Get geared up for the weekend and be sure to check out one of the latest restaurants to recently open up in town. Head over to Kits and dig into the fresh eats offered at Tractor Restaurant. We can’t get enough of the super fresh ingredients they source and use to create veg-heavy comfort food. Must-eats are their homemade soups and stews with a side salad (you’ll have nearly a dozen to choose from).
Another option that is sure to satiate channels some seriously good South American fare. Grab a bite at the recently opened Chicha Restaurant along East Broadway for a quick Peruvian fix. This simple room is certainly not so where their menu is concerned. Load up on empanandas, chicharrone, and grab a cold beer while you’re there.
If you’re feeling adventurous come Saturday, why not put yourself to the urban adventure test and participate in The Rush: Race and Urban Scavenger Hunt. It’s an arduously great benefit for the Lung Association guaranteed to get you dirty, sweaty and feeling exhilarated. Grab a friend and scour the city figuring out clues that will lead you to ‘task’ check pints and challenges. What’s in it? A trip for two around the world and major bragging rights.
En route back, be sure to check out some of the city’s farmers markets (we love the River Farmers Market and Kitsilano Farmers Market) to load up on freshly-picked and baked goods for the week ahead. Also getting geared up for the summer (and worth adding to the market mix), Oak Street Farmers Market and the Kerrisdale Farmers Market are worth exploring.
If you’re looking for an excuse to strap on some heels and put on your party dress, we’ve got the perfect place to head to. This Saturday marks the return of Brian Jessel’s 8th Annual Cabriolet Gala, which benefits he Canadian Cancer Society. As with every other year, expect to be wowed by great fashions, a massive live and silent auction, fine foods and plenty of cocktails, wine and craft beer. Not to mention, this party is always packed with the city’s movers and shakers – so it’s a great opportunity to do a bit of high society networking too.
Also taking place this weekend (and all but taking over The Burrard) is Jamcouver. Collectively hosted by Color Magazine, Skullcandy and Redbull, it’s all about the staycation this weekend. There will be three floors of non-stop music, interactive art and plenty of reasons to get your party going. The Burrard will be completely transformed by artists to provide guests with a truly unique interactive experience (complete with 24 different rooms to explore). Look for the Humans, KoKo, Aaron Read and more performances, as well as a special announcement about the 2013 Jamcouver skate teams. For tickets click here.
Sunday, it’s all about dads (it is Father’s Day, after all). If you’re still wondering what to get (or do) with yours, how about a date on the town? Better yet… at a local winery. Township 7 is hosting a Wine and Swine event to celebrate the special day and we definitely think you ought to consider heading out toward Langley to partake. You’ll get a hands-on demonstration, sample through half a dozen wines, nibble on bourbon bacon donuts (courtesy of Cartems Donuterie) and more. What’s not to like about a specially-designed menu that features pretty much bacon, bacon and more bacon? Tickets are only $15 and can be purchase here.
Also taking place Sunday, it’s a car-free celebration throughout the city. Ditch the four-wheeler for two and head over to Main Street for a day of entertainment as part of this year’s Car Free Festival. Loads will be going on around town and centred in this neighbourhood. Sample food from local vendors, take in some live music and embrace the community party scene.
Finally, wind things down for the weekend and be sure to check out what could be another up and coming dining trend in Vancity: Spaghetei, serving up Japanese-style spaghetti. Located along lower Robson toward Vancouver’s West End, this spot is a pure food adventure. Try noodles tossed with unique ingredients such as spicy Metaiko, Shimeji, beef served in Miso paste with tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce, or scallops and squid with ginger soy sauce and mushrooms. Intrigued yet? We thought so.
Top photo courtesy Chicha