my story…part of it

I love Many things. Mostly though, its food.

My busy world is centered, quite happily, on the many Pleasures that food provides. i find fulfillment in talking about food (perhaps too much) - and reveling in the flavours, atmosphere and memories associated with it.

Put simply: I seek it out, everywhere, and eat my fair share.

I'm a cook, pastry chef, writer and small business owner.Feeding others, to me, is happiness. its more than satiating hunger, it extends beyond.

it is connection. it is a link to a shared experience. It is knowledge and memories. It is something that encourages you to take in all the moments that happen around food - and because of food.

I have been given incredible opportunities to learn recipes and techniques from many wonderful people - and comb through piles upon piles of splatter-stained, dog-eared books since childhood.  

and thats when My love of food and flavour started - when I was young. So to, a desire to travel. My earliest trips to Europe - as a tenacious and determined teenager - opened a floodgate of curiosity about food and people. those trips allowed me to engage in the history and culture around food - something that differed greatly from my rural upbringing in Canada. this curiosity has never been contained.

in fact, its become a near-obsession, one that has kept me inspired, hungry and travelling ever since.

Learning recipes and technique alone has never been enough however. yes, I love the immersive experience that surrounds food but Understanding ingredients and technique is essential too.

discovering more - beyond the obvious, beyond the preconceived or assumed - is very important. so, I research endlessly, study old cookbooks, travel more and (luckily) spend time with amazing and exceptionally wise people.

This is how I have better come to understand food culture and food history - and why I appreciate both so much. It is what pushes me to be better in the kitchen and on paper. Its the recipes and ingredients, and the precious memories of taste and time.

along the way, I’ve become a dedicated student and meticulous observer. it helps My writing and culinary programs. it helps me to share knowledge and experience, yes. but, perhaps more importantly it helps me share what the many wonderful people, mostly women, have taught me over time.

their recipes, unique methods and amazing life experiences were literally laid on the table - and they trusted me to try and do something bigger with them. These women helped my personal growth and supported my ambitions.

They also Taught me how to preserve moments - and respect time. they shared their wisdom and history. they showed me the importance of finding romance and pleasure in as much of life as possible.

by living well, but simply. by building empathy. By being confident and defiant. By sharing abundantly. By struggling, yes, but with grace and fortitude.

These incredible women laid a foundation for being a distinct, driven woman. and I am so grateful to them. Much of my life is a reflection of what they showed me.

Its not a secret; i am replicating them, albeit in my own way. and aspiring to their strength, humility, Beauty, authenticity, knowledge and grace.

so yes, I love food but there is more:

I love to travel (as noted). Italy has a firm grasp on my heart. But Wales, ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, and well, the whole of the E.U. often contends for my affection. The flavours and vibrancy of Middle eastern cuisine are also CONTINUALLY tugging at my tastebuds. My CURIOSITY for history, people and food culture abound.

I embrace small town life in Prince Edward County. I grew up here and much to my surprise found my way back - and started a business, and then another. Its a supportive community that wraps me in warmth.

I am, in fact Enid Grace. That’s Me. that is my name and my business. its all genuine.

I Own My table - a teaching kitchen, small event space, culinary library and a quiet and curated haven to engage in all things food.

i previously owned Piccolina Mercato & Bar in Wellington. It was a special place - my homage to the hours upon hours spent in Italian cafes/bars. Previous to that I created Enid Grace Cafe. I love to envision and create food environments. My Table is my fourth Culinary space - the one I hope to call my creative home for many years to come.

I take pictures. I am amateur at best

I love hills and mountains. along with country landscapes and wandering in quiet places. I prefer brisk air to sweltering heat.

I’m an avid reader. I collect and revere books. I need to hold actual books and newspapers in my hands.

I love animals - all animals - sometimes more than people.

Music is necessary to living well. same with having a soundtrack to your life. Mine can range from Dolly Parton to Joe Strummer to Vivaldi.

I work a lot - happily. you must when you run your own business. It can be exhausting and crushing - but also exhilarating and rewarding. I get to meet great people, flush out ideas, try new things (and, make mistakes, fail and try again.)

To achieve some balance, I like to take some time to myself by sitting on a quiet barstool drinking something amber. and, in the morning, Espresso and a newspaper. old movies, documentaries. simple pleasures - Good food, romantic hotels, record players, all essential.

I find bliss in solitude, but I also love time with friends - which includes an insanely talented and generous group of women (and some pretty wonderful men).Who encourage me, challenge me and make me laugh.

I am sentimental. the most INFLUENTIAL male figure in my life calls me Carciofi (Artichoke) and his influence is with me everyday, all I have to do is look at my arm. and his wife calls me La Luce (the light), one of two important italian women to refer to me by that name only, never by Enid. their influence is also with me each day, I wear it around my neck.

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