Hi everyone,
I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for continuing to read my newsletter, and to everyone recently subscribed. I really appreciate the support.
This month has been flying by.
Last Sunday a group of ten bakers got together at the Vancouver Public Library to discuss whole grains. Laura Valli had come to Vancouver to go cross-country skiing, and agreed to speak to us about her work at the BreadLab. Our groups first meeting was made up entirely of bakers, all former colleagues of mine. It was so nice to have an intimate group discussion about something we are all passionate about, and ask ourselves what goals we have and what function our group might serve. I hope the Vancouver Whole Grain Meetup Group becomes a regular thing, and that we can engage with a larger audience of people who care about whole grains. I was really up-lifted by the experience, and felt very encouraged of what this community in Vancouver is capable of. One thing that’s so helpful to us is the blueprint that has been created by similar groups all around the world. I would not have had the inspiration or confidence to initiate this here in Vancouver if it weren’t for people like Dawn Woodward, Kim Bell, and Claudia Carter, all doing amazing work in their respective communities. I am fortunate to have so many great examples of not just great bakers, but community organizers. I already look forward to the next time we are able to get together, and if you are in Vancouver, I hope you will consider joining us.
The meeting was a great shift from the work I have been doing in my search to lease a space to open a whole grain bakery. Everything is progress. Everything I do adds to my understanding of what’s required to pull this off. Right now, I am comparing two spaces that could not be more different from one another. I go back and forth between the two, thinking at different times that one is better suited for me and my project. The fact that the two spaces are as different as apples and cars, it can make me feel discombobulated when I switch from one to the other. It is funny the process of determination, and all the research, conceptualization, and doubt that goes in to deciding what’s right. I have had a lot of wonderful input about both spaces, from people who see the strengths in both locations. I think I am coming to my own conclusion of which one is best suited for me. I hope I can share more details on this soon.
In the meantime, like a mentioned briefly in my last letter, I am very happy to announce Adrienne’s and my next popup! Please save the date, Sunday, March 5. We will be serving a whole grain breakfast at Song (By Kin Kao) 317 E. Broadway, from 9am-12pm. No reservations. Please come early, come hungry. Cheryl O’Shea will be helping me with the menu and will be there in the kitchen with me. Adrienne is curating the beverages and running the floor. Kat, again, has knocked it out of the park with another fantastic poster to help promote our work. Honestly, these posters alone are enough to make me want to continue doing popups.
Exact menu to be determined. But the idea is to have a few kinds of whole grain pancakes, a crepe, french toast. Mostly sweet dishes, but we will try to have a few savory options. Of course there might be last minute changes, but I hope that’s enough to give you an idea of what to expect.
I just want to say thank you one more time to everyone reading my newsletter and engaging with me about the work I am doing. In the few months since I started this newsletter, and made the decision to go full-program on opening a whole grain bakery, this has become a great source of joy for me, which is all thanks to you. Please continue to reach out, like/comment/share. I couldn’t do this without your support.
I hope to see you at Song on March 5!
Happy Baking.