EAT MY WORDS: An Evening with Eric Pateman

It was another dark and rainy night in Vancouver, and it was tempting to stay inside with a glass of wine. However, there are a few events that I will venture out for on such a sodden night and one of these was the BC Association of Travel Writers Meetup, EAT MY WORDS: An Evening with Eric Pateman. The event was nicknamed, a “drink and learn,” the event included a three-course menu, a talk from Eric Pateman and socializing.

As I walked in, I was greeted immediately by the friendly host, who walked me past the open kitchen and bar. I witnessed other diners diving into their meals and drinks with smiles on their faces. I sat in the grand, glass-walled space, took my seat on the long fir table and started catching up with fellow travelers.

After being served our Haskap berry royale drinks, a perfect mix of fruit and bubbles along with albacore tuna appetizers topped with watermelon radish and watercress, Eric Pateman, Edible Canada President, shared the history of Edible Canada and how it has grown over the years and some of the challenges that have been encountered.

Defining Canadian food can be difficult. “Ask 100 people what Canadian food is, you’ll get 100 different answers,” stated Eric. Canada is the most multicultural country from an authentic standpoint with high quality options of Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Thai food. And that only scratches the surface.

Right now, there isn’t a clear definition, but in upcoming years, Canada will continue to define ourselves in terms of food as we are getting known for more than maple syrup, poutine and salmon. Currently, there isn’t a clear voice as each province manages their own tourism and promotion. However, there are plans to change this in the future but it is a huge undertaking.

You can see Eric’s passion for his business and food when he talked in his restaurant located on Granville Island in Vancouver. Along with the restaurant, there is a retail store (averages $1 M in sales including food and kayaking tours). There are bigger plans in the works, but we were sworn to secrecy.  I’m looking forward to seeing this Canadian company continue to grow and help define what food means to Canadians.

Here are some highlights from Eric’s talk:

• Most food writers just focus on the food. They exclude the service, atmosphere and the experience of being there. It’s missing from a lot of food writing.
• Throw a little fish sauce in non-Asian recipes such as salad dressing or brussel sprouts to enhance the taste.
• Edible Canada invests in the diners experience; it’s not just about the food. From sharing where the food comes from, to the backstory behind their suppliers; also the multiple touch points of service to the atmosphere.
• Focus on the story that hasn’t been told such as where the food comes from. What makes this place unique?
• Check out Alexandra Gill from Global & Mail, who is an incredible storyteller who reviews restaurants but the food is only a small portion of her articles
• Atmosphere matters from lighting to music, the attention of the staff.
• When you are reviewing, dine alone, sit at the bar, watch, listen and eavesdrop. Don’t bring a guest so you focus on the experience of the place.
• Avoid restaurant openings.
• For FAM trips, remove yourself from the group when possible to find something unique.
• If you are trying to pick a restaurant, do some research ahead of time. Ask the waitress, bar staff or taxi drivers where their top five places are to eat.
• Edible Canada uses 100% Canadian drinks including beer, wine, spirits and pop. They even make their own bitters and any other ingredient that they need that they can’t source local.

After our discussion with Eric, we had a custom menu starting with creamy cauliflower soup with charred bread and bacon. I wanted to walk into the kitchen and find out the chefs secret as I hadn’t tasted cauliflower soup this delicious before.

During the service, our server was attentive, always making sure our water glasses were full, which is important for me.

Our entree was steelhead trout served with Brussels sprouts and Saskatchewan lentils. I was not a huge fan of Brussels sprouts. Every time, I had made them at home, they were okay, but never something I would seek out. Edible Canada has changed my mind as the dish was delicious!

After more socializing, we finished off the evening with a St. Jacob’s apple pie topped with local Earnest vanilla ice cream. Everyone who came left with full stomachs and minds.

As I was leaving, the bartender wished me good night as I headed off to sit by the water and reflect on the evening’s events.

One quote from Eric that stuck in my head, “You can eat, drink and travel and get paid for it!” You only need to find your way of doing it.