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December 12 edition: Is this the best fried rice in Vancouver?

December 12 edition: Is this the best fried rice in Vancouver?

Plus: The Just for Laughs lineup and Marianas Trench

December 12, 2024

Hey there. There’s so little time left in the year—and yet so much to do!

Our 12 Days of Giveaways is carrying on strong over on our Instagram. Head there and enter for your chance to win fantastic prizes and support local businesses while you’re at it. What a win-win situation.

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— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

One great thing I ate: Duck Fried Rice at Elem

Sometimes you go to a restaurant and get the “thing”—the dish everyone is talking about. But other times, you fall in love with something completely different. That was the experience of going to Elem: being totally blown away by something unexpected.

— ARTS —

Margaret Cho, Kumail Nanjiani, and more are coming to Just for Laughs Vancouver 2025

Comedians from across the world are gathering in Vancouver this February for Just for Laughs. Check out the star-studded lineup here.

Global improv festival The Heat is returning for its second year
Protect your rights and dispute your driving prohibition with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to start your defence.*
Oh, Canada opens tomorrow at VIFF Centre. Veteran filmmaker Paul Schrader returns in soul-searching mode, reuniting with Richard Gere for this Cannes favourite.*
Arts Umbrella Dance Company presents Mixed Nuts, a modern twist on The Nutcracker. Tickets still available for this weekend's festive performances at the Vancouver Playhouse!*
*sponsored listing

Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka

Early Music Vancouver's annual holiday celebration returns with Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka.

Featuring the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and five internationally-acclaimed soloists.

Delight in J.S. Bach's 'Gloria in excelsis Deo' cantata and the lesser-known composer Jan Dismas Zelenka.

— MUSIC —

Marianas Trench maps its own heroic journey

With its latest record inspired by classic mythological structures, Marianas Trench is leaning into the drama.

Odie Leigh’s Carrier Pigeon makes space for big feelings
Get the perfect Christmas gift for the blues lover in your life with tickets to the Fort Langley Jazz Fest's 2025 Cool Blues Show! Early bird tickets now available!*
Sleigh Bells are ringing this December with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra! Join the VSO for a sprinkling of holiday cheer with concerts including Traditional Christmas, Elf, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and A Canadian Brass Christmas.*

*sponsored listing

This is the best metric to improve if you want to live longer

Measure and track your cardiovascular fitness level with a VO2 max test. VO2 max is one of the most powerful predictors of health and longevity. It’s the best metric to improve if you want to live longer. And the best part of VO2 max? It’s a trainable metric, which means you can improve your score and your fitness level with training.

This is precision testing at its finest. Book now at Tall Tree Health.

— FOOD —

Jay Nok Modern Tha is set to carry on Sala Thai’s legacy

Sala Thai may have closed, but the Kongslip family behind the restaurant wasn’t ready to get out of the food business yet. We got the scoop on their latest tasty venture.

Kerrisdale cafe Toña highlights Latin heritage and local roasters
Victoria’s favourite culinary festival is back! Ring in the Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria season with its dazzling Gala Launch on January 23rd.*

*sponsored listing

Get ready for laughter like never before!

Just For Laughs VANCOUVER returns February 13-23, 2025, featuring Jerry Seinfeld, The Basement Yard, Nurse John, Sugar Sammy, Kumail Nanjiani, and more! Don’t miss out – tickets go on sale this Friday at jflvancouver.com. The city’s biggest comedy festival is back!

— ICYMI —

We were at night one of Taylor Swift’s three-night Vancouver stint…
…And night two…
…And night three (the final-ever show of The Eras Tour)
Your very Vancouver December horoscopes have arrived
Is Vancouver really about to invest in Bitcoin?

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

THEATRE: A different Dickens tale for your festive consideration: Oliver!. (December 12 to January 4 @ Gateway Theatre, Richmond)

MUSIC: Mercury Prize-winning musician Benjamin Clementine makes his Vancouver debut. (December 13 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

COMEDY: Best of Vancouver-winning comedian Katie-Ellen Humphries performs at a live monthly taping. (December 13 @ 604 Studios)

THEATRE: The 39th-annual Metro Theatre winter panto tackles Cinderella. (December 13 to January 5 @ Metro Theatre)

PERFORMING ARTS: Burlesque, cabaret, circus, and drag combine in the Tits the Season variety show. (December 14 @ Rio Theatre)

LIVING: Find out about local winter avians with a free birding tour. (December 15 @ VanDusen Botanical Garden)

MUSIC: Kingfisher Bluez throws its annual Christmas party, this year with Meltt, Kylie V, Cherry Pick, and more. (December 15 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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