The Wooden Spoon – Midweek Brunch
Sometimes we all need to take a little break from the hectic hustle of our weekday lives. I don’t know about the rest of you, but May and June kicked my butt. Dance recitals, year-end shows, field trips and running my business – it all just happens at once. And I was feeling it. So, when I’m extra stressed I like to inflict my craziness upon my parents (that’s what they’re for, right?). I told them I needed to refuel over brunch and to The Wooden Spoon in White Rock we headed.
Rustic and homey but refined. Somewhere I can get an imaginative alcoholic beverage (mmm, Caesar options) AND fresh, properly brewed coffee. (What me? A coffee snob… noooo). A place with sweet and savory brunch choices, and things my kids will actually eat. I love The Wooden Spoon for all of these reasons and more.
However, on top of all the busyness of my life, my kid’s lives and everything else going on around me, I have also been struggling with some on-going health issues. With the help and guidance of a wonderfully patient and understanding naturopathis doctor, we’ve discovered the source of my problems. Fortunately, they are treatable but lifelong. Unfortunately, they mean saying goodbye to some of my favourite foods.
Like many of you I’m sure, gluten and dairy, along with soy, excess sugar, carbs, and processed foods, are off my “can have” list for the long haul. So what and where am I going to eat and then let you know about?!?! Well, thankfully, many establishments in Surrey and the surrounding area are becoming more and more adaptable to varying diets and lifestyles. And The Wooden Spoon, in all of their brunchy, tasty glory, is one such place.
After a little complaining and whining about all the things I wanted to eat but couldn’t, and with the aid of an insanely delicious and well-priced, pear-peach cocktail (hello $4 mimosas on Thursdays!) I stuck to my restrictions and order the Spring Spoon salad and added in some salmon and avocado.
Healthy, filling and delicious! I know that living with gluten and dairy, along with many other foods, can be discouraging – but there are so many flavourful and inspiring dishes out there to try. The creaminess of the avocado was perfect with the fresh berries and grilled salmon. And if I have to eat only one green forever, I’m always going with the soft and subtle spinach.
While I fueled myself with healthy fats and protein, my parents did the same but with a little dairy and gluten. My Dad went with his tried and true veggie frittata with apple and grain salad and homestyle potatoes and my Mom went for the appetizing Wooden eggs benny with buttermilk biscuits (just look at how mouthwateringly thick those babies are… sigh).
My little guy nibbled on some fresh bananas, blueberries, and strawberries (featured ever so artistically on my Dad’s plate…) and then insisted on playing in the toy area at the back of the restaurant. Everyone was full, content and recharged for our busy afternoons.
Even though I’m bummed about the new restrictions in my life, I still got to sit with my family, over a steaming cup of French Pressed coffee and catch up during a really trying season in my life. Food and dining shouldn’t be stressful, and The Wooden Spoon gets that. Being able to follow certain food adaptations while providing friendly service and a place for restless toddlers to run free; they make midweek brunch possible for everyone.
What food restrictions do you live with? Where do you eat that is amazingly gluten-free? Where do you WISH was more gluten-friendly? (I’m looking at you fried chicken places!) Let us know and I would love to check out some new options this summer!
Author: Erin Miller Schumann
Erin is proudly Surrey born and raised. She is the owner of The Yellow Umbrella Co. Virtual Assistant Services and loves working alongside fellow small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Fraser Valley. She believes that a good meal is a perfect excuse to try something new - whether its a locally made wine or beer, a topic of conversation, or an entirely new culinary experience. Food, coffee, and wine keep her motivated while reading, writing and her love of music keep her grounded enough to give all her extra focus to her husband, two daughters, and son. Erin is always open to meeting new friends over said coffee or a glass of wine and will never say no to a T-Rex joke.
