Vancouverites - looking for quick-cooking barley!!

[Jen]

Terri-Lynn? Aka? Kima? Are you out there? I've seen so many great-looking CL recipes in the past few months that call for quick-cooking barley (right now I'm staring at the Barley "Tabbouleh" with Chicken from the Superfast column - sounds so yummy!) and I can't find it! Has anyone in the Vancouver area (or anywhere in BC, for that matter) seen it around? I'm sure I could order it by mail but I'd really prefer not to. Plus, I can't believe that in this huge city I can't find it! Any suggestions?

Jen

PS Kima, I do know you're from Victoria...just hoping you might have seen it on a visit or something (wouldn't want to offend you by implying that you live in Vancouver or anything!!) :p

[Jen]

Bumping up...where are you guys? :) I know you're out there!!

[kima]

Hi Jen- hey I do love Vancouver- it is my second favorite city in the world! I spent msny a happy day there in my youth but I have found paradise so there is no going back!!:)
I think quick cooking barley is pot barley but I am not sure. I have looked in all my books and can't find quick cooking barley but I seem to remember hearing that pot barley cooks very quickly.
Have you looked in Capers? I find their staff to be very helpful. A good friend of mine has written many vegan cookbooks- I am going to e-mail her so I will get back to you!!
Anything for a neighbor!!:D

[kima]

I think I misled you there Jen! According to my cooking expert you need to use pearl barley . I know that it is quite easy to find in the bulk section of any major store! Good Luck!! let em know how it works out for you!:)

[Terri-Lynn2]

Hi Jen my fellow vancouverite,

I have been eyeing the broccoli and barley recipe from 09/01, I think I would call Galloways Specialty Foods in New West their number is 604-526-7525. It is across from the royal city mall in New West on 6th Avenue. They have a wonderful store, if you have never been you should pop in one day.

Hope this helps, my only other suggestion is maybe call save-on or a greek or european grocery store. I am big on calling around as oppossed to driving around.

Let me know what you find, I would love to try that recipe in the September issue.

Terri

[Terri-Lynn2]

Thought of another one....

if you live close to a Capers store I bet they would have it!

Terri

[Jen]

Thanks guys! Kima, I think pearl barley takes quite a while longer to cook...I actually made the Barley "Pasta" Salad from August with pearl barley last week, and it cooks for about 45 minutes. It's really delicious, but since I've never had the "quick" variety, I don't know whether the texture is significantly different.

Terri-Lynn - I didn't even think of Galloways! I've never been there, but my mom goes there every Christmas to buy the ingredients for her Christmas cake. It's an old recipe that calls for weights of ingredients (1/4 lb nuts, 1/4 lb cherries, etc.) and she says you can just ask for the exact weights and they'll give them to you! I think there is one in Vancouver also (maybe on Davie?). I've been looking for an excuse to go so maybe this is it! Capers didn't have it last time I was in, but maybe they do now. I could always call and find out, I guess.

Thanks so much - you guys are great! :)

[kristaB]

Hello! I'm new to the BB and am very happy to see fellow vancouverites. Have you been into The Gourmet Warehouse? I don't know weather they'll have what you're looking for but they do have some great stuff at good prices. I just picked up these smoker bags from there. Have you heard of them? You put your food inside, close place on a baking sheet and bake. It gives food a smoked flavour. Quite tasty. Anyways, I look forward to checking out Capers and Galloways. Thanks. :p

[Terri-Lynn2]

Welcome KristaB!!!

Where is the Gourmet Warehouse located that sounds like a fun field trip?

Terri

[kristaB]

Terri,
The Gourmet warehouse is located at 1856 Pandora in Vancouver. It is a little difficult to find, you might to call them ( 604-253-3022 ). They'll probably give you better directions than I can. :)

Krista

[kima]

Just wanted to add my greetings Krista. You will love it here and soon be as addicted as the rest of us!!
Be forewarned- you will here all about places like Trader Joe's and Penzeys and gnash your teeth that we don't have them here!!
I did get to a TJ's near Seattle and loved it!!
Nice to see more Canadians here!!:)