We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Thursday is Dining Out For Life in Vancouver and provides a fantastic opportunity for young professionals to dine out and do good for a great cause. For one day only, forego your meals at home and check out one of the many participating restaurants, bistros and cafes in town who will be donating 25% of all food bills to the charitable organization. All funds raised help support Friends for Life and A Loving Spoonful in their endeavour to provide support for people living with HIV/AIDS. 1With more than 200 restaurants to choose from, breakfast, lunch and dinner are all but taken care of.
Post-work Friday, why not revisit one of our favourite spots to head to for ‘appy hour…the perfect way to unwind, fill up and gear up for the weekend ahead. One option we think you ought to consider comes directly from the Glowbal Group of restaurants, who offer a $10 burger/beer Friday feature that’s worth noting. They’ve also just launched their Glowbal Group Passport program, which lets you collect stamps at each restaurant, receive savings, a gift card and chance to win prizes (until March 28th).
After you’ve grabbed a drink and bite, why not do some good to get things going and make your way to the Scottish Cultural Centre for a their B.C. Cancer Foundation Ride to Conquer Cancer fundraiser? Tip A Wee Dram invites you to sample a fine selection of more than 70 whiskies at more than a dozen tasting bars (features snacks at each station so you won’t ‘tip’ over the edge). Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Saturday, make it a lazy start to the day (and take advantage of the forecast) by grabbing your tasty morning baked treat and caffeine fix at Nelson the Seagull in Gastown (did you know they offer a Wednesday Yoga class too?) and make your way out to revisit the Winter Farmers Market that sets up shop at Nat Bailey Stadium. Stock up on goods for the weekend and beyond and pluck up supplies from local suppliers…you’ll need your energy for the next few options on our Notable agenda.
Pop on your Vegas best and make your way down to Yaletown for the second Veuve Clicquot Brunch Party taking place at the Killjoy Barbers (1120 Hamilton Street). Tickets are still available for $25 and the brunch features plenty of opportunities for connected YPs to mix and mingle with Vancity’s cool crowd. DJs SKLA and AAVRAM will help get and keep the party going, as will the champagne, buffet and complimentary Veuve Shades (which you might just need them for the morning after).
If you’re up for it, Celtic Fest kicks things off into high gear this weekend (starts March 9th and runs until St. Paddy’s Day). There are plenty of things to do and places to go if you’re in search of drinking green-hued beer. Be it comedy acts you’re looking to catch, free live outdoor entertainment at Celts on the Creek (False Creek Olympic Village) and more, it’s definitely worth attending.
Once you’ve had your festive fix, why not throw a little culture into the mix and catch a performance as part of the Vancouver International Dance Festival? Again, this celebration is back and brings together a plethora of talented performers from around the world at various theatres. On our notable list of must-sees: catch Sisi or DRIFT or Drive – if you can.
Come Sunday, we figure you’ll be pining for a laidback start to the day. Weather permitting, head out for a stroll along the Seawall through Yaletown and make your way over to Breka – a West End cafe that will more than satisfy your cravings. With great coffee to help you refuel, a massive selection of house-made baked goods, pastries and tasty sandwiches, it truly is love at first bite. Find them at 812 Bute Street.
After you’ve satiated your appetite, take the rest of the day to explore the various different pockets of our city (rain or shine). Why not head out to India Town for a bit? Head to Chinatown or submerge yourself in a mix of pretty much everything by hitting up the Shop Local Mini Market at the Artech gallery. It runs all day from 10am until 4pm and features crafts, live music, handcrafted jewellery, artisanal foods, a host of local business owners and plenty of reasons for you to part with a buck or two.
