Kinfolk Gatherings

We had three lovely weeks of sun here in Vancouver this Summer. Three. I'm hoping for a nice month of September, which is usually the case for us, but I woke up yesterday to a chilly breeze and had to close the windows and reach for warm socks.

I had an evening picnic on a beach with some friends this week, complete with the best edible treats that Summer has to offer: fresh corn and tomato salad, ripe figs and poached peaches. As we were enjoying our feast, which also happened to include lobster roll sandwiches and bubbles, my friend casually mentioned that this is the stuff we will be dreaming of all Winter long. She was, of course, referring to our colourful selection of just-picked Summer goodies but could have easily been referring to our little picnic setup, complete with a sunset and beautiful ocean view. Needless to say, at that moment, I enjoyed my bite of ripe, juicy tomato even more.

Though our Vancouver Summer was brief, I did my best to enjoy the outdoors as much as I could, with a few bike rides, beach strolls, BBQs and alfresco dinners. To me, the best way to enjoy the sun is to gather a few friends and dine outdoors, preferably with a good view, but not necessarily. Any shady tree will provide sufficiently satisfying Summer scenery.

It's no secret that I like dinner gatherings. The first day of September comes around and I am already planning Thanksgiving dinner. And if you have been following, you know that the idea of a long table brings up warm and fuzzy feelings for me. So when I heard about Joy Road Catering and their Alfresco Sunday dinners in the Okanagan, I could not resist and, a couple of weeks ago, my friends and I had an amazing evening at God's Mountain, feasting on local food prepared by very talented chefs. But forget the food. As outstanding as it was, the setting alone was worth the five hour drive to the valley. I highly recommend that, if given the chance, you attend one of their dinners. Our evening has climbed at the top of most memorable meals I have ever had and I would imagine that it will probably hold that title some time.

I just thought that I should put up a few photos of our evening so that I have something to dream about this Winter when my umbrella becomes my best friend once again and hearty soups have replaced corn and peaches on the dinner menu.

Speaking of gatherings, have you read Kinfolk magazine yet? It has been so popular this Summer that it sold out soon after it was released so to write about this now could be a little late in the game, not to mention a tease for those of you who prefer to hold actual, physical copies of magazines in their hand rather than read online (to be fair, you still have access to the entire magazine online, for free AND it is being reprinted, available as of October.)

photo: Kinfolk

The 40 artists who collaborated to create the first issue of Kinfolk focused on the pleasure of simple, uncomplicated, unpretentious, small gatherings. It is a magazine about the sheer fun of sitting down at a table to eat together. What I enjoy the most about it is the collection of photos and the nostalgic and romantic way it has been put together for us. I have browsed through a few articles but have to admit I haven't read through it from cover to cover. I am waiting to hold the physical copy in my hands, sit down on my comfy chair with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and do it justice. Unfortunately, I will have to wait another month for that but it will only make that night more enjoyable. If you take a peek at Kinfolk, let me know what you think, I would love to read your comments. Have a great week.

photo: Kinfolk