The Magic Behind : Moss Grey

Moss Grey | LINEN CLOTHING & HOMEWARES
Kayla Sorley | BLOG CONTRIBUTOR
Jen Jellett | PHOTOGRAPHY

As I pressed the “end call” button at the close of my conversation with Destanne, creator of Moss Grey, I felt that giddy sensation I get everytime I experience the rare phenomenon of instant connection. In the short 30 minutes that I spent chatting with her, I quickly deduced that Destanne - along with being wildly talented - is an extremely passionate, grounded, interesting woman of high creative caliber.

Moss Grey came to being in the Comox Valley, in a Cumberland neighborhood that Destanne describes as “little Fernwood”. The community here is strong, a feeling created by the unique type of person that seems to migrate there - people who have tired of the pace of larger cities and are looking for a bit more chill. Destanne herself is one of those people, and finds that her environment allows her to focus more on her relatively new company.

Moss Grey wasn’t a big idea conceived in a moment of passion. It unfolded organically, the logical next step for Destanne after spending 10 years in a career that was particularly hard on her body. A clothing line first (and functional homewares line second), the designs are rooted in Japanese and French style. Both of these cultures ooze a feeling of understated elegance while still incorporating an element of functionality. Comfort meets beauty. Movement meets luxury. Strength meets grace. This line embodies and pays homage to all that is woman.

And fittingly, women are at the heart of it all. When I asked Destanne what the most rewarding part of building her company has been, she replied with a heartfelt, “The amazing women it has brought to my life.”

    The women who own the stores that carry her line, the customers, the friends who have encouraged her - Destanne believes that approaching these women with the most honest version of herself and her vision has inspired honesty in return.

Honesty is woven into the sustainable linen and other natural fibres used to build each piece. It is hanging on the rack. It is emanating from the women wearing it.

    Moss Grey, to me, is beautiful not only aesthetically but energetically. It’s a small thing, but every time I unpack gathered blooms or a snack from my Moss Grey Azuma bag, I feel that I am doing something right. To support local, responsible makers in turn supports a healthy, happy community - and community is the key to a healthier, happier world.

An adventure with : Fredrich's Honey

Kayla Sorley | BLOG CONTRIBUTOR
Kayla Sorley | FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
     

Their family home was built in the shape of a honeycomb. 

 Yes, Theo Fredrich built his family a hexagon home in Cedar, BC by hand. As I pull up to Fredrich's Honey, I notice a sign on the door that reads “Bless My Honeybees”. Hives dot the landscape, from the bottom of the drive way, up the hill to where the little shop front sits tucked between the trees. A constant low buzz emanates from the forest of comfrey and purple dead nettle. There is a remarkable amount of calm settling over the grounds of Fredrich’s apiary, despite the constant risk of sting from the tens of thousands of bees that call this property home. You get the sense that these little creatures actually make the best of neighbours - quietly going about the business of creating the magical substance that Theo and his family have built their life on - Honey.

Master beekeeper Theo Fredrich began his training at the age of 3, wandering between the hives of his neighbour in Odessa, Ukraine. For 70 years he has created a life in symbiosis with honey bees, from Germany to South America and Canada. This relationship is truly a love affair and never-ending process of trial and error. While strolling the property that has been his family’s home for many decades, Theo explains the star shaped tags with different numbers tacked to many of the hives - they are a system for tracking his experiments. The language of the bees can only be deciphered by observing their behaviours in varying situations - stacking hives, the addition of a queen by human intervention or by natural selection, the disruption or lack of that the hive endures. The patience and dedication involved in this dance, is staggering. Only passion can fuel a lifetime of devotedness such as this.

The love is so deep that it spans generations. Theo Jr., the son of Fredrich’s Honey’s founder, now runs the business alongside his father and lives on the property with his wife and children. Together, the whole family takes part in the tradition, making beeswax candles for sale in the shop and learning the intricacies of tending to the bees. 

 The sense of place - of home - is what gives this company its heart and the honey it’s sweetness. The magic liquid flows from taps in a steady stream, as locals float in and out of the property to have their empty jars refilled. They speak of the wonders of Fredrich’s propolis tincture, claiming the honey-bee made medicine as the secret to their health and vitality. They smile as they watch the children dart between the trees and from stream to stream, hoping to spot a fresh water trout or two.

As I drive away, back towards Victoria, I wonder, do the bees feel this magic too?

Find your taste of Fredrich's Creamed and Liquid Honey in Nourish's online shop or in store, and try our "Everything Nice" health beverage in the cafe, that includes Fredrich's Honey with Propolis. 

The Magic Behind : Woven Wares

Woven Wares | HAND WOVEN GOODS
Kayla Sorley | BLOG CONTRIBUTOR
Kayla Sorley | FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
 

As a child in Okinawa, Japan, Suzuna Nagamine quietly dreamt of one day becoming the master of some humble trade. She didn’t know anyone who was a tinker, a cobbler, or a tailor, but she fondly read about them in fairy tales and developed a fascination that would later become her life’s purpose. 

To most, her dream seemed outdated; machines pumped out endless amounts of shoes, clothes, and tools much cheaper and more efficiently than this small girl ever could. Perhaps there was something in Suzu’s subconscious that said “One day, the world will ache to return back to a simpler time”. Perhaps she even knew that the satisfaction of pouring her love, time, and sweat into a simple creation would far outweigh any scepticism she might receive. 

Suzu moved to Canada in 2003, but didn’t begin to live out her crafts-woman fantasies until nearly 11 years later, when she complimented a customer at Fol-Epi (the bakery she works at) on her unique scarf. Little did she know that the wearer of that hand-woven scarf, Heather Dewy, would become her closest friend and business partner. 

Heather and Suzu’s friendship and business, Woven Wares, were moulded over the last 3 years between endless cups of coffee, shared stories, long walks with the dogs, and hand baked bread. As organically as this unique company began, it continues to evolve in the same fashion. No traditional business plans or cut-throat business techniques are to be found in their airy, minimalist home studio. Instead, step inside and you’ll find a strong commitment to sustainability, honesty, and building community. 

“The things we believe in are always coming through in the weaving,” says Heather, “But it’s so much bigger than that.”

For the owners and incredible minds behind Woven Wares, choosing ethically made fibres for a piece becomes a question of ethically choosing everything they bring into their lives and homes. Pricing a piece evolves into discussions of a trading economy in their community. A meeting with a potential buyer shifts into a long visit with a new friend. This idea of going “beyond the business” might just be the answer to finding more contentment and fulfillment in all of our lives. 

“The word I’m always coming back to is ‘mindful’”, says Suzuna. 

To Heather and Suzuna, mindfulness = minimalism. Maybe the word ‘minimalism’ for you conjures up images of ruthless closet purges and Scandinavian design blogs, or maybe you even imagine the Woven Wares Instagram feed, but the fad word has so much more meaning to these two women. Stripped down, it speaks of honesty, balance, and hearing the truth in the noise that is modern life. 

Weaving has shaped the lives of these two makers, and this translates into a brand that markets itself through it’s sheer authenticity. Woven by hand from natural fibres that are dyed by hand using plant dyes {the napkins in our shop are linen & cotton fibre with stripe colours made from avocado skins for a pink hue and local Garry Oak acorns for the almond hue}, the beauty and quality in each piece is undeniable. Bringing Woven Wares into your home is a testament to the true meaning of minimalism. Purchase Woven Wares and support your community, your planet, and your own wellbeing while enjoying true hand-crafted luxury

Chilaquiles Recipe

By now, you should have read about the trip our leadership team took over to Galiano a few weeks ago. You can read about the weekend getaway here, or just go with the Coles notes style - we ate, we relaxed & then we ate some more!  If you are anything like us, time spent away from work always includes planning a meal... or what food we are going to eat on our next adventure.  

Cooking for a group can often leave the Chef head down in the kitchen - which really wasn't an option during our quality time together.  So, we all pitched in with the preparation.  After some chopping, setting the table, and cleaning up,  our meal came together seamlessly and together we experienced a joyful time. 

Sergio {Chef of Nourish... we all call him Serge} knew he wanted to make our team a special dish for one of the mornings.  It was a beautiful, nostalgic recipe he loves from his childhood - Chilaquiles.  It's a fairly simple dish that can be tweaked to your creative vision.  Serge put a nourishing twist on our breakfast, adding some crisped kale to the layers.  

Like any meal that comes together in a flash AND packed with wonderful,  deep flavours, there is always a component that has a little more tender, loving, care invested into it.  This dish is no exception.  Serge is sharing his rich salsa recipe below - you can make a good size batch of this and have it waiting in the fridge for a simple, fresh meal in no time.

SALSA RECIPE {makes 3-4 cups}
1 can organic whole tomatoes
6 fresh Roma tomatoes
1-2 jalapeno peppers
1/2 white onion
4 garlic cloves
1/3 cup non GMO canola oil

• in a food processor, place all above ingredients except the canola oil &  blend until chunky
• remove half of the mixture and pour into a frying pan & add the canola oil  
• simmer the sauce to caramelize flavours - wait for the flavour to become rich, and the colour to deepen {approx 20 min} 
• remove from heat & cool
• mix the raw and the cooked components together
• enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to 1 week

CHILAQUILES RECIPE {serves 8}

Casserole:
1 bag quepasa tortilla chips
200 g jack or mozza cheese, grated
1/2 white onion, diced
1 jalapeno, seeds removed & diced
1 large bunch lacinato {dinosaur/black} kale
2 cups salsa {recipe above}
16 eggs, poached
1 bunch cilantro {stems removed}

• preheat oven to 450
• bring large pot of water with a few splashes of vinegar to a rumble
•  drop in eggs {in 4 batches} scooping out with slotted spoon once soft poached & lay them on a cloth to dry
• spread kale leaves out on a large, parchment lined baking tray
• drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt &  place in oven to crisp for approximately 8-10 min
• in a large casserole dish, layer the ingredients {generously} in this order; chips, salsa, cheese, kale, salsa, poached eggs & finally cheese
• sprinkle with some of the diced onion & jalapeño {mix the remaining together to serve on the table fresh}
• place the dish into the oven for another 10-12 min
• remove and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves
• serve with below

sides:
refried beans
sour cream
avocados
white onion & jalapeño
more salsa :)
citrus fruit {recipe for brûlée grapefruits to come!}

Getting to Know : John Holm Woodworking

John Holm Woodworking | WOODEN KITCHENWARE
Kayla Sorley | BLOG CONTRIBUTOR

Fifteen years ago John Holm and his wife Jocelyn were strolling along the beach in Victoria, when his eye was caught by a particularly pretty piece of Fir lying on the rocks. Since retirement, John had been dabbling in woodwork. A man of the good-old-fashioned-hard-work generation, John was accustomed to working with his hands. He quite enjoyed dextrous pursuits of creativity - which had led him to building an arbour for the garden and a few other hardware store projects. The piece of wood John found on the beach that day wasn’t at all like the pre-prepared planks he had been purchasing at the hardware store. He was struck by the intricacies in the grain, the twists and bends formed by wind and sun, the variety of colours that could only be observed by a keen eye. 

“A shame to burn in the fireplace”, he thought, and a patient pursuit for beauty and quality began. 

When you take a moment to gawk over John’s work, you are an observer of the beauty in imperfection. When I sat down with John at his kitchen table (which was overflowing with the pieces I had chosen with abandon) I told him that what I most appreciated about his work was the fact that he never forces the wood to be what it is not. Like it’s creator, every spoon, butter knife, or bowl is unique. The wood itself is telling it’s own story, yet John’s own tale whispers from the arc of each buttery curve. 

Perhaps quality like this can only be created by a person with passion burning through their veins. In his youth, John’s passion was people. His life’s work was with refugees, as a member of the Foreign Service. John’s postings at various Canadian embassies allowed him to become intimate with many corners of the world; from France, where he met his elegant wife, to the Philippines and South America, from where their two sons were adopted. 

“It wasn’t a run-of-the-mill life.” He commented, pun not intended. 

With the aim of creating harmony in the homes of our customers, we strongly believe in providing you with local, hand made goods. In the 3 hours it takes John to create a single wooden spoon, it is inevitable that love is poured into it’s creation. Bringing John’s work into your home brings the vibration of it into your home, too - and what a beautiful, high vibration it has. 

Arbutus, Juniper, Yew, and Maple are just a few examples of the island-found wood that is used to create these pieces. Finished with either natural Tuung oil or mineral oil, you can feel good about the close proximity these pieces will have with your carefully prepared meals. Maybe you will even have the opportunity to tell John’s story at your next dinner party, where his labour of love will be nestled into your salad bowl. 

You can find John's pieces in our shop at Nourish

GALIANO GETAWAY

Bodega Ridge | ACCOMMODATION
Pilgrimme Restaurant | DINNER
Mount Galiano | HIKE
Dionisio Point Provincial Park | HIKE
Charlotte & the Quail | RECIPE
Hayley Rosenberg | BLOG CONTRIBUTOR
Lyndsey Eden | PHOTOGRAPHY
 

Last Summer, Rob and I made our way over to Galiano for a quick trip with a very specific purpose - having dinner at the critically acclaimed Pilgrimme Restaurant.  So moved by the care, love, and attention given to their space and their food, we knew it would not be the last time we would visit.

As the spring comes around, so does the rumble of activity.  We thought it to be the perfect time to whisk our leadership team off to the calm evoking island for some 'coast, forest, and farm-to-table', perfectly summed up by Pilgrimme team. 

With nine of us going this time, we knew just the place we wanted to stay - Bodega Ridge Cabins.  We had heard of the place in the past, but only recently met the Owner of the retreat, Jesse Keefer, when he came in for a meal at Nourish.  His enthusiasm and kindness had captured our hearts and we knew we would be in good hands. 

Our weekend plans were outlined with simple intentions - get some fresh air, spend some time together, and eat with people we love. 

We arrived at 6pm on Sunday eve, Jesse waiting with a smile for us to arrive.  A quick tour of the main lodge, with a pit stop at the beer tap, was the perfect way for us to shed away the work week pressures.  Sunday dinner was simple.  I had picked up a ton of veggies from The Rootcellar  and an equally hefty supply of pates & cheese from Choux Choux.  We sat around the long table in the lodge and simply unwound.

The following morning was misty - perfect conditions for charging up {slight exaggeration} Mount Galiano under the forest canopy.  The top was breath taking {the emotionally evoked kind} and we took a little break on the summit for some seriously cute selfies.  

The descent took no time.  We had big plans to get to.  Food was on our minds.  Sergio {Chef of Nourish} took the lead in the kitchen for our morning meal - creating a nostalgic dish from his childhood with a Nourish-ing twist.  A few of us helped chop, poach, torch & plate.  The others helped set the table.   It was a beautiful breakfast feast {we will be sharing the recipes soon too!}.

Naps are an obvious on any good getaway {especially with puffy pillows and comfy beds calling our names} - with our reservation at 8pm for our excitedly anticipated dinner we all did our part to take the time to chill out.

We piled into the cars at dusk and followed the windy road to our destination, trying to make it just before the sunset so the crew could soak in the picturesque location of the restaurant.  Just a little too late {thanks to the crazy fog} for the sun to still be setting, we pulled into dark driveway with an equally stunning sight.  Candle lanterns on the exterior and glowing light in the interior, all creating a warming effect on the views into the kitchen and dining room. Seventeen perfect, inspiring & creative dishes were served  -  three stand-still-in-time hours went by and we were still eating dinner - the only thing that seemed to make sense upon the completion, of course, was dessert - four more sweet selections came our way.  Our hearts were more full than our bellies - that is saying A LOT.  

The next morning brought the sunshine with it - which was so perfect for our hopes - a trek along the forest lined coast was on our mind for the day.  But first, a quick fuel up.  Victoria {Chef of Charlotte & the Quail} whipped up a yummy breakfast - toast, chard, eggs & basil pesto {recipe over HERE}.  We packed our bags and our cars and headed for our adventure.   

The rolling rocks that meet the ocean make a statement west coast beach.  We walked for over an hour, breathing in the magical air {have you ever noticed the aromatic, soft air where dense trees meet salt water?}.  What greeted us at the end was a vision I will personally never forget - a tiny  bay with sand beaches and giant rock island.  Stopped in our tracks we all just starred.  A bald eagle dove from a tree above us and soared right over our heads out to the other side of the crescent.   Following the beauty creature glide in the air, our eyes hit the huge rocks in the waters and we noticed they were alive!  Jam packed with sea lions, we could not believe the oasis we stumbled upon.  We walked the shores and sat and gazed.  We had accomplished our intentions.  

SPRING DESIGN PROJECT with MARIKA BEISE

Marika Beise - Rock Paper Square | DESIGN
Lauren Mycroft | ARTWORK
Andrea Soos - Poppet Creative | ARTWORK
Jolynn Vandam - Saige & Skye | FIBRE ART
Lyndsey Eden | PHOTOGRAPHY
Hayley Rosenberg - Nourish | BLOG CONTRIBUTOR
 

Creating a common space that is inspiring, calming, and just down right feels good to be in, is a big part of our ongoing mission at Nourish.  As the seasons change, so does the connection we hope to evoke from the inside out.  As the business evolves, so do the desires and needs of what each room can offer to you.  We always knew just how unique the second floor was - but it wasn't until we really settled into our heritage home that we started to see what you were using it for. 

We are pretty proud that the Cafe offers wholesome choices and even more pumped that many of you have made the Study and the Parlour your favourite place to sip, munch and spend time.  We love peeping in and seeing some of you hanging with friends, and others working away on their computers.  

Parlour for casual meetings

Study for the serious workers

This season we really wanted to take the experience up a notch and there wasn't a question in our mind who we would ask to spearhead the project.  Marika of Rock Paper Square is our gal -  she pulls together remarkably detailed spaces (& gatherings) and we feel like the luckiest people in the world to be able to share her design eye and creative stardust with you.  Her inspo is simple - making places feel good.

Here is a bit from Marika about what inspired her latest touches at Nourish and how she brought it all together:

In my design experience, if you want to provide users with a comfortable and inspiring space, you must include the essential pieces below...

1. WARMING FINISHES -  It was important for finishes to feel inviting & lived-in. No stark, cold finishes such as chrome or over-designed glass.  So, we played up the mixture of woods and textural elements in the fabrics and accessories.  

Parlour hide away

2. VARIETY OF SEATING OPTIONS - We are creatures of territory, and no matter if we're flying solo at a library or meeting a group of friends for a picnic, we are always on the look out for our "ideal" spot. We want to set up our space and claim an area for a certain amount of time. Therefore, it was highly recommended to create a variety of furniture pods within this larger parlour space. With exact pieces selected (high-back lounge chairs for privacy, easy to move side tables, and multi-purpose seating, to name a few) the users have flexibility to create larger groupings or individual areas as needed.

Mix and match seating 

3. LIGHTING FOR MOOD AND FUNCTION - Additional ambient light was provided to create both mood and function within this space. The floor lamps were sourced from Wayfair and provide functional yet adjustable comfort for users. The parlour is also equipped with dimmable light for flexibility of the space. 

Parlour daydreaming

4.  THOUGHTFUL DESIGN & DETAIL - Finishing touches such as potted plants, locally sourced colourful artwork from the talented Lauren Mycroft as well as, Andrea Soos (Poppet Creative) textural wall hangings created by Jolynn Vandam of Saige & Skye, candlelight, and space-defining area rugs were thoughtfully added for the overall design.

Stunning wall hangings and whimsical plant hangers designed and knotted by Jolynn Vandam - available for purchase in her easy shop and in our shop at Nourish

It is difficult to place your finger on what exactly makes a space feel well-designed but you will know when you're in a well-designed space. We hope we've created a sense of inviting + inspiring design for all of you to enjoy. 

Prints and originals designed by Lauren Mycroft - available at Nourish

Artwork created by Andrea Soos of Poppet Creative - piece available for viewing and purchase at Nourish 

that pretty woven tote will soon be available in the spring summer collection coming from Wawaha.ca

Behind The Scenes With: Saige & Skye

Victoria has forever harvested a community of creative, artsy and inspiring folk. Our quirky and quaint little island is ahead of the game. From time to time, however, it’s a real treat when we are spoilt with some sparkling, fresh talent from across the water – and, this month is one of those times! If you’re a fan of Macramé textile art, Nourish is about to share your best-kept secret. Victoria peeps, its time for you to meet Jolynn Vandam, owner and artist of Vancouver’s latest storm, Saige & Syke.  Jo is the gem hosting the macramé workshop in our Nourish home on the 23rd of March.

During the three-hour workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn 5 basic knots, gain the knowledge on how to use these in future pieces and create your very own Macrame wall hanging design to lighten up your life. If you leave this workshop feeling proud, Jo says her work is done! For a sneak peek, her latest creations are showcased in our dining room and featured in our retail store - making the perfect gifts!

Conceived in 2015, Saige & Skye has wasted no time in earning a name on our West Coast. Flourishing from a humble past time to a booming brand, Jo has experienced the wonders of the universe as her passion and career have come together to create the ultimate calling.

The Saige & Skye story doesn’t start with rope, but surprisingly, furniture. Reupholstering pre-loved pieces was once Jo’s forte, until her fast-track mind begged for more. Whilst seeking a way for her creative visions to take shape faster, Jo stumbled across a loom in a neighborhood kid store in Australia. Coincidence? I think not - the universe had pulled its first move.

Like many hobbyists, the birth of an Etsy store seemed like natural progression. Jo had no inkling that this decision would shape her future. In a few short years her knotting, textile-playing love affair turned into a renowned business. Jo was first enlightened to the popularity and potential of her pieces when a café in New York City cleared out her entire Etsy store in one hit – she couldn’t believe her eyes. This was the universe pulling its second move.

So what makes her pieces so special? Each is made to order with 100% love and good ol’ homegrown Canadian supplies, including her custom made Artist Three Corners pottery. 

Now, before all you creatives out there ask, here are her top four tips for aspiring artists wanting to transform their hobby into a successful business:

1.     Do it for YOU - don’t waste time obsessing over what others think
2.     Keep it light - avoid adding pressure
3.     Embrace ALL feedback
And finally…
1.     Put yourself out there! Dreams are destined to be chased.

‘Why Saige & Skye?’ I hear you still wondering. Well, to quote Brene Brown, “Creativity is the way you share your soul with the world” and in true Jo fashion, every ounce of her business is just this; a reflection of her creativity and soul. A huge piece of her heart is devoted to Copper Skye and Norah Saige, her two eldest babies. 

With a history of globetrotting, furniture reupholstering, management & hospitality jobs, makeup artistry, and bringing three beautiful babies into this world - Jo has learnt enough to know what she wants – and she’s going for it! Her biggest feat is the ongoing balancing act of providing hands-on, unconditional love to her three dear darlings and managing her work load. Her youngest princess, Isla Stone is the sure name of her next endeavour – and, wink wink, nudge nudge, perhaps a perfect name for a studio space to offer in-house workshops and host other artist’s work.

Now that you know the Saige & Skye story, I’m sure you can see why we are just so excited to be the venue for this special workshop. When there is a pause in the knot-tying madness you will recharge your creative batteries with some of Nourish’s famous cashew cheese, seedy bread, hummus, rosemary lemonade and home brew water kefir provided by Saige & Skye! Can it get any better? A textile party with a foodie flair.

So, it's time to channel your inner artistic goddess, clear your schedules and purchase a ticket, this is going to be a workshop to remember!

Getting to Know: Ellie Shortt

We are so so SO excited for our upcoming workshop collaboration with the talented and wonderful Ellie Shortt. She is a powerhouse holistic nutritionist, recipe developer, fitness enthusiast and wellness advocate dedicated to helping you nourish your body, mind, and soul with nutrient dense whole foods, as well as general health and lifestyle advice. With this blend of passion and smarts we know the evening will be filled with fun and learning.

Gather your friends and grab your tickets for this special evening of talking and tasting as we discuss and experience the importance of mindful eating and how it can benefit you!  Check out all the workshop details over here. 

But first, lets get to know Ellie...

1.     Tell us the story of how you discovered Nourish... 

I used to live near the HCP gardens location {Charlotte & the Quail} and frequently drove by the sign peeking out onto West Saanich Road inviting people to “check it out.” One day my curiosity got the best of me, and I enjoyed the first of many “best meals of my life.” It was truly a match-made-in-heaven and it quickly become my go-to neighborhood hangout.

2.     What is your “all in, no holding back” dream in life? 

To help people fall in love with food and all the amazing things it can do for our bodies, while doing our best to protect our planet as much as we can. The best part is I’m gradually accomplishing this dream through my business Whole Happy, and the amazing relationships I’m cultivating with like-minded people and companies like Nourish and Charlotte & the Quail. 

3.     What is your favourite item on the Nourish menu?

Can I say EVERYTHING? But if I had to choose, I’ve been a die-hard fan of the Benny Gone Nuts from the get-go, as well as the killer combo of a slice of the seedy bread topped with the fermented cashew cheese, and a warm mug of bone broth on the side.

4.     What is your favourite thing to eat that is not on the Nourish menu? 

I make a mean grain-free pancake that I like to enjoy with some whipped coconut cream, maple-toasted nuts, and a warm berry compote as a special treat.

5.     What does holistic health/wellness mean to you?

Vitality, balance, and exploring your body’s full potential. Feeling happy inside and out, from your head-to-your-toes, so that your entire being sparkles and glows in your own unique way. 

6.     Day to day what brings you happiness, raises your energy levels and leaves you feeling high on life?

Nourishing food, comforting beverages, meaningful conversations, and long walks in the woods. And yoga. I couldn’t imagine my life without my yoga practice!

7.     If you were having a dinner party with 3 famous people, who would they be and what would you make?

Jaime Oliver, Michael Pollan, and Gwyneth Paltrow. I know this list seems a bit “predictable” but I really value what each of these power-house celebrities have accomplished in terms of the discussions surrounding food, sustainability, and healthfulness, and I would love to get into a colourful conversation about the state of our food system, past, present, and future as a group. I would naturally make a spread of nourishing, sustainable cuisine, inspired by their own recipes and stories (maybe Jaime’s roast chicken or lamb and veggies, a couple of Gwyneth’s gorgeous salads, a foraged mushroom soup for Michael), and one of my own original desserts because sweet treats are my jam!

8.     Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In a similar space to where I am now, but with a greater expansion to my company and greater reach - published books, wellness retreats, and a charitable organization that provides access to, and knowledge about, nourishing and sustainably cultivated foods to the people who need it the most.

Learn how you can get more out of your food on Wednesday, March 22 at Nourish with your fun and knowledgable host, Ellie!

Drink With People You Love

When you think of Nourish you probably think of our delicious bone broth, water kefir and our cashew cheese or cashew hollandaise, but did you know that we also have an incredible wine & spirits collection? Our Sommelier, Erin Maher searches high and low for wines, beers, ciders and spirits that are aligned with our philosophies; local, natural, organic and/or biodynamic and especially bottles that tell magical stories. When it comes to spirits we source only from BC and many of the bottles are from very small batches. 

Cocktails at Nourish are a memorable experience. Think of a traditional health elixir paired with beautiful small batch spirits crafted with love and care. Add in a touch of seasonal flair and you have a delightful taste sensation. To take our cocktail game up a notch for our new Spring menu, we asked four very talented bartenders from Victoria's happening cocktail scene if they would create a Nourish-inspired bevvy for us and we are so excited to celebrate their creations next week at our eagerly anticipated Drink With People You Love event. 

Our upper floor will turn into a lounge and these four talented individuals will be mixing up their cocktails for your drinking pleasure!

Alisha-Isla Fleming from Clive's Classic Lounge
Brant Porter from Pizzeria Prima Strada
Caledonia Wright from Veneto Tapa Lounge
Marlee Baxter from Stage Wine Bar

Let's get to know Marlee and Alisha first!

Marlee Baxter | Stage Wine Bar

Where do you work?

I can be found behind the bowling lane at Stage Wine Bar, working on introducing customers to the wonderful world of cocktails. I'm always trying to improve my education, because I am convinced that even though my knowledge is mostly liquid, it is still power! I've made most of my friends in Victoria on one side of the bar or the other, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Don't be a stranger, come on down and let me mix you something nice!

What inspired you to make your cocktail?

I thoroughly enjoy cocktails that are simple in composition, but complex on the palate. The local ingredients in COCKTAIL! are made in the same fashion- find ingredients that are awesome and pure, distill them with care, and they will be an excellent reflection of original parts. When you enjoy something as much as I enjoy this cocktail, it's like happy hour is all day long!

Who do you drink a cocktail with?

Friends, soon-to-be friends, and furry friends. There's a suitable drink for any occasion.

Alisha Gajjar-Fleming | Clive's Classic Lounge

Where do you work?

I tend the slab at Clive’s as one of our three resident bartenders. I love exploring flavour and coming up with cocktails that sound odd on paper but which delight on the palette. Creating interesting and delicious absinthe-based cocktails is one of my bar hobbies

What is the inspiration for your cocktail?

The inspiration for this drink was to create something good and good for you which are the key facilitators in having a good time! This tipple calls for ginger root which helps fight chronic indigestion and internal inflammation, apple cider vinegar, which helps with balancing blood sugar levels and absinthe, the herbs in which are fantastic digestive aids. 

Who do you love to drink a cocktail with?

I love roaming the bars of our fair city, bringing old friends and making new ones along the way. I find something truly lovely in the camaraderie and hilarity that can often be found both sides of the bar.