The family behind Vancouver’s beloved Anh and Chi, having been former refugees from Vietnam themselves, is launching a campaign to help raise emergency funds for Ukraine via the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Canada.
Anh and Chi – Photo Submitted
Former Refugees to Support Ukraine Through Food in Vancouver
📍 Anh and Chi (3388 Main St, Vancouver)
From now until May 15, 2022 (Asian Heritage Month), proceeds from Anh and Chi’s Reservation-By-Donation program will be donated to the cause, contributing to the expected four million displaced Ukrainians with safe shelter, food and necessities. Brother and sister duo owners Amelie Nguyen and Vincent Nguyen are matching donations up to $5,000.
In addition, on Friday March 25, 2022, the Lac Viet Education Society, along with several Vietnamese community leaders, are hosting a fundraising banquet with live music, silent auction, and 50/50 draw. Up to 700 entrepreneurs, nonprofit community members, and influential leaders from across the Lower Mainland are anticipated to attend.
“Our parents, Lý and Hoàng Nguyễn, arrived in Vancouver as Vietnamese refugees by boat in 1980 and what is happening in Ukraine reminds our family of that devastating time – the displacement of so many women, children and seniors,” explains Amelie. “I was starting to feel helpless with the tragedy over in Ukraine, not to mention other ongoing crises around the world, until our family friends Tammy Dao and Nhung Davis of Lac Viet Education Society reached out to us to fundraise for Ukraine.”
This is the first time Anh and Chi’s community of staff, patrons, family and friends are supporting an international cause.
Anh and Chi is not only known for their delicious Vietnamese fare, natural BC wine, creative craft cocktails and exceptional service, but also their community of passionate creatives, entrepreneurs, and caring industry folks and patrons who come together for collective action. As a pivot during COVID-19 to up safety (less crowding) and support local communities, the independent eatery’s Reservation-By-Donation program was initiated and continues to make an impact.
Anh and Chi’s Reservation-by-Donation program has raised over $50,000 for local charities since December 2020. Their community of patrons have donated to local organizations that focuses on food security, housing, mental health counselling and necessities, especially with BIPOC, hardly reached, marginalized and at-risk youth and families.
The Anh and Chi team thanks their guests – with their support and donations, 100 percent of their gifts were given to:
$19,770 to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
$10,900 to Creative Greater Vancouver Food Bank
$5430 to the Vancouver Black Therapy Fund
$5320 to Backpack Buddies
$3000 to the BC Hospitality Fund
$2180 to The Bloom Group
$1160 to Elimin8hate
$1070 to Directions Youth Services
$860 to Immigrant Services Society of BC
Guests have the option to book a table – $10 per person – in advance through their online Reservation-By-Donation program. All proceeds go directly to the selected charity. Local nonprofit organizations are nominated by staff and patrons via email or social media. There are always three to four nonprofits for guests to choose from, changing every three to six months. Reservations are not required to dine at Anh and Chi – walk-in guests are warmly welcomed.
Support the BC Vietnamese Canadians Fundraiser for Ukraine by sponsoring a gift for the auction, joining the benefit dinner, and/or donating to this campaign benefiting UNHCR-Canada directly.
Since 2006, bakeries and cafes around the world have dedicated March 20th to two things: deliciously tasty macarons, and a great cause. Here’s how you can participate in Macaron Day in Vancouver:
4717 Hastings St, Burnaby & 1558 Johnston Road, White Rock
Cause: 50% of sales from Faubourg and Chez Christophe’s specially created 6 piece pre-packed macaron box will be donated to the Canada Ukraine Foundation. Customized in the distinct blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag, Faubourg’s Honey and Sour Cream macaron will be available for purchase individually in-stores and Chez Christophe’s 6-pack of Blueberry and Passionfruit Macarons (3 of each) will be available for pre-orders and in-stores on Saturday, March 19th only — Note this is the day before Macaron Day so don’t miss out!
Cause: The Cherry Blossom Macaron will be available for a limited time only! On Sunday, March 20th, Mon Paris will donate 50% of macaron sales to World Central Kitchen to help their humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. World Central Kitchen has already served over one million fresh meals to families across Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova and Hungary. Founded by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen works with established restaurants on the ground and they source and hire staff locally.
Cause: Ladurée will be making a contribution based on macaron sales March 20th, across all locations and the website, to Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Ukraine.
Journée internationale du macaron
Macaron Day was founded in France (Journée internationale du macaron) by Pierre Hermé in 2006. It’s a day to celebrate the colours of spring with a bright palette of treats. Macaron Day events will be happening overseas, in New York, and in Toronto. Over the last few years it has become a Vancouver tradition as well.
Macarons (not to be confused with macaroons) are meringue-based confections commonly filled with buttercream or jam with a delicate soft and crunchy outer shell. All you need to do is visit a participating “Macaron Day” bakery or cafe on March 20th and you’ll be given a macaron and be invited to make a donation their chosen charity.
Do you know of any more locations? The list will be updated as offerings and specials are announced.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (“VCBF”) presented by Coromandel Properties returns April 1 to 23, 2022 to celebrate one of the most beautiful times of year in our city. From ticketed events to free outdoor fun for the family, and directions to all the best blossom photo ops, it’s a highlight of the calendar year for me! Here’s what’s in store:
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – Miss604 Rebecca Bollwitt
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2022
First and foremost, check out the Neighbourhood Map which includes what’s in bloom right now. From there, take your cherry blossom experience to a whole other level with these events:
Over 45 additional restaurants, cafes, tour companies and retail stores reflective of Surrey’s community are being added to the Surrey Spice Trail this month. Diners now have the choice of over 75 delicious global dining opportunities, including exciting destinations for African and Syrian cuisines. New partners include established family-run restaurants, cafes showcasing fine dining, and much-loved neighbourhood favourites.
Top: Huong Viet & Spice of Nepal. Bottom: Syrian Gourmet & Chachas Tandoor. Photos courtesy of Discover Surrey.
Enjoy the Flavours of the Surrey Spice Trail
Surrey’s Spice Trail is focused on the people that make multicultural dining in Surrey so special. Well-known chefs, like Vikram Vij (My Shanti), dedicated cooks, tireless front of house staff, and entire families work together to bring the flavours of their home countries to life in Surrey.
Highlights of the newly expanded Spice Trail:
African – Taste of Africa: Jollof Rice and Honey-Jerk Chicken
El Salvadoran – Don Chepe’s: Pupusas (corn griddle cake)
Vietnamese – KG Banh Mi & Coffee: Bun Nuoc Leo (rice noodle soup)
Indian – Clove: The Art of Dining: Awadhi Raan (spiced, slow cooked lamb)
Korean – DONi: Yabi Mandoo (pork dumpling with spicy sauce)
Spice Trail Tours – Local tour operator Chew on This Tasty Tours offers Spice Trail experiences, leaving visitors to enjoy fun tastings with no planning needed.
“Bringing together so many different styles of food underneath one banner is a bit of a metaphor for Surrey, in general,” says Julia Barrieros, Chair of the Board of Directors for Discover Surrey and General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Surrey, “We’re excited to expand upon the success of the Surrey Spice Trail and can’t wait to give visitors the opportunity discover new restaurants ranging from high-end bistros to local take-out favourites.”
For more information, visit the Surrey Spice Trail website for an interactive map, travel blog descriptions of each restaurant, and tips on how to get more out of your dining experience.
This Easter at Maan Farms in Abbotsford enjoy two special offerings including the family friendly BAE Days (Baby Animal Easter Days) and the Bunnies & Booze adults only Easter egg hunt.
Dylaina Gollub Photography
Easter at Maan Farms – BAE Days
BAE Days are all about storytelling and interactive time with baby farm animals, an egg hunt on the farm, a live Easter Bunny, playtime at Barnyard Adventureland, sweet treats made by Mama Maan including Rice Krispy Egg Nests, carrot cake, mini donuts, egg-cellent ice cream and savoury dishes, such as chickpea and butter chicken rice bowls.
Each ticket includes meeting the Easter Bunny, holding and interacting with six different baby animals (bunnies, ducklings, chicks, calves, goats, and pigs), admission to all seven attractions at Barnyard Adventureland, an activity booklet for the scavenger hunt, collecting eggs at each animal station to receive an Easter treat at the end of the day, and the opportunity to find the coveted golden egg for a chance to win the grand prize.
When: April 15 to 17, 2022 from 9:30am to 4:00pm
Where: Maan Farms at 790 McKenzie Rd (Abbotsford)
Tickets:On sale now! Walking age and up: $18.50 online, $21 at the door. Parents: $14.50 online, $15.50 at the door.
V.I.P. Tickets: $40 online and $45 at the door. In addition to the General Admission Ticket, VIP ticket holders receive animal food to feed the animals, six mini donuts, one glass of Maan Farm’s berry wine or non-alcoholic strawberry lemonade, and a ‘comeback pass’ with a savings of $16 per ticket.
Maan Farms Photo
Make sure you have time for an egg-cellent ice cream! The handmade chocolate egg holds a creamy, soft swirl, complete with a caramel surprise and topped with mini eggs. Available for purchase during BAE Days and Bunnies & Booze.
Easter at Maan Farms – Bunnies & Booze
Bunnies & Booze is an Easter egg hunt for just the adults. Appetizers, dinner, and an egg hunt with 90s retro tunes playing in the background.
When: April 8 and 9, 2022 from 6:00pm to late
Where: Maan Farms at 790 McKenzie Rd (Abbotsford)
Tickets: On sale now! 19+ only $79 online (cannot be purchased at the door)
Each ticket includes the egg hunt with fun games, such as the spoon race, appetizers, dinner, an alcoholic beverage of beer or Maan Farm’s Estate Winery’s award-winning berry wine, ‘meet and greet’ with the Easter Bunny, and the egg hunt including a chance to find the golden egg to qualify for the grand prize.
Maan Farms is a third-generation family-owned and operated farm, located in the Fraser Valley. The Maans are always thinking of new ways to engage Lower Mainland communities, and strongly believe in hospitality, treating guests as if they were personally inviting them into their own home. With a welcoming nature, rooted in their cultural heritage, guests are guaranteed a fun farm experience.
