Fine finds on the Crawl

Last weekend I made my first visit to the annual East Side Culture Crawl in Vancouver, after some initial distractions from a random sample sale we happened across we finally made our way down Parker Street and got to see some of the amazing local artists show off what they do best.

I was particulalry fond of the unique and beautiful ceramics on show. Two of may favorites were CuldeSacDesign and Dahlhaus .

I was really drawn to the lace on this plate by Cul de Sac

This is a real conversation piece by Cul de Sac

Love the light colours used by Dahlhaus

I wouldn't say no to a set of these by Dahlhaus

P.S. you can find some Dahlhaus of your own at Vancouver's OneofaKind Show

Images via here and here

xo J

Best Bites #2: Jethro's Fine Grub - Frosted Flake Pancakes

Yes you did read that right.

Frosted Flake Pancakes

Are you ready to behold it's greatness?

Voila!!

Frosted Flake Pancakes from Jethro's Fine Grub. Fluffy and flopping over the edges of the plate like a beautifully rotund manatee. Oh so abundant! This was the second item that the amis and I devoured from Vancouver Magazine's 101 Best Bites in Vancouver list. No, we're not getting paid to do this... we just like food and trying new places about town.

So how did this stack stack up? (yeah, I made that pun, and I'm standing behind it)

In a word: awesome

The pancakes were delightfully light. They were the perfect level of sweetness and tartness - the tartness coming from buttermilk and the blueberries. The frosted flakes functioned mostly as a textural add-on. I thought they would add a lot of sweetness, but no, once buried within and on top of the pancake batter, and then covered in whipped cream and maple syrup - sweetness wasn't a factor. The crunch was nice though, and unexpected in a pancake. These were definitely some of the best pancakes I've enjoyed in a long while. And one plate was more than enough for 3 of us to share!

But did we just order pancakes? Hahahahha no, why would we do that?


We also enjoyed a Baked Potato Omelet and Nutella French Toast

Ready.... Set...

Attack!!

The Baked Potato Omelet was a revelation. Again - the fluffy factor was off the charts! And I mean really, an omelet stuffed with all the goodness you'd find in a baked potato? You know that's gonna be great!

The Nutella French Toast was also tasty. Think 3 inch-thick slabs of challah bread slathered with a nutella cinnamon spread. Very good. Full disclosure though - as a hard core Nutella lover, and given the ratio of bread to Nutella - this could have done with a bit more Nutella. Yup I just said that. Even though you can see the craziness that is this dish in the pictures. But if you're going to have a crazy over-the-top dish as this is - then go all the way! Make that mother the craziest, chocolatiest french toast that ever was!!

Besides that clearly gluttonous last remark, Jethro's was a great breakfast experience. You can tell they make their food with love and care. It isn't about ritz at all - it's just about great breakfast done right. I'd say if you're in the neighbourhood - it's definitely worth popping in for a bite.

What's been your best pancake experience? Have you hit up Jethro's already? What'd you think?

101 foods, 2 eaten, 2 loved, 99 to go!

xo
Jenny C

Just put a pin on it

Yes I have joined the Pinterest movement and yes I see how it is an all consuming addictive passtime!

Follow me HERE!

xo J

Au Petit Chavignol and a Food Game

Hi Mes Amis!

Jenny C here - I'm baaaaack! It's been a whirlwindy last 6 months and I'm sorry that I've been away so long. Jessy has been a workhorse keeping Amis alive, thank you Jessy!

Please let me begin to make up for my absence by tempting you with cheesy, gooey, deliciousness.

Enter - Au Petit Chavignol, or as some peeps I know like to call it "Cheese"

Au Petit is a cozy bistro where all your cheesy fantasies come true. Attached to a giant cheese shop next door, Au Petit offers casual comfort fare made from lovely ingredients and the best of cheeses.

After a well needed foamy latte, my friends and I all ordered the Croque Madam: think grilled ham and cheese sandwich - filled AND encased in melty Gruyere cheese, topped with a runny free-range fried egg.

Did you just die a little?

Yeah, us too. It was good. Really flippin' good. And paired with a cup of their luscious tomato soup, it was the perfect brunch treat for a cold, rainy day.

Also, this was a perfect way to kick off a food challenge that a group of food lovers and I are taking on.

Vancouver Magazine recently published their 101 best bites in Vancouver list. Au Petit's Croque Madam is on the list - and we're going to try at least one item off this list every week as we explore new hot spots and tasty treats around our town.

Wanna Play?

When we post about another list item - go try it too and weigh in with your review! Or if you live in another fabulous place - tell us about one of the best bites in your town. Include a picture and tell us what you love about it.

Let's spread the best bite love!

If you're in Vancouver - here's the link to 2011's 101 Best Bites in Vancouver

Happy Noshing!

xo Jenny C

Baby it's cold outside!

I will admit I am a sun bunny all the way, my favorite season by far is summer time but I also love the excuse of stocking up on all things cozy and comfy when there is a chill in the air. Local Vancouver brand Granted has me lusting after pretty much everything.

While the anchor sweater is screaming my name it is out of my price range (especially knowing I will be back paying a mortgage in about a months time) but the toque and slippers are definitely items I can see myself splurging on, especially if they have an online boxing day sale like they did last year, fingers crossed they do and that I can hold out that long!

xo J