The paths we choose often lead us to where we could have never guessed we were going. That’s exactly how pre-made brown butter company Hunter Browns founder Lanna Lucas’ story unfolded. You see, Lanna is a researcher, not a chef. She graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia. She was…
By Karen, January 22, 2020
Honestly, a year can change so many things. I struggled through Christmas of 2018. For the first time in my life, I was put on prescription medicine. I had zero energy, an achy body, and a negative headspace. I was completely drained of all energy. At first I thought I had a bug of some…
By Karen, January 8, 2020
Picture this: it’s a super low key Friday evening at home with Russ. I pick up my phone, click over to Instagram, and see a post from Chef Paul Moran. It reads: 10 spots left for a Phil Scarfone-Paul Moran collab. I sit up, say, “No way!” and see that the date is set for…
By Karen, December 4, 2019
Brandon Pham, founder of the Vancouver Vietnamese catering company The Phamily Table, knew his calling at a young age. He worked with his mom in the family kitchen at 12 years old, pickling vegetables using their Vietnamese heritage craft. He never could shake the aromas of the spices that filled their house. Even at that…
By Karen, November 19, 2019
Some say I like my fun with a tinge of stress. Maybe that’s why hosting a baby shower for my niece Becca this past Sunday was so enjoyable. Seriously though…I love hosting people for a meaningful event. Consider this post a resource for party host tips– if you’re as intense about the details as I…
By Karen, November 6, 2019
(With Easy-Peasy Pumpkin-Spice Yogurt Recipe Just In Time For Fall) Yogurt alternatives are becoming big, and luckily here in Vancouver, we have our own delicious dairy-free coconut yogurt, courtesy of Yoggu Foods. Yoggu is the only dairy-free yogurt alternative in the marketplace that uses organic young coconut meat, in addition to our other clean ingredients…
By Karen, October 23, 2019
When I picked up my wine glass and cloth napkin at Richmond’s Feast of Fields gourmet harvest festival, I knew it was going to be a great afternoon. The event, designed to show off Vancouver’s local food producers and allow the farm folk to mingle with the city folk (like me), is incredible. But here’s…
By Karen, October 2, 2019
One of my must-ask questions when writing about a local food producer is the story behind the name. I love names. When Yvonne, maker of local Vancouver pierogies, founded her company, she was encouraged to think of a name that has a personal meaning. I’d say the one she came up with – Nina’s Pierogies…
By Karen, September 11, 2019
It’s a good week. That’s because, this week, I’m taste testing donuts. What’s the verdict on Royal City Donuts (made by the incredible Jonathan Goodridge)? I give them a solid “yum.” Bonus points: these New Westminster made donuts are ultra local for me as I live in the Royal City myself. My verdict came through…
By Karen, August 14, 2019
During our whirlwind trip to Italy, my sister-in-law Linda and I arrived at the Florence train station in the late afternoon. Across the street, after a few lefts and rights, we found our home for the next 5 days: the hotel Sina Villa Medici Autograph Collection, a refurbished 19th-century palazzo. The Sina Villa Medici Autograph…
By Karen, August 8, 2019
