Culinary Colour

When I was around nine years old, my family moved into a brand-new house, and my mom told me that I could choose the colour of paint and carpet for my bedroom. I was giddy! But I couldn’t decide between pink and purple paint or a pink-and-purple patterned wallpaper, so I decided to have all three: one wall was pink, the other purple and the rest of the room was wall papered—and the shag rug was pink with a hint of purple. I loved that room!

My love of colour has since become a strong influence in my cooking. My favourite thing to do on a Saturday is to visit the farmers' market and buy fresh produce and flowers, and then put all the beautiful, colourful market finds on my kitchen island and plan what I will make for dinner—and how it will be served. Over the years I have learned from some amazing chefs the art of plating on how to ensure a dish’s colour and other aesthetics will perfectly complement its carefully curated flavours. 

Our magazine is full of colour, but it’s truly the people and businesses behind every story that bring life and personality to its pages. We are so inspired by hearing the stories of the people behind the vibrant food and drink scene of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands—and hope that you are, too.

–Karen Elgersma, Publisher