Spa Lite Cuisine

This month we’ve gone to the professionals to create a meal that not only nourishes but helps improve our mood on even the most stressful day. What better place for de-stressing advice than the Vida Wellness Spa, tucked tastefully within The Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Vancouver?

Renowned for the French continental cuisine of its Fleuri Restaurant, The Sutton Place Hotel’s Executive Chef Kim Thai and Fleuri Restaurant Chef Raman Armand have worked closely with the Vida Wellness Spa since it opened in 2004.

“The challenge to creating great, healthy food is to learn the basics and then develop the confidence to make stress-free, creative choices,” said Thai.

For Thai, those basics boil down to a fridge and pantry stripped to the essentials and supplemented with seasonal superstars. Quality extra-virgin olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, dried herbs, and a bit of butter are his preferred mainstays.

“From there, with a quick trip to the local organic food market, I can go anywhere.”

Still, the most important lesson about creating a de-stressing menu is the simplest. “Have fun. When you have enjoyed making a meal, chances are that your pleasure will spread naturally. The food you make should make everyone feel good, including you.”

• Baby Greens with Anise-Poached Oranges, Vanilla Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Champagne Froth
• Pan-seared Snapper on a Bean Cassoulet with Mushroom Ragout and Pepper Relish in a Grainy Mustard Sauce
• Organic Vegetables with Garlic Spinach Purée
• Fresh Fruit Pavlova