The House Of Wings

As the construction begins to wrap up at the BELLA site, we thought that we would take a moment and introduce you to one of our favorite haunts in the community. The House of Wings is one of the many specialty restaurant within walking distance of BELLA. Located at #145 7155 Kingsway, this unique restaurant literally obliterates the traditional “wings and beer” so popular with Lower Mainland hockey fans.

This restaurant newly opened in May of 2009 offers comfortable large tables to fit those massive platters of wings that are quickly becoming an Edmonds Street and Highgate favourite. The menu features 26 different types of chicken wings from around the world including some really original flavours unseen anywhere else such as: zesty orange, coconut, Chipotle, Jalapeno, and Jamaican jerk just to name a few. For those keeping a close on eye on their pennies there are 37 cent wing specials everyday from 2 to 5pm and all day on Sunday, combined with drink specials everyday.

The House of Wings offers an excellent affordable way to socialize with friends and family. Open from 11am to 11pm on Sunday to Thursday and 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday this new take on a classic has been creating quite a buzz with locals.

The house of wings is just one example of the many unique local businesses that make up the Edmonds Street neighborhood. In the area for wings on a Saturday or Sunday? Come on by the show suite and say hi to the team – we would love to show you what sets the condos BELLA apart from the other Burnaby area developments.

Brand New Library

The brand new Tommy Douglas Library is located at 7311 Kingsway just a few blocks away from the BELLA Development and had their “soft” Grand Opening on November 17th, 2009. According to Kitty the senior clerk at the new establishment they had to keep the doors locked leading up to the opening, as local residents were so eager to use their new resource, they just couldn’t wait until it’s open. They have been talking about the process of opening the new library on their blog, located here: http://edmondslibrary.wordpress.com/

Well the wait is over! There are over 87,000 books, CD’s, DVD’s, magazines available to viewed in-house and on loan at the new brand new facility. In addition, there approximately 20 computers available for use in the new computer lab, and another 12 internet stations posted around the library all with WIFI. Beginner classes in computer usage are going to be available on a set schedule, and in addition VCC will conducting a variety of ESL classes in the computer labs for new residents to Canada.

The new Tommy Douglas Library is just another excellent example of the changes happening in the Edmonds/Highgate area. Local residents are very excited with all the infrastructure, and new businesses being attracted to the high growth area.

Bella Blooms in Edmonds

We are very excited about this article from the wonderful folks at the Burnaby News Leader. The local newspaper had heard about our building, and our unique marketing approach / video blogging. They thought it was very unique approach in the Burnaby marketplace, and thought they should come take a look at the project themselves.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Click on www.bellaliving.ca and you’ll find more than the usual descriptions of a new residential development underway.

A visit to the video blogs will actually allow prospective buyers to witness parts of the construction itself.

Between the third and fourth floors in the 33-unit, four-storey building, an additional one-and-a-half-inch-thick layer of concrete was poured to improve soundproofing between the levels (the second floor already sits on a concrete slab).

“The public can see it because we actually filmed us doing it,” said Gerald Kelly of Bella’s sales team, noting many people have found themselves disappointed on moving day when they’ve bought a condo on spec.

The video blog shows “we’re doing exactly what we say we are.” …

You can read the full article here on the Burnaby NewsLeader website.

Meet the neighbors – Oliver Twist Pub

Located just down the street from BELLA at 7557 Edmonds Street, the Oliver Twist sports lounge and liquor store offers local residents a reprieve at the end of a long day. Sit back and enjoy a cold one or a glass of wine on their outdoor patio, or engage in the pub atmosphere inside where you can keep up to date on multiple sporting events at the same time. Choose from one of 13 beers on tap, or if you are in a rush to get home, the liquor store offers you the ability to enjoy your spirits at home.

The food at the Oliver Twist is really what sets this lounge apart. Not only to they offer traditional pub favorites like Shepard’s pie and fish and chips, but they also offer food for the health conscious patron as they have a large selection of wraps and salads. If you are just looking for something to nibble on the appetizer section fits the bill with bruschetta, crab cakes, yam fries, mini burgers and the list goes on!

The Oliver Twist is a favorite with sports fans because of their large selection of TV’s so you can enjoy good company as well as sneak a few peeks at your favorite team. For UFC fans, they also feature the monthly Pay-Per-View events free of charge.

Meet the Neighbours – Osaka Island Japanese Restaurant

Located just around the corner from the BELLA is the Osaka Island Japanese Restaurant. From the moment you walk in you experience the tranquility associated with Japanese culture. Everything is thoughtfully laid out and balanced; starting with the background classical music that continuously plays right through to the traditional painted lantern displays hanging from the ceiling.

The Osaka Island is brand new and it shows because everything is spotless! To be honest that is just the beginning because the menu is truly enormous including: a huge appetizer section (try the stuffed eggplant with ground pork), sashimi, all kinds of tempura, yaksioba and yakiudon, bento boxes, oh and an absolutely massive selection of everything teriyaki. I do mean everything teriyaki, consisting of: tofu, scallops, chicken, beef, pork, seafood, steak, salmon and yes even oyster teriyaki.

Osaka Island can accommodate parties or even office parties as their party tray selection seems to cover anything anyone ever order. They currently have 20% off for their Grand Opening and I would really suggest having a meal there as the staff is very friendly and food is fresh and delicious.

Osaka Island address is 7615 – 7617 Edmonds Street in Burnaby and they are open Monday to Saturday from llam to 10pm and Sundays and holidays from 10am to 9pm. There are no reservations needed but there phone number to call ahead for pick up is 778-397-8884

FROM EDMONDS AND CANADA WAY, HAVE YOURSELVES A BELLA DAY!

A Glimpse at Burnaby & Edmonds/Highgate

The City of Burnaby has quickly gained an international reputation as both a desirable place to live, and “the hotspot” for a variety of high technology and light industry companies. Burnaby’s business success highlights the quality of the community and civic infrastructure. Access to the universities and a highly trained labour force has allowed this municipality a distinct advantage over many others. The City of Burnaby has made a large commitment to protecting the natural environment and providing parks and open spaces for all to enjoy. In addition, providing high quality community services and facilities has made Burnaby a very desirable, safe, and healthy community to live, work, and play.

The Edmonds/Highgate areas within the City of Burnaby are experiencing a vibrant revival and are poised to become some of the most dynamic and forward thinking areas in Burnaby and the Greater Vancouver area. Many young single professionals and young families are now calling the Edmonds/Highgate areas home. The dominant age group in these areas is the 25 to 34 year old category which in itself speaks volumes to sense of rebirth of these up and coming neighbourhoods. However, diversity seems to be the word to best describe these areas as it almost a 50/50 split between people born in Canada and an immigrant population. The diversity extends further when one examines the breakdown of the place of birth of this immigrant population. Five different countries make up 50% of this population and over 20 other countries make up the balance. Truly these neighbourhoods seem to define the cultural diversity of which Canada has reason to be so proud!

Our show suites launch on July 26 during the Spirit of Edmonds street festival

From Edmonds and Canada Way, have yourselves a BELLA day!

Meet the Neighbors – The Balkan House

Yet another locally famous neighbor of the BELLA development is the Balkan House restaurant located at 7530 Edmonds Street in Burnaby. Owned and operated by Vidomir and his wife, this “old school” European restaurant offers the new diner a completely unique dining experience. One enters the Balkan House and your eyes adjust to the muted lighting and you realize that you are in for a treat as you take in the authentic dark wood surroundings steeped in tradition.

Within moments extremely friendly staff greets you and take you to your table and you scan the menu which is strongly in favour of carnivores. Many specialty dishes catch your eye including the home made sausage (kobasice), smoked pork neck (vjesalica), meat patties (pljeskauica), and a variety of schnitzels. The choices are a little of overwhelming because so many of these items aren’t offered in any restaurant you have ever been in.

The choice is difficult and you select the platter for two but the surprises just keep coming as when it is delivered you realize that the portions are beyond generous and this platter for two is perhaps suited to six as it includes: specialty meats, meat patties, sausages, bacon, shish kebabs, smoked pork neck, and more sausages. The Balkan House truly offers completely satisfying meals for those with good appetites everyday including Sunday where a buffet is offered between 4pm and 8pm for $15.95 for adults and half price for children over 6.

The Balkan House is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and then from Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 10pm. The weekend hours are extended with the hours being: Friday from 4pm to 1am, Saturday from 3pm to 1am, and Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. Call for reservations at 604.524.0404 or check out their website at www.balkanhouse.info.

From Edmonds and Canada Way, have yourselves a BELLA day!

**Show Suites opening on July.26 – hope to see you all there!**

Meet the Neighbours – Butcher Boy Deli

Located at 7542 Edmonds, just a few doors down from the BELLA, the Butcher Boy Deli is truly one of the Highgate/Edmonds areas not so well kept secrets! It represents one of the best examples of the multicultural flavour of the area, and in particular the kind of loyalty that excellence brings. Talk about variety, from elk and deer sausage, to Bulgarian and Macedonian feta cheese, the Butcher Boy has virtually every kind of meat and cheese delicacy that can be imagined.

The relatively small store is jam packed with old world goodies not seen at your typical deli, as many of them are home made. The shelves are lined with all different kinds of pastas and behind the glass counter, the special cheeses such as the Polish Gouda reveal themselves. Hanging above the hard working staff, cuts of smoked lamb and beef hang along with barbequed pig and lamb to entice the shopper. Best not to go to this store on an empty stomach!

The Butcher Boy Deli can be reached at 604.522.4941 or just drop by 7542 Edmonds St. in Burnaby. You will not be disappointed.

From Edmonds and Canada Way, have yourselves a BELLA day!

What happened in Burnaby last Saturday??

A bunch of people got together to particapate in the Edmonds Clean Sweep event -that’s what happened! Great turnout, lot’s of garbage collected, great laughs and really good Hot Dogs from the Burnaby Fire Fighters.

I would like to thank all who came to help out! You guys were awesome!

The sponsors for the event, Griff Building Supplies (www.griff.ca) and Hazmasters (www.hazmasters.com) supplied us with hardhats, gloves, and safety gear.

Volunteers from Twitter:
@debruyndesign +1
@Rebecca_Bourque
@VancouverPhotos
@KyeGrace
@Shanegibson +1 
@JeffBooth +2 
@JaimeBardsley +3 
@MarcMcpherson
@hshomestaging +1 
@DarrellMorrison
@Marni_Wedin
@Lindabook
@TLChome +1 
@Avionicsman +1 
@Gregcolombo
@EthosDev +5

Other volunteers:

Jim Wong – www.studioonearchitecture.ca
Peter Panago – www.allaxissystems.com
Derek Dimartile – Vancouver Structured Mortgage Capital

THE EVENT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUCH A SUCCESS WITHOUT ALL OF YOU & YOUR AMAZING CONTRIBUTIONS!!!!

From Edmonds and Canada Way, have yourselves a BELLA day!

Burnaby Event – Edmonds Clean Sweep

Here is a quick interview with Mr. Paul Cipywnyk from the Edmonds Town Centre Business Association. Paul gives us a quick explanation of the upcoming Edmonds “Clean Sweep” event and invites everyone to help out.

At BELLA, our goal is to gather a team of 100 volunteers for the event as well as providing supplies required for the cleanup.
The event organizers are expecting between 300-400 volunteers in total. The Burnaby RCMP will also be there giving a hand. Should be a great time for all who come out. Please get in touch if you are willing to come out & support this great community event.

From Edmonds and Canada Way, have yourselves a BELLA day!