Hidden Gems

A photo of the exterior of the Moodswing cafe building. The building has an antique appearance with decorative black pillars on either side of the door, carmine and chesnut paint, and two big windows with the words “moodswing cafe” pasted on one and “old crow coffee on another.” Above the door is a poster of a drawing of a set of seductive eyes in maroon ink.
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Eclectic experiences at Moodswing Coffee + Bar

Izzy Cheung January 23, 2024

On the hunt for a new study spot or a place to bring friends during a night out? Look no further than downtown New Westminster’s Moodswing Coffee + Bar, an eclectic café that turns into a bar at night. It’s nestled inside a small, antique building coloured a cute combination of carmine and chestnut, only a 10-minute walk away from the New West SkyTrain station. Under a sign above the door, sultry eyes beckon passersby to stop inside for a pastry or two. But how did the idea for a café and bar come to fruition?  Formerly known as Old…

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An un-lit candle that looks like a piece of cake in green grass.
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Hidden Gems: Local online businesses to support

Saije Rusimovici January 8, 2024

Editor’s note: the article includes a correction from last semester in which we misattributed the ethnic background of the owner of ZANO by Sadj. ZANO by Sadj This Vancouver-based designer has a collection of dainty and bold products available on…

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A long wooden table set with empty dishes in front of a moody amber light and acrylic paintings with golden frames on the wall. The window outside shows it is dark out.
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$33,000 for lentils, rice, and resilience for Palestine

Brigitte Buck November 28, 2023

Content warning: mentions of genocide. Cuisine changes, evolves, and is constantly reinvented. The same goes for people, cultures, politics, and perhaps even history. Often, we can gain something positive from change, but not always. While Sobhi Al-Zobaidi’s dishes at his…

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A collage of three beaded items from the three artists mentioned in order: First is white and pink big heart earrings with bear paws in the middle. The second is a stone with a dainty white beaded necklace. The third is bright colored, bold sized flower earrings with little pearls in the centre.
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Local artisans to support this holiday season

Saije Rusimovici November 20, 2023

Amanda Ruth Beads Amanda is a member of Swan River First Nation in Alberta, and on top of running her business, is a social worker who works with Indigenous children in foster care. A variety of handcrafted items are available…

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An coffee mug held in front of someone’s desk with laptop and study material laid out on it.
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Find your perfect fall studying spot

Izzy Cheung September 22, 2023

Guess what? It’s officially pumpkin spice latte season! Bust out your reusable mug and bundle yourself up in a knit sweater and thick scarf, because it’s time to check out some cute new cafés across the Lower Mainland. Wicked Cafe …

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A collage of food from three different cuisines: banh mi sandwiches; a hot pot spread with sizzling soup, raw meat, and other ingredients; Barbeque chicken on top of a plate of rice.
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Hidden Gems: Cultural cuisines

Marie Jen Galilo September 12, 2023

Rather than eating at the same restaurants all the time, why not discover something new? Don’t miss out on the diverse cultural cuisines Vancouver has to offer! Pearl Hot Pot 7154 Sperling Ave, Burnaby / 12:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. daily Price…

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The exterior of a building with chestnut-coloured wooden panels and text sitting above a window that reads “Regional Assembly of Text.” There are snowflakes falling outside and trees reflected in the window. There are various typewriters in the display window.
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Hidden Gems: Vancouver businesses worth checking out

Jeeya Parasbhai Khavadia March 8, 2023

Regional Assembly of Text 3934 Main St., Vancouver / Monday–Saturday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. This is an adorable stationery store and a must-visit if you’re a fan of stationery. The store may be small, but it’s packed…

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Collage of photos of items from various artisans.
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Hidden Gems: Local artisans to shop online

Saije Rusimovici January 11, 2023

Le Petit Laser Design Co Order online and pick-up free in East Van or Kerrisdale Image courtesy of @lepetitlaserdesignco on Instagram Inspired by making decorations for her son’s first birthday party, Joyce made a full-time job out of her creative…

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The interior of a store with a large selection of clothing.
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Hidden Gems: Second-hand clothing stores

Nercya Kalino November 25, 2022

There’s something about thrift stores that takes you out of your own mind and into an enthralling experience of hunting down unique gems. Thrifting is like rummaging through someone’s old wardrobe to put together your eclectic style. With winter in…

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A spread of various curries, rice, and naan in metal dishes
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Hidden Gems: Three spots to treat your palate

Clarence Ndabahwerize November 11, 2022

Tap Restaurant 15350 34 Ave #101, South Surrey / Mains $26–$50 Tap is a fine dining spot perfect for celebrating milestones. If you watch MasterChef or spend a lot of time perfecting your culinary skills, you’ll want to experience their…

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