From Fridge Chaos to Feature Fame: A Week of Kitchen Adventures & Community Spirit

Last night, as the dinner hour approached, a sudden, almost impulsive urge struck me: it was time to clean out the fridge. Why this monumental task chose to present itself at peak family chaos, I’ll never quite understand. Yet, once you embark on a mission of kitchen organization, especially one involving the cavernous depths of a refrigerator, there’s no turning back. Not only because every single item, from condiments to forgotten leftovers, finds itself splayed across every available inch of counter space – and spilling onto the floor and chairs – but because the true horror, and thus the true motivation, reveals itself only once everything is out. Below the various containers and half-eaten jars lay a multi-layered testament to neglect: a disgusting, multi-hued, gummy, sticky, crispy, and utterly petrified muck. It was an archaeological dig of sorts, revealing ancient remnants. Some of the containers, I sheepishly admit, dated back to the It’s Just Food shoot from February. Here I was, naively thinking it was all just an abundance of sourdough starter. The reality was far grimmer, a potent reminder of the importance of regular fridge decluttering for both hygiene and peace of mind. This deep dive into the abyss of forgotten condiments transformed my kitchen into a temporary disaster zone, but the vision of a sparkling clean and organized space kept me going, pushing through the layers of culinary history.

As I knelt, head deep in the chilly abyss of the fridge, scrubbing away the layers of culinary history, domestic bliss took an interesting turn elsewhere. My young son, W, apparently inspired by my industriousness (or perhaps simply by the sheer chaos), decided to contribute in his own unique way. Armed with the serrated edge of a barbecue flipper, he meticulously sawed at the pristine edge of our wooden countertops, creating perfectly spaced 1-inch intervals – a true artist in the making, if a rather destructive one. His next stroke of genius involved generously feeding a valuable $16 wedge of Parmesan cheese to our unsuspecting dog. The dog, I’m sure, was thrilled, but my wallet felt a sharp pang. To this day, the details of what we actually managed to eat for dinner that evening remain a blur. My best recollection involves a few hurried spoonfuls of sour cream, scooped directly from the tub, accompanied by the last few Triscuits from a crumbling bag. It was certainly not a meal that screamed “culinary excellence” after a strenuous session of home cleaning challenges and toddler antics; more like a testament to survival and the quick adaptation required in a bustling family kitchen.

With only about ten minutes to spare before I had to rush off to my Artemis meeting, I finally conquered the last stubborn smear in the fridge, emerging victorious, if a little disheveled. The pace of life, as it often does, remained relentlessly fast. We’re currently in the final stages of planning for our annual Gallery Calorie event, a truly wonderful initiative that brings together art, food, and community spirit for an impactful cause. Picture this: a vibrant Saturday afternoon of gallery and restaurant hopping, winding our way up and down the bustling 17th Avenue in Calgary. Each participating venue offers delightful food and drinks, creating a fantastic progressive culinary and artistic experience from noon to 4 pm. It’s a perfect blend of culture and gastronomy, allowing attendees to savour the local scene. After this engaging tour, everyone converges at Tompkins Park, nestled in front of Mount Royal Village, for an enormous and unforgettable after-party. This isn’t just any party; it’s a full-blown celebration featuring a dynamic live band that gets everyone moving, an exciting art race where creativity takes center stage, and an array of sophisticated sips and delectable bites – from fine wine and expertly crafted martinis to succulent bacon-wrapped scallops and irresistible cupcakes. I have the distinct honor of emceeing this fantastic event, guiding our guests through the festivities and helping to highlight the incredible cause behind it all. Every single penny raised goes directly to benefit Peer Support Services for Abused Women, an organization providing vital support and resources to women in need within our community. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a spectacular day out while contributing to a profoundly important cause. If you’re in the area and looking for impactful Calgary charity events or community fundraising opportunities, mark your calendars! The event is on Saturday, June 13. I’d love for you to join us! Feel free to email me at onesmartcook[at]hotmail dot com if you’d like to secure your tickets. They are literally hot off the press, and I have an envelope of them right here on my desk. At $40, they are incredibly well worth it, offering an amazing experience for a truly great cause and making a tangible difference in people’s lives!

Returning home well past 10 pm, after a necessary grocery stop to replenish our newly organized fridge, I faced a delightful dilemma: my usual blog post or an unexpected, thrilling opportunity. The latter won, with a resounding virtual drumroll… an invitation to answer questions for none other than The Kitchn! Yes, the incredibly popular and influential food, home design, and lifestyle blog, known for its stunning features and practical advice, wants to feature… another virtual drumroll, please… MY kitchen as one of their highly sought-after kitchen tours! The news was exhilarating, a dream come true for anyone passionate about home decor and culinary spaces. This, of course, meant that my kitchen, despite its recent deep-clean, needed a swift but thorough tidying-up (or, more accurately, I gently coerced Mike into doing it, explaining the magnitude of the opportunity). It seems the only surefire way to achieve a truly spotless kitchen in our household is the imminent threat of a camera crew or public documentation – a humorous, yet effective, motivator. But, honestly, The Kitchn! How incredibly cool is that? The opportunity to share our space, our design choices, and our culinary journey with such a broad and appreciative audience is truly thrilling and a huge honor. So, instead of crafting my usual nightly post here, I dedicated my evening to thoughtfully answering their detailed questions, delving into everything from our favorite appliances to our most cherished kitchen memories. I was certain you, my dear readers, would understand this delightful diversion. Keep an eye out for the feature; I believe it’s scheduled to go live tomorrow, offering a peek into our world and perhaps some kitchen design inspiration for your own home!

Tonight, amidst all the excitement and ongoing tasks, I finally gave in to W’s persistent request for “yellow noodles.” Whether he actually meant macaroni & cheese, some other form of pasta, or simply anything yellow and noodle-like, I’m not entirely sure – his culinary vocabulary is still delightfully evolving. This evening also marked another milestone in his burgeoning independence, a true test of my parenting skills. For the very first time, I encouraged him to choose his own clothes and get himself dressed, a task that has previously resulted in his emphatic and unwavering choice of “naked.” So, imagine my amusement, and slight bewilderment, when he proudly descended the stairs, not just dressed, but sporting an ensemble of two shirts, one worn over the other, confidently announcing, “I’m wearing my shirtpants!” It was a moment of pure, unadulterated parenting humor, showcasing the boundless creativity of a toddler. While Ben (from a previous anecdote, who was always in his superhero suit) might have been the kid who wore a cape everywhere, my son, it seems, will be the trendsetter walking around wearing another shirt as a skirt, its arms comically flopping along beside him. It’s certainly a distinctive look, one that promises to turn heads! My current challenge? At least convincing him to pair his unique fashion statement with his beloved Shrek underpants for a complete (and slightly more conventional underneath) outfit. These are the daily joys and negotiations of life with toddlers, full of unexpected creativity, endless laughter, and constant surprises.

Please pardon the somewhat “trashy” appearance of the yard in the background of W’s fashion debut. It’s important to remember that spring has barely graced us with its presence here; the full bloom, vibrant greenery, and general tidiness are yet to arrive. On the bright side, at least there’s no visible “Lou poo” to contend with in the shot – a small victory in itself! (Though I must confess, Lou, our adventurous canine companion, is indeed responsible for some of the more impressive, gaping chasms dug into the earth directly behind W, adding another layer of rustic charm to our outdoor space.) These are the small, authentic details that make up our daily lives – a delightful mix of domestic triumphs, comedic parenting moments, heartfelt community involvement, and the occasional chaotic backdrop. It’s a busy, sometimes overwhelming, but always rewarding journey through the week, filled with moments that remind me how vibrant and unpredictable life truly is.

One Year Ago: Homemade Falafel