Live & Work

THINGS TO CHECK OUT IN GASTOWN

Get your grilled cheese fix or indulge in the poutine challenge. This week, Gastown welcomes two newcomers, the Hot Chocolate Festival, the 4th Annual Poutine Challenge and more...

POUTINE CHALLENGE COMES TO GASTOWN

Poutine anyone? Salida 7 and Jules Bistro are competing in VanFoodster’s 4th Annual Poutine challenge for the title of best poutine in the city. Drawing inspiration from Spain, Salida 7 is set to serve up a mouthwatering poutine with smoked chorizo and curd cheeses, while Jules Bistro will offer a tasty, Thai-inspired poutine.

The Poutine Challenge runs from February 5th until 28th, so be sure to come down and taste their creation. Voting ends on February 28th. Visit here for more details.

WEEKEND GRILLED CHEESE FIX

For all the times you’re craving a grilled cheese sandwich, High Five is here to fix that. Open for the weekend crowd, High Five offers five varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches, a soup side, and mac & cheese by Six Acres.

Check out the new sandwich joint tucked at 22 East Cordova St, beside La Fleur Hair Parlour. High Five is open from Thursday to Saturday nights, 8pm until 2am.

CONDOBED MOVES INTO GASTOWN

If you’re living in an extra cozy space or could use a bit more room, check out CondoBed, now open in Gastown.

CondoBed provides storage solutions to smaller urban living spaces with their line of life storage beds that are practical and sophisticated. Working their network of custom builders, the team can customize virtually any style, wood and finish to your preference and create an excusive design. Come visit the team and preview their collection in their new retail location at 206 Carrall Street.

ROSE BOUQUET WORKSHOP

If you really want to impress the one you fancy, why not craft a romantic gesture by hand? Olla Flowers is hosting a special workshop on designing the ultimate Valentine’s bouquet. Come learn the art of floral arrangement using a dozen fair trade certified roses, locally grown flowers, and urban foliage. You’ll walk away with a big, beautiful bouquet and also pick up a few tips on making your own botanical creation at home.

And, you can look back on your creation long after it’s gifted. Each bouquet will be photographed in their heritage loft and emailed later in the day. Bouquets can also be stored in Olla Flowers fridge and collected on Valentine’s Day.

The workshop cost is $130 and includes all materials, along with light snacks and tea. Visit here to reserve your spot.

EAST VAN ROASTERS X HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Local chocolate makers are coming together to spike their hot chocolate drinks with the wildest, most delicious flavours you can imagine at the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival – and this year, East Van Roasters will partake in all the decadent festivities. From February 1st to 14th, visitors can enjoy the ‘Salty Malty’, a melted Madagascar drinking chocolate served with a salted chocolate chip cookie.

Come by for a taste and grab a few organic bean-to-bar chocolates or hand rolled for the road home. East Van Roasters is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT

If you got a case of the Monday blues, drop by Guilt & Company today (Mon Feb 2nd) to take in the sounds of Terminal Station. The local band takes the traditional blues sound and kicks it into high gear with raw bass lines, explosive drumming, and risky guitar solos and vocals. Preview their music here.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 2

Terminal Station at Guilt & Company

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3

Steve Kozak Blues Trio at Revel Room

Live Music Night at The Irish Heather

Underneath the Harlem Moon at Guilt & Company

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4

The Revellers at Revel Room

Jen Hodge All Stars at Guilt & Company

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5

Mike Van Eyes at Revel Room

DJ Take 5 at Milano Espresso Lounge