Controversial Kitchen aims for the niche I needed filled; organic, omnivorous food. Owned by Barbara Schellenberg, who also owns North Vancouver’s Ethical Kitchen, you’d expect her second restaurant to meet modest expectations. Especially at 10 dollars a sandwich.

On the way in, we were greeted by a nice woman carrying a baby in a diaper as she stood at the register. One doesn’t need to work in the restaurant industry (as I have) to know that if you’re going to be a toddler in the kitchen, you’re going to have to put on some pants. And not attempt to eat the sharpie on the counter. Maybe I should have turned around then. Once we’d ordered, I noticed the lady at the register pass off the baby, hand me my change, and grab a spatula.

“Wait,” she remembered.

“First, I need to rinse off my hands for three seconds without using soap. And I can leave that spatula right there in the food prep area while I start making their meals. I mean, it’s not like money and diapers are THAT dirty.”

Oh no.

Once we seated ourselves near the window, we got our food; a hearty sandwich for myself and some kind of egg concoction for my girlfriend. The food itself was decent enough, but we were put off by restaurant patrons seated outside who were smoking while they chatted; all well within 6 metres from the door, in violation of the city’s smoking bylaw [pdf]. I didn’t order my “nutrient-dense” sandwich with a side of cigarette smoke, thanks. I didn’t really expect anyone to stop them, but I also didn’t expect Fiona, the manager (and Barbara’s sister), to join them for a smoke herself.

I hope these guys can clean their act up. Until then, you’ll find me at Nuba. Or Radha. Or just about anywhere else.

May 1st, 2010 - special guest Alan Moore poses with costumed entertainers outside Elfsar Comics. (photo by Taylor Latour)

And it was everything I wanted in a comic shop. Nice staff that could talk nerd with you at the drop of a hat, talk friendly and helpful to all folks that came through the door, and never talk down to anyone. Elfsar comics strove to have something for everyone and they were always happy to help you find it. And now it’s dead. Like someone poisoned, it will continue until May 23rd, but then it will collapse and be no more.

If you’ve never been, let me tell you a bit about them. They held gaming nights and tournaments, they were an active part of the Yaletown shopping community, and their Free Comic Book Days were world-class, raising thousands for the Vancouver Food Bank and giving local artists a place to meet their fans. It was the go-to comic shop for actors looking to geek out or catch up on their nerd history fast, before the cameras started rolling (something the owner, Ethan, consistently refused to take advantage of by asking for photos, saying he didn’t want to put them on the spot when they’re trying to shop – something I always chided him about.) It was even a location itself for the odd TV and movie.

And the rising rent in Yaletown killed them. Not by a little. Like, by a lot. Like, they might as well have upped it to a million dollars a month – it was just as unobtainable. The reaction of most is likely “So what?” Well, “Why?” – awash in boutiques (most of whom occupy a storefront that has cycled two or three different stores in the time Elfsar has been alive) and high-end retail, Elfsar was a gem for Yaletown. It made it more than just an area of restaurants and coffee shops. And with the new train station, it was a draw for Yaletown. And now its gone. And I don’t blame Yaletown – it’s just the way things go. Landlords gonna raise the rent, snake gonna bite… But let’s not kid ourselves. Yaletown was better with the store than it will be without. Honestly, with it gone, my list for coming down and making a day of it is… well… there is no list now. The occasional business coffee or dinner out. (shrug) Then back on the train and out of downtown again.

And it would be ideal if it re-opened elsewhere, but at the prices a comic shop business model can support, and location options, it doesn’t look like it’s happening – if it wasn’t for the fact that the gang at RX Comics rank just as highly in my esteem, this would completely suck. Plus, I know they’ve got plans and I can’t wait to see what they have in mind. But for now…

YOU SHOULD BUY SOMETHING!

Sorry about that, I didn’t want this part overlooked. Before they close next week, Elfsar is clearing stock. Clearing stock means less to deal with later and more money to help tie up loose ends. And trust me, you’ll never beat these;

Books (trade paperbacks and the like) as well as comic bundles (where the store has packaged together all issues in a mini-series of story arc – think of them as unbound trade paperbacks) are buy one get two free (think about that for a bit.)

As well, you can buy whole comic boxes of back issues for $50. Manga books are 50% off. Everything else, toys, statues, models, you name it, 30% off (I think – you should ask to be sure.)

As mentioned above, the store closes its doors for the last time Sunday May 23rd.

When I see century-old pictures of Vancouver  I often find myself wondering, where is that? What was Vancouver? This tour serves well to show Vancouver’s early, and often ugly, days. Ever wondered why Blood Alley is so gruesomely named? Or why there are glass tiles lining the sidewalk at Jack Chow’s?

Tour admission also includes admission to the Vancouver Police Museum, a great little house of horrors located at the former Vancouver Morgue. Their collection of confiscated weapons alone will make you think twice about stepping out of your house.

Vancouver Police Museum

Sins of the City Walking Tour Reservations

I’ve been in Vancouver for 5 years now, and when I first moved here, I found myself constantly yearning for a couple of decent pubs. A place where I didn’t have to scream at a friend sitting three feet away to converse with them. (I’m looking at you, Donnelly Group uber-”pubs.”)

The Alibi Room is a diamond in the rough. Decorated in hardwood and brick, you’re offered a handwritten photocopied menu (sealed in laminate). Though they offer an interesting array of food, it’s their rotating beer menu that keeps this place hop-ping. With an emphasis on local, they also offer a nightly cask selection. These guys have gained a lot of momentum with designers and programmers.

If you’re headed down in the next couple weeks, try Phillip’s Chocolate Porter. It makes a quick joke of beers claiming chocolate “notes” or “bouquets.” You can also find these guys on Twitter.

Dine Out Vancouver is the local restaurant industry’s way of trying to make it through the lean months before Vancouver returns to being the prime tourist destination that it is. Now in previous years it’s happened when it’s winter, but since we weren’t having an issue with lack of tourists during the Olympics it’s been pushed back to spring.

Dine Out is a good chance for people like me to try out some of the city’s best restaurants, places that an unpaid blogger could not normally afford to go. For all the resturtants and information you need check out Tourism Vancouver’s special Dine Out site [dov].

I was recently given one of the most interesting takes on a coupon book I’ve seen. Instead of a coupon book with hundreds of “local” discounts on everything from drycleaning services to shock absorbers, this deck of cards focuses on what Vancouverites seem to enjoy most; eating out and shopping. The real treat is that every one of them is in Vancouver, with serious emphasis on the downtown core.

Categorized by neighbourhood (Kitsilano, South Granville), each card gives a synopsis and a price range, and some notable discounts. This is a wonderful pickup for foodies on a budget. Check out Joe Fortes or the Goldfish Pacific for some free “bite size chef specialties”, Stella’s for 25% off the total bill (alcohol excluded) or, if you’re in the mood for buying some exotic housewares, 50% off a single item at Nood.

My only real annoyance with the book is that the cards are double-sided, which can cause problems with a retailer’s lack of familiarity. It’s sometimes hard getting them back to use the other side. They’re also not sub-categorized to separate the food from the clothes, which can be a nuisance when you’re flipping for, say, a restaurant in Kitsilano.

Well worth their cost, you can pick these up for 11.95 at Chapters. Also available in Chinese or Japanese for a dollar more.

Travellers Deck.

I grew up going to drive-ins, which was largely luck, as even in the late 70s, early 80s, Drive-ins in Canada – already hampered by seasonal weather considerations – were slowly dying out. When a refinery fire in Calgary crippled then closed the Corral 4, that was pretty much it. It’s only been in the last few years that I got to hit the Brackley Beach Drive-in on PEI, and then regularly attend the Twilight Drive-in in Langley – a mainstay in the lower mainland, it closed for a few years, and then re-opened under new owners, and so far, so good.

The trick, at least for me, is getting a movie line-up that is perfect for a drive-in. Art films and Oscars winners need not apply. Instead, the B-grade and sensational films, films you regard as “renters” are perfect. This weekend’s line-up of Brooklyn’s Finest and The Crazies has “drive-in” written all over it. And if that’s not enough, they have a regular Sunday swap-meet!

So, if you’ve been looking for a good reason to get that Zipcar account, this could be something to seriously consider – screw trips to IKEA. The age of the drive-in will not last forever – enjoy it while you still can.

Hidden near English Bay, along with the HR McMillan Space Centre and The Vancouver Maritime Museum, is the Museum of Vancouver, which is definitely an alternative to the Vancouver Art Gallery – hands-on and interactive versus stand and stare. Not that I’m saying one is better than the other, I’m just delighted to discover the MOV.

With tickets ranging from ten to fifteen bucks, depending on the event, you can enjoy everything from a family night of making cardboard animals to Friday’s screening of Handmade Nation.

A Documentary By Faythe Levine

Handmade Nation documents the new wave of art, craft and design that is capturing the attention of the nation. It is the feature film debut of director, author, artist and curator Faythe Levine. Levine traveled to 15 cities and covered more than 19,000 miles to interview artists, crafters, makers, curators and community members.

Today’s craft world has emerged as a synthesis of historical technique, punk culture, and the DIY ethos, also influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art.

Director Faythe Levine captured the tightly knit community that exists through websites, blogs, and online stores that connect to the greater public through independent boutiques, galleries and craft fairs.

Interviews were conducted on-location in artist studios, homes, boutiques, offices and craft fairs, giving the public an exclusive and rarely seen look into the lives of these creative individuals.

Screening will be followed by a reception in the MOV Studio.

Tickets will be sold online ($12) until 5pm, Thursday, March 18. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase at Visitor Services on the 19th. No Refunds. No Latecomers Permitted.

[VIA VIA]

No Fixed Address is where you email reservations (to nfa.reservations@gmail.com) and that’s it – your involvement is done until chewing is required. You know the date you will be dining, but you do not know where dining will occur until the day before (so you can plan transportation appropriately) and you don’t know the menu until the day of (so you can… I’m not sure why? Maybe so you have some option to say “Strawberry’s will kill me” and adjustments can be made for you, or you can back out.) Once there and seated all you have to do is enjoy. I like it.

Have a look at S&S’s adventure in mystery dining here, complete with pictures.

photos by Senses and Styles

Andrew Koenig, who went missing in Vancouver over a week ago, was found dead today in Stanley Park.

The CBC has the full story – no word yet on how those who wish to show their support of the Koenig family can do so, but we will watch for that.