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The Little Kitchen that Could

By | Sep 5, 2012

Meandering amongst the Seaport Market stalls on a lazy Saturday morning can provide plenty of inspiring fodder for a shopping blogger like yours truly. It’s a plethora of all things local and I always enjoy sourcing out my produce and getting up to speed on the latest, craftiest vendors. When I try to imagine myself working in this fast-paced environment, I figure I’d probably be clad in a t-shirt and jeans (albeit cute ones). That’s why I was taken aback to see Jenna Durling of Little Red Kitsch’n sporting the most adorable end of summer printed dress from Biscuit General Store in autumn hues wrapped with a extra long skinny belt. With her tousled waves and platform sandals, she looked like she was ready for a European holiday as opposed to selling her wares at the market.

The Little Red Kitsch’n set-up was equally adorable with a red and white checked tablecloth, blackboards displaying the menus, an old fashioned refrigerator and multilayered stands with the most vibrant mini cupcakes. I found out that Durling is based in Prospect and that cooking, baking and catering keeps her busy full time. She tends to her own garden to harvest fresh herbs for her salads and mains. Previously, Durling worked in the restaurant business in Ottawa but left her job to move to the East Coast. She’s worked in a variety of culinary roles and says she loves to try her hand at different cooking and baking techniques. By incorporating local ingredients (from other market vendors and Durling’s own) to use in her recipes, she keeps things fresh and tries to work with the seasons.

Durling tells me that her most popular menu items include the lobster mac & cheese as well as the grilled vegetable and tofu tagine. I’m tempted by the adorable cupcakes but make off with a quinoa salad instead. This ended up being a lovely accompaniment to share with friends later over a Labour Day BBQ. Fresh radish slivers, artichokes, green beans and a medley of herbs made this salad a refreshing addition to our meal. I purchased a 500ml container for a mere five bucks and this provided a unique side dish for three.

Besides concocting new creations and looking effortlessly chic at the market, Durling also keeps her friends and clients up to speed with her own mouth-watering foodie blog. I’m planning on keeping my eye on the Little Red Kitsch’n blogspot for gardening and culinary inspiration served up with a side of fashion savvy. I think that there’s something telling about a business owner who not only provides quality products but also puts their best foot forward with their own personal presentation as well.

I’m looking forward to stopping by Durling’s table again to check out what she’ll be selling and what she’ll be wearing next time.

-Nicole

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