Late spring/summer arts preview

By Miles Raymond | Published: May 10, 2013

With the brilliant recent weather and the Vancouver Canucks unfortunate early playoff exit, people’s attention has turned to patios and beaches.

Local theatre and entertainment is still going strong into the summer on and around Granville Island. Here’s a quick look at some of the major shows over the next couple months:

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is regarded as one of the world’s best and offers fun for the whole family on the island from Monday, May 27 to Sunday, June 2.

The Arts Club’s popular production of Dreamgirls continues at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage on south Granville until July 7. The musical revolves around a 1960s Supremes-like girl group.

Bard On The Beach runs on Kits Point (just a short walk under the Burrard Bridge away from Granville Island) June 12-September 14. This season’s plays are Hamlet, Twelfth Night, Measure For Measure and Elizabeth Rex.

Avenue Q, a musical puppet show for adults (!) set in New York City, will be on the Arts Club Granville Island Stage June 20-August 3.

Don’t forget the Dragon Boat Festival hits False Creek June 21-23, and as always, there are plenty of shows each week at Vancouver TheatreSports League‘s Improv Centre which is just down the street from us.

Bring your same-day tickets from the Arts Club, Waterfront Theatre, Carousel, Stanley or Bard for 20% off your food bill.

Enjoy this beautiful weather and we hope to see you soon!

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Bridges Pub’s NHL Playoff Preview

By Miles Raymond | Published: April 30, 2013

It’s time!

The National Hockey League playoffs start Tuesday and you can watch all the action on our seaside Pub’s big screens. Don’t forget to wear your Canucks jersey for 20% off your food bill during all Canucks playoff games.

Here’s a quick  rundown on some things to look for in each opening-round series, listed in order of Game 1 start time (all times PT):

Tuesday

#8 MINNESOTA WILD at #1 CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, 5:00

Potentially the most lop-sided series in the West, the Blackhawks just have too much skill up front. However, this Chicago team lacks the grit of their Stanley Cup champion team in 2010.

#5 LOS ANGELES KINGS at #4 ST. LOUIS BLUES, 5:00

This should be a long, grueling series going 6 or 7 games. The defending champ Kings have the edge up front; the Blues on defense.

#7 DETROIT RED WINGS at #2 ANAHEIM DUCKS, 7:30

This should be a great series. The Wings are a popular upset pick, as they won two games in Anaheim during the strike-shortened season, and were playing well down the stretch. Detroit does lack brawn and toughness (which the Ducks have), something that has hurt them in the playoffs in the past.

Wednesday

#5 TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS at #4 BOSTON BRUINS, 4:00

This old school, Original Six matchup could get nasty and feature the most penalty minutes of any first round series, but can the Bruins weak power play take advantage of their chances?

#8 NEW YORK ISLANDERS at #1 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS, 4:30

The Penguins are the heaviest favourites of all the first round series. Marc-Andre Fleury could be a question mark in the Pens net as the playoffs progress, so that’s something to keep an eye on. Isles star John Tavares is seeing his first NHL playoff action.

#6 SAN JOSE SHARKS at #3 VANCOUVER CANUCKS, 7:30 (note: Games 2-5 start at 7:00)

Goaltending is big in any playoff series, but it will be HUGE in this one. The Canucks need Cory Schneider healthy and on top of his game versus Antti Niemi (who is 6-2 in lifetime playoff series). Of the 16 teams in the hunt for Lord Stanley’s mug, only the Bruins and Rangers had a worse power play than the Canucks this season.

Thursday

#7 OTTAWA SENATORS at #2 MONTREAL CANADIENS, 4:00

With the Habs Carey Price currently struggling, the Senators get the edge in net. This should be a long, close series; expect a lot of 2-1 games (and some overtimes). The birth of a new rivalry?

#6 NEW YORK RANGERS at #3 WASHINGTON CAPITALS, 4:30

8-1-1 in their last ten games, the Caps enter the playoffs as the league’s hottest team, just ahead of Pittsburgh and Chicago. This matchup features Washington’s 3rd-best offense versus New York’s Henrik Lundqvist, one of the top goalies in the world.

Full first round schedule linked here.

 

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Celebration of Light joins summer calendar

By Miles Raymond | Published: April 12, 2013

 

Great recent news that the Honda Celebration of Light will be back to thrill False Creek viewers this summer. The fireworks festival, which has at times had seemingly annual worries over viability due to sponsorship and budgeting concerns, will take place over three nights in late July and early August (Saturday July 27, Wednesday July 31, and Saturday August 3).

It does take place in the middle of high wedding season, so if there are no tables available in our upstairs Dining Room on the night you wish to visit, keep in mind our Bistro and Dock should have room on a first come-first served basis.

Here’s a look back at a 2009 fireworks day and night, one of the most memorable weather days in Vancouver history.

Have a good weekend!

 

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Join us on our Pub patio for the sunny long weekend

By Miles Raymond | Published: March 29, 2013

Just back from lunch on our Pub’s patio and want to jot a quick note inviting you to stop by this 4-day long holiday weekend.

The forecast is terrific for Friday through Monday: sunny and warm.

We’ve had some real troopers this past week or so, with customers staying outside late into the evening. We do have plenty of heaters and blankets available if you want to hang out past sunset.

(19+ for our Pub patio; full Bistro dock opens April 26.)

You can always look at a photo of current weather conditions here.

A few other happenings over the next few days: the Canucks are on the road but we’ll be featuring their games on our Pub’s big screens. Saturday at 7:00 PT the boys are in Edmonton to play the Oilers, and Monday at 7:30 they are playing the Sharks in San Jose. Our in-game special combo of chicken wings, fries and a sleeve of GI Lager is available for $14.

Sunday after 2:00 we will have a special roast Prime Rib dinner with Yorkshire Pudding, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables downstairs for $25.

There’s plenty of free parking next to the restaurant, as well as False Creek Ferries and Aquabus, plus tons of taxis waiting for you next to the market.

Have a great weekend, and we hope to see you again soon!

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Local chocolatiers produce world-class treats

By Miles Raymond | Published: March 21, 2013

With the Easter long weekend just a week away, chocolatiers in and around Granville Island are readying for one of their busiest times of year (along with December and Valentine’s). We have three favourites nearby; here’s a quick guide to who and where (and when) they are.

ChocolaTas is in the middle of the Public Market, next to Siegel’s Bagels. Belgium-trained Wim Tas makes a wide variety of wonderful little creations featuring a variety of sometimes-surprising flavours. The ganaches are great: don’t miss the Berry Berry, Green Tea, Mint and Mont-Blanc (“the ladybug”). The Cognac truffle is also recommended. Hours are the same as the market: 9am-7pm, seven days a week.

Rogers’ Chocolates is a B.C. classic that has been producing confections out of Victoria since 1885. They are located just east of the Public Market at 1571 Johnston Street, and are open from 10am-6pm daily. Don’t miss their Victoria creams, and ask about their Ice Wine truffle.

A 5-minute walk southwest of the island at 1620 West 3rd is Chocolate Arts. They have a wide-range of high-quality delectables. Some of the standouts include the Cleopatra, Madagascar truffle and the Romeo. Seasonal offerings currently include a Chai truffle, and a coconut and lime egg. Ask about their numerous vegan choices. Open everyday 9am-6pm, except Sunday 10am-5pm. (Good Friday 10:00-5:30, Easter Sunday 10:00-5:00)

Stop by the Sugar Bar inside our Bistro to check on our pastry chef Brian’s latest chocolate dessert offerings, as well as our ongoing house-made gelato flavours.

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Granville Island spring theatre preview

By Miles Raymond | Published: March 15, 2013

Spring is in the air, and on Granville Island, that means outdoor dining and drinking is right around the corner, as well as a host of new stage offerings from our local theatre companies.

Here are some highlights of the upcoming season: shows to check out starting with a couple currently running, followed by what’s coming in April/May/June.

At the Arts Club Revue Stage through March 23 is HOW HAS MY LOVE AFFECTED YOU?, which examines the nature of familial obligations with tension and humour.

Carousel Theatre’s THE CAT IN THE HAT continues its run at The Waterfront Theatre through March 31. It’s billed as “For Ages 3+”.

At the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage on south Granville through April 14 is 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS, the comically poignant show about piano lessons and striving to achieve goals in life is one of Canada’s most successful productions ever.

Taking the Arts Club Granville Island Stage from April 4-May 4 will be MY TURQUOISE YEARS, which is sub-titled “Memoir of a Canadian Girlhood”, a comic coming-of-age story set in 1960.

Back by popular demand on the Arts Club Revue Stage April 18-May 18 is DO YOU WANT WHAT I HAVE GOT? A CRAIGSLIST CANTATA. Created by local musician Veda Hille and the CBC’s Bill Richardson, see Craigslist ads come to life onstage!

Carousel is staging a World Premiere of ARTHUR: BOY KING April 12-28 at The Waterfront Theatre. It’s by award-winning playwright Jeff Pitcher and is for “Ages 7+”.

Certain to be a big smash, DREAMGIRLS comes to the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage for a long run (May 9-July 7). The Motown Musical is a rags-to-riches tale of a 1960s girl group, loosely based on The Supremes.

A couple of other important theatre notes include BARD ON THE BEACH tickets going on sale April 8. The 2013 season starts June 12 and features Twelfth Night, Hamlet, Measure For Measure and Elizabeth Rex.

Lastly, don’t forget the ongoing awesomeness of our friends down the street at the VANCOUVER THEATRESPORTS LEAGUE. Ten hilarious improv shows a week, Wednesday through Sunday nights.

For all of the above shows, bring in your same-day tickets to Bridges for 20% off your food bill before or after the performance (or both!)

As for that outdoor dining mentioned above, our Pub (19+) patio is now open (weather permitting), and our main Bistro dock is scheduled to open on Friday, April 26.

Have a great spring and we hope to see you soon!

 

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Our spring hiring fair is fast approaching

By Miles Raymond | Published: March 7, 2013

Bridges annual staff hiring for the spring and summer is just two weeks away!

Here are some important dates to make note of:

Our ad will be running on Craigslist from Sunday, March 10 through March 17.

We’ll have an ad and info in the March 14 edition of The Georgia Straight.

First in-person interviews will be at the restaurant from Wednesday, March 20 through Saturday, March 23. (Bring a resume and a pen!)

Our patio season this year is scheduled to run from Friday, April 26 until the end of September.

Share this blog post with any friends or relatives you think might be interested in spending the summer working on our dock.

Fresh air, new friends, and lots of fun.

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Winterruption features great free music shows

By Miles Raymond | Published: February 14, 2013

Winterruption 2013 takes over Granville Island next weekend (February 22-24) with a wide array of all-ages activities.

There will be arts and crafts galore (many of them hands-on), including glassblowing, block printing, image transfers and custom-made t-shirts.

Head to the Kids Zone for lots of performances, music and workshops, including face-painting.

Watch for buskers around the island, and don’t miss Vive Vivendri!, a celebration of Francophone culture.

Some of the highlights of the entire weekend will be the excellent lineup of free concerts organizers have assembled this year at the Performance Works venue in the southeast corner of the island (near the hill).

Each group is doing two performances. Doors open 30 minutes before the showtime’s listed below. Space is first-come, first-served. Here’s the breakdown of who’s playing when, and what they’re all about:

TYSON NAYLOR TRIO Saturday 12:30, 1:45

A keyboardist with Dan Mangan’s band, the Georgia Straight called his recent debut album “a fresh take on the blues”.

JEN HODGE’S ALLSTARS Saturday 3:15, 4:30

Rollicking, jazzy fun from the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 30s. Feel free to dress up or wear a hat for this one, or come as you are. Really looking forward to swinging by for this one.

4=4 Sunday 12:30, 1:45

This Vancouver jazz-rock fusion group plays a mix of mostly original compositions with some alternative-rock and jazz covers thrown in.

MAZACOTE Sunday 3:15, 4:30

A great way to close the festival, this 6-piece Latin dance band will get kids and parents alike salsa-ing on the dance floor.

We’ll be open at 11:00am Saturday and 10:00am Sunday, so stop in and join us for a meal, or just pop in and grab some gelato and coffee.

Enjoy the festival!

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Super Bowl headlines huge sports weekend

By Miles Raymond | Published: February 1, 2013

We ‘re looking forward to one of the biggest and best sports weekends of the year, today through Sunday.

The Super Bowl is the main attraction, of course, slated to kickoff at 3:30 on Sunday afternoon.

We’re also really intrigued by the renewal of the fierce Canucks-Blackhawks rivalry, which goes tonight (Friday) at 7:00.

Roberto Luongo is slated to get the start in net as the locals revolving goalie soap opera continues.

Catch the hockey game in our Pub and take advantage of our in-game Canucks special of a classic beef burger and GI Lager sleeve combo for just $10.

On Sunday, our big screens will be tuned into the football game, which should run from approximately 3:30 until a little after 7:00 west coast time.

We’ll be featuring Ravens Wings, Niners Cioppino, burger/beer combo, Sunday Caesars, and $4 sleeves of GI Lager.

Enter our special prize drawing at the two-minute warning (must be present to win); for details, ask your server or bartender.

It’s time to make our official prediction…this is for entertainment purposes only and is NOT gambling advice! :-)

San Francisco 28 Baltimore 24

See you in the Pub!

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Previewing the second half of winter on Granville Island

By Miles Raymond | Published: January 25, 2013

Sunny afternoons like today down by the water remind us that spring is just around the corner in Vancouver, usually clocking in around March 1.

However, according to the calendar, we’re only about halfway through winter, so let’s take a look at what’s going on on Granville Island over the next month or two.

February 3 is both the finale of the Dine Out festival and Super Bowl Sunday. Catch the game on our Pub’s big screens. Watch our Facebook and Twitter pages for information on our in-game specials.

The Vancouver International Boat Show runs Thursday, February 7 through Monday, February 11 at the dual sites of B.C. Place Stadium and Granville Island.

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. We’ll have a special menu up on our website soon. As always, the number for reservations is 604-687-4400.

The Winterruption arts festival is the weekend of February 22-24. This all-ages cultural celebration grows in popularity every year. There will be performances and fun things to see and do all over the island.

The Arts Club mounts How Has My Love Affected You? on the Revue Stage February 28-March 23. It’s a humour and tension-filled investigation of familial obligation.

Of course, TheatreSports world-famous improv company will be going full blast, as usual. They are just a short, 5-minute walk away from us.

Bring in your tickets to same-day theatre performances on Granville Island (plus Stanley and Bard!) and receive 20% off your food bill at Bridges.

Don’t forget, the Backstage Lounge has live music 6 nights a week.

And last, but not least, you may have heard the Vancouver Canucks are back in action. Watch all the games in our Pub and enjoy the in-game combo special of our classic beef burger and a sleeve of GI Lager for just $10.

Hope to see you soon!

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  • Bistro & Bar

    BISTRO
    A bright and cheerful room overlooking the boats at anchor in False Creek. Enjoy a casual pizza, burger or classic grilled salmon or juicy New York steak, with a great selection of local and international wines, twenty poured by the glass.

    BAR
    Warm leather and cherry wood decor creates a friendly atmosphere to enjoy your favourite drink overlooking False Creek. Lots of large screen tv's to satisfy your love of hockey, soccer or football. A great selection of micro-brewed draft beer and the full bistro menu served by friendly knowledgeable staff.

  • Restaurant (2nd floor)

    One of the classiest rooms in the city, offering an outstanding view of the waterfront and the lights of the city centre. Vaulted ceilings with chandeliers, massive windows and white linen service. Enjoy food of the highest quality served in the relaxed fashion one associates with Granville Island.

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