Author: Branden

Vancouver’s Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

A quick search for Vancouver sight-seeing, day trips, or Vancouver suspension bridges inevitably yields Capilano Suspension Bridge as one of the city’s must-see. It’s certainly impressive, but our vote for the best suspension bridge in Metro Vancouver is in Lynn Canyon, easily accessible by transit or car in the District of North Vancouver. Since there is no entry fee to Lynn Canyon Park, save yourself the whopping $42.95 (2017) charge to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and get high above the tree tops with your need-to-know guide to the Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge.

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December 28, 2017
Top 10 Tips for Vegetarians

Sitting down for dinner with colleagues who haven’t been briefed on my plant-based preferences usually begins a little something like this…

“Wow, you’re a vegetarian? I could never give up meat! Yeah… I could never be a vegetarian… I love bacon. Don’t you like bacon??? What about chicken, will you eat chicken? Fish? No? But fish isn’t meat! So you… really?! Not at all? Wow! Good for you. I could never… Where do you get your protein? You aren’t vegan are you?…”

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February 15, 2017
Pastries & Parapets – An Afternoon in Belém, Portugal

There are plenty of great day trips from Lisbon, but one that should not be missed is taking Lisbon’s tram 15 to Belém. Belém has several incredible architectural attractions: the Torre de Belém, Belém Monastery, and Padrao dos Descobrimentos. Most importantly, as any self-respecting foodie, you cannot visit Lisbon without a pilgrimage to the home of the original Pastéis de Belém! (more…)

December 24, 2016
Meet the Chef: Marcus Von Albrecht

Acclaimed Chef Marcus Von Albrecht is the president & CEO of Von Albrecht & Associates and MAVA Foods in Vancouver, Canada. He serves as Vice President of AREGALA (Asociasancion Restaurandores Gastronomicos De Las Americas), representing the culinary arts of 42 countries in North and South America.

Chef Von Albrecht is a six-time recipient of the Canadian Culinary Federation’s President’s award, and is past-president and Lifetime Achievement Award winner of the Chef’s Association of British Columbia.

Sails & Spices sat down with Chef Marcus Von Albrecht on a sunny rooftop patio (more…)

November 28, 2016
Sunshine Coast Pizza Dough

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]On a hot stone this pizza dough puffs up with air bubbles in the most delicious and rustic way…[/perfectpullquote]
Parents of a great friend recently retired to the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. It is a stunning rain forest peninsula just a short ferry ride from Vancouver boasting evergreen forests, lakes, and towering mountains, all surrounded by the blues of the Straight of Georgia. Rumour was they had built a master wood-fired pizza oven and were accepting visitors…

Timing was perfect, as we were on the hunt for the perfect pizza dough recipe.

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September 2, 2016
The Secret Side Salad
At one of our favourite Italian restaurants, there is a secret. The food is absolutely stunning. The only problem is that the appetizers and salads are very large and topped with meats or cheeses that we find too heavy to accompany a main course.

One evening, while contemplating a starter the waiter commented “Sir, while not on the menu, perhaps you would enjoy the Secret Salad?”. He described it as perfectly simple. Consisting of the very freshest greens of the day, a super premium olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper, he assured me it would be the perfect light accompaniment to a full main course.

We agree, and have since adopted it as a house-favourite side salad which pairs well alongside pastas, casseroles, and risottos.

Give it a try tonight, and let us know what you think of the secret… but please… don’t tell!
The Secret Side Salad

This simple “secret” side salad brings light and fresh citrus and crisp greens as a great accompaniment to a full meal.
3-4 handfulls of garden-fresh greens

1 tbsp super premium extra-virgin olive oil

2-3 lemon wedges

1 good pinch of sea salt

1 good pinch of cracked pepper
Thoroughly wash and dry the greens, tear into pieces

In a mixing bowl, toss the greens with the olive oil, juice of one lemon wedge, and a pinch of sea salt

Plate, and top with cracked pepper

Serve, and squeeze the remaining lemon to taste
July 25, 2016
Coco Loco Cocktail

This delicious cocktail was created while we were island interviewing the tiny Salt Cay, Turks & Caicos. Perhaps a take on a skinny pina colada, we’re big fans of the coconut water which is packed with electrolytes to keep you hydrated.

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July 24, 2016
Seoul Searching, Korea

There is nothing quite like those moments where you find yourself somewhere so foreign it reminds you: I’m a pretty good traveler, but I’m not that good. (more…)

June 23, 2016
Homemade Spiced Garlic Croutons
While perhaps uncouth, I’ll admit it… croutons are one of my favourite parts of a hearty salad.

Try these once and you will never settle for that cardboard box from aisle 26 ever again. We promise. Yum!
Homemade Spiced Garlic Croutons

These spiced garlic croutons are but one flavour profile for a fan favourite homemade soup or salad topper, and they’re our go-to. The bread can be fresh, day-old, or dried ends you keep in the freezer. If using fresh, you’ll get golden crispy edges with a slightly soft centre.
2 cups worth of artisan bread odds & ends

2 tablespoons of organic extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp steak spice OR

1 tsp blend of onion powder (paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sea salt)
Roughly cube the bread ends and place in a large mixing bowl

Drizzle in the olive oil and spice blend

Mix by hand to evenly coat the bread cubes

Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet

Under a watchful eye, place in the oven on broil with the door slightly ajar, stirring frequently until golden brown on most sides
Looking for inspiration? Top these on a delicious vegan Spicy Buffalo Tempeh Caesar Salad, one of our favorite soups.

Let us know what you think!
June 14, 2016