Basking at Bread N Buns Factory

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 18, 2012

Tucked tightly into the corner of 224th and Dewdney Trunk Road in Maple Ridge is a delightful little bakery - Bread N Buns Factory. 

Don't let the small doorway fool you either, when you enter the store a whole new world emerges. It is spacious, bright and the air is filled with the aromas of freshly baked breads.  

From Pumpernickel to Garlic Bread, Bread N Buns Factory has something for everyone. Baskets along the back give shelter to freshly baked buns of all assortments. Focaccia loaves, pound cakes and pastries are just a few of the samplings. 

Bread N Buns Factory also has some splendid pantry products like Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil. Of course, no bakery would be complete without a delicatessen portion in it right? "Wait, there is a fresh deli area too?". Indeed, there is. Mortadella, Pancetta and Chorizo Sausage fill the showcases as well as several Salamis and other assorted meats and cheeses. 

The fresh bacon screamed in the loud silence of the store. Calling to me as if I were the lone shopper. Sliced to perfection in front of my eyes, the bacon would be completely ignorant to it's timely demise later in a Stromboli. For the time being, the bacon would be happy to know it found a good home :)

Traditional Italian fares could be found all over the store and everything was wonderfully priced. Bags of fresh bread crumbs for stuffing only $2.49, how can you beat that?

**Really cool tip: If you shop after 2pm and spend over $10 in the deli area, you get free buns!!!!!** A dozen free!!! 

22420 Dewdney Trunk Road

604-463-9992

http://twitpic.com/8lnai3

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH ISSUE 4

ISSUE 4

THE RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

Yesterday marked the opening of the annual Ridge Meadows Juvenile Christmas Tournament. Hosted between Planet Ice in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arena in Pitt Meadows BC. 

A two tiered tournament that shows off the senior players involved in minor hockey. The 'Juvy' division is for the 18-20yr old to finish out their minor hockey careers. It has grown considerably in recent years with more and more boys wanting to continue on with the game they love so much. 

The tournament was the love child of Brek Stewart (who at the time was Managing the Ridge Meadows Juvy A1 team affectionately known as the 'MOOSE'). His love for the game and his commitment to volunteering brought this tournament to life. 

After six years of being the tournament's Director, Brek stepped away to open the door for others to take the reigns. This year the Director for the tournament is Bill Allen. A long time volunteer with Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey. His son, is currently playing on the A1 team. 

This year sees the addition of two teams from the Interior Region. It's the first time  that the tournament is hosting teams from the area. Previous years, there has been teams from Vancouver Island but never from the Interior.  

The tournament runs from Dec 27-Dec 30th. 

more to come

DAILY TIP DEC 9 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 9 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

No holiday would be complete with the Christmas tree so today's tip is all about the mighty evergreen.

http://www.alouettechristmastreefarm.com/  Alouette Christmas Tree Farm is a great family run farm to pick out your favorite tree. They have pre-cut or if you want to experience a true tradition, cut your own. (make sure to bring the necessary equipment like an ax and twine). 

Alouette also knows that picking out a tree can take awhile so for your convenience, they also have hot chocolate, hot dogs and candy canes. Take a night time 'Polar Express' train ride around the farm, or lounge around the roaring fire drinking a hot cup of cider.

Prices range between $25-$60 for the trees and they are open 7 days a week. Be sure to check out their website for tips on caring for your 'fresh tree'.

DAILY TIP DEC 4 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 4 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Today's tip is for those 'shop local' fans. WWW.bigfeast.ca is a fantastic Bistro and Catering Company located right here in Maple Ridge BC. 

From dining in, to having them cater in your home; you are sure to be served with the very best cuisine.  Big Feast also some great 'Holiday take and bake' products that you warm up. They do all the work and you get the credit! 

If you are looking to have a Christmas party or just a private get together, they also have a room you can book. 

11920 227th street maple ridge

604.477.4334

@bigfeast

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Feast-Bistro-Catering/254699999562

http://www.youtube.com/user/bigfeastbistro?feature=mhum

http://networkedblogs.com/c6WV2

Whatever, your needs for this Holiday Season, Big Feast Bistro is sure to deliver!

Glenlochar Kitchens Pays A Visit to Golden Ears CheeseWorks

Glenlochar Kitchens Pays A

Visit to

Golden Ears CheeseWorks

Sunday morning, while everyone was getting their 'Grey Cup' parties all prepped and ready for guests, the new owner of Glenlochar Kitchens' Georgina Sonmor was cooking up some Wintery goodness in the kitchen of Maple Ridge's Golden Ears CheeseWorks (22270 - 128th Ave)

Glenlochar Kitchens started in 1991 and it's newest owner Georgina Sonmor is thrilled to be providing quality soups that are 100% Canadian. With varieties like Beef & Barley, Country Chowder, Dill Pea and a very hearty Stonehouse Soup as well as five others, Glenlochar has something for everyone. Located in Surrey, it's sure to be a hit with the 'shop local' foodies. 

The savoury aroma from Beef & Barley soup filled the store beckoning customers to try a sample. All the soups are 'Low fat, No Trans Fat, No Cholesterol and are a very high source of fibre'.  The soups come dry packaged and the consumer just needs to add just a couple of ingredients and it's great for the stove top or to make ahead in a crock pot.

So the next time you are in Maple Ridge, be sure to stop into Golden Ears CheeseWorks for some incredibly fresh cheese (just released Farmer's Cheese) and a box or two of Glenlochar Kitchens Soups.  If you can't make it, Glenlochar has a fantastic website and toll free number to get you connected.

1-888-567-3718 (toll free)

604-317-8933 (Lower Mainland)

www.glenlochar.ca

www.goldenearscheeseworks.com

@glenlochar

GOLDEN EARS CHEESEWORKS GRAND OPENING

GOLDEN EARS CHEESE WORKS GRAND OPENING

by

Sher Boudreau

@ravenbran20 (twitter)

October 8, 2011

For the Davison family, Maple Ridge has been their home since 1902 so it was no wonder when Kerry and Lynn decided to venture out and create a new business in Maple Ridge. Golden Ears Cheese Works[1] held their grand opening today. Although, they have been open August 23rd 2011, they hosted their official grand opening on Thanksgiving weekend!

Driving up to a 'traditional looking' homestead building, you notice right off the bat that something is different. Outside were a few booths set up to sample some of the best BC has to offer. From sausages to pasta to sparkling water there was something to tantalize anyone taste buds.

Walking into the store itself is sensory overload. A gorgeous kitchen (where cooking classes will be held) showcases some of the baked goodies like scones and cinnamon buns and has seating available to enjoy your snack with a fresh brewed cup of coffee.

Wandering the store, you notice a familiar theme throughout. Almost everything in the store is either produced locally or from other areas of British Columbia. From fair trade coffee to gluten free chips to the fresh produce the store is jammed packed with healthy and environmentally conscience products.

Of course the best reason to visit the Golden Ears CheeseWorks is the cheese! With the dairy coming from Kerry\s brother Kevin's farm, you know the cheese is made with dedication to perfection, family and expertise. Since cheeses age in different time frames, the selections will always have something new. Be sure to sample, sample, sample. Oh and did I mention sample! Try some of their amazing Quark, Cranberry Gouda or if you are really adventurous, try their Stinging Nettles Gouda! They have freshly churned butter both salted and unsalted, cheese curds and the obvious milk.

Any way you slice it, Golden Ears CheeseWorks has something for everyone. Young and old will feel and taste the love behind all their products.

PRICE RANGE $$-$$$$$

http://goldenearscheeseworks.com/

http://twitpic.com/6x6qw7

http://twitpic.com/6x6ow5

---

[1] 22270 128th Avenue, Maple Ridge BC 604-467-0004

Socrates Greek Taverna Restaurant Review

Socrates Greek Taverna Restaurant Review

by

Sher Boudreau

@ravenbran20

Sept 29, 2011

Taste of Fraser Valley - Restaurant Guide to the Fraser Valley, BC

The taste, sights and sounds of Greece come alive in Socrates Greek Taverna in Maple Ridge British Columbia.

With a fabulous menu and friendly staff like 'Maggie', Socrates is a great place for an intimate dinner for two or a family outing. The authentic music from Greece adds to the enjoyment of the dining experience.

If you choose to start off your dinner with an appetizer, I suggest a plate of  'Keftedes' (a Greek style meatball that is to die for) which is served with fresh tzatziki and hot pita bread and a wedge of lemon. If fish is more your style, try starting off with a plate of calamari or 'Shrimp A la Pana' (tiger prawns in marinara sauce).

Entrees are both traditional and they also serve some Italian and 'Canadiana' dishes. I highly recommend the lamp chops. Served with potatoes, rice and Greek salad. For $17.95, it's a bargain. For the hungry man, nothing hits the spot like their 'Greek Style Ribs' (pork ribs that are seasoned and cooked to fall off the bone perfection).  For the non meat eaters, Socrates has a myriad of seafood dishes and a fantastically filling Veggie Plate (potatoes, rice and Greek salad).

To accompany your meal, Socrates has several beers and wines available as well as the non alcoholic normalities. 

Of course, no dinner is ever complete without dessert and Socrates presents some of the richest, most decadent desserts Maple Ridge has. From the traditional Baklava to the light but still opulent Mango berry Cheesecake.

Socrates offers both dine in and take out as well as limited delivery (with minimum purchase). Reservations aren't always necessary but I do recommend them for a special evening or on the weekend when they are quite busy.

Price Range $$-$$$

Veggie Plate at Socrates Greek Taverna Maple Ridge BC on Twitpic

Lamp Chop dinner at Socrates Greek Taverna..Maple Ridge BC on Twitpic

Oh so Proud

Being a writer has always been fun and rewarding but never so much as right now. I wrote an article about my hubby's passion and love for volunteering and hockey and this is how it turned out.


Thanks to David Murray @PittMeadowsToday.ca for publishing it for me!