Celebrate Words

Word on the Street Vancouver is less than a month away. It's the biggest and best celebration of reading and writing you could ever imaging. Sunday, September 26, 11am-6pm in downtown Vancouver at Library Square and the surrounding area. There are books and magazines, stuff for kids, readings, workshops, stuff to buy, free stuff, info about writing programs and contests, everything! Don't miss it.

You can look at the program using the link I've set up, or go pick up a program at your local library or community centre or at Starbucks. On second thought, skip Starbucks!!! Here are some community friendly alternatives:

Il Pappagallo Cafe - Hastings at Sperling in North Burnaby
This is a family run coffee shop. It was located at Kensington Square for 8 years until Starbucks moved in and the shopping centre management ended Papagallo's lease. Pat, the owner, and his family relocated one block to the east on Hastings Street. It warms my heart that everyone followed them to their new spot. This is no wonder, it's the kind of place where they know your name and how you like your coffee and what you were chatting about last time you came in. They have awesome sandwiches, gelato in the summer and fat cheesecakes and tiramisu. Coffee is mighty fine too.

Newport Cafe - Newport Village in Port Moody
It used to be a Bagel Street Cafe but now it's Newport Cafe. Still serves bagels with cream cheese, good sandwiches and pizza. Coffee and lattes. Also, it's licensed. Good outdoor seating (you can even sneak your dog around the perimeter if you walked down) and entertainment on weeknights.

Bagel Street Cafe - Kensington Square in North Burnaby
Survived even with Starbucks spitting distance away. Good bagels and creamcheese and great coffee. Healthy and hearty sandwiches. The owners remember your favourite sandwich if you come in more than a couple times. Downside: In the summer they open the front windows so if you "eat in" when the breeze is blowing, smoke from the tables outdoors drifts into the restaurant. The owners will close the windows if you ask them.

So maybe you should pop into Starbucks if you're not near a library or community centre, grab a Word on the Street program, then walk over to the nearest heroically independent coffee shop and enjoy a coffee or lunch while you plan your visit to Word on the Street.

Question for today: Where do you like to drink coffee? If you don't like coffee, where do you like to drink something else?

mompoet - righteous and coffee-loving