Welcome to UrbanMonique;
thanks so much for visiting,
(and don’t be a stranger now that you know the way!)
So, first off – The name thing – It’s a tongue in cheek play on our names. Long ago and far away, I was nicknamed Urban by work buddies, and it stuck. One summer when we were traveling to visit and cook with friends, I wrote something like ‘Urb an’ Monique are northward bound,’ and that stuck too – and UrbanMonique was born!
At UrbanMonique, we want to help you grow, source, cook, and preserve food, and successfully translate those skills to your kitchen. You’ll find tried and true scratch made recipes that really work, as well as tips, tricks, and a bit of the science and history behind the food and cooking. We’ll help you eat better, support your community, save money, and walk a little bit softer on the earth’s limited resources.
Eben is a professionally trained Chef, currently managing a bakery-café in northwest Washington State. He began his formal culinary training in the 1970s at restaurants throughout the Northwest. Well versed in a broad spectrum of cuisines, he is best known for French, Tex-Mex and Asian cookery.
In addition to his work here, Eben is the Resident Chef for The American Boomer magazine. The chef is at work on two cookbooks which are gleaned from his work here on the blog.
Monica is a self-taught cook, which she does with a fine instinctive touch and great imagination. More importantly, she’s the heart and soul behind our garden – Whereever we are, she makes it home that way.
As mentioned, our culinary influences are predominantly French, Mexican, and American Traditional, but you’ll find posts from all over the world here.
We’re here to help you expand the realm of what you can do with great food. Through this blog, we’ve made friends around the world, and we’d love to add you to that roll. If you’re new to UrbanMonique, drop us a line, we’d love to get to know you.
Like your blog!
Hey, BIG thanks, Nancy, and welcome aboard! Really glad to have y’all here!
Hi, y’all. I heard Eben call into NPR “You Have a Way with Words” and said Yes — I know you, Cousin!
Glad to discover your attractive, wholesome work,
Steephen at Water Weiss
Carson City, Nevada
Ohmygosh, Stephen, what a delight! Trust you and yours are well – Ill try out this email addy and catch up some.
Just went through your new blog! Now I’m HUNGRY! Can I come have dinner soon?
Terry
Why yes, yes you can! And as of July, it’ll be Edmonds…
I love your Blog! The food looks fantastic and easy to make! LOVE!
Sandy
Hey, Very cool you came, saw and like, my friend!
Now don’t be a stranger and feel free to request a recipe!
After all this time communication, I always thought you were a girl! haha Not that it makes any difference remotely, just thought it was amusing! 🙂
Well, half of us is!
I’m Eben, (Urban, or Urb are nicknames), and Monica is Monique – Hence Urb an’ Monique, et viola!
I know, a bit esoteric…
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Your blog is beautiful. Keep it up. I have my blog too feel free to share your views here is a link to it https://rosesunshine1314.wordpress.com/about/
Thank you Shreya, I sure will!
Hi! Just heard you on NPR, I’m looking and for the recipe for the Norwegian cookies that need castor sugar and créme fraiche.
Great recipes by the way, cant wait yo try them!
Hey, thanks, Raeanne! I’ve been waiting in for this Way with Words episode to broadcast, so that I could coordinate the Sandbakkel post – It’s on its way in the next 24 hours, so BIG thanks for visiting, and stay tuned!
Eben
You sounded great and it was an interesting question!
Hey, Big Thanks Darla – Much obliged!