Kick things off Friday by paying a visit to the newly-opened Rainers Provisions for a quick bite (the latest offering from the Heather Hospitality Group), or stop by Yaletown’s newest addition, Romer’s Burger Bar, for a bite. Also setting up shop this weekend as part of CIBC’s Lunar Fest and Chinese New Year festivities is the Dumpling Fest (starts Friday – all weekend at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza). Whatever you fancy, be sure to fuel up so that you’re ready for FUSE at the VAG that takes place later on in the evening.
For those of you who are severely addicted to cinema, mark this offering down in your agenda for Saturday: The Cinemathique is hosting a 24-Hour Movie Marathon with CityTV’s own Thor Diakow (and former featured Notable young professional). That’s right, pack your favourite snacks, toothbrush and PJs for a full 24-hour period of film-viewing (the folks at the theatre are tight-lipped about what’s actually set to be screened). Tickets are $40 and you’ll get treats, a ‘movie marathon survival kit’, a chance to win prizes and more.
Not so much into spending an entire day inside? We get it. There are plenty more options for you that perfectly suit a Saturday in the city (or out of it). In: be sure to check out the Winter Farmer’s Market if you missed out last weekend and get in on the Chinese New Year celebrations down at International Village. Enjoy all the cultural festivities that encompass the Year of the Snake with lots of activities, performances, lucky draws and exhibitor booths and offerings to take in. More than 150,000 people attended the three day festivals last year – so don’t miss out.
Add a bit more culture to the mix on Saturday and make your way over to the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) on Saturday to check out their latest, provocative interactive exhibition: ‘Sex Talk in the City.’ Meant to tease out how Vancouverites feel about and have come to embrace their own individual sense of sexuality, Sex Talk deals with the various elements of sexual expression, styles of education and suggestive (oftentimes hilarious) content and advertising that fuels visitor reactions. We checked out the launch and heard more than a few chuckles… it is worth the trip.
Sunday, brunch it up at one of these favourite Notable spots around town: waterfront eats can be found at The Sylvia Hotel located at picturesque English Bay, or head over and grab some grub at classic greasy spoon Hamburger Mary’s along Davie Street (no website available). Looking for a light bite option that will get you started for the day? Find it at Beaucoup Bakery in Kitsilano. With plenty of sweet and savoury treats, delicious specialty coffees and other items on the menu, you’ll find something just right and likely something that’ll be just right later too.
Next, make your way back to Chinatown for the annual parade – a must-see event with more than 50,000 spectators attending last year. Look for the largest number of lion dancers (that’s 50 stunning lions weaving their way through Chinatown), marching bands, the VPD’s Motorcycle Drill Team and plenty more. Post parade, continue the celebration by heading over to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for ceremonial tea and discover more about the Year of the Black Water Snake.
Finally, wind things down on Sunday evening and ditch the kitchen. Make your way down to the Salty Tongue and nab a seat at Sean Heather’s Long Table Series (back after a brief hiatus). It’s all about the communal, rub elbows with your neighbour-style of eating – with a classic twist. On the menu for this Sunday’s dinner: Yorkshire pudding, roast beef and plenty of great conversation. Don’t wait to reserve, contact them here.
Photo courtesy Romer’s Burger Bar