
Food often reflects the places we visit, the people we meet, and the experiences we have. Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to take many small trips that have shaped my culinary journey. Sometimes, the most profound food memories aren’t made in the countries you’d expect. The unexpected moments stand out — like stumbling upon a small family-run Italian trattoria in the UK or enjoying a Thai takeaway in a hotel room, sitting on the floor. These experiences have influenced my cooking in ways I never imagined.
Even when the world paused during the pandemic, travel became impossible, but it opened up new avenues for discovery. Unable to explore in person, I found myself traveling through the lens of cuisine. I dove into books, online resources, and cooking techniques, uncovering new flavours and learning about cultures that were previously out of reach. I see life as a never-ending period of discovery with every twist and turn bringing fresh inspiration to my cooking, showing me that even when the world feels closed off, there are always new ways to explore. This blog delves deeper into the secrets behind my kitchen and how the flavours you have come to know and love at my shop came to life.
Childhood Holidays in Europe: Simple Getaways, Big Flavors
I never realized how lucky I was as a child to experience holidays in Europe. They weren’t extravagant or luxurious—just humble stays in holiday homes in places like France, Italy, and Spain. But the memories of those simple trips still stand out, especially the moments that revolved around food.
One of my fondest memories was going to the local pizzeria and watching as the pizza entered the oven, the crusts immediately blooming and out in less than two minutes. I always left the crusts until last because they were my favorite part. Or grabbing fresh tomatoes and garlic and a bag of spaghetti, then cooking up a simple pasta dish—food that was simple but full of life.And then there were the little patisseries with freshly baked pastries, the gelato on warm afternoons, and churros dipped in thick, rich hot chocolate. These small, local food experiences ignited my love for food and cooking, teaching me that big flavors don’t always need extravagant meals. Sometimes, the most authentic connections come from the simplest things—a piece of bread, a fresh pizza slice, or a home-cooked pasta. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Discovering Unexpected Flavours Close to Home
While my travels through Europe sparked my love for food, it was a UK staycation that unexpectedly deepened my culinary journey. Growing up, we often visited North Wales to see family. It became a place of surprise for Southeast Asian cuisine, shaping my curiosity for bold, vibrant flavors.
We had a routine—always grabbing Chinese or Malaysian takeaways. But one time, I convinced my family to try something new, and we found a quiet little Thai restaurant. My first dish—a Thai whiskey seafood stir-fry—was sweet, aromatic, and mild in spice, but it lit a spark that stayed with me.
Years later, I braved one of the spiciest Thai curries—Jungle Curry. I’d found a takeaway after a long search and enjoyed it in the most ordinary of settings: a plain hotel room. My family was less than thrilled with the wait, but I didn’t care. The heat brought tears to my eyes, but the flavors were unforgettable. It reminded me that sometimes, the best culinary discoveries are hiding where you’d least expect them.
An uxecpected little taste of luxury in Iceland
While food has always been the heart of my travels, Iceland challenged my expectations. It wasn’t the easiest destination for culinary exploration, but it offered unforgettable moments that shaped my cooking in surprising ways.
One of the most memorable experiences came from an unplanned adventure. During a stormy whale-watching excursion, I naively skipped the seasickness tablets, only to spend hours in misery. Back on land, we stumbled across a small artisan fish and chips shop by the water. The lobster bisque I ordered didn’t just settle my stomach—it transformed my view of how simple food can comfort the soul.
The next day, still riding the high of that bisque, I treated myself to a lobster pizza that felt like the culmination of my Icelandic food adventure. Though eating out in Iceland was expensive, shopping in quirky local supermarkets taught me the value of creativity. It wasn’t about luxury—it was about making the most of what was available. That lesson continues to inspire me today.
Canada: A Journey of Surprising Flavors
Canada was an unexpected destination with three standout food memories that shaped my culinary experiences—mega salads, beautiful patisseries, and incredible Asian cuisine.
Our journey started in Toronto and took us to Ottawa and Montreal. The trip wasn’t without challenges—on our first night in Ottawa, I tracked down a late-night Vietnamese takeaway that ended up being one of the most disappointing meals I’ve ever had. But instead of letting it ruin my appetite, I doubled down on finding better flavors.
One of the many pho I've discovered along my travels Over the rest of the trip, I explored amazing Asian eateries that more than made up for that initial letdown. Every market I visited brought something new: incredible pastries, a gorgeous pumpkin display in Montreal, and those unforgettable mega salads. They weren’t just salads—they were bowls brimming with roasted vegetables, cheeses, and endless creativity.
Canada taught me to keep searching for inspiration, even after a bad meal, and to appreciate the small details. Sometimes, the simple things—a pumpkin display, a flaky pastry, or a hearty salad—leave the biggest impression.
The Impact of the Pandemic: Adapting and Exploring New Horizons
When the pandemic hit, everything changed—especially how I thought about travel. I had always relied on those one or two small trips abroad each year to refresh my spirit and spark new ideas in the kitchen. While I wasn’t jet-setting around the world, those trips gave me the creative energy I needed. Suddenly, I found myself stuck at home, unsure of when I’d be able to leave again.
But instead of feeling lost, I adapted. I pivoted by launching the first incarnation of my business—selling brownies and cookies online. And with that shift, I also dove deeper into exploring cuisines that had always
intrigued me—Thai, Japanese, and Korean—by researching new recipes and techniques. I started discovering Asian ingredient shops online, and the anticipation of waiting for those ingredients to arrive—often in colorful packages and unique jars—brought a similar excitement to travel. It felt like a little adventure, unboxing new finds and experimenting with them in my kitchen.
Even though I wasn’t physically traveling, I was still embarking on culinary journeys, discovering flavours from all around the world from my kitchen. It kept that sense of adventure alive, even in the most ordinary moments.
Though I haven’t been able to leave the country since before the pandemic, my focus has been on supporting my business's growth. Still, I look forward to the day when travel becomes possible again. Whether in person or through research, the ability to discover new ingredients and techniques remains a vital part of the creative process.
Bringing It All Together
Travel—whether it’s across the globe or through cookbooks and online research—has always shaped my cooking. The flavours I bring to the kitchen come from places I’ve visited, people I’ve met, and experiences I’ve had, all woven together to create something unique. Even though the world has felt a bit smaller lately, my culinary journey continues. There’s always more to discover—whether it’s a new spice, a fresh technique, or a food culture I haven’t explored yet.
I hope that when you visit my shop, you’ll feel a bit of that travel magic. A slice of pizza could transport you to Italy, a dish might bring the boldness of Korea, or perhaps a bite of something sweet will remind you of the warmth of France. Whatever it is, I hope you’ll taste the journey in every flavour, and share in the adventure through the food I serve.
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