Meet Sanctuary Bistro and a Cookbook Giveaway!
Sanctuary Bistro Cookbook Giveaway!
Jennifer has graciously given us a copy of the newly released Sanctuary Bistro Cookbook. Scroll to the end of the post for instructions on entering to win the cookbook!
Tucked in a quiet little Berkeley neighborhood just blocks from the bay, Sanctuary Bistro is an oasis. Chef Barry Horton’s passion for exquisitely prepared, delicious plant based, gluten free food is embodied in every dish. Starting with a seasonal amuse-bouche, every dish that follows is exceptional in it’s flavor combinations and presentation.
Chef Barry’s approach is simple. He lets the fresh, organic ingredients speak for themselves. The dinner menu is French in style while the lunch menu is more simple, but every bit as flavorful. And, their Sunday brunch? With gluten-free pancakes and waffles, portobello Florentine, and a host of other wonderful choices, it is a favorite of ours.
The food at Sanctuary Bistro is extraordinary, but that is only part of the story. The true heart and soul of the restaurant goes way beyond what is on the menu. Jennifer Jones Horton, Chef Barry’s wife has created an amazing space that not only gives back to the surrounding community, it is a space based on compassion. A place for the Horton’s to help support and showcase other family businesses and causes.
Compassion and wanting to make the world a better place have always been what Jennifer desires. Together their mission is creating a loving place where people can enjoy a meal. They consider Sanctuary Bistro their home and welcome everyone, vegan and non-vegan alike.
Chef Barry and Jennifer met at the Stanford Inn in Mendocino. Jennifer was driving across the country and her car gave up when she reached the Inn. It was meant to be. She started by running the organic gardens, which she admired she really didn’t know much about and ended up being Jeff Stanford’s assistant.
Chef Barry was in the kitchen at The Ravens, Stanford Inn’s restaurant, which was vegetarian at the time. The two began dating. For Jennifer, eating vegan came from making healthier choices and her compassion for animals. Barry made the change overnight. He quietly removed cheese from the menu at The Ravens and no one seemed to notice. The Ravens is now a highly respected vegan restaurant that still uses many of the recipes that Chef Barry developed.
The two started dating and eventually got married. Wanting a larger community, they moved to San Francisco. Jennifer was teaching and Barry worked as a personal chef. They started Local Love catering, a plant based catering company.
In 2013, they decided that what they really wanted was a restaurant. But not just any restaurant, a place to develop a supportive community. They launched a kickstart campaign and surpassed their goal. A year later, Sanctuary Bistro opened.
Chef Barry and Jennifer work insanely hard. Running the restaurant and also making sure they and their two young children enjoy a family life outside of the restaurant takes a lot. I love that on Mother’s day, Jennifer’s daughter was following her around, hanging onto her apron strings.
It’s all about love. Clients are friends, stories are shared, and people are supported. They have done exactly what they set out to do…create a sanctuary that also happens to be an outstanding bistro.
Chef Barry and Jennifer kindly gave us permission to share one of their recipes from the cookbook with you. Their delicious raw “Rawlmond Joy’s” are so tasty and a great sweet treat to have on hand. For the recipe, click here: Rawlmond Joy’s.
Contest is now closed. Our winner is Alisa from Connecticut.
Contest is now closed. Our winner is Alisa from Connecticut!
Sanctuary Bistro has just released a wonderful cookbook featuring many of Chef Barry’s delicious recipes. If you can’t make it to Berkeley, CA, you can still enjoy his skills at creating delicious gluten free, vegan food. I love this cookbook and we are giving away a copy!
Can’t wait for the contest? You can order a copy of the cookbook here: Buy Sanctuary Bistro Cookbook
To enter, just leave a quick comment about why you like eating plant based food in the comment section of this post. Winner will be selected by random number generator and notified on Saturday, June 24! Contest closes at 10:00pm on Friday, June 23.
All Photos ©Susan Powers Photography, 2017
Xena wrote on June 22, 2017
I grew up in Europe. In the garden and surrounded my grandfather’s house forest . Products from the garden and the forest were and are my kitchen base . I live now on the island using the garden gifts is the best way to rejuvenate. Light, tasty and brightly colored.
Dawn Wolfbauer wrote on June 22, 2017
I am eating a Gluten Free diet and plant based foods seem to work for me….I feel better….and they are better for me….I’m excited for this cookbook. I need to keep this way of eating up and new and fresh recipes keeps it interesting and easier for me. Thanks for giving away a copy of your cookbook!
Karen Stearns wrote on June 22, 2017
My husband, myself, and all three of my kids all eat a vegan organic diet and have for about 5 years now. We made the choice to eat this way for our health and we all love it! As the meal planner, I am always looking for new recipes to try and would love to win this book. Thank you!
Leslie Calk wrote on June 22, 2017
Eating a plant-based diet is good for me AND good for the planet – a win/win! I grow my own herbs and vegetables and love cooking delicious meals for my family. I am from Kentucky and sadly, we do not have many healthy restaurants to choose from when eating out. We need vegan restaurants like The Sanctuary all over the country!
Shelly Stevens wrote on June 22, 2017
A plant based diet gives me more energy, better skin, better sleep and I feel better in the summer when it’s hot – barely break a sweat! My tummy just feels better for it,
Julianne Dunkley wrote on June 22, 2017
I eat plant based because all living creatures deserve a life free of suffering
Maura Mark wrote on June 22, 2017
I eat a gluten free plant based diet to heal from many viruses and other pathogens. It has made a huge difference in my health. I would love to visit your restaurant next time I’m in the bay area and would also love to win your cookbook!
arye wrote on June 22, 2017
Everyone eats, but not everyone knows how to make foods that are pleasing to the eye, pleasant to the taste buds, and adds to your life. The standard American diet that we are accustomed to is not life giving, but the plant based foods can add life, energy, and restore health. In order to maintain eating this way, you have to keep learning and being inspired by the creative foods others make and through your own experimentation.
Emily Watson wrote on June 22, 2017
Eating plant based is better for everyone!! With a large family (5 kids) I certainly feel and behave ? Best when I’ve been kind to my body via plant based foods. No one wants a crabby mommy! Not to mention my energy. Though we are all fatigued at the end of the day, if I’ve eaten well the previous day, I can get up and be productive before the rest of the house gets up! It’s a win-win for everyone!