Thai noodles are seen in this file photo.The Globe and Mail
FAT MAO | Love yourself some noodles? Good news, Fat Mao has finally opened doors in Chinatown, and boy, do they have ever do noodles well. We're talking Dan Dan Noodles, Taiwanese Beef Noodles, Braised Duck Noodles, Changmai Curry Noodles, Cold Sesame Noodles … believe us, you're covered. Fat Mao is the newest of Chef Angus An's (Maenam) ventures. This is opening week, so don't be discouraged if you encounter a line-up as the food is worth the wait.
Wed-Sun | 11am-10pm | 217 E. Georgia St.
FRESH AIR FILM | Looking for a late-August excuse to escape to a farm for some good food, good people and a bit of fun? Head to the UBC Farm on Friday night for a Sensory Cinema summer camp cook-out and screening of Wet Hot American Summer. With food inspired by moments in the film served at key points, this gig takes watching a movie to a whole new level. As the organizers explain: "With the added dimension of taste, touch and smell, the movie comes alive in an immersive cinematic experience. Regardless of whether you've seen the film once or not at all, Sensory Outdoor Cinema is this summer's most essential experience." Expect hot dogs, sides of fresh-as-can-be UBC Farm veggies, roast pig, themed drinks, and a special dessert.
Fri, Aug. 21 | 7:30pm | UBC Farm (3461 Ross Dr.) | $47
CAR FREE | Grab a seabus ride to the North Shore on Saturday for Car Free Day. From 11am until 7pm, Lonsdale Avenue between Carrie Cates Ct. and 3rd St. will be closed to cars in order to accommodate a proper summer street party complete with music, food, and a giant slip and slide. Car Free Day is "a unique re-imagining of space in neighbourhood communities that showcases the possibilities of a city less dependent on cars." That's a pretty good thing to re-imagine.
Sat, Aug. 22 | 11am-7pm | Lower Lonsdale | Free
LEARN | Take some time out this weekend to deepen your relationships with the natural environment. Head out to Pacific Spirit Regional Park for an ethnobotanist-led hike through the forest that will acquaint you with edible green bits growing all around you. This tour includes admission, a tour of the Museum of Anthropology and lunch at the museum cafe (expect to see some of the plants you've learned about incorporated into your meal). Wear sensible footwear for the sometimes goopy trails. Children under 9 years old are free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Sun, Aug. 23 | 11am | Museum of Anthropology, UBC | $60
FARM | Make your way to Richmond's Terra Nova Farm for a full day of good food and adventure. This weekend is a double whammy Garlic Festival and the annual Chefs to the Field cooking competition. In addition to the beautiful setting, expect cooking and planting workshops, good food, live music, kids activities, an artisan market, a beer garden and even some garlic ice cream. Proceeds from the day go toward running the Terra Nova Schoolyard programs connecting children with the earth, their food, and their community. All good things.
Sun, Aug. 23 | 10am– 4pm | Terra Nova Rural Park | 2771 Westminster Hwy
BASEBALL | The Vancouver Canadians return home from Spokane this Sunday. They'll be setting up at Nat Bailey Stadium from Sunday through Thursday to play against Boise. Nothing says summer like a bag of peanuts, a cold beer and a baseball game on a home field. Put me in coach, I'm ready to play.
Aug. 23-27 | Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium (4601 Ontario St.) | $12.50
GREASY SPOON | Chefs Angus An (Maenam) and Joël Watanabe (Bao Bei) will be cooking a special Greasy Spoon dinner at Save On Meats next Tuesday, August 25th. These two in a kitchen together preparing a Western Chinese diner meal? Seriously, clear your schedule and buy a seat for you and a friend because this is going to be a night to remember. An and Watanabe are going old-school: The menu begins with crispy prawn toast followed by hot and sour soup with egg roll. The main course is a family-style feast of sweet and sour pork, almond chicken, chop suey and fried rice. Also includes dessert, cocktails and beer. Proceeds from the evening go to the Rainier Women's Hotel. There are only a few seats left, so pounce now.
Tues, Aug 25 | Two seatings: 5:30pm & 8pm | 43 West Hastings St. | $95