Some fun stuff to check out this week

The first week of the new year is here and we’re not sure whether to crawl up into a ball and avoid the world or get out and enjoy it while we still have our freedom. Nevertheless, the clock keeps ticking and we’re hoping for the best. Here are a couple of things to put on the to-do list if you have some time on your hands.

A couple of new spots have opened recently that we’re looking forward to stopping into. First up there’s Nightshade, a vegan/vegetarian restaurant, brought to us by the Sattva Hospitality Group with the talented chef Chanthy Yen at the helm.  The globally inspired menu includes sushi, gyoza and a cheese plate to start and innovative pasta dishes and a tasty-sounding zucchini and cauliflower tart. Cocktails are delightful, and local wine, cider and beer are well chosen. Check them out on Instagram. 1079 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC.  Website = Nightshade

Over in Gastown, Maison Kitsune opened its French/Japanese coffee shop, and we are eyeing their coffees hoping to taste their karage and jammy egg yolk/egg salad sandwiches. 157 Water St, Vancouver Cafe Kitsune

Imposter Cafe & Provisions, another plant-based shop with bagels, salads, and paninis has also recently opened on 2474 East Hastings and their homemade preserves look fantastic. Imposter Cafe’s Instagram.

Reservations will open on January 6 for Dine Out Vancouver running from January 14-31 with experiences and specially priced menus in Vancouver’s many restaurants. Take a Dumpling Class, or Dim sum Tour or Sea Forage with Chef Robin Kort.

Hot Chocolate is on the menu starting January 15 and running to February 14 with Vancouver’s Hot Chocolate Festival, we’ve heard about some fun collaborations, check their website for more.

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On January 12 from 6-10 pm, Richard Wolak, Vancouver Foodster, presents the Noodle Mania tour with stops at Fiorino, Moltaqa, Cold Tea and Casereccio. Tickets.