This week we were cruising around in the Mazda CX-30, a solid staple car that we were already well familiar with.
This is your standard daily driver that comes with a little more. Roomy yet compact, simple yet advanced.
Dual climate control cabin, bluetooth connectivity, USB cable capability, and heated seat and wheel for every day connivences. Outside of that manual seat and wheel adjustment, no lumbar support, and no back up camera, or safety alerts. The latter is minus the chime for not buckling your seatbelt, that sounds continuously in a loud “blirring”.
Overall, Mazda offers by far one of the most stylish and well equipped base model vehicles on the market. Easy driving for your daily commute, that is gentle on fuel consumption. And the ideal sedan for this week’s adventure.
Today we were cruising around Strathcona, located between East Village and Chinatown, to compile this list of our favourite stops and shops to visit. The following is in no particular order.
Strathcona Beer Company
895 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1R8, Canada
+1 778-379-9050
strathconabeer.com
Locals and visitors alike flock to this brewery and gastropub. Not just the neighbourhood’s watering hole with craft beers on rotating tap, but as a solid option for pizza as well. I especially appreciate their whimsical glassware, giving you the perfect vessel for the perfect brew. As for the pizza, expect more than just pepperoni, but one with olives, spiced meats, and chilli oil. And not just vegetarian pizza, but one within brown butter roasted mushrooms and arugula. A lively spot for something different and an upbeat time.
VV Tapas Lounge
957 E Hastings St, Vancouver BC V6A 0H1
604-336-9244
vvtapaslounge.com
If wine is more your speed, look to Strathcona’s wine bar, VV Tapas for wine by the glass or the bottle. To enjoy with a well curated menu, or better charcuterie. You can craft your dream board, with their list of fine meats and cheeses.
les amis du FROMAGE
843 E Hastings St, Vancouver BC V6A 1R8
604-253-4218
buycheese.com
But if you rather make your own charcuterie board, look to Les Amis du Formage for a large selection meats of cheeses by the slice and gram. Hard cheeses, soft cheese, creamy spreadable cheeses. Plus all the accoutrements you would need to create an expressive spread including crackers, jarred preserves, knives, and the board itself. Not looking to assemble? You can also grab one of their pre-made frozen meals to go.
MakerLabs
780 Cordova St, Vancouver BC V6A 1M3
778-984-7299
makerlabs.com
Want to learn something, but don’t know what, how, and/or where? Head to Makerlabs where you can learn a new skill with classes available from laser to cutting 3D printing, and electronics engineering to embroidery. Or hone your craft with tool sharpening 101 and wood work 201. Looking to start a new hobby? Take a class in bullet journaling or paint pouring art. Want a skill to help you save money? Learn to make your own bath products, ceramic housewares, and even cutting boards. Or maybe discover something you didn’t even know you could make like a book nook diorama? Unlimited options and many opportunities to be made at MakerLab.
Dolly Disco
713 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1R3, Canada
ra.co/clubs/189213
Not a walk in venue, but a unique space that holds a variety of performances and events. An open studio space you enter through a nondescript alley. What lies behind a hall bathed in red varies from a dance to a comedy club. Visit the link above for shows and tickets.
Murals
The area has some of my favourite murals including a geometric landscape of BC and a homage to Transformers, Robots in disguise. A fun and free activity anyone can enjoy.
The Garden
868 E Hastings St, Vancouver BC V6A 1R6
+1 (604) 255-2299
thegardenstrathcona.com
Coffee shop, gift shop, green oasis. The Garden is a wonderful transformative space to sit amongst and enjoy green plant life in abundance.
Hype Chocolate
855 E Hastings St, Vancouver BC V6A 3Y1
linktr.ee/hypechocolate.co
The name delivers as this is one of the most funnest shops I have ever stepped into. Literally like being a kid in a candy store. Chocolates, gummies, ice cream and plenty of limited edition and rare cereals, cookies, and soft drinks. Most of latter can get churned into some of the best ice cream I have ever had. They are new favourite in fact! Hype Chocolate deserves its hype.
Prototype Coffee
833 Hastings St, Vancouver V6A 3Y1
604-251-6451
prototypecoffee.ca
Coffee shop with one of the best coffee ordering experiences I have ever had. Let their trained staff help you find your favourite brew by drip over. Intimated by the options? I highly recommend visiting and ordering one of their flights to get better acquainted with their international options.
Flourist
859 E Hastings, Vancouver BC V6A 1R8
778-379-9225
flourist.com
Shop fresh milled flour and delicious baked goods in the homey cottage shop. Rustic breads, hearty pastries, cookies fresh from the oven, and cakes that have you licking the fork clean. The experience begins when you walk through the door.
In closing Strathcona is a district that has some special stores worth driving down for. And to get the best look at the area, checkout the upcoming Strathcona Block Party on Saturday June 17th, 2023 from 12-5pm. The roads are closed and visitors are welcomed to explore all businesses and services that spill out, like an open house.
Many of which will be offering unique goods and special discounts on the day to celebrate, many of which are in my list above. I have recently attended Burnaby’s Block Party: Hat’s Off and now I am hooked and wanting to visit them all! For more detail and to RSVP, visit the link below.
