Cruisin' for a Bruisin' for a Cause

That's what Aprons for Gloves is all about.  Founded this year by a variety of professionals from the service industry, the group is organizing a charity boxing tournament to help out The Astoria Boxing Club, an influential non-profit in the downtown eastside that recently closed.  They want to assist head coach David Schuck launch the new Eastside Boxing Club, providing a space where he can continue his work as a mentor and trainer.  In AfG's own words:

There were so many incredibly courageous young kids that relied on the mentorship of the coaches to guide them through life, even outside of the ring.  When it was brought to our attention that the gym was in danger of closing, we felt that we had to do something to help.  The gym has since been closed, leaving these kids (many of which are troubled youth) without a place to go that offers a positive environment and instills good moral values and work ethic.  It was with this in mind that the Restaurant Rumble fundraiser was born!

A total of 63 contenders began a gruelling training schedule in April, and of those currently working on their upper-cuts, only 16 will make it to the Rumble on July 25th.  Eligibility for the final round is based on which contenders reach their $2000 fundraising goal first, so check out all the bruisers here, decide on your favourites, and help them slug their way to the big show by donating.  

Are you not a fan of being punched in the face, but a born entertainer?  You can try out to be a Ring Girl or Announcer on June 25th at The Cobalt, with prizes for crowd-chosen favourites.  

Tickets go on sale in June, with the final event held on July 25th at the Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre.  Help out this great cause and contribute today!

Have YOU found one yet?

Beer Lovers Unite...

...for Craft Beer Week is almost here!  With dozens of breweries participating in over 60 events around the city, you’re soon to be faced with more hops than you can possibly handle.  Nine days of beer heaven begin this Friday, May 18th, at the Roundhouse Community Centre.  Chambar's in on the action, too; during CBW ask for a pairing with their custom-brewed Chambar Ale, and as always, enjoy Chef Nico's renowned Belgian-influenced menu. 

Tickets to many events are selling out, so get yours today.  For those who prefer their evenings like a Belgian Lambic (a little more spontaneous), there's also plenty of ticket-less gigs to attend.  Either way, you're soon to be enjoying countless beers crafted by Canadian, American, and European brewmasters.  Have fun and as always, remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.  

Welcome Back, VFM!

Photo by Lily Chandra

We know summer is officially near when the Vancouver Farmers Markets return in full force.  The Trout Lake market, the largest of the five, makes its grand debut today (May 12th) from 9am to 2pm.  Go and enjoy the spring bounty of our outstanding local farms, and stay tuned for an upcoming post about one of our favourite things to buy....

Happy Marketing!

Making Labneh: Part II

Well, our labneh took a 72 hour nap in cheesecloth and spent another 24 hours in a sealed container in the fridge.  Though just yogurt and salt, its flavour at this stage was similar to that of a fresh goat's cheese made with rennet.  

The chilled labneh was then rolled into balls and layered with fresh thyme and olive oil in a mason jar.

Now it's marinating, ready to be consumed in a mezze feast of cheese, olives, roasted tomatoes, and plenty of bread.  How will you eat yours?