getting ready to pour

I can’t post the drink shots yet, but I here are a few bits that lend themselves to garnish making that will go into an upcoming Summer beverage project I started working on today. People seem to get a kick out of my toolboxes… Despite virtually everyone knowing about food styling nowadays, it amazes me… Continue reading getting ready to pour

cocktail hour

Here are some images I styled for the current promotion for LCBO “It’s Cocktail Hour”.   I mixed and garnished all the drinks, and really enjoyed seeing the amazing, glam props that Lara brought to the set which she created ! The retro-inspired lighting Mark used brought a luscious glow to this classic cocktail scenario… Continue reading cocktail hour

wintery mood, studio food

Despite the unusual spring weather today, our little team of photgrapher Michael Albersat, me as food stylist, and prop stylist Jane Hardin,gathered inside the studio for a “play day”. Here are some images we pulled out of our creative hats, bringing moody shadows and some vibrant touches of colour to the set. Inspired by the classic… Continue reading wintery mood, studio food

eat your winter veg

There are a few shots I food styled recently with photographer Jim Norton and prop stylist Martine Blackhurst of Rustica. Art Director Vicki Hornsby assigned a fabulous colour palatte to this story, and I love the teal, blues and metallic touches that made these {always} delicious recipes by Jane Rodmell cookbook author, All the Best Fine Foods owner… Continue reading eat your winter veg

open drawers # 2 : snack stash

open drawers  #2 where: a photography studio, Toronto what I’d cook for snacks if I was there now: spicy chipotle guacamole or pico de gallo dips (to go with their organic nacho chips)  or anything with a few arugala leaves, double-smoked bacon, chorizo sausage or melty cheesey (to top the their crackers or baguette slices).… Continue reading open drawers # 2 : snack stash

Point of the Day: Pine vodka, barrels, and tart.

Todays rain was the perfect excuse NOT to catch up on yardwork. Instead, I headed over to 66 Gilead Distillery for an astonishing vodka sampling that included their Canadian Pine Vodka, Whole Wheat Vodka, and Rye Vodka… all made on site. Read the full story about the distillery in the current issue of Grapevine Magazine here. Next… Continue reading Point of the Day: Pine vodka, barrels, and tart.

fishing with Ron

Recently I made a little time to do some “creative work” with Ronald Tsang, a young and talented photographer here in T.O. Remebering the challenges of getting into this business of food photography, it’s great to help enthusiastic, creative people with real talent, like Ron. I really liked these images, due in part to the… Continue reading fishing with Ron

sweetbreads by any other name

Aigo Bouido, also known as Garlic Soup      Vicki’s Veggies Blue Ribbon-winning Garlic I’ver been procrastinating for a day or two now for the chore I’m really not looking forward to….cleaning sweetbreads for a recipe we’re photographing this week. I’m sure they’ll be delicious, but alas, they sure look some aweful. Not difficult to… Continue reading sweetbreads by any other name

the point of the day: peeled and zested

I carry this little pouch in my tool box, stuffed with a handful of zesters and peelers that I use often…plus a few rarely used butter curlers and melon ballers. These work in a range of applications, like for removing citrus zest in different thicknesses for garnishes. The peelers are also terrific for making ribbons… Continue reading the point of the day: peeled and zested

point of the day: thanks Carl!

As I close down the Nook for another rental season, I’m reflecting on the fascinating guests I’ve had this year. And thankful, too, for friends I’ve bartered cottage time for their amazing artwork. Most recently, that would be illustrator Carl Wiens. (I’ll tell you soon about Wendy Trusler, her Voices at Hand exhibition in Picton… Continue reading point of the day: thanks Carl!