"Well," he said frankly, "those are exquisite orchids." He tilted his head and an unwarranted look of skepticism spread across his bearded face. His words and his expression were incongruous. I would eventually recognize the look on this man's face but at the time, I didn't know what to think. Leaning in, he squinted to … Continue reading day 38/40 #40shoutouts40days
Dear super amazing first boss, For Lent I decided I would leisurely stroll down memory lane, thanking people who played a role in my life, big or small. Tonight I am grappling for the right words because I feel like I owe you so many more thanks than I could possibly articulate on so little … Continue reading day 20/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dear Ashley Rodriguez, I knew you were talented long before I became a fan solely because of the way Jono talked about your bacon caramels. His wife, my precious friend Aimee, easily gets excited about pretty much anything but not Jono. I think that's why they are a perfect pair. Jono is a critic. Jono … Continue reading day 13: #40shoutouts40days
Located on the perimeter of Vancouver's Granville Island Public Market is a charcuterie paradise known as Oyama Sausage Co. Even the name is delicious, isn't it? Oyama! How you have spoiled me, Oyama. I don't dare estimate how much I have spent on your glorious pâtés and cured meats. I am a blubbering fool when … Continue reading day 12/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dearest Bobby, I know I should address you properly as Father Robert or R.F. Capon, or at very least Mr Capon, but now that I am intimately acquainted with your work, I feel as though we are chums, you and I. I'm sure you would also want to abandon courtesies and instead call me Liss. … Continue reading day 11/40: #40shoutouts40days
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
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
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
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
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
ELISSA JOY WATTS 