Pajo's» Blog

Dear all,

As the weather is shifting gears between the rain, the sun, the cloud and the wind, our store hours are also deemed to change. BUT please rest assured, we guarantee that we’ll be open on  weekends at three of our locations; the Wharf, Garry Point Park and Rocky Point Park.

For weekdays, however, we’ll have to see what the weather is  looking like the next day to decide  whether to open or not.

So stay TUNED you guys, we’ll definitely keep you in the loop if anything comes up. Or else, you could call our locations to check it out before you head down there too!

Please see our store locations and phone number here.

Oh and don’t forget, our Pajo’s Craving contest is on until the end of this month. Check it out to win a $100 Pajo’s Gift Certificate.

Bye for now and hope to see you around soon!

We may have originated in Steveston, but we also have another famous location at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. YES we have been there for 25 years and it is an amazing place to soak up the summer sunshine!

This post will then be dedicated to our much loved city of Port Moody. Let’s see if its history is as moody as it sounds. 

The early history of the Port Moody area was dominated by two events: the 1858 gold rush on the Fraser and the 1886 arrival of the first transcontinental train. With the sudden appearance of thousands of gold prospectors in the Fraser Valley and the need to develop a back-door defense for the burgeoning town of New Westminster, the Royal Engineers (commanded by Col. Richard Moody, after whom Port Moody was named in 1859) were directed to clear a trail from the new capital of British Columbia to Burrard Inlet.

The little town received little attention until it was declared the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1879 which was the condition that prompted British Columbia to enter into confederation in 1871.

The railway was completed with the last spike driven at Craigellachie on November 7, 1885 and a train arriving at Port Moody the next day. The first scheduled passenger transcontinental train arrived on July 4, 1886, a date which is still celebrated during Golden Spike Days. Real estate prices soared, but soon fell flat when a branch line was built to Vancouver in 1887.

Though many people moved and the town remains small, Port Moody still maintain a sense of community and on June 16, 2004, Port Moody was officially trademarked as the “City of the Arts.” Historically, Port Moody was a destination for artists because of its low rent, beautiful scenery and ambient lighting. Today, it is home to annual festivals, arts groups and diverse facilities that help foster a creative community.

Well, that is the story behind our community in Port Moody, where small is still beautiful. If you want to drop by and get a feeling of arts around Vancouver, you can drop by at Port Moody Art Center and maybe come and say HI at our location in Rocky Point Park too.

Welcome back to’ All and Around. ‘February is here and Valentine is coming closer. Let’s have a look below and see what our neighbors have to offer this month in case you want to swing by some day.

Stevston- The Wharf and Garry Point Park 

Chinese New Year Tea (Feb., 4^th- 5^th)

London Heritage Farm opens for 2012 with Chinese New Year Tea on February 4^th and 5^th, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Celebrate heritage and culture while bringing in the New Year of the Dragon, tasting home-baked goods and tea, browsing gift shop and finding out about the oldest standing residence in Richmond. Visit www.londonfarm.ca.  

Farmer’s Market (Feb., 5^th& 19th)

Winter farmers market in Steveston continues in Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Come an experience the fun and discover your favorite piece of craft as well as local produce. Market opens from 10am to 3pm. Check www.sfam.ca for more information.

Valentine’s Day Tea (Feb., 12^th)

Treat a guest to London Lady Tea, a scone and three other homemade goodies inside the lovely heritage tea room at the restored and furnished 1890′s London Heritage Farmhouse. For more information visit www.londonfarm.ca.

Port Moody – Rocky Point Park

Farmer’s Market (Feb. 12^th & 26^th)

If you live around the area, come visit the market and support local farmers and crafters. This Port Moody farmer’s market will not disappoint you for sure. Market starts from 10am to 2pm at Port Moody Recreation Complex. Want to learn more? Visit http://makebakegrow.com/our-markets/

That’s it for this month, and don’t forget all four Pajo’s locations will be open on the last two weekends of February. YES! Please mark your calendar to come down and visit us on February 18th-19th and  25th – 26th.  

Have a happy Valentine’s Day and we’ll hear back from you at our March All and Around again alright?

All the Best,

Photo Credit: www.londonfarm.ca, www.sfam.ca, www.makebakegrow.com

A lot of you know that our headquarters are in Steveston, Richmond. Yes! Our original location, and by far the most popular one, is on the wharf close to the fisherman’s wharf. Having been here for more than 25 years, Steveston is very dear to us. And there are some parts of Steveston that we’d like to share with you all.

Photo Credit: www.knowbc.com

This post will be dedicated to our beloved village and its history. Let’s travel back in time and learn the story behind this enchanting fishing village.

Though Steveston is famous for its salmon fishery and cannery in the past, the beginning of the village stemmed from a small farming community in 1878 when Manoah and Martha Steves and their six children permanently settle the southwest corner of Lulu Island, in what is now known as Steveston. After much planning and expansion of the family estate, Steves’ son William Herbert, developed the town site with help from the British Army Engineers. In 1890, the town had its own opera house, church, hotels, retail stores, and a wharf.

The fish cannery industry did not flourish until 1882 when that the commercial fishery was firmly established as the economic engine

Photo Credit: www.vancouver-historical-society.ca

that would power Steveston for the next century. By 1890, Steveston was a full-blown boom town, with 15 canneries along its waterfront and record catches of salmon, herring and other species. Steveston canneries were shipping salmon overseas, setting a record of 16-million pounds in 1901.However, by 1912, the fish processing lines had become automated and the town’s population was reduced by nearly half and the canning activity slowly declined and finally ceased in the 1990s.

Today, Steveston still maintains the character of a quaint, historic fishing village, with over 600 fishing boats––Canada’s largest fleet, calling Steveston Harbor home. Over the years, due to its still active fishing fleet, historic buildings, and National Historic Site, The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Steveston is still very much a small fishing village, though changing quickly. It boasts over 350 businesses and services to accommodate its growing population. Steveston has become a popular place to visit and live. On sunny days, visitors flock to Steveston’s waterfront boardwalks to enjoy the scenery, people and food.

Photo Credit: www.virtualtourist.com

Now that you know the story behind this fisherman village, it’s time to come down and visit this wonderful place. And if you are lucky and the weather is nice, don’t forget to drop by and say hi at our Steveston locations close to the Fisherman’s wharf and Garry Point Park too.

Bye for now, and stay tuned for “Our Hood’s Story” series about Garry Point Park next time.

We know, New Year’s is not here yet and the count-down is about to begin. But we just want to give you a head-up about what will be happening around our neighborhood in January.

If you are unsure of what your post-New Year’s celebration would be like, have a look here and you will see there are still tons of fun events going on.

STEVESTON 

Steveston Fire Hall Celebration (Jan. 7^th & 8^th)

This weekend only, our Garry Point location will be open to serve our famous fish and chips for you all as we will be celebrating the 26^th Anniversary of the Steveston Fire Hall, we will be donating free fish and chips for all the firemen who drop by on those two days. If you crave our fish and chips during these closing months, you might as well want to drop by.

Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market (Jan. 22^nd)

Yes, winter market is still here and you can find your favorite local produce and beautiful craft piece of your choice at our famous Farmers and Artisans Market. Just drop by at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 10am to 3pm. And don’t forget to dress warm as it can be quite chilly inside the Cannery. Want to learn more? Visit www.sfam.ca

PORT MOODY & PORT COQUITLAM

Polar Bear Swim at Rocky Point Park (Jan. 1^st)

New Year is here and nothing is better to beat it with a Polar Bear Swim at Rocky Point Park. Feel the crisp clear water of the Burrard Inlet while welcoming the New Year. Our Rocky Point location will be open on that day too so you can drop by to have a bite after the swim.

Polar Bear Swim in Port Coquitlam (Jan. 2nd)

Come and join the first annual Polar Bear swim at Hyde Creek Recreation Center from 1 to 3pm. There will be tons of aquatic games, relays and contests. Don’t be missed out. Want to know more, click HERE!

Port Moody Winter Farmers Market (Jan. 15^th & 28^th)

Join the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market on Sunday from 10am to 2pm at Port Moody Recreation Complex. Discover what the local farmers have to offer during the winter here!

Evergreen Family Series: Diana David (Jan. 29^th)

Take a Closer Look is a visually dynamic show about a young girl finding her way through a new school. Jam-packed with Hip Hop dancing, clowning, miming, shadow play, contact juggling, multimedia and a very important message.

Well that’s it for January.

Have a happy New Year everyone and enjoy the count down for us too! ^ ^

Just so you know, we will be open at certain locations on certain days in January. See below for more information.

Rocky Point Park Location – January 1^st, 2012

It is a New Year’s tradition in Port Moody that the crowd will come down to Rocky Point Park for a Polar Bear Swim to welcome the New Year. And it is also our culture to join the crowd, not swimming down the Burrard Inlet but opening up and serving our famous fish and chips to the Polar Bear swimmers! And if you happen to visit Port Moody on that day, make sure you come by and say Hi! We will be open for lunch. And hopefully the weather is on our side on that day. Fingers crossed.

Garry Point Park Location – January 7th-8^th, 2012

To mark a 30^th anniversary of the Christmas Tree Recycling weekend, our Garry Point location will be open for breakfast and lunch to serve all who come down to Steveston to send their Christmas trees off. Apart from that, we will be donating burgers and chips to all the Steveston firemen who have been working hard throughout the year too.  It is just a little treat we can do for them right?

Steveston Village Location – the Wharf

You may as well see us open for lunch on sunny weekends in January. All we need is a little sun and a warmer temperature. Call us ahead at 604-272-1588 and see. Or check out our blog for updates.

 That is it for us in January. Hopefully you all are feeling better with us opening on those days.

If you have Pajo’s crave, you can give us a visit and don’t forget to capture your moment and post it on our Facebook wall before February 29^th and be entered to win a $100 valued Pajo’s Gift Certificate. See our contest page here!

Welcome back to All and Around for December guys!

We bet, you are looking forward to Christmas celebrations around all four Pajo’s locations. YES! There are tons of fun celebrations around town which you can totally join and  make the best out of the coming holiday season.

Let’s have a look at what will be offered around our stores, so we know what to do and where to go!

STEVESTON

Girls Night Out – Dec. 1st

From 5-11pm on Wednesday Dec. 1st, it’s time for all the Stevestonian gals to hang out around Steveston Village. The theme this time is “Shop – Connect – Celebrate” and for sure there’ll be a lot of deals around the village from dining to shopping. Want to join the girls? Tickets are $20 and check out their Facebook page here!

Christmas at the Cannery – Dec. 3^rd to 23^rd

This second annual Festival of trees will take you through the themed Christmas trees decorated by local merchants in Steveston. The tour starts at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery seven days a week from 10am to 5pm! Come and enjoy the lights and the trees sighting and X’mas decorations in Steveston Village. Visit www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com to learn more.

Christmas in Steveston Village – Dec. 3^rd

On December 3^rd, from 2pm – 6pm Santa comes at Fisherman’s Wharf in true nautical style, aboard a whale watching boat! Horse drawn carriage rides circle the beautifully lit village.  This full of fun event will be an exceptional experience for all families and friends.

Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 4^th

On Sunday December 4^th, it’s time to have a breakfast with Santa taking place from 9.30am to 11.30am at Steveston Community Center. Remember to register at www.richmond.ca.

Holiday Cinema at the Cannery Dec. 10^th & 17^th 

On December 10^th and 17^th, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery will host a Family Christmas Movie event featuring “Home Alone” on the 10^th and “White Christmas” on the 17^th. Want to learn more? Visit www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com.

Steveston Farmers Market – Dec. 11^th

Drop by at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and meet the makers and farmers of the winter farmers and artisans market in Steveston. Who knows you might as well find some goodies perfect for the Christmas celebration! Check it out www.sfam.ca.

Steveston Santa Parade – Dec. 23^rd

Come and join Steveston’s Santa Parade organized by Steveston Rotary. The parade starts at Hunt St., First Ave, Tird Ave. down to Moncton and later to Steveston Community Center. Sounds like fun?  Check out their website here!

PORT MOODY & PORT COQUITLAM

Coquitlam Christmas Craft Sale – Dec. 2^nd to 4^th

On Friday December 2^nd to Sunday 4th, the 31^st Annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Sale is held take place at Poirier Community Center. Meet more than 100 vendors with a variety of locally made items from jewelry, ceramics to food and much more. $2 adults and $1 children and seniors. Want to learn more call 604-469-9669 or e-mail coquitlamcrafts@gmail.com

Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 3^rd 

On Saturday 3^rd from 9am to 12pm, join Santa for pancakes and sausages and enjoy carols and crafts at Place Maillardville community center. Offered in partnership with Club Bel Âge, food prepared and served by Maillardville Lions. Register early, limited space. Visit www.placemaillardville.ca for further information.

Light up the Square: A Lantern Affair! – Dec. 3^rd

Carré Heritage Square presents its free seasonal event Light up the Square: A Lantern Affair from 4.30pm to 7.30pm on December 3^rd. Live music, storytelling, artisan demonstrations, arts activities and more await young and old alike. Make your very own lantern to deck the hall and keep your eyes peeled for a visit by the jolly old elf Père Noël! Want to know more? Visit www.placedesarts.ca.

Jingle Bell Jog – Dec. 4^th

On Sunday December 4^th from 8.30 to 11.30am, you can join the first annual Jingle Bell Jog
(5km) and Reindeer Run (1km) starting at Coquitlam Centre. Wearing their red technical t-shirts and Santa hats, over 200 runners will run from Coquitlam Centre around Lafarge Lake and back. The There will be music, prizes and refreshment. For more information and to register for this fun family run go to www.runnersden.ca. And, remember to bring a food or toy donation!

Oh well, that’s it for this month. Hope you enjoy the full fun Christmas celebration that the city has to offer. Until next month guys!

Oh and don’t forget about our Pajo’s Crave Contest too! Share with us what you do when you miss us and be entered to win $100 Gift Certificate!

Merry Christmas everyone

We wish you all the best for the coming new year!!

See you again NEXT YEAR!

As summer is leaving us far behind and the dark and cold winter months are arriving, all four Pajo’s locations will be closed until spring 2012.

What? You miss us and our fish and chips?

Well, if you really do miss us, you can share with us how you satisfy your Pajo’s Crave during the closing months and get a chance to win $100 Pajo’s Gift Certificate for the 2012 season.

Here’s how to enter:

1) Post your  master piece showing us how you satisfy your Pajo’s crave on our Facebook Wall before February 29th, 2012.  

2) Tweet “I’ve entered to win $100 @pajos_fishchips gift certificate  http://ow.ly/7pivs. LIKE my work  here [link to your post on our facebook wall] RT pls” on your twitter account and/or post it on your Facebook wall.

3) Ask your friends to vote for you by clicking “LIKE” or comment on your work.

** Please note that, only fans can vote on our page.

 Seriously, can’t wait to see how much you miss us!

Welcome back you all to All and Around. Despite the chilled weather that is arriving so soon, there are still some cool things to do in our neighborhood; Steveston, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam. Let’s have a look what fun things to do this month so we can approximately guess what to do during the coming month.

Steveston

Annual Retro & Curio Sale:

From Friday November 4^th toSaturday 5^th from 9.30 am to 3.30pm, at the Richmond Hospital Auxiliary thrift store, there will be a hundreads of  treasures to discover, including: china, crystal, silver, jewellery, vintage linens, collectibles, furniture and pictures.  All proceeds go to the Richmond Hospital. Want to know where it is? See the map here.

Walk Richmond:

On Sunday November 5th, it’s time to stroll through Steveston’s historic fishing village while passing markets, galleries and shops. Walk will start at 10 am from Garry Point park. Check this out for more information. 

Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market:

As winter is approaching the Farmers and Artisans Market is moved into the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. This month, the winter market will take place on Sunday November 13^th and 27^th from 10am to 3pm. Once again, it’s time to meet the makers and rave about the coming Christmas ideas. Want to learn more about the market visit their website online at www.sfam.ca

Steveston Christmas Craft Fair:

on Saturday, November, 26^th from 10am to 4pm, you can drop by at Steveston Community Center to see what Christmas crafts Steveston has to offer. This year, there will be more than 150 vendors. Admission by cash donation or non-perishable food for the Richmond Food Bank.

Port Moody and Port Coquitlam

Opening Reception of the Christmas Marketplace:

On Thursday November 3^rd, from 6 to 8pm, the annual Christmas Market place is held in the 3-D gallery of the Port Moody Arts Center and will continually be updated and refreshed with new pieces from artists’ studios until the close of the event on December 22nd. For more information, please visit www.blackberrygiftshop.ca

Family Movie Night:

On Friday November 4^th from 6:30pm – 9:30pm at 4250 Shaughnessy St., Coquitlam, it’s time to bring your PJ’s blankets, teddy’s, foamies and pillows and watch Finding Nemo on the big screen! Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Fun filled night to help families affected by childhood cancer. Admission is $5 per person. For more information visit www.gabydavisfoundation.com/events.htm

Annual Exibition and Sale of Original Art:

On November 4^th - 6^th, the Port Moody Art Association proudly presents its 44^th Annual Exhibition and Sale of Original Art at the Social Recreation Center where over 300 original paintings are on sale. Further information, please visit www.portmoodyartassociation.com

Tricities Baker’s Community Market:

On Saturday Novembe 12th from 10am to 2pm, the Baker’s Community Market is back for the fall. This free event offers sweet treats made by fabulous local bakers, samples and free parking. Come by to stock up on your favourite seasonal indulgences. Bring 3 items of non-perishable food for a chance to win a basket of baked goods. All food is donated to SHARE Society. For further information visit http://tricitiesmarket.blogspot.com

Santa’s Arrival Parade:

On Saturday November 19^th from 12-12:30pm on Barnet Hwy at Coquitlam Center,  you can join this fun and exciting event when Santa, his slves and special friends arrive in Santaland. FREE admission.

Winter Artisans Fair:

On November 26^th from 11am to 6pm, you can celebrate the holidays early as Leigh Square’s 4th Annual Winter Artisans Fair returns to offer affordable, quality art and fine crafts and edibles.  You’ll find that distinctive holiday gift for someone special!  Bring out the whole family to enjoy arts, crafts, yummy treats, the Annual Lighting of Leigh Square and of course – a visit from Santa!!   For more information, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare

3^rd Annual Unwrapped:

On Tuesday November 22^nd from 7pm to 11pm at Coquitlam Centre, join the most exciting event of this season and help support locals charities at 3rd Annual Unwrapped. This event will feature One-Night-Only special sales, hourly grand prize draws, door prize, festive tunes and entertainment localrestaurant and wine tastings. Stanta photos and gift wrap are by donation. 100% of ticket sales support participating charities. Tickets are $10. For more information visit 604-464-1414.

 Alright, hopefully we got everything covered with all the events and celebrations that will be happening around our locations this month. Yep, finally, It’s time to get yourself ready for the coming Christmas Celebration once again! 

Cheers,

Although we do not serve pumpkin pie at our locations, but we can’t help ourselves not joining the Halloween hype around this time of the year. So Here’s a little video clip about pumpkin facts. 

Have a look you guys and you’ll know a lot more about Halloween pumpkins!