VANCOUVER DAZE showcases and highlights the lifestyle and cultural scene of our beautiful city, uncovering all the INTERESTING THINGS, misadventures, and shenanigans beyond social functions and local happenings. We fiercely promote all the fun times, food, culture, and entertainment the city has to offer, along with the creative minds behind them. Follow more of my work/coverage over at RICKCHUNG.COM and on Instagram at @RICKCHUNG.

Volume 103: Memories from The Waldorf Hotel on East Hastings from October 30, 2010 to January 20, 2013. Hashtag: #RIPWaldorf / #SaveTheWaldorf. More photos available on Flickr and Tumblr.

And it always will be be (awesome, that is), no matter what. You probably heard the sad news (Bob summed it up optimistically HERE) about the latest incarnation of the iconic Waldorf Hotel.

We’ll stick to the positive stuff and celebrate all the amazing memories we have from the three short years of its newly minted existence as the reopened Eastside cultural landmark.

It was great hanging out in the Leeteg Room with some stellar food and drinks. Boasting multiple rooms, all kinds of artistic and community spaces, the Waldorf wasn’t just a place to drink, eat, or a night club, it was everything. It represented the ideals and merging nature and culture of our city.

I remember the crazy Halloween grand opening party in 2010. It was insane and an epic way to christen the venue and its future.

The Tiki Bar was a cool oasis of a watering hole and lounge. It attracted a special breed of hipsters to be admired for their dedication for making the trek to East Hastings to hangout, away from the Granville crowds. It was so full of character and interesting characters everywhere.

I marvelled at the sweet ass analogue stereo and record setup as a haven for those who loved good music and lived to dance. There wass just so much art, culture, and community all in one place.

Toast to all that the Waldorf is, was, and (hopefully) will be. Let’s hope it lives on somehow. In the meantime, drink a mai tai in its honour.