christmas nibblies.

For me, Christmas means food. 

And family.

And parties. 

And presents. 

But one of the main things I think about when I think of this lovely time of year is the feasts, feasts, feasts, feasts.

No-matter that by the time Christmas morning rolls around, I can barely fit into all the clothes that looked so lovely when I tried them on a mere three weeks ago. The food is pretty much worth risking that humiliating moment which, like Santa, somehow always manages to arrive.

avocado, caramelized onion & brie quesadillas.

These were good. 

Really, really good.

enoteca sociale.

This past Wednesday, Lo, Gabbs and I had a hot date. 

With Lo's dad, Guy, that is. 

You see, he was visiting all the way from our hometown, Victoria, and we wanted to take him somewhere special for a meal (well really, it was him taking US out, but you catch my drift.) We'd heard great things about Enoteca Sociale, so we decided to head on down there for some Italian grub. 

summer nibbles.

One of the first things that comes to mind for me when I think of summer, obviously, is food. Sadly, my dreaded bikini and the beaches/docks I plan to wear it on come second to the glorious meals that my tastebuds associate with the warmer months. 

Local melt-in-your-mouth berries and sweet, sunshine-yellow corn that comes at the end of August, almost as an antidote to the inevitable summer wind-down; burgers with ripe avocados, chipotle mayo and caramelized onions served poolside with my dad's old fashioned chocolate milkshakes; fresh prawns caught and barbecued on the back of our boat in Desolation Sound... I could go on, but who wants to read about good food when there are pictures to drool over? Here's a little sampling of what I've been munching on these past few months. Grab a bib. 

a salad of roasted local nectarines, gorgonzola and a simple honey vinaigrette.

heirloom tomato gratinee.

ahi grade sashimi marinated in soy, sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for a quick DIY donburi bowl.

roasted chicken with mango, shallots, toasted cashews and a creamy peanut dressing over spring greens.

white spot monty mushroom burgers. if you live in B.C. or ever visit and have yet to taste this west coast chain of restaurant's heavenly burgers... please, please do.

al fresco appies with a view.

local berries at their seasonal peak.

mmm mmm mmm!