Hometown:
Andy Patton: Vancouver, British Columbia; Kim Patton: Johannesburg, South Africa; Dani Kremeniuk: Evansburg Alberta; Jeff Topham: Summerland, British Columbia

How long have you been Vancouverites:
Andy Patton: 40 years; Kim Patton: 3 years; Dani Kremeniuk: 10 years; Jeff Topham: 25 years

Occupation:
We are a big jumble of skills and experience. We’ve worked as photographers, writers, IT professionals, filmmakers, actors, editors, bartenders and small business managers. Today The Gastown Gazette kind of works as a co-op. We pitch in where and when we can, or are needed. Most days Jeff handles the photography and edits, Dani writes the Gastowners series and Gastown Style, Kim holds the team together, and Andy pontificates and publishes. What unites us is a passion for telling a great story, contributing to the community, and helping people understand the unique challenges, potential and incredible beauty of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Gastown highlights:
The Gastown area is one of Vancouver’s most dynamic neighbourhoods and pickin’ highlights isn’t easy. But some of our favourites include Nelson the Seagull, Alibi Room, Hakone Sushi, Big Lou’s Butcher Shop, Space Lab (cool vintage shit),Sunrise Market, Notturno, LYNNsteven, Guilt & Co., The Keefer Bar, The Sardine Can, Nicli Antica Pizzeria, Railtown Cafe, One of a Few, Oak + Fort, The Blarney Stone (especially when the hood gathers on a Sunday night), Lost + Found, Pidgin, Funky Winker Beans, Gringo, Prime Time Chicken (at Main and Hastings, home of the best $5 chicken chow mein), the Chinatown Night Market (during the summer), and anywhere Gastown’s legendary bartender “H” is working behind pine.

Most overlooked Gastown gem:
This neighbourhood is loaded with gems! But if we had to pick one it might be Oyster Express at 296 Keefer Street in Chinatown. It’s a buck a shuck for happy hour from 3pm – 6pm on Tuesday – Friday (but you gotta try the grilled cheese)! Oh, and the pier at Crab Park!

Your best Gastown haiku:
My feet hurt a lot
The cobbled streets are lumpy
Our steam clock’s electrical