Last spring we met up with my husband's parents and sister in citrusy Sorrento. We scheduled seven glorious days of quality time along the Amalfi coast. On our first evening, we decided to venture into the hills for dinner. Our host enthusiastically suggested a restaurant. We were clueless and curious. It was a bit of … Continue reading day 10/40: #40days40shoutouts
Category: #40shoutouts40days
day 9/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dear Vikram Vij and Meeru Dhalwala, Greetings from St Andrews, Scotland. I didn't anticipate showering praise on the owners of Vancouver's beloved Indian restauranteurs but you know what they say about Lent. Anything can happen. When my husband and I left Vancouver we were living at 10th and Hemlock, nearly around the corner from Vij's … Continue reading day 9/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 8/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dear Ina Garten, I idolized you in 2005. It started when my roommate bought me a copy of Barefoot in Paris for Christmas. It was our first December in our minuscule seaside apartment, tucked away from English Bay in Vancouver's West End. Between cooking for ourselves and hosting parties - yes, parties in a bachelor … Continue reading day 8/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 7/40: #40shoutouts40days
I hope you have an appetite because this week I would like to acknowledge those who have nurtured my passion for food and hospitality. Because a rooted identity acknowledges its history, I'll be starting before my time. A round of applause for the late Marion Congo and the soon-to-be birthday girl, June Morscheck. Before I … Continue reading day 7/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 6/40: #40shoutouts40days
You may have thought I was done affirming teachers. I thought so too, at least until this morning. Earlier today, I heard a familiar voice projecting from the kitchen speakers before breakfast. Steve is forever listening to recorded lectures and podcasts. There is no cerebral rest for the weary Ph.D. student. The voice spoke wisdom … Continue reading day 6/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 5/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dear Michael Leunig, If I hadn't fallen in love with an Australian I wouldn't have met you. What a tragedy that would have been. As newlyweds in Australia, my husband and I lay in bed reading your book Short Notes on the Long History of Happiness. We found it on our nightstand in Melbourne and … Continue reading day 5/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 4/40: #40shoutouts40days
Not everyone knows that ten years ago I put university on the back burner and enrolled in culinary school. Explaining that to a crowd of academics in St Andrews is good fun. I'll fill you in later but for now, a little tribute to one of my favourite instructors, Chef Bain. I'll admit it. I … Continue reading day 4/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 1: #40shoutouts40days
Lent looks different this year. I started a little something on Facebook and I want a permanent home for it so I'm moving it here. Behold! The first of forty affirmations. Hello, Lent. It's been a year. We still live in the same cluttered apartment but miraculously a pinch of order has been restored, both … Continue reading day 1: #40shoutouts40days
ELISSA JOY WATTS 