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An Unexpected Inspiration!

 

Every artist has her muse whether it’s nature, a goddess, songs, love itself, books, photography, flowers, Life or even death. In my case my Muse is the adventurous type that loves to experience anything and everything. Whether it’s sitting with a glass of Irish whiskey, eating a piece of François Pralus (http://bit.ly/FrancoisPralus) dark chocolate, having in-depth conversation about human potentiality, Life aspirations or simply having an experience of another artist’s craft presented right in front of me.

 

In our everyday bustle we forget to stop even for a moment and enjoy what’s in front of us. Smell the roses, look up at the sun and feel the heat on our skin or even feel the drops of the rain on our faces falling from the heavens.

 

Food is something we devour so effortlessly that we forget to take the time to see and taste its’ secret beauty. I look for my Muse wherever I go just in case it decides to show up right under my nose. Of course it’s not always visual, my Muse will show up to make sure I’m using all my senses to get all of Life’s beauty.

 

Lo and behold my Muse inspired me to show up at Kaya Malay Bistro, a Malaysian restaurant (1063 Broadway, Vancouver, BC) with a group of amazing foodies. Who would have thought to eat works of art? Fusion of culinary delights and spices provided the texture, colors and smell on white dishes as the white canvas for the art pieces. Art for the senses indeed!

 

divinitychan.com kaya 6 small
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Here are a few dishes worth mentioning. The evening started with their sample of their Vancouver Dine Out menu. An appetizer roti canai served with a curry dipping sauce, an Indian influence. If you have yet to try this little gem, it is sweet fried bread that is folded and folded again and again to create a flaky and layered texture. Served with Kaya’s version of a Singapore Sling made with soda water, pomegranate juice, guava juice and lychee normally mixed with gin and triple sec. Very refreshing, light and addictive to suit the evening affair. The Muse would be proud!

 

divinitychan.com kaya 7 small
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No Malaysian restaurant would be without curry like this seafood packed yellow curry dish. Kaya’s Seafood Bouillabaisse is tangy and the seafood medley is perfectly cooked. With the left over lightly spiced curry sauce you need to serve over rice. Or if you are like me, I spooned the goodness in my mouth like curry soup. Yum!!

 

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Continuing with the seafood affair with the Singapore style chile Lobster Tail. Sadly the picture I’ve taken looks like a ball as the tail curled up in itself. But once you open it up (fingers are useful as knife and fork was really awkward) you get to explore the yummy treasure of succulent lobster meat smothered in a light sweet chile sauce. (For those who are concerned about the heat of the chile sauce, it’s more sweet with a bit of heat)This one got me to crave for a few more tails.

 

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Of course we all love a sweet end to the evening so Kaya presented their deep fried doughy mango ice cream drizzled lightly with mango sauce. Talk about died and gone to heaven.

 

 

 

Divinity Chan with Theresa Nicassio
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Divinity Chan with Theresa Nicassio

While enjoying the culinary delights, we were lucky to have Theresa Nicassio
(http://www.twitter.com/TheresaNicassio) where she shared her life long project – a lifestyle book called Yum, plant based recipes for a gluten free diet. Yet it’s not just a simple recipe book. You will soon discover it’s a spiritual journey and self-discovery of claiming her life, health and her whole being-ness. And with this her desire to share her discoveries and secrets for those looking to claim those very things as well. Freedom!

 

I’m all for all culinary arts (if you haven’t already noticed food is one of my muses) and her book is a great example of what a healthy lifestyle could look and taste like. Even if you are not into a complete plant based diet these dishes are a great complement to any meal. Yum is filled with colorful pictures that will inspire the those who swear can’t cook if their life depended on it to become a master Chef. Theresa even claims 12 year olds can make these dishes so no excuses for us adults. Ha!

 

What I love is this book is the recipes is tried and tested in home kitchens. This works for me, as my last ‘official cooking class’ was Home Economics in highschool! Easy substitutions and suggestions are available in the book for those who want to change it up for their dietary needs. With meals this easy to make and ingredients you can easily find in your local grocery stores even for the budget conscious. If shopping is your Muse then this book will be your artistic expression. Imagine how fun it would be to go to the market to feast your eyes on colors, textures, smells and freshness all gathered together calling for your attention.

 

Make your own work of art with this amazing book Yum and be your own artistic expression! Click the link (http://bit.ly/YumFoodBook) to view the book on Amazon!

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