adventures!

Sometimes I cook the same foods over and over, especially with recipes that I really like. But usually this is short-lived, and then I move on to another obsession, and then only make the obsession occasionally, as anyone *normal* would do. Although, I am always looking for more inspiration. Sometimes I find great ideas in cookbooks. Oh, if you only knew how many books! The local public library must always be short on cookbooks, as I think most of them are floating about the house... I do like to search out odd and unusual dishes, which are not already popular. Ancient or geographically faraway dishes with some historical significance. Magazines are certainly a joy too, albeit far more trendy. Although, I also frequent books about travel, and search out websites of restaurants which sound particularly delicious. Certainly, I find a lot of ideas on the internet - the resources are unlimited, and constantly evolving. The internet is a fascinating source of information, due its completely fluid nature. Simply amazing. Of course, there is a lot of inspiration to find while in the act of eating too! When all else fails to be of any interest, there are always the local shops. I love little eating adventures. Every outing is the favourite part of my week! You just never know what you're going to find. A new mustard or a deliciously tart cherry sauce, can really invigorate the palate in a month full of otherwise drab produce. Although I do not consume many prepared products, those that I do purchase need to list ingredients in non-scientific, and plain terms. For example, a dried pasta with semolina flour and eggs, is just good real stuff, and in plain and understandable terms. Anything with excessively multi-syllabic wording is something I choose to avoid. Nothing is perfect, but I have also personally found this to be quite healthful, although I even eat seemingly very rich, fatty, and even sugary foods.... But this is all stuff made with real ingredients, and balanced with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and foods that someone must grow in one way or another. I probably frequent Bite Groceteria almost too often. And if you have been to Bite, on a Saturday afternoon, I was probably there sipping a latte and picking up multiple baguettes for the coming week. I don't think this little write-up really does it justice. But I love that they are a gourmet grocery store, that actually has real food, and not just jars of sauces and goop, and packets of this or that which I might only use once. This cute sign was photographed on Valentine's Day. It usually has the newest item to the shop featured. The chandelier below sets the stage, and it is unforgettable. However, the quality products and service are what bring me back. If you haven't been fortunate enough to learn about olive oils or balsamic vinegars from Doug or Julie, then this needs to go to the top of your to-do list! A few of my favourite products are their Rougie duck products including foie gras, cheeses from Salt Spring Island Cheese, buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes (back in the spring!), Granoro pastas, fresh parmigiano-reggiano, BAGUETTES from Canmore, canned-tomatoes, prosciutto (di Parma and others too), mortadella, vanilla beans, Palitos sweet maca breadsticks, milk-fed piglet from St-Canut farms (do ask, it is unbelievable), excellent olive oils, balsamic vinegars, the best white truffle oil, bibi caffe, and barral olives. Oooh the little blue and white jars of cherries are good too! And I'm probably forgetting all the other things I adore. Honestly, this is just a taste of the products they offer. Of course, they have pink peppercorns too! I guess you could say that these photographs don't really show you absolutely everything about Bite, but just to create a little intrigue. Like the little coffee counter on the other side, and left of the slicer. It's an adorable little spot, but if I show you, then I'd have to.... No, no. Just go, and have a very good latte, or try one of tnik's teas. A bit of an overview of the front of the shop. It's very cute. The first time I went, I was absolutely giddy for days! And don't miss the hula girl!
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