Week THREE!!!
Linz & Erin’s Excellent LOCAL Adventure…
Craft Food House!!
Craft Food House is where aaaaallllllll of this began!! It’s where Erin and I met to chat about this fantastical idea to showcase some of the awesome businesses in our community!! So for our THIRD week of Linz and Erin’s Excellent LOCAL Adventure… we venture back to where the magic happened!!
If you could think of the most hetero-ly romantic way to come up with a restaurant idea – how would you picture the setting?? Well, when it came to the Craft Food House, it started with a cool evening around the bonfire (in my mind, I’ll insert a beverage or two), and a double-rainbow moment (all the way across the sky… what does it mean, what does it mean??) If that doesn’t scream restaurant success, I don’t know what does!! At a fateful meeting 5 years ago, Zab Vanderhyden (aka Chef Z) and Nuno Texeira, passed around “restaurant stories”, and as the present-time now tells, they are the proud owners of Craft Food House.
Purchasing the former Harden & Huyse Cafe (business, not building), and officially opening as Craft Food House on November 18th, 2016, Zab and Nuno had a different concept for the business. With the former name, also came the bright, open space. Now, just to make it theirs. Enter the clean and modern design of Brooke Mullins, with the collaboration of David Noble. The cool esthetics were brilliantly executed with a touch of warm rustic flair. As Nuno described it, like walking into a New York loft.
On any given day of the week, during just about any (business) hour, this place is buzzing!! I love how the success has come for these guys!! I swear it was like a switch turning on in this community. Perhaps it is the unexpected “Cosmopolitan Menu” (I don’t know exactly what that means, but it’s in my notes! I think Sex And The City, but I have a feeling that’s not what Zab’s thinking when he’s creating in the kitchen!!) or maybe it’s the gorgeous 54 (give or takeish) same-style lights that were purchased and hung (that lighting store was thanking their lucky stars you walked in that day… and your electrician basically hates you!!) Or there is the possibility that maybe, just maybe, it’s a combination of all of that, plus the formation of the dynamic duo!?
So let’s talk about this “Cosmopolitan Menu”… and it’s TRUE meaning.
cos·mo·pol·i·tan – as explained by yourdictionary.com
- common to or representative of all or many parts of the world; not national or local
- not bound by local or national habits or prejudices; at home in all countries or places
- characterized by worldly sophistication; fashionable, urbane, etc.
- having a worldwide distribution, as some plants or animals
cos·mo·pol·i·tan – as explained by urbandictionary.com
A cocktail made famous by the show Sex And The City. It consists of cranberry juice, triple sec, vodka and lime. This is an extremely girly cocktail. 1 oz vodka
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz cranberry juice
1/2 oz rose’s lime juice
1 lime wedge
So, for those who are keeping track (like me!) – I was kinda sorta correct!!! It is very likely used in a diff context, but I was right, and that’s all that matters!!
Let’s take it back to the first meaning of Cosmopolitan… representative of all or many parts of the world, not bound by local or national habits, worldly sophistication, fashionable, urbane. So, basically the definition of Cobourg!!! ???? All kidding aside, it is ideally what Cobourg, and Northumberland County, is steadily becoming. The menu showcases a broad range of delectable tastes, without the borders of a certain cooking style or region, and willing to collaborate with items that can be purchased locally. It’s like a little, tiny, mini Toronto, smack dab in our awesome Town of Cobourg!! Damn-it we’re a lucky bunch!!
As all good and wise restauranteurs attempt, Chef Z and Nuno tried their very best to woo the highly critical, hugely qualified, almost never serious, bloggers… (which is Erin and I… hello)!!!
Ever so confident in his creation, Chef Z saunters out of the kitchen with the Check Your Pulse salad in hand, and places the said masterpiece in front of me. For the love of gawd!!! Take a look at the pic – and imagine my horror. The horror of knowing that I was instantly in love!!! Sorry, Geoffy!! Pulse Checked!! I dare you to find a better looking salad!! The presentation is breathtaking. Seeing the freshness. Knowing the goodness that awaits not only in taste, but also in pure fuel. This salad is a true masterpiece. One point for Craft.
Big shoes to fill for the next dish!! PS, I already know y’all are wondering how Erin and I got so lucky with this adventure!! And PPS, it’s skill, not talent!! Out comes the Dumpling Salad. Like seriously dude!! You think you can throw some chicken and leek-filled scrumptious dumplings, with noodles, mango, cilantro, with a whole plethora of additional goodies… and assume I’ll love it?? Well, you were CORRECT!! Cilantro, I put that sh*t on everything!! Thank you jesus, it’s also on this salad!! Two points Craft. And done.
So, what’s coming up at Craft, other than roses?? Pop-up Events!! With the most recent one being Valentine’s Day!! There’s still time to book for V-Day dinner!! Watch also for their cooking classes!! The key to not being disappointed, is booking early!!
Craft truly is a labour of love for Nuno, Zab and their most awesome employee, Lori. With the support of additional team players, Nuno and Zab are (essentially) present during ALL business hours. They want to ensure that your experience at Craft Food House is one that brings you back over and over again. So whether it’s for brekkie or lunch, din at a pop-up event, or a quick coffee, they are there!! Speaking of coffee, their beans are not about the bass, and all about the treble…. Trebilcock that is!! A micro-roaster out of Pickering. But beyond coffee, cause let’s be honest, there is life beyond coffee… you must try their London Fog!! I’m not a coffee drinker (note, that is not a flaw!!) but I am a distinguished tea drinker!! And in layman’s terms, the Earl Grey Latte is DEVINE!!!
So I can totally read your mind right now!!! How can you get the goodness of Craft for lunch, if you’re under-privileged (I kid!!!) and don’t work downtown, or have enough time to get downtown?? You ask for DELIVERY (not Delissio!!). Treat them well though – get a few friends together, or if you want to call them co-workers that works too, and call in your order!! And if you are ridiculously lucky, you’ll get a super cute, wonderfully personable, let’s call him Italian (because if he’s Portuguese, I may never return!) to deliver it!!
So, once again, we put these owners to the test. To capture true journalism at it’s best!!
1. When you’re not eating your own beautiful food, what local establishment would we find you at?? Unanimously: George and Orange, Sper Food & Farm (an incredible farm to table restaurant in Warkworth) and William Street Beer Co.
2. What do you find yourself preparing and/or enjoying at home?? Zab: wine. 4 kids. Say no more. I gotcha bud!! (as I take another sip!) Nuno: BBQ… salmon and steaks. Yum!!
3. What brought you to Northumberland County? Zab: I stopped to get gas. And never left. Nuno: House prices. Holla!! (you totally think I had that planned, but I assure you it was absolutely unscripted!! Thanks Nuno!!)
4. The most difficult of all questions… what colour are your undies???? Zab: BLACK. Shocking!! As he’s dressed all in black. In a black apron. You have the look down pat!! Nuno: RED!! I can totally picture that!! Not that I’m picturing you unclothed!! Totally not appropriate for an un-trained blogger, but Nuno’s personality totally screams, RED!! And I love it!
I loved our time at Craft. Although only scratching the surface of these two masterminds, it is so blatantly obvious the pride that they take in owning such a beautiful establishment. And the privilege to offer it to whomever will walk in their door. I have never craved food that is so wonderfully fresh and healthy.
The best option that they offered for my addiction – catered events. They provide the full experience. Incredible food presentation, tailored to your event, bartending, servers. The entire event, guaranteed to look as good as it will taste. So… now to plan an event. Ummmm, Geoffy… first comes love, then comes _______ fill in the blank!!!!
Two highly qualified, goal driven guys. Two very different personalities. One amazing restaurant dream. In our very lucky “little” town!!
Craft Food House Business Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Sun: Closed
Stalk (I mean Like and Follow!!) the Craft duo here…. Instagram and Facebook!!
We’d love to ransack your local business!! Have an idea for Erin and I?? Reach out to us!!
If you’re looking for amazing lifestyle (and beyond!) photos, reach out to the incredible Erin Campbell!! And hey, if you’re looking to buy or sell a house – or just chat real estate… I’d love to hear from you!!!
