Heirloom Tomatoes...I have finally found some in the Fraser Valley thanks to the new Thrifty Food Market at Parallel Market Place on North Parallel Road.

Last Saturday I decided to go and check out this new grocery and I was very impressed with the quality of fresh produce. As I was wondering around I came across their "Heirloom Tomatoes". The rich tapestry of colors, the diversity and depth of flavor, and the general beauty of these tomatoes provide an experience that your average grocery tomato just can't match.

I took these little gems home, cut them into thick slices, chiffonade basil and a drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic viniger and there was my lunch.


Not only did I find my new grocery store that day but Thrifty Foods carried some unique items that I have not been able to find that easily way out in the valley. After speaking to one of the Produce Managers on the floor, they also informed me if there was anything in particular I was looking for they would be happy to order product in. As a Chef and Cater in the Valley I was very excited about the possibilities.

The Perfect Summer Cocktail

Sitting at the bar of my Restaurant one night, after a few cocktails. I took noticed of the Tea Presses sitting behind the bar not being unused. Of course my thoughts go to thinking how can we come up with a better use of these great looking presses then just serving tea in them. Since Rum was what I was drinking at the time we started with that, then added fresh blueberries and mint right into the press itself, I added some citrus juice and soda water and then pressed the tea press and poured into a chilled glass full of ice and more mint... and a perfect summer cocktail was invented. For those of that want to try this at home:

Ingredients
2 Tb blueberries
6 broken fresh leaves of mint
4 oz citrus juices
2 oz soda water
2 oz Rum or Vodka
Place all ingredients into tea press. Press down at time of serving. Pour over a chilled glass filled with ice and fresh mint leaves.
Please make one and send us your comments on how you enjoyed it.