Tradecraft takes Scout readers into the workshops, kitchens, and toolkits of Vancouver’s most talented crafts-people. From trusty pencils and custom-built machines to good luck charms and bespoke chef’s knives, this new column aims to get to the bottom of every creative attachment. No laptops or cellphones allowed! Most recently, we checked out the essential implements belonging to Gordon Glanz, Founder and Distiller at Odd Society Spirits. Today, we find out what’s most vital to Lucais Syme, chef/owner of West Pender’s excellent Cinara. We usually stitch four photos together – one of the subject and one for each of the three tools – but this shot that Lucais sent over obviously trumps the standard…

1. Gill (wife) | “We are a team. We make all the menus together and make all the dishes. She’s also a good sport for taking this photo in her pregnant state!”

2. Masanori Carbon Knife | “I suppose if I could only choose one knife, and I had to do everything with just one knife, I would choose this one. When it comes to doing the really small, technical, finicky stuff, I don’t do that well anyways.”

3. Olive Oil | “Not just any oil, but one of great quality, specific to finishing the dish it is helping to elevate. So many times a dish can be lifted higher by using a great quality, well chosen oil. And I pretty much put a good amount of olive oil on everything.”

OTHER INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES