Jill Thomas on Salt Spring’s Unique Taste
Jill Thomas | Dec 09, 2009
We all know that Salt Springers are an eclectic bunch. This statement is especially true when it comes to eating habits. I’ve been running a restaurant on this quirky island for 11 years so I know more about this than most people. Modifying restaurant menu items is a patriotic past-time here. Ever known anyone to order Phad Thai with Alfredo sauce? I have!
This might be the only place in the world where a Thai peanut smoked tofu sandwich on seed bread with sprouts could be a best seller. That sandwich is a Tree House Cafe stand by. It was on the menu when I bought the cafe – maybe it still is? Their popularity baffled me then and continues to surprise me today. Justine Bryant, the original owner of THC, invented that sandwich and as far as tofu sandwiches go it is the best one around.
Whether we realize it or not we have a distinct and interesting food culture that is unique to our island. For one thing, we love yams. Yams with eggs, yams on salads, yams in quesadillas and burritos. Speaking of burritos, we also love burritos. I have always attributed our mutual affection for beans wrapped in flour tortillas to Rodney and his iconic local restaurants. This connection between Rodney and burritos dawned on me many summers ago when an irate tourist demanded I tell him why he couldn’t buy a hot dog anywhere on the island yet burritos where available on every corner.
I can only hope that one day a new young restaurant owner will wonder why so many Salt Springers like Thai Green Curry and think of me. In the meantime, I am going to do my best to entertain you by writing about Salt Spring’s passion for great food on this wonderful community website. If you have ideas for stories or know of food related events I should cover please don’t hesitate to pass your them along! My email address is jill@mobiuscommunications.com.
Good Appetite!
Jill Thomas
About the Author: Jill has a unique combination of skills gained from her varied professional background. She started her career in television and radio production working as a field producer on several national television shows. She then spent a decade working with environmental organizations in the areas of strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising and communications.
In 1999, Jill traded in her fast paced urban career and bought the Tree House Cafe on Salt Spring Island. During her seven years at the Tree House helm she transformed the cafe from a small coffee shop into the busiest live music venue on the island.
Jill currently owns Rock Salt Restaurant and Cafe in Fulford Harbour which was recently named one of the best places to eat in Canada by Where to Eat. She is also a partner in Mobius Communications Group which specializes in on line marketing for small business. Jill is also the editor of her own blog, Island Chef.
Nice article. I have enjoyed rock salt quite a few times. I remember when my mother who was visiting me ordered the salad with the carmelized yams, and she was swooning!
I really do hope more restaurant owners smarten up, and say “No Thanks!” to the giant food distributing corporations like Neptune, Sysco, North Douglas. Don’t even get me started about their trucks.
Those companies go against everything this island stands for, and it’s the responsibility of business owners to understand that saving a buck here and there means you lose customers who understand wholesome quality food. We live in this incredible place, and I can see that even the crops which grow here are excited that they do, and wouldn’t have it any other way!