The Supreme Meal
Zen masters call a life lived fully and completely the "supreme meal."
Bernard Glassman uses this metaphor in my favorite book, Instructions to the Cook.
In the Buddhist tradition, to be a cook is a privilege as it is the role of the
cook to open all the cabinets, select the best ingredients of that day, of that
moment and, from those ingredients, to create that good life, that supreme meal!
The History : It is my privilege to have opened Highland's Garden Café in 1994. In my time here,
I have had the most wonderful ingredients of life available to "cook" with,
literally and figuratively! This place is filled with the magic and the essence
of every person who has passed through the doors whether as guest, coworker or
supplier. All have helped to create this special place, this oasis in the city.
In October of 1992, we purchased a small circa 1890's house in the Highlands
with the express purpose of preserving this little, run down house by giving
it a job through which to support itself. After months of renovation, Highland's
Garden Café opened as a seven table, 20-seat restaurant with a tiny patio.
In that first summer, we laid bricks around the feet of the beautiful apple tree
in the center of the parched area adjacent to the west side of the house. We
planted Sand Cherries around the perimeter and ground covers where the soil was bare.
This became our west patio. We landscaped the front terrace with end of the season
six packs and transplants given to us by generous neighbors and friends.
In 1998, we were able to purchase the beautiful Victorian just a few feet to the
East of the Café. Again, with the mission to preserve the sense of wonder in
this place, we began our second major renovation project. The goal was to join
these two structures on the first floor. Through careful planning, we were able
to save the huge windows and the pocket doors, et all. After replacing antiquated
plumbing and electrical, upgrading HVAC and adding structural support, we were able
to meet all the requirements of present day code while preserving the Victorian essence
and sense of place. This addition created the
French Country Room, Banister Room and Family Room and a much needed service bar.
We were able to save the trees and perennials that had been the garden of the
families that lived here before us. We planted grass pathways for our guests
who wished to explore the garden.
In 2005, we undertook our most strenuous renovation effort. The goal of this project
was to upgrade all remaining systems as we joined the two buildings on the second
floor, creating the Library Room and Upstairs Dining Room and Deck, new office space
and baking kitchen. We added fireplaces, atrium doors, beautiful original stain glass
and murals throughout the Café.
The previous year's drought had stressed the gardens and the wonderful grass path
was now a memory. We undertook a huge restructuring of the garden. We literally
dug out shrubs, bulbs and perennials and wintered them on the back of the patio.
Most experts told us to simply toss them and start over. Unacceptable!
We converted the pathways to brick and replanted with great success. Although I miss
the romance of the grass path, the new configuration allows all of our guests'
easy access to the gardens year round.
I have no current plans for more renovation projects, but you just never know!
My time here has been gratifying and I thank all of you who have helped in preparing
my "supreme meal."
- to the top -
