Studio One
Rhonda is a very special person in my life and a very talented stylist. She is the owner and operator of Studio One Aveda Concept Salon in the Outside Break complex. As someone that cut my own hair most of my life I was interested to see what a real haircut would be like. My first real haircut began with a head massage and a cup of tea. The head massage really seals the deal for me... you really can't beat it. The girls have also managed to keep me as a regular customer since they do such great work. Thank you Rhonda for keeping Tofino looking good!
Art, Design and Chocolate
Cam and his partner recently moved here to the coast from Saskatchewan to take over Chocolate Tofino. Until his movement into the world of chocolate he was a graphic designer. I was also a graphic designer until my photography took a front seat so we definitely have lots in common. While I was in the chocolate shop I noticed some beautiful, bold original paintings hanging on the wall. Not only is Cam a natural at the art of chocolate, he is also a very talented painter capturing our coastline vibes in a very powerful way. Nice work Cam and best of luck this season!
Stomping Grounds
Rick is someone who has been around for years working in kitchens here on the west coast. Over the past couple weeks I have had the pleasure of getting to to him a little and I am glad that I did. He was a part of the posse when we went on the impromptu float plane adventure to get prawns last week. It really was a great adventure. Also, I just learned minutes a ago that he reins from the same stomping grounds as me... the Windsor area. With that said Rick, we'll have to trade stories some time.
Chocolate Tofino
I wish you could experience what it's like to have your face 6 inches from a fountain with gallons of flowing, premium dark chocolate. This is Kim. She and her partner are newer additions to town but know they have one of the greatest jobs around... owning and operating a chocolate shop. As I've stated before my biggest weakness is my sweet tooth so this kind of setting is pretty dreamlike. All of their chocolate and ice cream is made by hand, in house. You just can't beat that.
Pure and Sweet Genius
I consider myself somewhat of a self proclaimed connoisseur of the dessert and pastry world. If I have one weakness it's a sweet tooth. I don't throw the term around loosely but Matt here is a genius and arguably the best dessert man in the country . He is the pastry chef at the Wickaninnish Inn's Pointe Restaurant in Tofino. The dessert he is plating is is absolutely next level... I can't even begin to describe this dish in the allotted space so you should just go and order dessert. Seriously.
The Man can cook... and sing.
Liam is restaurant chef at the Long Beach Lodge in Tofino. I photograph many weddings at the lodge and see Liam in the kitchen working hard regularly. He is one of very few people that have been to my hometown (Amherstburg On) so there is a solid connection in that regard for sure. Recently I was waiting for a wedding to begin and out walks Liam with a guitar. Not only can the man cook but he was hired by the couple to play music while they walk the isle. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to hear that he could not only play well but he can sing! Nice one Liam.
Open for Business
Yes folks, it's true. Jay and his wife's taco bus is back open for business. Jay is another Tofitian that I see in the water often. His taco bus is located no more than 100m from my front door so I also see him poking out from this window a few times a day. The tacos in the photo are for me, a tuna taco and a fish taco. I have since eaten them but always love the opportunity to combine work and delicious food. Good luck this season Jay!
An Introduction.
The launch of this blog project has brought more and more people to me saying they have heard my name but didn't know what I looked like. Since it is my birthday I figured it was a good time to do a self portrait. Allow me to introduce myself... my name is Chris. Taking pictures is my life.
Addictive Foods
Derek is a newer addition to our community but I have had the pleasure of meeting him a few times and his vibes will fit perfectly here. He has opened a new catering company and private chef service in town. He shows a great passion for food so I am excited to attend an event with his creations. Best of luck on your new venture Derek.
Grey Whale Weeks
Ron is one of my best friends and my main partner battling the surf. We have also played in two bands together with a firm possibility of a new evolution to come. He is the pastry chef at Long Beach Lodge perched up high with a perfect view of Cox Bay and the wave conditions. Who needs buoy reports when you have a Ron? Since he's always had a strangely close relationship with his bread starter we thought it would be appropriate to include it as well. It is the life of the bread after all.