The morning after the evening reception we hosted for Mr. Ryuji Mitani, we arranged for a special spoon carving workshop at our home above the shop/gallery.

Mr. Mitani has hosted these workshops in Japan and he came up with the idea in order to further connect people with hand crafted things, and give them an appreciation of the work that goes into making something as simple as a wood spoon. He does the workshop also to show how enjoyable it is to use craft products in one’s life, so that is why he also invited famous chef Ai Hosokawa to come along to cook lunch for all of the participants of the workshop. The idea was to carve a spoon, then use it during dessert.

Carving tools for the workshop.

Chef Ai Hosokawa went to the Duffering Grove farmer’s market to pick up some fresh and in season produce.

Chef Ai Hosokawa (left) and actress Hijiri Kojima (right).

Wooden cups and plates waiting under tea towels before being used for lunch.

We were lucky enough to have a beautiful day, so we decided to have the workshop outside.

Mr. Mitani showing how it’s done.

Cross-handed carving technique.

|

Using every possible container in our kitchen to serve 14 people. Here is a Dansk loaf pan with strawberries.

Oven roasted peppers.

You can breathe easy, our home is littered with toys, despite our best efforts.

Serving dishes brought in just for the workshop.

Ai’s daughter making her own lunch with play food.

First dish: fresh Ontario strawberries with roasted red peppers.

Next a Rhubarb soup.

Couscous.

Pork ribs with peas, asparagus, cilantro, dill and parley.

This is making me hungry.

We had to move the table inside as the sun became too intense!

Just before dessert, Mr. Mitani instructs the students on how to oil finish their spoons.

While the spoons are drying, Ai gets her refreshing panna cotta ready.

The finished dessert with a freshly carved spoon to enjoy it with! Best panna cotta ever.

The whole group holding up their new spoons!