The prequel
It was one year ago today that we handed over the keys to our baby. But before I get to that let me give you a bit of background story (for those of you who don’t already know it).
We moved to Vancouver from Ottawa via Manhattan. Our plan was to visit friends and continue on our RTW trip before settling down. What actually happened was a bit different which is often the case when we make plans.
Opening a deli
We ended up staying in Vancouver and opening a delicatessen. Not knowing the first thing about opening a business, we had to learn everything, and I mean from accounting to bylaws to how to deal with the excess of bread you’re left with at the end of the day. It was a great experience, and we felt quite proud that we made it happen even though we knew nothing of the area and had only seen a small part of Vancouver. Sometimes not knowing is the best way to take a leap.
Cardero Bottega
We were crazy
A lot of locals were quick to tell us that nothing had ever worked in that spot, that we were crazy to open a deli in the middle of a neighbourhood. But the rent was reasonable and we figured if we do it right, they will come. And they did come, for the three years that we were there, the business grew. We met people from all over the world and made great friends that we are still in touch with to this day. We spent our days talking and observing and working hard and put in a lot of hours but it was our baby.
The shop all dressed up for the holidays
Can’t see the forest
When you do something day after day, hour after hour you can get so caught up in the routine of it all that you can’t see the forest for the trees. So it was that after three years we decided it was time to hand it over to someone who could take it to the next level, bring it up a notch. And we would continue on our journey.
Within 10 days
We put an ad online and within 10 days the paperwork was signed. It happened so fast that we had no time to plan and felt like we were stuck in a daydream. We don’t miss the long hours and the stress but we sometimes long for those summer mornings, sitting out on the bench in the early quiet, chatting with neighbours before the day started.
A Cook Not Mad
What do you do when you’re in a city with no roots and have a big need for a vacation? You pack up your life and go on a trip. And so was born A Cook Not Mad. Many customers and friends wanted to keep in touch while we were on the road. We started the blog as a way to report back and tell our stories. Since we’ve been back, the blog has continued to grow and morph. Stay tuned for further developments.
What an adventurer you are Nat!…thank you for sharing your life…It ‘s always great to hear from you…
Josee G
Great story Nat – thanks for Sharing !!!!!
All the best to you 🙂
Turf xx
Thank you TIm and Natalie for all your hard work in building Cardero Bottega and giving us such a great base to build from. It has been a challenging first year and you two have left big shoes to fill, but we are starting to get the hang of it (yes, even what to do with the left over bread!!!). We are very excited about spring and have some exciting plans with what to do with the place in order to try and take it to the next level. Truely, the greatest reward is meeting all the fabulous and interesting people from the neighbourhood and around the world. We love following your adventures and photographs and wish you all the best in all of your endeavours. Thank you again. All the best.
Sincerely,
Lease and Loni
at ‘The Bottega’
Hi Nat!
Loved your story and sometimes I was able relate back to it. You can learn only certain things in life if u take a big leap. Its fun too to experience new things in life to step out of your comfort zone. I respect you for the balls u took to open up that store in a unknown enviroment. Not many would dare! 😉
Thanks Helene, I know you can relate to how much work it is. I’m sure you would like to run away from time to time.
Lease and Loni, thank you for the kind words and all the best for the year ahead.
wow guys I had no idea, very cool that you proved everyone wrong.
Thanks Ayngelina, it just kind of happened that way. If ever you’re in town, you should stop in. They’re still making the same tasty sandwiches.
Hi, thank you for revealing your opinions in A Cook Not Mad: The Prequel | A Cook Not Mad. This is actually an awesome blog.
i just came upon your blog now and found this story. We were just at the cafe three weeks ago visiting our son who lives around the corner. Had two perfect coffees on a wonderful Vancouver day. Met the cat and the neighbourhood dogs…
Glad to hear you stopped in. It has changed a bit since we left but it’s still doing well and a great place for the neighbourhood. We always stop in when we’re in town, kind of nice to know we started it.