Anyone who has ever met Robert Chaplin knows that when I describe him as a delightfully eccentric and multi-talented artist that I am understating on both counts. If you can keep up with him, I guarantee that any opportunity to engage in conversation with Robert will land you somewhere you have never been.

In my mind, this is what must have happened when Robert met chef Andrey Durbach: I picture Robert sitting at a corner table with a dinner crowd buzzing around him. After eating his meal, Robert somehow gains an audience with the chef. Caught off guard by Robert (and his unbridled enthusiasm), Durbach enters in to a passionate conversation about food and – wham – the next thing he knew, there he was, fixing a big pot of chicken soup for a crowd of people who have come to celebrate the launch of a cookbook for kids at Barbara-Jo’s.

I don’t know how it actually went down, the important thing is – it went down, and it was good.

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Delicious Chicken Soup | Find it at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks

One book. One recipe. A chicken soup recipe from Vancouver Chef Andrey Durbach (Parkside, La Buca, and Pied-à-Terre) paired with artwork and book design by local artist Robert Chaplin. A simple idea executed perfectly. This book is wonderful for both kids and grown-ups. It slows you down, makes you giggle and teaches you how to make a really nice chicken soup. Best 20 bucks you’ll ever spend on a chicken soup book.