Matchstick Charity Bean Drive; Noodle Mania Back

STRATHCONA— Matchstick Coffee are getting into the spirit of the season by teaming up with Not So Fast and the Strathcona Community Centre for a festive fundraising drive until Thursday 12. Pop by to see them and pick up your bean supplies for the next few months, as 100% of whole bean sales will be donated to their children and family instructional cooking program. This hosts 'volunteer-run lessons every month for kids and families living in the neighbourhood of Strathcona. At these classes, each child is given the ingredients and knowledge needed to create a healthy meal for themselves and their families.' Good stuff - and great coffee. [Eaterwire]

ALL OVER THE CITY— The Vancouver Foodster's Noodle Mania is back for another session on January 12 from 1.30-530p.m. Tickets are on sale for the event where you wander from restaurant to restaurant, trying tasting bowls and chatting to chefs and meeting like-minded foodies. Advance tickets are $40 per person until January 9 when they are $50. [Eaterwire]