Vernal Fancies



  

Even when I was a kid I had a thing for branches. I clearly remember my mom bringing in a branch with tightly closed buds and feeling bewildered by it. It was too early for blossoms but magically they opened in the warmth of our house and that was enough to hook me for life. It's one of those simple things that can bring a lot of joy when the days never seem to get lighter and the rain just won't let up. 
Happy Spring everyone!


Photo's | Janaki Larsen

Simple Things



 I've never been one for fussy or clever cooking. It's not that I don't appreciate it but I just don't eat that way. Growing up, my mom had an uncanny way of opening the fridge door and what to most people would look like an empty fridge, she could make a beautiful, simple meal. The above lunch is made with very few ingredients, hardly takes anytime and is hugely satisfying. Good crusty bread is a bonus.

4 cups of stock
2 cups of soaked lima beans
2 sprigs of rosemary
1 onion chopped
couple of cloves of garlic, crushed
1 grilled sausage
drizzle of olive oil
salt | pepper


Sautée the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the stock, soaked beans and rosemary. Cook down until thick, you can use an immersion blender to puree a little but I like to leave some texture. Grill up a sausage, drizzle some olive oil and enjoy!


Photo's | Janaki Larsen

Black Valentine


Prague has to be the most romantic city I have visited. Mind you, I have never been to Paris.
When I think of Prague I think of dark sooty cathedrals with tarnished gold domes. I think of roast duck with caraway seeds and dumplings. Unlike Italy that glares crisp and hot in my memory, Prague is mysterious and achingly beautiful. This post is an ode to off beat romance, the rich, dark earthy kind.
Above are roasted pears on brie with honey and duck confit with lingonberry and hazelnuts, both of which will be on special in the café this friday.

Happy New Year!




     I know, it's been 1 month since Christmas. Santa has come and gone and everyone's thoughts are on spring. So before it seems way too strange, I wanted to post some photo's from Santa's visit. Sorry for the long delay between posts, I was hibernating for a little bit. 
    Santa's visit was one of those classic Marché afternoons. A little bit crazy, kind of chaotic and a lot of fun. We made a photo booth that was reminiscent of a Norse lodge with pine needles on the ground and a grand old chair draped in sheep skins. We sang carols and I am pretty sure we saw all the neighbourhood kids (and some pets and parents) take a turn on Santa's lap.
    Most importantly we raised 517.00$ through generous donations for the Vancouver Food Bank.
So thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed the afternoon, we look forward to next Christmas
and an even bigger production! Hope you all enjoyed the Holidays and are now comfortably settled into the New Year.  
Happy 2014!



Special Thanks to:
Santa Claus
A&b Party Rental
Niki Trading
Vancouver Food Bank