March 25 2025 edition: A little bite of Lyon

Plus: A musical wunderkind and Revelstoke’s hot new band

March 25, 2025

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Hey there. Are you ready for more elections? 

It seems just a mere few months ago that we were wondering whether John Rustad would be B.C.’s new premier. And now, we’ve got even more diplomatic processes to ponder: a municipal by-election on April 5, and the big ol’ federal shebang happening on April 28. 

That means six weeks of attack ads and debate analysis and poll-watching and, perhaps worst of all, thirst-posting over Mark Carney. Have I had to read the words “boss banker daddy”? Yes. And now you’ve had to, too. Happy election season.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

Mèreon brings a fresh twist to French fare

Just over a year ago, Mèreon opened the doors to its new Ambleside space. The 52-seat restaurant scooped two Golden Plate nominations in its first year of operation, as its philosophy of approachable French fare resonated with diners. “West Vancouver is a close community,” says owner Ophelia Arida. “We have guests who come so often, we know them by name.”

— CITY & CULTURE —

Commentary: Transit is already in crisis. Why are further cuts on the table?

Transit in Metro Vancouver is reaching its breaking point. We need more of it, writes Christopher Gusz—so why is TransLink so short on funding that it’s thinking of cutting half of all bus routes?

  • Don't miss 2025 HUMP! Part One screening Friday & Saturday at Rio Theatre, featuring 23 brand new, hot, hilarious, and deeply humanizing "dirty" short films!*

    *sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Blossoms After Dark Expands for 2025

March 28-30 6:30pm-10:00pm - Free public event!

Join us for an enchanted walk through David Lam Park to experience illuminated cherry blossoms, expanded food offerings, a cherry blossom cocktail in our licensed Blossom Lounge, exciting performers and light up art installations.

— ARTS —

Meet the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s new flutist. He’s 18

If you’re surprised to learn how young the VSO’s new principal flutist is, you’re not alone: Julin Cheung wasn’t expecting this, either. “I was never planning to take a job this early,” he tells us over a video call.

  • Playwright Anosh Irani asks what a better life looks like in Behind the Moon

  • Get your Early Bird tickets to the Cool Blues Show before time runs out! Grab two tickets for just $130 before the end of March!*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY THE CULTCH
The Cultch

Dance Nation, a Pulitzer Prize Finalist, takes the stage this spring!

Don't miss Dance Nation, a powerful play about competitive dancers, on stage at The Cultch's York Theatre from April 23–May 11. Called “blazingly original” (New York Times), this production by The Search Party features many of Vancouver’s finest actors. Clare Barron's bold, ferocious Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama is an absolute must-see for any dance or theatre-lover.

— MUSIC —

What’s In Your Fridge: Pickle Juice

Revelstoke’s briniest indie band tells us about their first concerts, favourite records, and the state of the pickles in their fridge.

SPONSORED BY WEWORK
WeWork

See how the workplace is changing

Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Flexible workspaces can unlock value for both employees and your bottom line—regardless of your company size. Wework is designed to enhance the employee experience and help people do their best work. Connect with a WeWork expert today.

— ICYMI —

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

TALKS: Visual artist Abbas Akhavan discusses his work ahead of an exhibition opening later this year. (March 25 @ Green College)

MUSIC: Prodigal punk band The Linda Lindas sweep by on their first-ever tour. (March 25 @ Vogue Theatre)

BOOKS: Local crime novelist Sam Wiebe discusses his latest novel, The Last Exile. (March 26 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

COMEDY: Let’s get this roast a-cooking as Roast Battle Vancouver returns. (March 26 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

VISUAL ARTS: Vancouver’s Iranian Visual Arts Alliance opens its new gallery with Hangama Amiri’s first solo exhibition in BC. (March 26 to May 2 @ Media Res Gallery)

MUSIC: Pro Nova string ensemble plays springtime music from Richter, Schubert, and Schoenberg. (March 27 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

THEATRE: Burning Mom puts loss and levity in the driver’s seat. (March 27 to April 20 @ Granville Island stage)

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

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