Sat  7PM - 12AM  May 16 - Oct 13
Sun & Stat Holidays  7PM - 11PM
8351 River Road, Richmond BC
Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. $2 fee for regular admission (Subject to changes). FREE admission for children 10 & under and FREE admission for Seniors 60 & up. $10 and $20 Zoom Passes are available for purchase.

MERCATO: Italian Night Market 
3pm - 7pm every 3rd Friday of the month until until Friday, November 21st, 2014
Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street at Grandview Highway
IL CENTRO Italian Cultural Centre is proud to host and present Il MERCATO, the city’s first Farmer and Italian Night Market starting this Friday. This market is the first of its kind in Vancouver bringing together the tastes of Italy with the produce grown in local farms. We invite the community to come shop for a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade products from local artisans and delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef. The Italian community market element allows you the opportunity to bring home a taste of Italy every month. Stay for live Italian music featuring the classic mandolin and accordion, and children’s activities provided by our Italian School teachers.

Farmers Markets:

Vancouver Farmers Market - Trout Lake
free 30 minute public tours at 11:00am
UBC Farm, 3461 Ross Drive, Vancouver

Vancouver Farmers Markets - West End
Saturdays, 10:00am - 3:00pm from May3 - Oct18
Kerr Street Plaza – on Kerr Street, one block South of SE Marine Drive, Vancouver

Kitsilano Farmers Market  
Sundays, 10am - 2pm from June 15 - October 12, 2014 
Guelph Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park

FOSS Farm Market Days 
Fridays in June, July and August from 10:30am - 5pm 
Saturdays in September and October from 12-4pm 
6767 Balaclava St at West 51st Ave, Vancouver

Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market
1st & 3rd Sundays, May through September, from 10 am- 4 pm
August 3rd and 17th , September 7th and 21st 
Moncton St & Third Ave Richmond, BC V7E

Broadway Across Canada is bringing FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL to Vancouver in November! The pop culture phenomenon of FLASHDANCE is now live on stage. With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL features a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song "Flashdance - What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock & Roll." In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the musical with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Roth. 

FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL features a book by Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay), and Robert Cary with direction and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis).
   
Show dates: November 11-16, 2014   
Location:  Queen Elizabeth Theatre  

Broadway Across Canada is offering a one day pre-sale on Friday, September 19th, 2014. Purchase your tickets in advance using the pre-sale code PITTSBURGH here:  http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/139293/1350906?brand=bac

PLEASE NOTE THE TICKETMASTER LINK WILL NOT BE ACTIVE UNTIL 10AM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19!   

This presale offer is available for one day only so take advantage of it while you can to get the best seats!
 

The Vancouver Modern Home Tour is just two days away and one of the houses you can explore this year is the Vanglo House at 135 East 17th Avenue. It was designed by architect Oliver Lang (of Lang Wilson Practical in Architecture) and built by the Vanglo Sustainable Construction Ltd. The house contains 3 bedrooms and also has a one bedroom self-contained garden suite in the back. It is also Green house - one of three Vancouver homes ENERGY STAR Certified.

I got the chance to view this house when Vanglo held a pop-up shop last month as part of the Chinatown Experiment. It has a funky looking exterior that I'm not that crazy about but the inside is very beautiful. I really love the soft wood they used. You really need to go there in person to appreciate the house, my photos do not do it any justice.

You can have a chance to go view this house and many other unique and awesome looking houses at the Vancouver Modern Home Tour. If you didn't know, I'm giving away two pairs of tickets to the tour. You can enter for a chance to win here. Thursday is the last day to enter, so hop to it!