Food
02.08.2012
Tasting the Difference: Truffles Fine Foods
by / kihada Share this post /
The truffle is an epicurean delicacy widely sought throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. It’s famed for its fragile texture, superlative flavour, lofty price range – and the use of truffle pigs and dogs in its detection. Due to its natural tendency to grow symbiotically with tree roots and richly nitrogenated soil, it cannot be commercially farmed or mass harvested. The aromatic morsels and warmly robust oil they yield are thus treated with only the utmost care and expertise – and savoured most appreciatively.
Enter Truffles Fine Foods Café and Catering. This locally-owned and operated catering company certainly lives up to the diaphaneity after which it’s named. At both the North Shore and VanDusen Gardens locations, the freshest ingredients meet impressive culinary experience to create the most exquisite gourmet creations.
The first café and catering base was established in 2010 in North Vancouver, situated among the quaint façades and studio offices of North Shore Film Studios. The modern interiors of the café have even been featured in film sets, playing host to some of today’s big-name movies and TV series such as Level Up, Once Upon a Time, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3, and the Twilight series. The staff are widely known for their friendly service and “happy” atmosphere – one hostess estimates 95% of their customers are regulars, and proudly maintains first-name basis with all of them. Meanwhile, the kitchens behind the scenes never witness a dull moment as the chefs work tirelessly in a whirlwind of catering excellence.
The Garden Café, located inside the newly-built Visitor’s Centre in VanDusen Botanical Gardens, opened its doors in late fall of 2011. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto breathtaking views of the gardens, free wireless internet, and handmade fresh-daily menu options, this is the best spot in the city for quiet contemplation, peaceful workspace away from the office, or intimate conversation between friends. The entrance is right at the admissions threshold, so there’s no need to pay Garden admission fees in order to enter the café. On the other hand, there’s ample opportunity to learn about and admire the Centre’s “Living Building” concept: the sloping ceilings and gorgeous wooden panels glow in a natural palette that reflects its Garden home. As ardent devotees of sustainable living practices, Truffles’ café and catering operations fit right in.
On the catering side of the business, Truffles Fine Foods brings only the finest experience to the table. The company seeks to create the most memorable atmosphere and impressive service to every event it hosts. Whether it’s a wedding, a private event, large-scale productions, or an intimate party, they offer a wide array of menu options to suit the individual needs of any client. The staff are fully-equipped to serve at any location, with state-of-the-art mobile kitchens and rentals courtesy of A&B Rentals at their disposal. Using cutting-edge technology and techniques, their talented chefs bring to life a passion for food as art. Truffles’ staff also offer set-up and take-down services to assist in event organization. They are ready to accommodate whatever the occasion entails, providing “the best without the stress”.
Truffles Fine Foods boasts passion in everything they do, and this includes a dedication to sustainability and community involvement. They make a point of recycling as much material as possible, both in-store and on-site. Any leftover food goes to the local Food Bank through the Food Runners program. The kitchens employ energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and almost all forms of packaging are either reusable or biodegradable. The Garden Café is especially green-focussed, using solar and geothermal energy sources to power their operations. Wherever possible, Truffles uses organic and local products, making use of the season’s best offerings. The coffee they serve is all Fair Trade in an effort to promote global stewardship. They are proud members of Pacific Green climate solutions, affiliates of Green Century Enterprises, and regular contributors to the Kidney Foundation and Seva Canada.
Local, sustainable, innovative, talented – all things Vancouver, and everything Kihada is about. Discover more reasons to love Truffles by stopping by either one of their cafés for great food and friends. For full menu details and contact info, check out their website; follow their blog, Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates and special offerings. And as always, stay tuned to Kreative Finds for the latest from the city’s treasure trove!
Alison alison@kihadaworksdesign.com
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