Mother’s Day is a very special occasion for us here at Truffles – especially as a few members of our team are mothers themselves! In fact, our devotion and reverence inspired us to further explore the extraordinary virtues of motherhood. We sat down with Amber, one of our resident chefs and mother of 14-month-old Neko, to get her perspective on “the Mother Influence” and how cooking has played – and will continue to play – a role in “growing up”.
Truffles (T): What part (if any) did your mother play in your pursuit of a career in the food industry? Did you spend much time together in the kitchen as a child?
Amber (A): Not really – in fact, my mum and grandma weren’t very fond of cooking at all! But my grandmother had a garden full of fresh peas, rhubarb, and all sorts of things, and my childhood memories are filled with the fruits of that garden. It was at other kids’ houses that I developed a taste for homecooking. I know I always enjoyed what my mum made me though, simply because mum made it.
T: Do you plan to spend time with Neko in the kitchen, teaching him to cook?
A: Absolutely – I already do! He loves looking at all the different coloured veggies and ingredients, and we like to taste things together. Since life is so busy, having fun in the kitchen together is the best way to turn mealtimes into family time.
T: As a mom and a professional chef, what’s your take on picky eaters?
A: My rule with Neko is “taste it, at least once”. If he likes it, great. If not, I find other ways to cook it that might appeal to him more. For instance, Brussels sprouts: if he doesn’t like them steamed, I’ll roast them with a little bacon and see how that goes. It definitely helps having the knowledge and experience to experiment and mix things up. And in the end, just because he doesn’t like something now, doesn’t mean he won’t warm to it later.
T: Now that you’ve returned to the Cafe after maternity leave, do you find your perspective on cooking and the food industry has changed at all?
A: A little bit – before I was a mom, I was pretty career-oriented. And I still am, but my direction is much less spontaneous, now that it affects my family and not just myself.
T: Do you still enjoy cooking at home, for your family, when your work revolves around cooking too?
A: Yes, I do. I find they feel like two separate things: I cook dinner for them before I leave for work in the evening, then hit the ground running here in a world of catering and gourmet profession.
T: What would your ideal Mother’s Day gift be?
A: A decent sleep! A day off to catch up on the sleep I lose to Neko the Poor Sleeper. But I wouldn’t say no to breakfast in bed – pancakes, like I used to make for my mum – or a special dinner. Something sweet and soothing to mark a special day!
With this in mind, we’ve brought together a few very special treats with which to honour the dearly maternal figures, in our lives and yours:
Our Afternoon Tea Service on Mother’s Day, May 12th, will be serenaded by a harp duet from 11-3pm. For the occasion, Tea for Two is only $28 (ordinarily $35); for Four, $50 (regularly $60). We will also be serving these lovingly-crafted features:
T: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your Mother’s Day Special?
A: It’s a buttermilk biscuit, shaped in a heart and baked just like Granny used to make it, with homemade red currant jelly and fresh cream in her honour. It seemed to me like an elegant little something that most mothers would enjoy with a special Afternoon Tea… myself included!
To celebrate and support prospective, expecting, new, and experienced mothers in BC, partial proceeds from Biscuit sales will go to BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre Foundation.
We will also be serving Champagne and our famous Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: $28 for 2, including 2 flutes and 6 strawberries to share.
What better way to treat the maternal light(s) of your life on Mother’s Day?
We look forward to raising a glass to ours and yours at our Garden Cafe!
