The Golden Triangle

Places

Jun 27

Written By Zora Huculak

It’s no secret that I love East Vancouver. I’m drawn to it for the diversity, creativity and distinction it offers from other Vancouver neighbourhoods.

But there’s something really special about this pocket that sits at the intersection of Kingsway & Fraser, aptly called the Golden Triangle. It’s vibrant. It’s eclectic. It’s progressive. Take a walk with me as I explore all that this area has to offer its residents and visitors alike.

LES FAUX BOURGEOIS
663 East 15th Avenue

A really good family friend of mine, Andy Seppelt, opened up the FauxBo in 2007. Back then the area was a little more dark & rugged than it is now. He & his business partner saw the triangle as a diamond in the rough & opened up a different kind of restaurant than what was expected. In came Les Faux Bourgeois - an approachable french bistro with a curated menu and wine list to die for. The heartbeat of this restaurant though is its service. From day one, it attracted a diverse crowd and still, almost 15 years later, continues to do so. Shimmy up to the bar & ask for a glass of their best red or grab the booth at the front bay window & watch the world go by. Tell Andy I sent you! Instagram

HARLOW ATELIER
665 East 15th Avenue

“Your lifestyle is your skincare, Harlow is your base layer.” This little shop is a neighbourhood gem for any of us who prioritize clean and whole ingredient self care. With a thoughtful collection of goods for your body and home, Harlow also makes all of its namesake products right here on site. Scrubs, hair powder, salves and scents. They’re good for you and safe on the environment. I’d call this a win/win. Instagram

MATCHSTICK
639 East 15th Avenue

Where the coffee is as good as the vibe. This outpost of Matchstick is the kind of place where people like to sit with their laptops or a book, sip their coffee & enjoy a tasty snack. Concrete floors, white walls and shelves filled with books & knick knacks makes this a really nice spot to meet up with a friend or pass a rainy day away. Instagram

BARTER
637 East 15th Avenue

This is literally my new favourite home goods shop. Now housed in the old Aviary (tear) space, Barter draws you in from the street with its naturally crafted furniture & its products made from local clay, wood, steel concrete, beeswax and wool. Started as a Sunshine Coast based brand, Barter has opened up its flagship retail location in this small but bustling area of Fraserhood. The brand is based on the concept of connection - with materials, environment and with each other. Don’t be shocked if my house becomes a Barter showroom very soon. Yours might too. Instagram

THE GLUTEN FREE EPICUREAN
633 East 15th Avenue

An adorable bakery with a great selection of gluten free baked goods from breads to treats, pantry items & take and bake options. My son is dairy free & gluten sensitive & the nanaimo bars did not disappoint. Either did the new, all-white decor. For those of us who experience dietary struggles, this is a must stop shop for your favourites minus the gluten, of course. Instagram

BLOOM ROOM BOTANICAL GALLERY
621 Kingsway

What feels like a secret spot is well known to us plant-lovers. The Bloom Room is an urban oasis that has a great selection of healthy indoor varieties. Find succulents, ficus, cacti, snake plants and so much more. I often go in & tell them what I’m looking for, the area the plant will sit & how much or little light it may get and voila… the greens of my dreams. For black thumbs like me, it’s the place to go explore & get your fix of plant knowledge & tips. Instagram

SAVIO VOLPE
615 Kingsway

There’s no need to go Downtown or to Commercial Drive when you have Italian like this in the neighbourhood. Savio Volpe has been recognized as the best in the city yet it’s a relaxed, handsome restaurant that is styled after the classic osterias of Italy. Always packed, it emphasizes family-style dining. Savio Volpe’s menu boasts lots of fresh, handmade pasta & wood-fired fare with a focus on quality & simplicity. Never fussy, always tasty. You’ll never go wrong with a plate of cacio e pepe, charred broccolini & a flow of sangiovese. Instagram

ROBSON PARK
599 Kingsway

At the end of the block stands a great, kid-friendly neighbourhood park. Robson Park is a spacious hangout for basketball, soccer and ball hockey with a community garden, a nice playground & a wading pool for those hot summer months. I’ve seen some impromptu concerts pop up at the park so keep your eyes & ears open for the sounds of instruments tinkering away.

Photos by Nicole Carter Photography