"Big Feast"

My friend Tamara first introduced me to a unique little restaurant in the heart of Maple Ridge called "Big Feast Bistro."

 

According to the website, Big Feast is, "a small town bistro with a trendy, urban feel.  Located in the heart of Maple Ridge, BC, we feel that feasting is something we do whenever we get together with friends and family, and food should be celebrated whether you're just having breakfast, or enjoying a special event! 

 

We built the bistro with family and community in mind. Our community table is the heart of our dining room, and is there to encourage guests to connect, interact, and get acquainted. Family is an integral part of who we are, and as such, we have created a space and a menu that welcomes and encourages families to enjoy each other's company, allows parents to enjoy a great meal, and allows kids to be just who they are - kids! 

 

We strongly stand behind shopping local, re-using and recycling. Almost all the items in our bistro have been previously loved. Our display came from a Montessori in Langley, our community table from a wonderful couple in Maple Ridge, our 100 year old bench from a farm in Northern Saskatchewan, and our chairs from a quaint bistro in Boundary Bay. We have created the menu with local merchants in mind, and select locally made (within 100 mile), organic ingredients whenever we can. Because of this, our menu changes regularly, just like the seasons. We are proud to serve fair trade, and organic sustainably grown Salt Spring Coffee. We look forward to seeing you!"

 

 

I just love this Bistro! My cousin and I visited Big Feast a couple weeks ago and I was reminded again of how much I love the atmomsphere there, as well as the whole idea behind the place. Everything from the community table, to supporting local businesses and using second hand furniture items appeals to me. According to their website, "feast" is defined as,

 

Feast n. - 1. a. A meal that is well prepared and abundantly enjoyed.             b. Something giving great pleasure or satisfaction.

 

In order to have a feast, you have to have people! I've been pondering the things that are life giving for me. I've been contemplating those things that I'm meant to do. One thing I've discovered is that I am meant to bring people together. I enjoy seeing different groups of people come together and I enjoy creating spaces where people are welcomed. I love partnerships and I recently had the great joy of creating a partnership between a local business and one of my dearly loved Christian friends.

 

I think of Ruth from the Bible. She is a woman I esteem to be like. She was someone who earned the trust of others, worked diligently at all she did, was loyal, compassionate, and united people.

~ www.bigfeast.ca/ 11920 227 Street Maple Ridge. ~

~ Invite a friend. Enjoy a feast! ~

~ Share ~ Give ~ Serve ~

Sometimes I find myself here

On my prayer mountain.

 

Sometimes to overlook and pray for the city.

Sometimes to find a few moments of silence and peace.

Often times to surrender and come be before the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

 

I sprained my ankle on Monday night and I found myself atop my prayer moutain this morning. Hopping over to sit at the rock, I knew God's peace and I knew his constancy. This morning I was reminded of the words in Psalm 148- read the whole thing, it's about everything praising him by simply being themselves. These words stood out this morning,

 "Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!

He has made his people strong, honoring his faithful ones" (v 13, 14).