Pastry Block

I've gotten an offer from my boyfriend on the last day of my job last week. His pastry chef gave his notice and he's offered me the position. I said yes of course. But I will be working with my boyfriend. Him as the Chef, and me, Lisa, Pastry Chef.

Me?!? How on earth did this happen? This is the best freaking offer of my career to date. But what I make of it will be a totally different story. This is the time to pull out all the tricks from my sleeve. Learn new recipes, come up with quirky flavour pairings, and finally discover what my style is and what sets me apart from the rest of the pack.

To Market, To Market

It has been pretty hot here in Vancouver. With temperatures up to 18'C, you'd think it was a Vancouver summer too. I was really looking forward to going to the Kitsilano Farmer's Market today. I checked online and was sadly disappointed when I found out it was actually starting next week. So what's the next best thing to the Kitsilano Farmer's Market? The Granville Island Market of course!

Not So Ready to Run

The much anticipated Vancouver Sun Run took place Sunday May 9, 2010. I had been training really hard to beat my time. Training really hard meaning for a month and a half starting January, I was running consistently three times a week. Then the Olympics took place, then it was Dine Out Vancouver, I became mentally tired even though I was working the same hours. Then yes, I had fallen off the wagon. And boy was it ever hard to get back on.

Since I had not run consistently in almost two months, two days before the Vancouver Sun Run I decided to go for a light run just to feel as if I had trained really hard. I ended up just going to a two hour brisk walk. Better than nothing right?

Every year I end up doing the Run Run by myself since no one I know really enjoys running that much. But this year just for a few moments, did I really understand the bliss of the sound of running.

Tapas Style

Spain has been on my mind a lot lately. Mainly Barcelona. My boyfriend wants to move there, and a friend of mine was travelling around Europe recently and was there. Their food culture is apparently very advanced. The weather seems great. And what could be better than packing your bags and starting a new life in a new country? Even if only for a year.

So I've been on a bit of a Barcelona bender lately. There was a new tapas place that opened up in downtown called Cafe Barcelona. They do traditional tapas along with a small wine list that features some Canadian and Spanish wines. So my boyfriend and I had to go.

Welcome to Spotted Banana!

My name is Lisa Yu and I'm from Vancouver, Canada.  Food has been an important part of my life as long as I can remember.  Some of my best memories are being surrounded by family and friends and sharing great food.

First and foremost, I am a pastry chef.  I'm not a photographer or food writer.  I don't own any fancy camera equipment.  Until then, my simple digital camera will have to do.  I started this blog as an online journal of my stories, recipes, and growth to becoming a better cook, both personally and professionally.

I started my pastry career working in an artisan bakery, learning the art of making sourdough breads.  From there, I worked at fine dining restaurants in Vancouver, Toronto, and Sydney.  I've recently developed a fondness for chocolate.  I want to venture out from working in restaurants and focus on learning the craft of a chocolatier.

I am deeply passionate about food and believe that food is what brings people together.  I hope you enjoy Spotted Banana as much as I enjoy sharing a part of my life with you. 

Happy eating!

Lisa