Since creating Shady Morels, my approach was always to spare you my personal life story as much as possible, and focus on what really matters — the food. Now is no time to deviate, so I won’t go into details regarding the lengthy period of […]
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Pea and Bacon Risotto for the Nourish Project
Back in the summer I had to opportunity to be part of a very cool project by Gordon Neighbourhood House and the very talented photographer Matt Hanns Schroeter. The project is called Nourish, it’s an intimate community-based photo series showcasing people of Vancouver’s West End community […]

Porcini Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction and Celeriac Puree
Returning to the Pacific Northwest yesterday from a three week surfing and fish taco eating getaway to sunny Sayulita, Mexico; I’m back with a post containing some very wintery food. The eating experiences I enjoyed in Sayulita will definitely inspire some future posts once ingredients […]

Lamb Merguez, Cous Cous, Spiced Carrots, and Lemon Yogurt Tahini Sauce
This meal was just constructed and subsequently devoured. I feel compelled to write about the experience while basking in the aftermath of its epic-ness. There’s nothing overly complicated about this food, it’s just simple and fucking tasty. In my opinion, that is the epitome of good food. The ingredients […]

Wild Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is epic. Think of it as a canvass to unleash your culinary creativity, since it is the perfect vehicle to carry an inspiring flavour to the plate! Follow the formulaic process for creating the risotto base, and then finish it with literally countless variations of accenting flavours. […]

Steelhead Trout with Chanterelles
Early autumn is my favourite time of year. West swell begins to roll into the West Coast again, re-surging the various reef and point breaks back to life; the days are still reasonably long; amazing produce is abundant and inexpensive; and a plethora of delicious […]

Camping Post: Chicken with Red Wine Sauce
I’m currently on the north coast of Barkley Sound. Three days ago I was on the South coast in Bamfield. My life over the last week has involved mainly surfing and fishing for halibut and salmon. I’ve scored on both accounts. Fishing was the best I’ve […]

Mussels and Frites
A classic dish that’s great to share on a warm summer evening on the west coast. This one was made with a spicy thai red chili coconut curry broth, which pairs perfectly with the rich mussels. I’ve perfected fries over the years, I hate deep […]

Rib Eye Steak with Porcini Sherry Sauce and Blue Cheese
This is my formula for steak, and I almost never deviate from it: Seasoning: Nothing more than a liberal amount of salt and pepper Cook: Sear and baste with butter, thyme, garlic. Finish in the oven. Rest. Sauce: Pan reduction sauce with wine or spirits, […]

Sous Vide Lamb Belly with Mint and Pea Puree
This dish epitomizes spring on a plate. This was the intention prior to making lamb belly for the first time; I knew the flavour combinations I wanted to incorporate, I just didn’t know how to execute it. To see the ingredients come together so harmoniously after the creative process […]

Beef Short Rib Ravioli with Tarragon Beurre Blanc
I’m not going to try and pull the wool over your eyes, this recipe is a lot of work. If you lose a little steam along the way, the braised short ribs served with a little bit of polenta would be a fine meal in […]

Simple Egg Pasta
A simple recipe that works for all different pasta shapes. Going the extra mile to make pasta from scratch is well worth it, and is surprisingly fun and easy. The second time you make it, you won’t think twice about whether or not it is […]