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May 22 2025: The “old time” diner of South Van

May 22 2025: The “old time” diner of South Van

Plus: A punk rock documentary and cheap concert tickets

May 22, 2025

Hey there. It’s another beautiful Thursday. Or maybe it’s a mediocre Thursday.

Nevertheless, we can all agree that it is definitely Thursday… unless you’re in another timezone, or reading this late. In which case: put this away, and come back next week. We’re creating a Thursday-only exclusion zone around this newsletter. Thursday supremacy. Thor would be proud.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Northern Cafe keeps the good stuff coming, wontons and all

Nestled deep in South Vancouver is a diner that, according to Yelp, was the best place to eat in Canada in 2023. Jimmy Mah’s family has been running Northern Cafe for the last 30 years, keeping it alive as the Chinese-Canadian diners that used to dot the country shut down. “This is old time,” the patriarch reflects. “You couldn’t find any old diners anymore. This is one of three still standing, you know?”

— LIVING —

A new documentary follows punk pioneer D.O.A.’s Joe Keithley

When things get bad, we look to our heroes for inspiration. Seeing D.O.A. frontman Joey Shithead get elected to Burnaby City Council in 2018 provided documentarian Scott Crawford that spark. “I suddenly felt hopeful for the first time in a long time,” Crawford says, ahead of the Vancouver premiere of his punk-rock documentary Something Better Change.

Photos: Peter Cardew’s geometric Pedestal House is back on the market
What’s In Your Fridge: marathon standup Graham Clark
Catch the Vancouver Canadians in action from May 27 to June 1—six thrilling home games you won’t want to miss!*

*sponsored listing

Fall into Savings at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Its never too soon to take advantage of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort’s offered Stay & Save Getaway for this fall. Nestled along the west coast of Vancouver Island’s stunning coastline, Black Rock offers breathtaking ocean views, newly renovated guest rooms, and top-notch amenities.

After a day of exploring the Wild Pacific Trail, enjoy a sunset dinner at Currents Restaurant or relax at Big Beach Lounge and gaze out at the Pacific Ocean. With the Stay & Save promotion, you can enjoy 10% off the best available rate + $100 Resort Credit that you can choose what to do with – enjoy dining or spa.

Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories, all while enjoying the serene and picturesque surroundings of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. Book by June 30, 2025 for stays from October 1st to December 18th, 2025. *Black out dates apply.

— MUSIC —

You Nearly Missed: Live Nation’s $30 tickets

Think concerts are too expensive? You’re not the only one. Live Nation started offering $30 tickets to participating shows yesterday, so there might still be some cheap deals left.

Mission Folk Festival reveals full 2025 lineup
Photos: Jason Isbell soothes souls at the Orpheum
The beloved local Canadian act The Harpoonist, aka Shawn Hall, is bringing his blues-based rock to Vancouver! Come ready to dance, grab your tickets now!*

*sponsored listing

The Dance Centre presents the world premiere of Sloth Canon by Company 605 and The Human Expression

Vancouver’s Company 605 and Singapore’s The Human Expression join forces for Sloth Canon, a thrilling new work inspired by the idea of building and breaking apart. Charged with speed and physical intensity, it traces our struggle to slow down in the face of extraordinary pressure.

June 5-7 at Scotiabank Dance Centre: get tickets here.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Half a century in, the magic lives on at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

You might hear Kobe before you see it: sizzles, shouts, and laughter emanating from the three-floor theatre of fire and meat. “We have families that have been coming here for generations,” says third-generation owner Dylan Bruser, “just like how we’ve been having the restaurant for generations.”

5 restaurants to get your spot prawn fix
June expands with basement bar Lala
Mateina’s low to no-sugar Yerba Mate beverages offer steady energy without the unwanted crash or jitters. Get 15% off Mateina's Energy Brews while supplies last.*
*sponsored listing

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 —

Who’s afraid of new housing minister Gregor Robertson?
Siista is a not-so-secret Gastown boutique
Why B.C.’s booze system hurts everyone
La Taqueria says adios to its OG spot
Pizzeria Farina is shutting its Main Street location

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

BOOKS: Vancouver Writers’ Fest hosts an off-season exploration of new short fiction. (May 22 @ Revue Stage)

THEATRE: Michelle Thrush’s one-woman show Inner Elder embraces her personal superhero. (May 22-31 @ Firehall Arts Centre)

COMEDY: Graham Clark’s annual 24-hour stand-up show returns for more sleep-deprived silliness. (May 23-24 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

LIVING: Fleurs de Villes brings a Downton Abbey-inspired floral show to the city’s stateliest garden. (May 23-June 1 @ VanDusen Botanical Garden)

VISUAL ARTS: Marc Bell’s cartoon-touched mixed-media exhibition Total Residuum opens. (May 23-June 7 @ THIS Gallery)

PERFORMING ARTS: Dinner, drag, and death combine in interactive detective show Rhinestones Are Forever. (May 24 @ Delta Vancouver Suites)

DANCE: May 24 is International Tap Dance Day, so you know the Dance Centre is tapped in. (May 24 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)

—

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

That’s it!

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