This is an archived blog from when I ran Conscious Public Relations Inc. from 2008-2018. Excuse the potential outdated-ness!
In about 3 weeks, some of my out of town family will be coming for somewhat of a reunion. I have one aunt who is known for her paella (Spanish rice) and the last time she made it here in Vancouver, it was one of the most memorable meals I have ever had. The rice was flavoured like nothing I had ever tasted (and it was Uncle Ben’s!) and sitting around a table with my family, talking with a huge pan of this gorgeous food in front of us, was something I’ll never forget.
Even though I’ve gradually evolved into eating a nearly vegan diet, I have accumulated an even greater respect for food and that power it has, especially in our city. Vancouver has one of the most diverse food scenes globally, and we have people who are very passionate about local, organic food. A few nights ago I was blown away by the second in the 3-part event series, THOUGHT4FOOD, run by COPIA Meetup’s Chiara (Alanna) Fero (next event June 18). Similar to Vancouver Foodster’s Food Talks Vancouver series (next event June 11), there was a panel of speakers there to talk about their backgrounds in food and how they started their companies (from homemade products to manufacturers and distributors). The crowd of over 50 people proved how equally passionate people are about food in our city.
This weekend is EAT! Vancouver, my biggest client event of the year – and though my highlight is working with some of the Food Network’s hosts, I am blown away by the thousands that come year after year, celebrating all things food. In an interview that came out this week with Joseph Planta of The Commentary, Spice Goddess Bal Arneson said that she pinches herself every day in disbelief that her career is sitting next to Iron Chef Bobby Flay judging food. Chef Flay said he loved her spices – and that is the true power of food, bringing people together who might not otherwise meet.
I won’t go on to talk about the importance of local, or urban farming, or whole foods… as it’s just going to get talked about more and more. So I’ll just end off with gratitude and by showcasing some of the things I’ve eaten recently that hold more meaning than just physical nourishment.
Dessert spread at my birthday tea party ft. vegan Earl Grey Cartems donuts
