CreativeMornings Edinburgh: August Reminiscing 

Guest blog post from CreativeMornings Edinburgh community member, Audrey Barnes.

Not so long ago, I was introduced to the wild and inspiring world of CreativeMornings, via an Instagram post on the topic of #Equality. I soon discovered that equality was a theme, setting the broad focus for a vast, and open, community that lay beyond this single post. A community which connects 175 cities around the world… and counting. After reading the initiative’s manifesto, concluding in the lines “We bring together people who are driven by passion and purpose, confident that they will inspire one another, and inspire change in neighborhoods and cities around the world. Everyone is welcome.”, I was excited to discover more. Finally, on Friday the 25th of August, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend my very first Creative Mornings event, here in our fair city of Edinburgh.

Last month, the event took place in the University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower, at the heart of the city, still buzzing with the spirit of Edinburgh’s festival season. With this month’s theme of #Genius, a word which evokes mental images of the likes of Elon Musk, Jimi Hendrix, and Zadie Smith, there was an air of excited anticipation amongst the attendees, curious to discover what genius is at work within Edinburgh’s creative community. And, I’m pleased to say, the guest speaker of the day did not disappoint…

Sashana Souza Zanella, one half of Edinburgh Food Studio’s founding duo, welcomed us to her talk with an inspirational discussion on the evolution of Genius as a human concept, journeying through time from Greek and Roman philosophers, through the Renaissance, all the way to John Cleese’s theories on creative genius. A fast, yet eloquent introduction, which revealed Souza’s own creative influences to be drawn from a diverse network of sources, and implemented in her work with both dedication and humorous flair.

A young chef, anthropologist, and entrepreneur from Montreal, Souza and her partner, Ben Reade, met whilst studying at the internationally renowned University of Gastronomic Sciences, in Piedmont, Italy. Some time after graduating, bringing their over 25 years of combined culinary experience, they made the move to Edinburgh in pursuit of building their own successful restaurant. However, as Souza pointed out, a significant barrier of limited finances was met before they were ready to open their doors to business, and they were forced to make tough decisions regarding the future of the venture. In a true display of creative daring and dedication, they decided to go all in on launching an even larger concept, as a Food Studio and as a Kickstarter campaign, instead of “turning it into a little cafe as it was, or something…”

Since the campaign launch two years ago, on the 7th of September 2015, they have long surpassed their £10,000 goal, receiving over £17,000 from 228 backers – all in time to launch their studio only two months later, in November of 2015. Going beyond the more traditional restaurant or food institute models, Souza and Reade’s Food studio draws individuals from around the world, to partake in all manner of food related discovery. From research and sharing of production and preparation techniques, to artistic service and dining.

The most inspiring element of Souza’s talk, however, was the lack of self-congratulations (although the vision of her and her partner is very much worthy), and the all-out celebration of individuals who have collaborated in bringing the Edinburgh Food Studio concept to life, with their time, money, craft, and custom. She shared a motivating vision of the work she dedicates herself to, as a product of community, continuous improvement, and open innovation.

Throughout the rest of her talk, Souza shared pictures, anecdotes, and bios of the individuals who have travelled from around the world to collaborate with her and her team within the Food Studio.  A fantastic portrait of a culinary haven, blending bohemian artistry and a studious dedication to scientific techniques, that bridges the gap between international gastronomy elites and everyday lovers of all things delicious. She demonstrates that creative genius often requires more than the ability to come up with great ideas, but the ability to convey your vision to a wider community of inspired folks, and motivate them to get on board with that vision by celebrating all that each individual contributes in their participation… as well as having the guts to put your big dreams out for all to see!

To finish off the wonderful morning, Larah Bross gave a brief but – entirely engaging – introduction to her business, Bross Bagels. Hailing from Quebec, Canada, she is the founder of Portobello’s newly opened Bakery and Bagel shop, bringing the tastes and techniques of Montreal’s Jewish deli’s to Scottish shores. Yet another daring and adventurous food industry entrepreneur, she not only provided all of us at Creative Mornings Edinburgh with a tasty bagel breakfast, but also gave a further example of how having the guts to run with a creative idea can become a genius venture. Now nearing a month since their doors opened to customers, they are already attracting much attention and praise.

In fact, my own mother decided to pop on by for her birthday lunch on the 1st of September, and ended up sharing company with local foodies, young and old, local police officers, and several tourists, all customers eager to try the pumpernickel, cinnamon raisin, and many other bagel varieties on offer. My Mom’s review of the baked goods? “Five stars… We’ll definitely be back! Delicious!”

You can find more about the Edinburgh Food studio on their website, here – and don’t forget to sign up to their newsletter, so you can keep up to date on what great chefs and events will be hosted next. They also run a beautiful instagram account @EdFoodStudio, which will be enough to make your taste buds ready to pop on by for one of their 7-course banquets.

Bross Bagels also has a fun and tasty instgram account @Bross_Bagels, and you can find Bross Bagels at 186 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh – take my Mother’s word for it, it’s worth a trip on over!

Creative Mornings have now launched their theme for September, which will be, “Compassion”. I can’t wait to see who the guest speaker will be, and to get busy with sharing some #CMCompassion inspiration with the Creative Mornings community. If you would like to come along to the events, they are free to attend, and tickets are available on their website. If you’re not in Edinburgh, don’t worry, they take place in over the world… find your nearest chapter here!

Photography by Ellie Morag.