September 9 2025: Flavour matters in Naramata

Hey there. I feel like I already came up with a good introduction to this newsletter. I was thinking about it last night as I was falling asleep: a friendly tone, a witty opening paragraph, a twist conclusion. It was sleek and simple and perfect.

But, like most things invented in a state of hypnagogia, I didn’t remember it. So you’ve got this instead. You’re… welcome?

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

How to eat your way through Naramata

Between Penticton and Peachland lies Naramata, a community that boasts “small town, big mood.” The village in the heart of the Okanagan isn’t just a great spot for vino: it’s also bursting with flavours, from the classically French Bistro Lapin Perdu to the vegetable-forward Terroir Kitchen. For Terroir’s Tristan Bunkowski, the reasoning is simple: “I want to draw people toward things they haven’t eaten.”

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER FRINGE

Vancouver Fringe Festival Week 2!

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is in full swing and now in its second week! There's still lots of time to catch some incredible shows from comedy, music. drag and more. Catch live music in the Fringe Bar and lots of events across Granville Island, and Little Mountain Gallery Gastown, there's something for everyone here at Fringe! PLUS don't forget to grab your Fringe + for perks across the festival. 

— ARTS —

Vancouver is getting a new classical ballet company

Choreographer Joshua Beamish has announced today the launch of something missing from the local dance landscape: Ballet Vancouver. “We don’t have regular access to professional classical ballet en pointe,” he explained. “This moment felt perfectly primed to launch this new company.”

• Fall Arts Preview 2025: Visual arts critics’ picks

• Die laughing at The Improv Centre's killer new show I Know What You Did Last Weekend – coming Sept. 18th to Nov. 1st*

• Arts Umbrella's School of Dance is ready to welcome students back for a new year of creativity, self-expression, and transformative dance education. Register today!*

• Skip small talk, start with sparks. Two Limes, one city, endless chances. Ride beside a stranger and see where Vancouver’s streets—and chemistry—take you tonight. Find a Lime e-scooter near you.*

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— MUSIC —

Can’t-miss Vancouver concerts this September

There is so much amazing music happening in Vancouver this month, from musicians both local and touring. Check out our guide to the coolest shows happening in September.

• Veteran B.C. punks Dayglo Abortions released from jail in Ohio

• Still time to Fringe! Step outside of reality with the Vancouver Fringe Festival. 87 unforgettable performances, from now until September 14th!*

• Vancouver is funny has officially kicked off with astounding performances from Hannah Berner, Chris Fleming and Alok Vaid-Menon! Check out the lineup for your next show!*

*sponsored listing

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

This week, Insiders can claim free tickets to the HUMP! Film Festival, Indie Night at Hollywood Theatre, an evening with Holly Cole at the Vogue, and a Superbad & Booksmart double feature.

On the food front: enjoy 10% off at Minami and Loam Bistro, a complimentary dessert at Desi Indian Lounge, and a free appetizer at B House.

To unlock $100 worth of free stuff every month, become a Straight Insider for just $8.25/month on an annual plan.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Japanese-inspired dining bar Nomo Nomo hits the Drive

A new late-night spot is about to launch on the Drive. Nomo Nomo blends Japan’s high-energy bar culture with a dash of global flair and a whole lot of industry know-how.

• Hands-on pasta workshops debut at Italian Kitchen

• Emily Warren is driving aquaculture’s future with bold technology and sustainable practices—proving farming can be innovative, climate-smart, and ready for tomorrow. Read her story.*

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SPONSORED BY MÉREON

French Tradition Meets West Coast Innovation

At Mèreon, every dish is carefully curated by our team of French and West Coast chefs, and everything is made in-house to ensure the highest quality.

Our guests are treated to an inviting atmosphere that balances warmth with elegance, making Mèreon the perfect place for a cozy brunch, an elegant dinner, or a vibrant happy hour.

Visit our website and follow us on Instagram.

Mention Georgia Straight as a note on your booking and get a free dessert for 2!

Book Now HERE

— ICYMI —

• For culture vultures: our Fall Arts Preview portal is here

• 30 can’t-miss local events happening this month

• Pillow Talk is the silly slumber party of your dreams

• B.C. twins Jerry and Jason Song think teens should vote

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

VISUAL ARTS: Check out all the works up for auction at the Splash 2025 exhibition. (To October 3 @ Pendulum Gallery)

TALKS: Authors Daniela Elza and Daniel Cowper discuss poetry in the city with Surrey poet laureate Renee Sarojini Saklikar. (September 9 @ VPL Central Branch)

MUSIC: Mac Sabbath answers the question, “What if a band loved both Black Sabbath and Ronald McDonald?” (September 10 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

FOOD & DRINK: Grapes to Glass teaches you about wine—and UBC’s 4,000-bottle Wine Library. (September 10 to December 3 @ UBC Food, Nutrition and Health Building)

THEATRE: One-woman play Jake’s Gift explores the ghosts of war. (September 11-20 @ Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, North Vancouver)

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

That’s it!

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