February 15, 2010
Anthony Sedlak first entered the world of food not because of his love for all things culinary, but to get hold of a free snow boarding pass! That was one of the perks of his job bussing tables at one of North Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain restaurants, where he began working at the ripe old age of 13 years. However, he quickly developed a love for working in a kitchen and by 19 had completed a culinary arts programme and a four-year apprenticeship. He represented Canada at the Hans Bueschken World Junior Chef Challenege in New Zealand when he was 23, and won a silver medal. Later that same year he became the winner of Food Network Canada’s Superstar Chef Challenge, which eventually led to hosting his own show – The Main – for a total of four seasons.
Anthony is now embarking on his next culinary adventure, heading up the kitchen as Executive Chef for Vancouver’s much anticipated new restaurant (The Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe). Prior to opening, Anthony was able to take time out of his busy day to talk to me about his book, food, and how Vancouver is pretty much the coolest city around!
To read the entire interview with Chef Anthony Sedlak, click here.
To read my review of The Main: Recipes, click here.
January 15, 2010
Whenever I feel the need to escape from life for a few hours and truly unwind, I don’t head to the nearest spa or sit by the beach with a novel. Nope. Instead I head over to what has become my own personal utopia: Barbara-Jo’s Books To Cooks. Located in Vancouver, this store houses everything and anything to do with cookbooks including books for professionals and beginners, rare and out-of-print books, and culinary periodicals from around the world. The store’s owner, Barbara-Jo McIntosh, designed the store to be an epicurean’s delight where food lovers and cooks of all abilities would find inspiration. An award-winning food professional with over 25 years experience in the food and hospitality industry, Barbara-Jo served on the prestigious James Beard Awards cookbook selection committee for six years. In 2003, Vancouver Magazine honoured her with a lifetime achievement award for her many contributions to the local culinary scene.
From the moment I step through the doors of this cookbook lover’s domain, I start to relax. The welcoming vibe of the store allows me to temporarily forget all of my stresses, and languidly browse books while enjoying a cup of complimentary tea. The focal point of the shop is the fully-equipped kitchen, where cooking classes and demonstrations feature recipes from new and notable books. I have yet to sign-up for a cooking class, but am determined to make it happen this year.
Recently I had an opportunity to chat with Barbara-Jo.
Our topic? Cookbooks. Duh.
To read the entire interview with Barbara-Jo McIntosh, click here.
December 4, 2009
Chef Michael Smith is one of Canada’s most prominent culinary figures. He is an award-winning chef, host of Food Network Canada’s Chef at Home and Chef Abroad, and is the official Food Ambassador for Prince Edward Island.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Michael Smith has been a professional chef for over 20 years. He is dedicated to supporting young Canadian chefs and the culinary education of our youth, and is continuously encouraging families to return to their kitchens and rediscover the joy of cooking. Michael’s style of cooking embraces the idea of simple, practical, and nutritious meals along with the exploration of “freestyle” cooking (using recipes merely as a guide for creating your own culinary masterpieces).
I was recently able to have a chat with Michael Smith while he was in town promoting his new cookbook, “The Best of Chef at Home”. Our conversation was truly inspiring, and his passion for food, cooking, and family is completely contagious.
To read the entire interview with Chef Michael Smith, click here.
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