Welcome Back Post: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Hello? Is… is anyone there? I know it’s been quite some time… but I’m still here! A lot has happened since last I blew the dust off this little online sounding board, and I’m finally here to share it with all of you.
Where to begin? For starters, we got married! Liz and I finally tied the knot, after postponing the wedding a couple times due to COVID. Although I’d gotten too fat for the wedding suit I’d bought many moons ago, I ended up with an even better one, and we had a lovely, intimate ceremony and party at North & Navy. Kudos to all the staff there for making our special day perfect.
We then found ourselves in Montreal for a bit of a mini-moon, as international travel is still a bit sketchy. After some hotel issues (screw you, La Crystal!), we found some amazing lodging (bless you, Queen E!) and enjoyed several days of absolutely blissful restaurant experiences. Thank you for filling our hearts (and stomachs!) to the staffs of : Bar Henrietta, Foxy, Alma, Tinc Set and Nora Gray.
In other exciting news, shortly after we got back to Ottawa, I accepted a six-month contract as a writer/researcher for Gusto Worldwide Media! That’s right, your very own (former) chef is now a TV food writer for the world’s best food channel! Dreams DO come true, my babies!
Anyways, it’s been a bit of a shift, acclimating to a 9-5 job, at an office, in a whole new career, so yeah, I haven’t been around for a while, but, like the title says: absence makes the heart grow fonder. Right?
It’s that old chestnut, absence makes the heart grow fonder, that I’d like to talk about now. By now, most of you know that I worked at Ottawa institution Fauna Food+Bar for a goodly while. I did two tours there, as a matter of fact. Having spent so much time making the food, and just being there, I have to admit, it wasn’t my first thought for a night out.
My new co-workers, however, are rather enamored with Fauna. I can’t say I’m surprised. They rave about the cocktails, the service, the food, but most of all, the consistency. “Fauna is always consistently good!” they gush. That made me realize it had been some time since I was able to view Fauna solely through the eyes of a guest.
After work last Tuesday, Liz and I had to run an errand at the Shoppers Drug Mart just across the street from Fauna. I asked Liz on a spur-of-the-moment date, and we waltzed over to my former place of employ for a drink.
We weren’t really there for dinner, but ended up sampling some terrific wine, having an amazing cocktail each, and sharing three plates, all of which were simply delicious. Special shout-out to that crispy, crunchy pork belly with the kimchi and shiitakes. That one was killer. We walked home, happy and full.
So, why do I mention this? Because, absence does INDEED make the heart grow fonder. I hadn’t eaten at Fauna in some time, and now that I don’t spend the better part of my week there, I was able to truly experience and appreciate it. I’m proud to have been a part of that restaurant’s history. I’m proud of and happy for my friends that still work there (and own the joint), that they can consistently hit the mark, night after night, and that people take notice.
If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then I hope, dear readers, you’re happy to see me again. I can’t promise regular updates, though I never could. But I’m happy to see you all now, that’s for sure.
Feel free to shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment down below! Ciao!
