Radha started off the new year by opening our doors for a full day of yoga classes, a cooking demo, a lunch and steaming mugs of chai – all free of charge! Thanks to everyone who came to participate.

We are thrilled to be highlighted in the latest edition of VegNews in the article “Healthy Post-Workout Eats,” by Gabrielle Pope and Michael Parrish DuDell. We are one of two vegan restaurants (the other is in NYC) to be featured that combines excellent food with healthy living:

Ascend Radha’s staircase entrance off unassuming Main Street in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, and you’ll be drawn into the dazzling serenity and aroma of Radha Yoga & Eatery, a yoga studio by day and vegan restaurant by night. The room features an attractive bar, local art, a stage for the occasional event or concert, and tasteful décor—all constructed with the environment in mind. In 2009, Radha closed its doors for several months to undergo green renovations that include an air-source heat pump, solar light tubes, LED and fluorescent dimmable lights, and a green roof. Continuing the eco-conscious theme, Radha sources as many of its ingredients as possible from local organic farms that then become the inspiration for its rotating menus. Remove all the tables, and you have what is possibly one of the most stunning studios in yoga-crazy Vancouver. Read the whole article here!

The Grassroots Wedding Fair is an eco-friendly and sustainable wedding fair that aims to create a sense of community by connecting engaged couples with local artisans and green businesses.  They recently came to visit Radha and here is what they had to say about us:

“Not only does Radha supply organic menu items, but they actively support local farmers. Their menu changes seasonally because of their focus on local and sustainable food supplies. Their space is warm and inviting and with a commitment, not just to the environment, but also to the local community, Radha is the place to hold your wedding reception.” Read the rest of their review here.

Our lovely old piano had a tune-up last week and the piano tuner (AKA “piano technician”) was impressed with our seasoned instrument and with the Radha space as well.  He even blogged about us here.

Any pianists out there?  Our German Dohnert would love to make your acquaintance!

Last week Shaw TV did a piece on Radha and a few other area businesses as part of a focus on the Downtown Eastside for the Heart of the City Festival. Radha is proud to be a part of this vibrant community.

Last week Radha held a clothing swap party that doubled as a fundraiser for WISH, a Downtown Eastside women’s drop-in centre.  It was a big hit – with tables piled high of good quality clothing and a crowd of eager swappers.  People who didn’t bring clothes but that wanted to take some could leave money instead, as a donation for WISH.  All the leftover clothing was donated to the organization as well.  A great time was had by all.

Word on the Street is an annual book fair that happens outside the Vancouver Public Library.  Radha tabled the event through our publisher, Timeless Books, which offers eastern wisdom to the western mind.  We made many new friends, including Jian Ghomeshi!

Radha recently participated in the Carnegie Centre’s DTES Health Fair. The purpose of the Fair was to offer resources to residents of the Downtown Eastside that are interested in improving their health and their lives. Radha yoga instructors led participants through hatha postures, breathing exercises and meditation.

Last week Radha opened its doors to all for our day-long open house. Our guests stretched their minds and bodies in our hatha, dream and kundalini classes, learned culinary skills during a cooking demo, and enjoyed a delicious lunch and steaming mugs of chai – all free of charge!

Being a non-profit yoga centre and restaurant, it is one of our priorities to offer services and events such as this at an affordable cost (or free!) to the community. We believe that people from all walks of life and economic situations should be able to access paths to healthier living. We always graciously accept donations, which allow us to continue to provide service to all.

Please enjoy this video that presents a little bit of everything that our Radha centre is about: yoga, community, spirituality, local food, green technology, karma yoga and more! And don’t miss our Chi & Chai Open House this Sunday, which will include an array of yoga classes, a cooking demo, a lunch and more – all free!