by Meghan Roberts
“Where did you take me?” my friend exclaimed, looking around uncomfortably at the new restaurant I had invited her to. I had taken her to Calabash Bistro (428 Carrall), a new Caribbean restaurant in Vancouver’s downtown eastside.  Not the typical destination for dinner dates, but definitely one of my new favourites that I foresee frequenting a lot.

Calabash aims to be a hub in the ever-evolving downtown eastside community.  Upstairs the dining room is bright with natural light and a view of the wheelings and dealings of Carrall Street.  Downstairs there is a comfortable lounge, complete with a DJ booth hosting Foundation Radio.  The lounge also serves as a gallery space, so the walls are lined with local art from emerging artists.  Calabash is licensed as a live music venue, a notoriously hard honour to receive in Vancouver, so watch for upcoming hip-hop, reggae, and poetry performances.

The food is as laid back as the atmosphere, and surprisingly cheap.  All of the mains are under $15, and you get a generous portion.  The chicken curry served in a roti reminded me of the great street food I had in Barbados…..sooooo tasty. The drinks are a standard $10 each, but I suppose they’re creative enough to warrant the steep price.

Calabash also has an impressive Caribbean rum menu; easily the most extensive I’ve ever seen.  It’s featured in many of their cocktails and a wicked rum-soaked fruit salad.  Much more sophisticated than the vodka fruit salads the frats served in my university days.

Calabash is open late, so you can go there first for a bite to eat, last for a final round of cocktails and snacks, or make it your destination for the entire night.  With weekly dance parties thrown into the mix, it’ll be sure to please everyone!