Track and Food 69: Shira Blustein Of The Acorn On Her New Cookbook, Owning A Restaurant And Being A Punk Rocker For Life

In memory of Andrew Morrison of Scout Magazine.


Well for all of you who've followed this podcast since its inception, you'll have no doubt heard me talk about Scout Magazine numerous times over the years. Not only are they our presenting sponsor, but I've also been a contributor of theirs since 2016. This episode has a bit of a twist to it in that my friend and editor at Scout, Andrew Morrison, recently passed away from a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Michelle and two sons, James and Pip. Fittingly and somewhat bittersweet, this episode is the last directive Andrew gave to me before his passing, and with a loving tone and big heart, the person I have interviewed is not only someone he admired, but also a close family friend. Cancer sucks and death at any age is never easy. Our love goes out to Michelle and the boys and their family during this time. Much love.

Now for this episode, what a delight it was to chat with Shira Blustein. She's been a prominent figurehead in the Vancouver restaurant community since the inception her acclaimed restaurant Acorn first opened. Awards, accolades and praise locally and globally have come to her and her team for the excellent food and drink they continue to provide. My co-host of this podcast, Mickey, is even an employee now and he's really enjoyed every second being on the team. But, not to just discuss her restaurant, Shira has a new cookbook on the horizon. It's dropping at all bookstores near you on November 9th. Aptly titled: Acorn - Vegetables Re-Imagined: Seasonal Recipes from Root to Stem. With this exciting development, we discussed how this book came about, the process of getting it off the ground, what's in it and who this book is for. We also chatted about animal welfare practises and the rise of vegetarian restaurants. This a fun and really informative interview. Shira brings a wonderful candid energy. You're sure to laugh a few times as well. I hope you enjoy.


If you want delicious vegetarian or vegan fare, the kind that is impeccably creative as well as comforting, do hit up The Acorn. You will not be disappointed. Also, say hi to Mickey while you're there as well. He'll be behind the bar. Tell him you're a fan of the podcast, it'll make him blush.

Here's the link to the gofundme I mention at the top of this episode for Michelle and the kids. If you'd like to donate, that would be lovely. They've heavily exceeded their goal, which says a lot about how people viewed Andrew. Beautiful to see.


***Scout is one of Vancouver’s leading food and culture magazines. If you’re wanting to learn more about the city’s food and cultural sphere with regards to community news, new restaurant openings, essential guides to some of the city’s best offerings as well as who’s hiring, Scout is where you should go. They also have a sister website called Islandist. Same type of content only Island driven. That’s Islandist.ca.
We’re proud to have Scout as our presenting sponsor as we believe what they “Scout out” is an excellent compliment to what we’re offering here with Track and Food. Do check them out. scoutmagazine.ca