Summer Time…Chilin’ and Cooking

 

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Chilin’ on Fourth – Yuzu Lemonade @ Raisu

Summer Time: Chillin’ and Cooking….A snapshot of my July in Vancouver..

On Wednesday July 27 I will be on Ms. Deborah Moore’s radio show on Fairchild Radio 1470 at 10:30am sharp!  ‘If you have any feedback or recommendations, I would love to hear from you!  Drop me a line anytime at goldenapron@gmail.com

Keep Chilin’ and Cooking (OO)

 

Modern Chinese Cooking Class @ Nourish Cafe (3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC)

Last week my “cooking buddy” Jo and I took a ‘Modern Chinese Cooking Class” at the newly opened Nourish Cafe; owner and instructor Dan taught us how to make a simple version of “baos” (steamed buns) and “Dan Dan Noodles” – it was a fun and refreshing take on some old Chinese classics!  I went with no expectation and left with great ideas; in fact Dan has solved one of my recent cooking dilemmas!  Nourish’s food philosophy and practices are actually very close to what I’ve been learning over the past few years since we made some significant lifestyle changes; Thank you Dan and Lisa, it was great pleasure meeting you both and I shall return sometime!  Check their website for class schedules.

http://www.nourishvancouver.ca

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Brunching at Nourish – Sriracha hummus and potato cakes and Eggs Benny; they offer delicious and nutritious options for Vegetarians and Vegans

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Dan’s Dan Dan – here’s what we assembled and devoured in class ; the tahini and almond butter base “dan dan” sauce was absolutely delicious! Thanks Dan for the inspiration, you actually just solved one of my cooking dilemmas!
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Deb’s experimental Dan Dan – inspired by Dan’s recipe, I’ve changed things up a bit by adding sea kelp noodles (50% kelp/50% regular noodle), sesame tahini (omit sesame oil) and balsamic vinegar. Recipe coming soon.

French cooking classes: Tartine and Maple

http://www.tartineandmaple.com

French cooking is always very close my heart; Jo and I attended two demo-cooking (French cooking and later Brioche) classes learning from the lovely Valentine at Uncommon Cafe, she definitely made everything so easy!   Check her website for class schedule!

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Below is the picture of the asparagus and cheese tart which I created at home, following her recipe (from her other french cooking class); I think I may have conquered my fear in working puff pastry…one step at a time!

 

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Shrimp croquettes @ Raisu in Kitslano

The latest “sister” restaurant to Kingyo (Davie), Rajio (west 10th) and Suika (West Broadway); Raisu opened recently on West 4th Avenue (2340 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC),  a big thank you to Brian (Seafood City) who told me about this new venue!  There’s no storefront on the street level, look for a small entrance which leads you to an open space with patio on the second floor!

The shrimp croquette was so delicious and resembled the fluffy crab claws at a Chinese banquet; the vegetarian udon was packed with flavor! A cool open space with good vibe, where else would you be listening to Billy Joel and watching old-time Bruce Lee’s movies while enjoying some delicious bites?  Reservations recommended (by phone only).

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We usually associate croquettes with potatoes; this is completely different and I think they have hit a home run with this dish! Now I’m curious and want to “dissect” this at home..
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We waited for 45 minutes for a table at another drinking place; so we didn’t try their Teishoku! Vegetarian udon was light and packed with flavor (miso)…Love it!

An old favorite revisited: Secret Garden Tea Company

My buddy DP and I paid a visit to this established and timeless favourite in Kerrisdale, they will be moving this summer!   We had their High Tea set and I think their lemon tarts is still my favourite…They will be moving to a new location (on West 40th, still in the neighbourhood) sometime this summer.

http://www.secretgardentea.com

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It’s never too hot to cook: check out my noodle recipes (new and old postings)

I’m making more “mixed” noodle dishes this summer, experimenting with the spiralizer (yes finally new toy!) and new products (kelp noodle); meanwhile check out my old recipes (Type in the keywords in the “search” box (left column) above “RECENT POSTS”.  My favourite recent posting is last month’s Sake Kasu sablefish (OO)

  • Sea Kelp “noodle” – available at Whole Foods – experimenting and recipe coming soon!  Check out my instagram!

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  • My Lazy Phnom Penh Noodle (July 2014) – it’s still one of my favourite things to make)

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  • Mushroom Soba Salad (February 2014)
  • Vegetarian Soba with Lemon Vinaigrette (March 2016)

 

 

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