KITSILANO
According to food writer Cassandra An-derton, creator of the Good Life Vancouver blog, the Khatsahlano! festival taking place this Saturday, July 13, is not only a celebration of music and art but also one of culinary delights.
Anderton proved her point this past Tuesday afternoon during a media preview of what festival-goers can expect from this year's food offerings. In support of the festival the city is allowing restaurants along 10 blocks of West Fourth Avenue to expand to include outdoor spaces such as sidewalks. The street cuisine will be so extensive and varied one section has been dubbed the Food Truck Circus. My advice is to arrive early and with an empty stomach.
Most restaurants are offering specials and some have created dishes for the festival day only. The new kid on the block, August Jack, scheduled to open today (July 12), has created a special tasting plate of eight tapas, while another recent addition to the 'hood, Tractor Foods, will introduce the public to its make-your-own salads, soups and stews concept.
Top Chef alumnus Trevor Bird of Fable Kitchen has reintroduced his popular chickpea fritters and added a home-made gaz-pacho soup topped with crumbled bacon. Among other restaurants offering food and drink specials this Saturday are Bimini Pub, Bibo Pizza, Romers Burger Bar, Las Margaritas, Terra Breads and Trattoria, where the first heat of a meatball eating competition starts at 1 p.m. For more information, visit goodlifevancouver.com where Anderton has been writing daily updates on the Khat-sahlano! festival food scene.
CHAMPLAIN HEIGHTS
The Champlain Heights community is rallying around neighbours who lost their homes and possessions in a terrible fire last Sunday. The fundraiser takes place at the Village Pub, 7725 Champlain Crescent., from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a 50/50 draw and the weekly Lions Club meat draw from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy live music from 7: 30 to 11: 30 p.m. Tickets are $20 (cash) at the door and include a beer and burger. Proceeds will help neighbours when they need it the most.
JERICHO
Tickets are still available for the "After-Party" barbecue taking place at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club following the Easter Seals Charity Regatta taking place this Saturday, July 13. Following the regatta, the public is invited to drop by the adjacent Hastings Miller Park at 3 p.m. for a waterfront barbecue, beer garden, silent auction and the summer sounds of Tropical Heat. There will also be lots for the kids to do. After Party tickets are $15 and available by calling 604873-1865 or at eastersealsregatta. ca. Scan page with Layar for website information.
OLYMPIC VILLAGE
Creekside Community Centre and the Bone & Bowl pet supply store are hosting a free community event this Saturday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Village Plaza in the Olympic Village. Pet-a-Palooza will offer numerous information kiosks and opportunities to learn pet first aid and holistic care. Pets will also have the chance to take part in a talent show. An SPCA adoption centre will also be on site.
WEST POINT GREY
The Brock House Society is hosting its annual Summer Fair this Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for handcrafted items, original oil paintings, home baking, gifts, games, a silent auction and White Elephant sale among others.
Also for sale will be signed copies of the recently published book Thorley Park to Brock House, which chronicles the first hundred years of Brock House - from family home to heritage landmark. Shoppers can enjoy a cold beverage in the garden pub and enjoy entertainment by the Brock House Big Band and the Vancouver Morris Men Dancers, so seriously what's not to love. [email protected]
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