May 21 edition: We're not talking about last night

Plus: Child-like whimsy and Canada’s first Hello Kitty Cafe

May 21, 2024

Hi there. Let’s not talk about last night. If you woke up feeling tender after a long weekend—well, you’re not the only one. At least there wasn’t a riot. 

Let the rain wash away your sports-related grief—and sadness that the long weekend is over—as we start anew. There’s always next long weekend; there’s always next hockey season.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

In a society of tricky dietary restrictions, who’s right?

Photos of dishes from steakhouse C|Prime

Let’s start with some ground rules. If someone has food allergies, any restaurant worth its Himalayan pink salt will accommodate them. If a diner is claiming allergies to get a dish changed when really they don’t like it—well, that’s kind of a dick move. “If it is indeed a preference,” explains Chris Lam, chef and owner of Straight and Marrow on Powell, “then it might be wise to select a different dish if that stated ingredient is integral to the overall composition of the plate.” We dig into the delicate balancing act of dietary preferences.

CITY & CULTURE

Albert’s Tailor takes no shortcuts

An elderly Chinese Canadian man looks at the camera

On the second floor of the Rogers Building at Granville and Pender, one door is always open. Inside is Albert’s Tailor, where Albert Dong has spent the last three decades making Vancouverites feel confident in their clothes. “Back then, things were so busy downtown,” he reminisces. “I’ve seen the city change so much. I remember Hastings being filled with many places to shop ... And I saw the Eaton’s Centre turn into Sears and then Nordstrom. Who knows what’s next?”

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SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER CANADIANS

Buy tickets for Canadians next homestand!

Vancouver Canadians baseball is here! The reigning Northwest League Champions are back in action at the Nat! Catch Fireworks, Giveaways, and baseball legends all summer long. The C's next homestand with giveaways on 5/6 games starts with their second Superstar Appearance of the season with Buck Martinez presented by Pacific Toyota Dealers.

Don't forget to bring out the whole family for White Spot Family Fun Sunday where kids 12 and under can run the bases after the game and get a Foam Glove if they are one of the first 500 fans 12 and under in the building. Get your tickets here or by calling 604-872-5232.

ARTS

Felicia Fraser wants you to revisit your childhood

A painting of three colourful popsicles

In her new show Make. Believe., painter Felicia Fraser captures feelings of childhood nostalgia. With pictures of slinkies, popsicles, and toy dinosaurs, the exhibition is whimsical and irreverent. “What was really helpful for me was a lot of reflecting on my childhood,” Fraser says, “not just to see where I’ve been, but also just the qualities of childhood… curiosity, the leaning into who you are with no shame or fear, being able to be silly and have fun.”

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SPONSORED BY TALL TREE HEALTH

Physiotherapy the way it should be done

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, focused on reducing pain, building strength, increasing mobility, or injury prevention, Tall Tree Health’s physiotherapy team will target your specific goals and develop a plan that’s right for you. Experience clinical excellence in the heart of East Van. Book your appointment today.

MUSIC

Sounds Good: the “inside you there are two wolves” edition

Dua Lipa at a red carpet event

Nobody can be defined by a single music style. We all contain multitudes in our listening preferences—and that’s on full display in this month’s playlist roundtable. From country and rap to sad boys and hyperpop, we’re revelling in the different genres that we love.

SPONSORED BY ARTS UMBRELLA

Season Finale 2024

Arts Umbrella Dance Company’s Season Finale showcases a diverse and accomplished group of dancers and choreographers. Celebrate the art of dance from May 23-25 at the Vancouver Playhouse. Season Finale, generously supported by the Wesik Family Foundation, is part of Expressions Festival. Expressions Festival is presented by RBC.

FOOD & DRINK

Canada’s first Hello Kitty Cafe is open on Robson

A pink cafe with Hello Kitty-shaped benches, pink pouffes, and gold accents.

Sanrio’s beloved child-in-a-cat-costume character (yes, she’s somehow NOT A CAT) Hello Kitty has spawned a merchandise empire. Including abominably adorable cafes. And yes, Vancouver is now home to our very own Hello Kitty Cafe, complete with themed menu and all-pink everything.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

COMEDY 
Martin Amini brings the laughs on his Martin Has a Dream! tour. (May 21 @ Hollywood Theatre)

DRAWING
Sketch two improvising performers in this drawing-meets-dance event, Flowing Figures. (May 21 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)

MUSIC 
Enjoy an Andrew Lloyd Webber celebration at the Music of the Night concert tour. (May 21 @ River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond) 

THEATRE
rEvolver Festival returns for its 12th annual showcase of weird and wild. (May 22 to June 2 @ The Cultch)

VISUAL ART
From Hope to Hate immerses viewers in murals from across BC that promote united resistance. (May 23 @ Lobe Studio)

PODCAST
The Glass Cannon pod squad bring their live role-playing show to Lotusland. (May 23 @ Hollywood Theatre) 

THEATRE 
One-woman musical Paddle Song follows Mohawk poet E. Pauline Johnson’s incredible legacy. (May 23 to June 2 @ Firehall Arts Centre)

FILM
The Cinematheque explores musical traditions in its Who Will Sing Folk Songs? series. (May 23 to July 3 @ The Cinematheque)

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

That’s it!

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