The ol’ coffee shop shack across from our building in Gastown has been empty since we moved in last February. There were plans for Sean Heather to renovate it into Pepper, a sister restaurant to Salt, but those were abandoned. It was up for lease for a while, then the sign came down. About a month ago we saw some fireballs out our window – the roof was being tarred. And over the past few days, white paint. The oil disposal barrel out back was a clear indicator for a restaurant…but what?
I interrupted the painter yesterday to see what he could tell me – no name or opening date, just that it would be a “Westcoast” restaurant and the owners were someone from Whineo’s and the chef from Loose Moose and El Furniture Warehouse. My hopes are high for a cool and casual space to eat, drink and hang out – we need more than just the Alibi Room in our block! I’m glad someone finally recognized the potential of that building and this neighbourhood. Right on.
Published by Terri on February 28, 2008
in News.
We planted a few things on our patio last summer and the little tiny tomatoes were delicious…there’s nothing like eating something you grew on your own, tastes so good. So looked into finding a community garden space around downtown, of which there are few. My other incentive was to find a place to compost our organic waste as there are no municipal composting programs in Vancouver. I started contacting gardens to see if they would accept my rotten household matter (PS – they don’t), and to inquire about renting some garden space. Very difficult to get in with long wait lists – Strathcona even has monthly “work parties” that you have to participate in before your inclusion on the wait list is even considered. Something about proving your dedication I guess?
Today is a beautiful sunny Sunday and it’s clear that Spring is springing, so I may look into renting a plot in someone’s backyard if I want to start planting anything soon.
Anyone have suggestions?
On the menu for today:
Lime grilled BC sockeye salmon steaks with tomato & avocado salsa
Scalloped potato gratin
Tossed salad with the Granito family vinaigrette
Strawberries and chocolate for dessert, maybe chocolate cake if we have time to make it
The beautiful flowers I received today will adorn the table while we eat our scrumptious meal, and afterwards to Yuk Yuk’s for some laughs.
Lots of xxx’s and ooo’s to everyone! Happy Valentine’s.
Great event happening tomorrow, November 23 at UBC’s Chan Centre:
The University of British Columbia’s Terry project (terry.ubc.ca)
is pleased to announce that their first speaker(s) this season are
James MacKinnon and Alisa Smith. These are the authors of “The 100-Mile
Diet,” a bestseller and buzz worthy book that uses a social experiment
(can we subsist on only eating things produced within a 100 mile
radius?) to look into the world of food politics, economics, and
culture.
The talk will be presented at the UBC Chan Centre Concert Hall on
November 23rd at 12 noon. This will include a Q&A period, as well
as an opportunity to meet the authors afterwards.
Please send me a message if you are interested in attending.
