Stir Bedside Table: Vancouver chef Zach Poole
The culinary leader of V.V. Tapas Lounge spills the beans on Vanguardians, Anthony Bourdain, and why he’ll never write his autobiography
Zach Poole.
Stir Bedside Table is a column where Stir connects with local artists and creatives to hear about some of their favourite reads.
The reader:
Zach Poole
V.V. Tapas Lounge.
What’s your story?
My Name is Zach Poole and I am the head chef at V.V. Tapas Lounge in Strathcona. I'm originally from Edmonton but have called Vancouver home for over 15 years now. When I'm not cooking, I like gardening and walking my dog, Hazel. [Poole has worked at Toronto’s Canoe Restaurant and the Michelin-starred Au Fil du Temps in Provence, France. On V.V.’s menu are artful items like elevated bar snacks, charcuterie plates, salads and small dishes for sharing, with beers from Vancouver and local an international wines. It has an sunny street-side patio.]
What's on your bedside table right now?
I'm on my second read through of Scarlet & Sunder by Mike Rousseau. He's a Vancouver author and friend of mine. It's the first book of his upcoming trilogy titled Vanguardians. I don't read a ton of fantasy, but this book strikes a perfect balance for me and I can't wait until book two is released.
The book that changed your life?
Wind Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami really shook me when I was 19. I don't think it would be such a game changer if I read it now in my mid-thirties, but when I was young it really left an impression.
Most inspiring biography or autobiography?
This is a bit of a cop-out answer, but I am gonna have to say Kitchen Confidential. RIP Mr. Bourdain.
Best beach-read?
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh. Reading about someone trying to sleep for an entire year is a strangely soothing read even though the main character is incredibly self-destructive.
V.V. Tapas Lounge
V.V. Tapas Lounge.
Working title of your autobiography?
V.V. Tapas Lounge.
Related Articles
