Cookbook Spotlight – The Rebar

My husband and I met almost 13 years ago while going to school at the University of Victoria. Well, not really – we’re actually from the same hometown, but we didn’t really know each other there, despite having several of the same friends. He even lived right behind one of my very best school chums.

But I digress. Victoria is a gorgeous little city located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island (no, the city of Vancouver isn’t actually on that island – confusing, I know). It’s an amazing place – very British and quaint but with that bracing west coast ruggedness. My favorite place to eat while living there was a place called The Rebar, one of the very best vegetarian restaurants there is. So what does this have to do with “C” and our relationship? We went there on one of our very first dates, and he intentionally ordered a dish with tofu in it. I knew at that moment that this was a guy that had potential (he even reads for fun – jackpot!). Fast forward about 10 years, and I was understandably delighted when they put out a cookbook of some of their best recipes. A few of my favorites include the Raspberry Oat Bars, the Squash and Smoked Cheddar Tart, and the Rustic Bread Salad. This is a salad like no other. Piled high with huge garlicky croutons, chopped tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, bocconcini cheese, and the best basil vinaigrette I’ve ever tasted, it’s one of our favorite summer meals.If you ever find yourself in Victoria, be sure to check it out!