Calabash Bistro just opened up in Chinatown, on the edge of the Downtown Eastside and Gastown.  They are a delicious addition to our neighborhood, and only too welcome with their Jamaican flavor, art and music.

Calabash Bistro Chef Cullin

Last week I had the Fry Fish sandwich with homemade Jerk Fries and Jamaican ketchup.  OH MY WORD.  It was simple, delicious, and I had to go back again this week!  This time I ate the Jerk Chicken sandwich with Jerk Fries and salad.  The chicken was made with the chefs own house made jerk sauce.  Speaking of sauces..  I’m a sucker for them!  So their Jerk Aioli and Jamaican Ketchup threw me over the edge.  And OH MY GOSH..  Their homemade Coco Bread..  It’s a light sandwich shaped bread that they use for their sandwiches or make into a patty.  And it is wonderful.

Dayna, Calabash Bartender

Both times I’ve dropped in, the servers were really friendly and they are on the ball with great service.   The upstairs is comfortable posh, with local art work and Caribbean décor, with the chefs cooking in the background wearing their colorful tams.  We tried a couple of their drinks, and I would definitely recommend the Ginger Ale which is made in house and is strong and nice.

A unique aspect of Calabash is their desire to bring art and music into the eating experience.  Their downstairs lounge is host of Foundation Radio, an online radio station that plays roots, reggae, jazz, blues, motown and funk music.  They often have live music with DJ’s spinning and local artists performing reggae, hip-hop, funk, and poetry.

Natalie, Server and weekend DJ

If you haven’t checked it out, come in at lunch for their daily special sandwiches that are very reasonably prices ($6-$12), or come in the evening for their delicious Mains ($10-13).  I haven’t tried the sides yet, but I’ll have to wait for next week to check out the Plantain Chips and Fried Coconut Dumplings.  J

I just had the little point and shoot camera with me, but they were nice enough to pose.

Calabash Bistro

Vancouver's laid back west coast lifestyle suits gray whales just fine

It’s been a long time since a gray whale was spotted in Vancouver’s False Creek, and residents here are excited to say the least. Liz Charyna here at BOB saw the gentle giant twice while her dragon boat team was practicing yesterday evening, and whale watchers have lined up along Granville Island, on the Sea Wall in Yaletown and on the various bridges to catch a rare glimpse themselves.

There has been much speculation regarding the whale’s cavalier sauntering about in such a high traffic channel. Is this a sign that our waterways are considered healthier and safer by the species? Has this whale lost its mind? Is it a Trojan Whale? Is this going to end up being a playoffs PR stunt by the Green Men?  Well I think the answer is obvious.

Even a gray whale knows that East Van is the place to be!

This aerial view shows the circuit in which the whale paced about, wondering about mortgages and bank rates

Clearly this beautiful beast heard about Athletes Village winning LEED Platinum Certification, honoring it as the Greenest Neighbourhood in the World. Spending the majority of its time milling about between Granville Bridge and South East False Creek, where the impressive residential development is located, it was clear to me that this whale wants in on the action, and has set its sight on Vancouver’s blossoming Eastside. Yes the secret is out.

South East False Creek’s Athletes Village is  just minutes away from a vibrant Chinatown with exciting new restaurants like Bao Bei, The Keefer Bar, and Campognolo, great shops like Ming Wo,  Bamboo Village and Cathay Importers not to mention our world renowned Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden.

Athletes Village, the award winning LEED Platinum development in SE False Creek that this whale is clearly looking to buy in

Just a five minute walk from the development are the hipster havens of Mt. Pleasent and SOMA, packed with countless neighbourhood watering holes, fashion boutiques, and every amenity an urban whale could need. He or she would  also be close to the new Canada Line Skytrain Route, giving it a convenient and direct transit option to Vancouver’s international airport.

Somehow, between its yearly migration from Mexico to Alaska, this whale heard about how Vancouver’s Eastside has become an innovative hot bed for social enterprise, urban agriculture and art & culture. Music venues like the Rickshaw Theatre, Chapel Arts, The Biltmore, and the Firehall, guarantee this whale something interesting to check out every night of the week; it must be taking that into account looking to live so close to it. He or she probably knows that they are also more than welcome to become a member at the legendary Anza Club just up the hill from Athletes Village (ten bucks, seriously, that’s all it takes, but they might have to take out the pool table for he or she to fit in there).

Just a brief walk from Gastown and Granville Island, someone gave this whale a hot real estate tip that SE False Creek, Mt. Pleasant, the DTES and Strathcona have all become increasingly attractive areas to live, work and play. So it’s only natural that on a sunny afternoon he or she would peruse the area looking for the perfect spot, close to all these great places, right on/in the water.

Well…there goes the neighbourhood.