It’s not only one of the busiest malls in the region – it’s the tastiest, too.
Metropolis at Metrotown won first place in the best food court category of this year’s Golden Plate Awards.
The Georgia Straight holds the readers’ choice awards annually. Vancouverites write in their choices on a ballot provided by the Vancouver-based weekly.
The other winners in the city were all chains with locations in Vancouver.
Cactus Club Café won third place for best restaurant patio and best restaurant to hang out on a sunny day, as well as first place for a first date with somebody you met online.
Panago placed second for best takeout and delivery, and Cobs Bread also placed second in its category, best bread bakery.
Ming Wo, which has a store in Lougheed Town Centre, won first place for best cooking store.
Whole Foods, which plans to open in Burnaby this year, swept a number of first place awards, including best picnic supplier.
Unleashing potential
Burnaby businesses with dreams of expanding to Hong Kong or exporting to Mainland China can learn more about those possibilities this month.
The Burnaby Board of Trade is holding a high tea dim sum event on March 30 titled Unleashing the Hong Kong/Canada Business Potential.
The event is geared toward businesses with an interest in China. Presenting sponsors are the Hong Kong Development Council, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and the Vancouver section of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association.
The event takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Fortune House Seafood Restaurant. Tickets are $20.
To register, call 604-412-0100, email or go to bbot.ca.
Puzzle fundraiser
Purchase a puzzle piece at Toys R Us until May 2, and the money will go towards Autism Speaks Canada.
The toy store, which has a location in Metropolis at Metrotown and a Toys R Us Express store at Brentwood Town Centre, has just started its sixth annual fundraiser for the organization, according to a press release.
The money is for research, advocacy and community programs, the release stated, and provides support for Canadian families affected by autism spectrum disorders.
The puzzle fundraiser and a number of employee initiatives have brought in more than $4.2 million to date for the organization.
“Just like puzzle pieces, our customers and employees come together during our campaign to support the autism community,” Kevin Macnab, president of Toys R Us Canada, said in the release.
Driftwood Athletics opens in Burnaby
Interested in doing burpees in Brentwood? Driftwood Athletics, a CrossFit gym, recently opened in the neighbourhood. Owner Nathan Morris is a Level 1 certified CrossFit trainer, as is coach Hector Hortelano.
And if burpees aren’t your speed, the gym also holds a free social run through the area at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, with the Brentwood Road Runners.
Driftwood Athletics is located at 4416 Dawson St.
