Discovering Vancouver’s Culinary Gems: A Chat with Barbora Samieian of Field & Social

Welcome back to our beloved interview series, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible local businesses that make Vancouver’s vibrant food scene so special. Our beautiful city is a treasure trove of innovative restaurants, cozy cafes, and dedicated artisan food companies, each contributing unique flavors and philosophies. With every new encounter, I find myself more deeply inspired by the passionate individuals behind these ventures, and my appreciation for food—if possible—grows exponentially.

Understanding the meticulous thought, profound love, and unwavering effort poured into every dish that graces our tables is a vital part of mindful eating. It’s about recognizing the journey of our food, from its source to our plates, fostering a deeper connection with what we consume, how it nourishes our bodies, and our overall relationship with sustenance. This series aims to bridge that gap, bringing you closer to the stories and spirits that shape our culinary landscape.

Your input is invaluable! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s a particular person, brand, or restaurant you’d love to hear from. Whether it’s a review, a behind-the-scenes glimpse, or a deep dive into a specific culinary topic, I’m eager to explore your suggestions. Leave a comment on the blog, send a message on Instagram, or shoot me an email. Your engagement truly fuels this journey!

Field & Social: Cultivating Community Through Wholesome Food

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Barbora Samieian, the visionary Owner and Creator of Field & Social. Nestled in the bustling heart of downtown Vancouver, Field & Social is far more than just a salad shop; it’s a vibrant hub designed to foster connection and community. Barbora’s mission is clear: to bring people together through an infectious positive energy and a commitment to serving the freshest local ingredients in seasonally inspired bowls that delight both the palate and the soul.

(In their beautiful shop with chef Nicki Zamora)

My first encounter with Barbora was through a colleague during a meeting at her shop, and the connection was immediate. She possesses that rare quality of making you feel instantly comfortable, as if you’ve known her for years. Despite her remarkable success in business, Barbora carries an air of approachable ease, emphasizing enjoyment in every aspect of life – from her family to the sheer pleasure of bringing delicious, nourishing food to her customers. Her dedication to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation is evident in every detail of Field & Social, creating an inviting atmosphere that transcends the typical dining experience.

I am confident you’ll enjoy getting to know Barbora as much as I have. Her insights into building a thriving local business and her philosophy on food are truly inspiring. And, as a special treat, make sure to try her delectable Mushroom Bruschetta recipe, which you’ll find detailed below.

The Genesis of Field & Social: A Vision for Healthy & Social Dining

How did Field & Social come to be, and what motivated its creation?

The inspiration for Field & Social sprouted from our three years living in New York City. We were constantly impressed by the abundance of fantastic, healthy, and quick-serve dining options available on the East Coast. Returning to Vancouver, a city celebrated for its health-conscious lifestyle and appreciation for fresh, local produce, we identified a significant opportunity. There was a clear need for an accessible, affordable, and genuinely healthy salad option for people seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. But we envisioned more than just a place to eat. We wanted to fuse our passion for aesthetics and design to create a welcoming space where people could gather, connect, and build community around communal tables. This desire to foster social interaction, beyond just serving food, is precisely why we chose the name ‘Field & Social’ – it represents both the source of our fresh ingredients and the social environment we aim to cultivate.

Crafting the Menu: Global Flavors, Local Roots

What was the primary inspiration behind Field & Social’s diverse menu?

Our menu is a thoughtful blend of the familiar and the exotic, designed to cater to a wide range of tastes while always prioritizing freshness and flavor. We wanted to offer beloved classics that people crave, such as the vibrant Kale Caesar or the hearty Cobb salad, alongside unique creations inspired by our extensive travels and rich family heritage. This approach allowed us to introduce exciting options like the Middle Eastern-inspired Persian Herb salad, served with traditional Sangak bread, fresh mint, and fragrant parsley. Similarly, the Rustic Orzo bowl, with its subtle hints of fresh basil, reflects a journey through Mediterranean flavors. Each dish tells a story, combining globally inspired tastes with the best local, seasonal ingredients Vancouver has to offer, ensuring every bowl is both innovative and comforting.

A Philosophy of Nourishment: Food as Connection and Wellness

What is your personal philosophy on food and nutrition, and how does it influence Field & Social?

My love for food runs deep; there’s truly nothing more fulfilling than sharing a meal with family and friends. Growing up, my parents instilled in us the importance of home-cooked dinners around the table, and Sunday lunches were cherished extended family affairs at my grandma’s house. While our diet might have focused more on meat and potatoes rather than an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, every meal was always homemade and prepared from scratch. This fundamental philosophy – starting with high-quality ingredients and preparing food fresh – has evolved with me over time. As I’ve gotten older, it has deepened into a more conscious practice of purposefully combining healthy nutrients to feel my absolute best. This personal journey and conviction profoundly shapes our approach at Field & Social, where we strive to offer not just delicious meals, but genuinely nourishing experiences that contribute to overall well-being.

The Field & Social Experience: Feeling Good, Inside and Out

How do you envision people feeling when they step into Field & Social, and how do you hope they feel when they leave?

My deepest hope is that every guest leaves Field & Social feeling truly nourished – both physically and mentally. I want them to have enjoyed a satisfying and delicious meal, one that they’ll genuinely crave again and again. Beyond the food, it’s incredibly important to me that they feel genuinely welcomed and heard by our dedicated team. We strive to create an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Furthermore, I hope that the bright, minimalist aesthetic of our space might even offer a touch of inspiration, contributing to an overall positive and uplifting experience that lingers long after they depart.

A Glimpse into Barbora’s Vancouver Life

Where might we find you unwinding on a Friday night in Vancouver?

If Vancouver’s famously unpredictable weather is on our side, you’d most likely find me on a sunny patio. My husband and our baby, Hudson, would be with me, probably with a refreshing beer in one hand for me and a handful of rice crackers for our little one in the other. It’s those simple, joyful moments enjoying the city’s atmosphere that I cherish most.

Travels and Roots: A Balance of Adventure and Heritage

What is your favorite place to travel, and what makes it special to you?

For a quick weekend escape, we absolutely adore New York City. There’s an unparalleled energy in strolling through its diverse neighborhoods, exploring various art galleries, and, of course, indulging in its incredible culinary scene. Every few years, we also make it a point to return to Europe, particularly Slovakia, where much of our family resides. We are incredibly fortunate to own a 400-year-old cottage in a quaint, rural village nestled within the stunning Tatra Mountains. This cherished family retreat, passed down through generations for the last 30 years, offers breathtaking hiking opportunities and a profound connection to our roots. It’s a perfect balance between vibrant city exploration and serene, ancestral tranquility.

Personal Favorites: A Taste of Field & Social

Among all the incredible offerings, what is your favorite menu item at Field & Social, and why?

While my loyalty since day one has been unwavering for the Kale Caesar, especially when paired with a Ramen egg for an extra protein boost, I’ve recently fallen in love with the Greek salad for the summer season. Its fresh, invigorating hints of mint perfectly complement the savory richness of the feta cheese. Combined with our house-made hummus, it creates a wonderfully satisfying meal that keeps me feeling full and energized. I’ve found it pairs exceptionally well with the blackcurrant Kombucha we have on tap – a truly refreshing and delightful combination.

Wisdom for Life and Business: Embrace Imperfection

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it guided you?

The most impactful advice I’ve ever received, and one I often reiterate, is: “Perfect is the enemy of good.” This wisdom was imparted to me by one of my early bosses and mentors, and it has profoundly shaped my approach to both life and business. It emphasizes that completion, even if imperfect, is far superior to an endlessly striving-for-perfection that never sees the light of day. If you have an idea, a project, or a dream, the message is to pursue it with conviction. Trust that the various pieces will eventually fall into place. It’s about having faith in your intuition, committing to hard work, and being courageous enough to take calculated risks. Don’t defer your leap of faith, waiting for an elusive state of perfection; embrace the journey and refine along the way. This philosophy has been instrumental in the growth and success of Field & Social.

A heartfelt thank you to Barbora for generously sharing her time and inspiring story with us!

Experience Field & Social and Savor Barbora’s Mushroom Bruschetta

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting Field & Social’s beautiful shop, I wholeheartedly encourage you to stop by and show them some love. You might even discover a special bowl on their menu that I had the privilege of helping develop! If you try the Macro Bowl, I’d be thrilled to hear your thoughts and feedback.

And of course, given our shared passion for delicious food, we couldn’t possibly conclude this inspiring interview without a recipe. So, take a moment for yourself: whip up a batch of Barbora’s famously delicious Mushroom Bruschetta, grab your favorite drink, and allow yourself to relax, savor the flavors, and truly enjoy the moment. This recipe is perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself to a gourmet snack.

As always, enjoy your culinary adventures!

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