chefs talk— compiled by Ceara Lornie
The Ask In a world where things are premade, prepackaged, pre-everything, what do you think home cooks should really take the time to make? Sauces? Fresh pasta? Fresh bread? Ice cream? Where should we spend our time? Sean Brennan | Brasserie L’Ecole | 250.475.6260 In the garden turning flowerbeds into vegetable patches. Robin Jackson | Sooke Harbour House | 250.642.3421 The biggest loss to home cuisine is the practice of making and eating meals together. Because most people are not making sauces, breads and pastas from scratch at home, the next generation will not be able to continue the culture of the family meal. Having time to cook is always a huge factor, but if we try to make something from scratch each time and eat together it will make a big difference. Jena Stewart | Devour | 250.590.3231 I have no doubt the proof is in the sauce! Start easy with the things you love to eat, say tomatoes. Make a sauce and if you don’t like it, write down what you would change. The best thing about starting with sauces: you don’t have to throw it out if it doesn’t work—just make soup… that's where soup came from right? Screwed up sauces… Alex How | Pizzeria Primastrada (Cook Street) 250.590.8595 (Bridge Street) 250.590.4380 Eating anything made at home makes you feel good. The “I made this” sense of satisfaction is hard to beat. I'd say make your own stocks. Easily frozen and the key to good soups and sauces. Matt Rissling | The Marina Restauarant | 250.598.8555 Lots of people fall back on using convenience foods to get through the week and I am no exception. I'm busy, my wife is busy, my kids are busy, so sometimes a jar of pasta sauce with a few veggies thrown in, dried noodles, a loaf of bread and a bag of salad is all there is time for between work, school, gymnastics, Scouts, homework, bath and bed. There's nothing wrong with using ready-to-eat products as long as you're using the time you save to sit down and eat with people you like! Anna Hunt | Paprika | 250.592.7424 I think we should all take a little time and try to grow more of our own veggies. We are blessed with the climate here, and it really doesn't take much space. So take some time and try to grow your food. Genevieve Laplante | Sips Artisan Bistro | 250.590.3519 & Cook Culture | 250.590.8161 It's simple, start with what you love and go from there. If you love bread--learn to make bread. If you love soup-- learn to make a delicious soup. Cooking should not be a chore, but instead a true pleasure. There are also fantastic, locally made prepackaged items from inspired Victoria businesses, so if cooking isn't your thing, at least buy the best our region has to offer! Ottavio sells house made stocks and lasagna, Choux Choux Charcuterie makes crazy good hot dogs, Feys+Hobbs Catered Arts makes meals to go, and don't even get me started on how yummy Cold Comfort's ice cream is! Peter De Bruyn | Strathcona Hotel | 250.383.7137 I think that people should spend their time making sauces. Sauces made from scratch with a few simple ingredients taste far better and are cheaper than anything purchased in grocery stores. I love finishing a pan-fried salmon dish with capers, lemon zest and butter. Simply add the capers and lemon zest to the pan once the fish is removed turn off the heat and whisk in cold butter slowly. This makes a beautiful sauce you can’t buy in grocery stores. Fresh homemade bread can be great, but there are so many small bakeries making fabulous products!
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