The Annual (East Vancouver) Georgia Straight Best of Vancouver Awards
The the current issue of the Georgia Straight is the Annual Best of Vancouver Award Winners, as voted by Vancouver-ites.
You don’t have to tell me that East Van has some good spots, though it’s nice to see this side of town get some love from Vancouver residents. So many East Van businesses won Georgia Straight “Best Of Vancouver” awards that there are too many to name, so we’ll present a few of the best ones.
Best of East Van
Best New Community Garden – Hastings North Community Garden in the 2500 block of East Hastings. Note that this is a temporary garden, but still a great use of space for the area. Tons of green thumbs and community activists in the East Village neighbourhood, it’s it was nice to see the Condo Developer offer the space (though – it will be quickly taken away once approval and interest for a condo tower comes through).
Best Provacative Pooch – The Main & 18th Poodle on a Pole. Funded by the City, the feds and Translink, this art installation caused a big stir thanks to residents absolutely hating the idea, the cost and the purpose. It is quite random, but so it most public art in most cities in the world. Though I’m not upset at the City embracing art, they money could’ve been better spent in an installation that can be used, rather than just viewed. The dog is just in front of 3333 Main in the Riley Park District of East Van.
Renfrew-Collingwood Community
Renfrew–Collingwood (also known as Renfrew Heights) has seen an increase in community over the last few years. A new-ish development, Collingwood Village, was completed in 2006 and ever since has seen a positive growth in community and residents (partially thanks to the Collingwood Neighbourhood House). Well served by public transit, Renfrew-Collingwood is a family centric, diverse area of suburban East Van. Search for homes for sale in Renfrew Heights.
Best African Food – Harambe on Commercial Drive. Authentic Ethiopian Style African Food in East Van.
Best New Hangout – It’s called Don’t Argue Pizzeria, and it’s on Main St, Vancouver’s capital of Hangout culture (I’m looking at you coffee shops).
Best Local Brewery – ..The Winner was not something in East Van.. but it will be next year thanks to the plethora of Brewery’s opening up around Main St this year.
Best Romantic Restaurant – Seasons in the Park at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park. A great destination, for a romantic dinner or even for lunch.
Best place for Gluten Free Eats – The Wallflower Modern Diner on Main (between 8th and Broadway). This place can also serve a mean brunch, though it’s small, so not the best locale for a group.
There are tons of greats places to eat, drink and enjoy in East Van, everywhere from Main to Commercial Drive to Hastings and more. Take a look at WeLoveEastVan’s “Best of East Vancouver” for some of our favourites, and let us know if you have any questions on any particular neighbourhood or the type of real estate in the nearby.
Take some time this weekend to visit somewhere new, after an afternoon checking out some East Vancouver Open Houses.
