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January 3 2025 edition: You’ve gotta eat at Baby Dhal

January 3 2025 edition: You’ve gotta eat at Baby Dhal

Plus: Horoscopes, hojicha, and all the coolest events

January 03, 2025

Hey there. Happy new year! How is 2025 treating you so far?

While we’re now staring down the barrel of the 21st century’s quarter-life crisis, some things remain the same. Like a new month bringing a new print edition of the Straight into the world.

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Pick it up wherever you find your finest free floppies.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Van Vogue Jam builds belonging through ballroom

Ralph Escamillan wears many stylish hats. He’s an actor; a performing artist; a dancer; an organizer; a teacher; and the lynchpin of Vancouver’s ballroom scene, as the founder and artistic director of Van Vogue Jam. “Balls were a way for people to come together from different queer sectors around the city,” he explains. “They’re a cool way of feeling togetherness.” Ahead of the Dune Wars Kiki Ball, Escamillan explains everything you need to know about ballroom in Vancouver.

— LIVING —

Your very Vancouver January horoscopes

Happy Capricorn season! We know you’re supportive—but you don’t actually have to go see your cousin at every open mic night. He’ll survive. Find out what the month has in store for you, as arbitrarily decided by your birthday.

Following renovations, the Bloedel Conservatory is ready to reopen
Where is the best spa in Vancouver?
What about the best hotel?
Penticton's Snakebite Film Festival returns January 30 till February 2, 2025. 4 days, 9 Films, 2 Galas and one infamous wine tour.*
North Vancouver Recreation & Culture is seeking performing, visual & multidisciplinary artists to be part of its 2025 events season. Apply by January 6, 2025.*
*sponsored listing

A swashbuckling comedy for the ages!

All for one and one for all! In 17th-cnetury Paris, a daring young d’Artagnan wishes to join the famed trio of musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Harnessing the skills of a swordsman and the heart of a warrior, he sets off with them to thwart a plot of the most dangerous man in France, the evil Cardinal Richelieu. Double-crossings, extravagant sword fights, and sweeping romance remind us of a time when love and honour ruled the world.

Packed with wit and action, The Three Musketeers will keep you on the edge of your seat! January 16–February 16 at the Arts Club Theatre Company’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.

— ARTS —

This tiny cinema is showing movie clips in an East Van alley

If you can squint through a window on Venables Street, you’ll be rewarded with a treat: short films served up in room-for-one screenings.

Can’t-miss Vancouver arts and city events for January 2025
Review: The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show delivers camp and catharsis
Outsiders and Others’ new exhibition highlights artists who’ve experienced homelessness
Travel the world with improv! Comedians from Zimbabwe, Estonia, the Philippines, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Canada all share the stage at The Heat - The Improv Centre's international improv comedy festival!*
Just For Laughs VANCOUVER returns February 13-23! Don’t miss out on 100+ shows featuring comedy’s biggest names and rising stars. Get your tickets now!*
*sponsored listing

PuSh's 20th and most audacious Festival yet

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival kicks off Jan 23 through Feb 9 with 20 works of audacious live art that push boundaries and explore form within the realm of theatre, dance, multi-media, and music + animated parties and cabaret-style events, film events, and artist residencies dedicated to risk-taking and dynamic interdisciplinary collaboration.

— FOOD —

Baby Dhal puts Trinidadian food on the Vancouver culinary map

Dana Mohammed’s counter-service spot on Commercial Drive is turning heads. “In places like Toronto and Montreal, Caribbean food is everywhere,” Mohammed tells us. “But here? It’s so niche, and that’s why people take notice.”

Where to get French toast in Vancouver
Maybe 2025 should be the year of hojicha lattes
St. Lawrence team teases new restaurant, Chez Céline

— ICYMI —

Can’t-miss Vancouver concerts this January
John Summit and Sara Landry are headlining Foundation: Open Radius
Boy band heartthrobs are joining the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for a special show
What’s In Your Fridge: NDP leader Jagmeet Singh
Missing 2024 already? We reflect on some of our favourite things from the year

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

THEATRE: It’s your last chance to see the East Van Panto. (To January 5 @ York Theatre)

DANCE: Left of PuSh dives into its dynamic contemporary dance festival. (To February 1 @ Left of Main)

MUSEUM: An exhibit of National Geographic photos showcases extraordinary moments. (To March 19 @ Science World)

FILM: Living Together captures the experience of looking for a roommate in Montreal. (January 3 to 9 @ VIFF Centre)

COMEDY: The Improv Centre kicks off January with New Year, New Me. (January 3 to 25 @ The Improv Centre)

LIVING: Mark Japanese New Year with oshōgatsu celebrations. (January 4 @ Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, Burnaby)

FILM: Catch the Nikki Glaser-hosted Golden Globe Awards at this watch party. (January 5 @ Rio Theatre)

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

That’s it!

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