Scene in the City – Old meets Nouveau

at E 15th Ave. and Fraser.

This old but “up and coming” area of East Vancouver is quickly becoming the new “hot spot” with an eclectic array of funky places to check out.

Even though establishments like the “Lion’s Den” cafe and “ClayZone Ceramics/Sculpting Gallery” (previously Heaventree Art Gallery – but with same owner) have been there for many years.

These two places have had a cult like following from the beginning but with the addition of the newly popular French Bistro “Les Faux Bourgeois” it has gained a fresh clientele.

“Lion’s Den” has quite the fusion menu with it’s mix of Caribbean and Japanese cuisine or Japaribbean. Most of the time Ken, the friendly Jamaican owner will greet you with a wise crack as his Japanese wife Junko works her magic in the kitchen.  Right now every second Saturday chef “Big Al” originally from New Orleans is in the house to cook up Southern Fried Chicken, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Catfish and Cornbread as only he can. There is of course the story of how they got the name “The Lion’s Den” but you’re better off going in person to find out as told my Ken himself.  Live jazz on Fridays.

On the block you will also encounter design geeks and coffee connoisseurs alike at “Matchstick Coffee Roasters”, a tasty “Gluten-Free Epicurean”, “Che Baba Cantina and Yoga Studio”, “Spool of Thread” where you can buy fabric and be taught how to make something out of it.

Art Galleries offing art classes and magic of clay for all ages and jewellery making classes at “ClayZone Ceramics and Sculpting Gallery” with owner Aline Beth Marshall and other local artists.  http://clayzoneceramics.blogspot.ca/p/classes-and-workshops.html 

Something to Discover!