You are... Brooke Delves, general manager of Maenam Restaurant (938 West 4th, 604-730-5579, Maenam.ca)
Describe the cooking and/or the theme of your restaurant: Dishes at Maenam are rooted in authentic Thai flavours and created using traditional techniques. Cocktails are Thai-inspired and like the dishes, made with fresh ingredients that are locally sourced when possible or imported from Thailand specifically for Maenam. Wine is chosen to compliment the Thai flavours of sweet, salty, spicy and sour, which allows us a lot of creativity when it comes to pairing. Beer is given equal respect in our beverage program with a focus on quality craft brews.
We might also find you dining out at... I live around the corner from the Waldorf, so Im there every Sunday for brunch. My favourites are the Huevos Rancheros and the Vuelve a la Vida. It helps that they have super- fun wine list, sangria in mason jars and great sherry.
Your dream dinner date (spouses and family dont count): Dag Hammarskjold (Swedish diplomat and former Secretary-General of the United Nations). Ive always been really inspired by his life and his writing.
Last nights dinner: Theres this great take-out place on Robson Street called Donburiya. Last night I had
their takeout No.3 with extra meat and takoyaki, washed down with a Unibroue Ephemere Cassis.
If you had a date with the electric chair, your last meal order would be... a lot of oysters and a lot Chablis!
Youd gag if you ate... Campbells Cream of Mushroom soup. When I was younger, I once sat at the family table for days in a standoff with my parents over the soup. I hated it. Aside from offering crumbled Premium Plus crackers as a topping (which actually made the texture even worse), they did not budge and eventually I was forced to finish the bowl. That was the last time I encountered a can of the horrible stuff.
Youd be happiest at Happy Hour with... either a beer and a whiskey, or a glass of rosé. Ive also been known to enjoy a Manhattan every once in a while.
Secret treats: Popcorn. I can really eat an astounding amount of popcorn. If Im feeling fancy I make popcorn cheese balls with truffle oil. The cheese is whatevers in the fridge since this is never really the sort of thing you plan ahead of time. I also have a weak spot for Pull n Peel Licorice. I cant help myself.
Youd take a long flight in economy class for that one meal in... I have so many memories of wonderful meals in different parts of the world enjoyed with great company. That being said, I would definitely take a long flight in economy class to dine again at this little café in Paris in the 11th arrondissement. I spent the most amazing afternoon there eating all of the fried offal from my best friends plate since she doesnt like that sort of thing. We have a beautiful friendship.
Culinary confession: Any time I decide to bake. People have and should continue to stop me. Funny things is, for being the worst baker ever, Im actually a pretty good cook.
Menu suggestion for a hassle-free, sit-down dinner party for six: Roasted free-range organic chicken thighs (skin on) seasoned with herbs de Provence, sea salt and cracked pepper served with onion and zucchini stuffed tomatoes over fresh pasta with parmesan cheese. Its a crowd pleaser.
Five must-have ingredients in your kitchen:
Coffee, eggs, truffle oil, butter, Amontillado Sherry.
