Eats
Dine Out Vancouver is continuing to run until Feb. 3, so if you haven’t made any reservations, there’s still some time. Go check out a restaurant you’ve never been to before and try the dishes offered on the special menu. Participating restaurants include Banana Leaf, Bitter Tasting Room, Boneta, and L’Abbatoir, among many, many more.

Beats
Choke is playing at the Biltmore Cabaret on Friday, Feb. 1. This group combines jazz, punk, and metal, and in 2004 they produced their sixth full length album with Paul Forgues of Nine Inch Nails fame. The Biltmore’s red velvet booth seats and open floor in front of the stage is well suited to the hearty sounds of Choke. Go enjoy some cheap beer and get your mosh pit on.

Theats
As part of the PuSh Festival, King Lear is running from Feb. 1–2. This performance will be unlike any you’ve seen before though. The fusion of Eastern and Western theatrical forms are manifested in the solo-performance created by Taiwan’s Contemporary Legend Theatre. Combining Peking Opera techniques with Shakespeare’s timehonored story of power and corruption, this version of King Lear is sure to be memorable. Backed by a nine-person instrumental ensemble, the atmosphere is that of traditional and contemporary Chinese music. Whether you hate Shakespeare or love the bard, this is one you should not miss out on.

Elites
This is one for the nerds amongst us: Dungeons and Dragons Live on Stage at the Rio Theatre is happening on Jan. 30. The improvisational show happens every last Wednesday of the month, and features some of Vancouver’s best comedic performers playing out the characters of The Dungeon Master, Benoit the Anointed, and Edda, the Elf Barbarian, amongst others. It’s 19+ and licensed, so enjoy a few drinks and an evening of make-believe.

Treats
Need a little something to brighten your gloomy winter day? Stop by the Flower Factory, located at 3604 Main St. This boutique floral shop has a rustic storefront, and as soon as you walk in, it’s evident that each arrangement has been thoughtfully put together. Winner of the Best of Vancouver award for 2012, the shop carries your standard roses among a plethora of other unique greenery. Consider picking up an air plant, which requires very little care, but easily adds a bit of verdant life to the dark winter months.