The Art of Conversation, Wood-Fired Pizza, and Community: An Evening at a Modern Salon
Life often surprises us with unexpected turns and delightful discoveries. Just recently, after navigating the bustling world of traffic duties at CBC and participating in a passionate “Save the CBC” rally, my evening took a unique turn. I found myself not at a typical spa or beauty salon, but at a gathering reminiscent of the classic Parisian intellectual salons – albeit with a decidedly modern, and wonderfully delicious, twist: a wood-fired pizza oven at its heart.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, let’s turn to Wikipedia’s insightful definition: “A salon is a gathering of stimulating people of quality under the roof of an inspiring hostess or host, partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation and readings, often consciously following Horace’s definition of the aims of poetry, ‘either to please or to educate’.” Did you catch that key phrase? “Stimulating people of quality.” Well, I certainly felt right at home among such esteemed company.
It’s late as I write this, and my “Brian” (my brain, as I’ve affectionately dubbed it during these late-night writing sessions) isn’t operating at peak efficiency. Such is the reality of a month-long commitment to real-time blogging; sometimes, you settle for the raw, unpolished thoughts of a punchy 2 AM post, complete with the occasional delightful typo. For instance, my most common error when rushing is typing “busty” instead of “busy” – as in, “I’ve been really busty lately,” or “I know you’re busty, but…” These authentic moments, however, are often what connect us most.
Embracing the Modern Salon: A Gathering of Minds and Palates
Indeed, this particular evening unfolded as a perfect blend of wine, gourmet pizza, and engaging conversation. The setting was the welcoming home of someone I had recently connected with at a Forage Farm Table Dinner. The centerpiece of their hospitality, and the true star of the evening, was a magnificent wood-fired pizza oven – a testament to passion and craftsmanship, built entirely by hand in their backyard in Bowness. The host proudly shared that the very first brick he ever laid in his life was one of those forming the front right corner of this incredible structure.
The Heart of the Backyard: A Masterpiece Wood-Fired Oven
How truly ingenious and cool is this creation! The oven is so meticulously insulated that it can reach scorching temperatures of 700 degrees Fahrenheit inside, yet still have snow sitting undisturbed on its exterior surface. This incredible efficiency translates directly into culinary magic: pizzas cook in an astonishing 80 seconds – making a microwave seem positively archaic! The marvel doesn’t end there; even the morning after the coals have long since faded, the residual heat within the oven still registers a robust 300-350°F. This sustained warmth allows for delightful morning meals, perfect for baking crusty bread or shirred eggs for breakfast.
From Bricks to Bites: Oven Versatility and Efficiency
The versatility of this wood-fired marvel extends far beyond pizza. Last Thanksgiving, for instance, the entire holiday feast – including a succulent turkey and all the traditional trimmings – was cooked within its fiery embrace. What’s more, the oven then expertly kept the elaborate dinner, enough to feed twelve hungry guests, perfectly warm until it was time to gather around the table and enjoy. This ability to not only cook with intense heat but also to maintain warmth for extended periods truly showcases the practical genius of a well-built wood-fired oven. It’s not just a cooking tool; it’s a hub of culinary efficiency and a cornerstone for communal dining experiences.
The Culinary Dance: Crafting and Savoring Wood-Fired Pizzas
That evening, ten of us gathered, only three of whom I had previously known. This fresh mix of personalities added an exciting dynamic to the gathering. We embarked on a delightful culinary adventure, cranking out an array of thin-crust pizzas with enthusiastic teamwork. A bountiful buffet of toppings awaited us: rich roasted tomato sauce, tender artichokes, savory pulled pork, a variety of cured salamis and crispy bacon, an assortment of fine cheeses, fresh basil and peppery rocket, delicate pine nuts, sweet caramelized onions, vibrant roasted peppers, salty prosciutto, and even a touch of unexpected sweetness with fresh pear slices. Each person took turns crafting their unique masterpiece, sliding them into the scorching pizza oven to bubble, crisp, and cook to perfection in less than a minute and a half. The speed and quality of the cooking were truly mesmerizing.
After we had collectively created and devoured approximately fourteen pizzas, accompanied by meaty red olives, sparkling prosecco, and robust Châteauneuf-du-Pape, our appetites were wonderfully satisfied. The feast, however, was just the beginning. We then transitioned to the living room, moving from culinary delights to intellectual stimulation. In a fun and engaging twist, we drew numbers, and each person was tasked with speaking for ten minutes on a subject that inspired them, a topic they were knowledgeable about, or simply something that piqued their interest and “turned their crank.” This structured yet open format was far more enriching than a typical game of Cranium, prompting genuine thought and lively discussion. As the last to speak, I felt the pressure, but thankfully, the conversations flowed effortlessly, keeping us engrossed until the early hours of 1 AM. It truly was a fantastic evening, a testament to the power of good food, good company, and spirited conversation. (Thanks, Brian!)
Free Stuff Fridays: Spreading Joy, One Prize at a Time
And now, for something equally exciting – a segment I know many of you eagerly anticipate… drum roll please… it’s Free Stuff Fridays! I apologize for not consistently posting the winners of previous FSF giveaways. It’s not for lack of trying; I genuinely mean to, but with the items often shipped out by Tuesday, my “Brian” often forgets to update the blog! Rest assured, I’m not trying to keep the winners a secret, honest. To catch you up: Maureen was the delighted recipient of a brand-new blender, Gwendolyn won a wonderful selection of tea, and Katharine took home a fantastic Corningware set. A fortunate group of you received copies of OSC, and over twenty individuals are now nurturing their very own sourdough starter. Maria was thrilled to get a stylish Candy Apple Apron. Am I forgetting any other winners from the past month or so? My apologies if I have; I promise to start posting winner announcements more regularly. But remember, if you win, an email from me will land in your inbox on Tuesday, or thereabouts, confirming your prize!
The Highly Anticipated Starbucks Giveaway!
I’ve been particularly looking forward to this week’s Free Stuff Fridays because it involves something I absolutely adore: Starbucks cards. There’s a distinct joy in having a credit card loaded with the promise of free lattes and coffee drinks in your wallet. So, I took the initiative and reached out to Starbucks (or, more precisely, their incredibly helpful PR firm). I enthusiastically told them all about you, my wonderful readers – how amazing you are, and how much I love sharing great stuff with you. And they responded with incredible generosity! They graciously shipped me not just one, but SIX twenty-five-dollar Starbucks gift cards, PLUS six 1-lb bags of their iconic Pike Place Roast coffee beans, all to be distributed as I see fit. A massive thank you to Starbucks for their amazing support!
Given this generous bounty, I’ve decided to spread the love and divvy these out in pairs. This week, I’ll be giving away two fantastic combos, each consisting of a $25 Starbucks gift card and a 1 lb bag of Pike Place Roast coffee. If you don’t happen to be one of the lucky winners this time, don’t despair – there will be two more chances in the coming weeks to win one of these coveted prizes. Fair enough?
Since delicious coffee is on the line, let’s make that our topic of discussion for this week’s entry. To enter the giveaway and join the conversation, simply tell us: What’s your absolute favorite thing to enjoy with a warm cuppa? (And if coffee isn’t your preference, what do you love to pair with your tea?)
One Year Ago: Roast Chicken with Lemon and Parmesan Risotto