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Changes on the Drive is a little attenuated this month as last Friday I started an unscheduled vacation at Mount St Joseph Hospital along with my old pals pneumonia, heart murmour, and breathlessness. Transportation was organized by BC’s wonderful EMS an, as usual, they delivered me to my destination with a lot more service and efficiency that Air Canada or West Jet could manage.
While I was unable to do my usual walk on the Drive, I had already collected some information from media sources and local conversations, and I present it here in lieu of my ability to give a first-hand report. Normal service should be resumed next month.
Scout Magazine declares that the best heirloom corn tortillas in Vancouver can be found at Chancho at 2096 Commercial.
Claire Livia, owner of Livia‘s at 1399 Commercial, discusses the Vancouver food scene.
The storefront at 1230 Commercial, which was Fet’s for so many years, is finally being renovated for its new use. Trades are beginning to frame the interior for what will be a dentist’s office. I remember about a year ago when that rumour first began, mentioning that it would be a terrible waste of one of the best located patio spots on the Drive, right opposite the Park. I still feel the same.
As we approach the summer season, the Georgia Straight reviewed what it called the best patios in each neighbourhood. It is probably no surprise that Havana at 1212 Commercial was chosen as best on the Drive (runners up included Livia, Social and JamJar).
The new SingSing bar at 1191 Commercial officially opened on May 4th. It has seating for 90 inside and 100 more on the extensive patio. It seems to have become instantly popular.
A major change is coming at Joe’s Cafe at 1150 Commercial. Joe Antures is retiring in June. The cafe was founded by Portuguese former-bullfighter Joe and his brother Antonio. In the early 1980s, when artists, musicians, and the local left began to filter onto The Drive, Joe’s, with its battleship linoleum, chipped Formica tables, laundromat lighting, and black-velvet bullfighting scenes, became the hot place to hang out and argue politics into the wee hours. Singers Colin James and Sarah McLachlan were regulars before becoming famous. It remains popular today.
Mi Tierra Latina at 1034 Commercial is the best one stop Latin American grocery store in town according to Scout Magazine.
Vacancies on the Drive this month:
2105 Commercial, 2062 Commercial, 1736 Commercial, 1604 Commercial, 1588 Commercial, 1414 Commercial, 1409 Commercial, 1230 Commercial, 1204 Commercial, 938 Commercial.
This does not include Hanai or Doce Amore which are still closed due to fire damage.
Previous editions of Changes on the Drive
Posted by jakking 
Jak's View of Vancouver v.3 