With Barbeque Season officially here, the timing could not have been better to try what is now my new favourite seasonings! I had been so bored with my regular “go-to” menu and was looking for something to “spice things up” without going completely off what I know how to cook.
Here’s where Baru Rubs and Sauces steps in! Baru is a Vancouver-based company started three years ago by two BFFs – Zeta Newis and Nina Lafleur – as a spin off of the successful Kitsilano restaurant – Baru Latino. Part of what makes their products so unique is that they are a small batch, handmade producer based out of an award winning restaurant. Who wouldn’t want to bring this deliciousness home for their own daily consumption?
I think I may personally love the business for the fact that the co-owners are women, BFFs, foodies and Canadian. Nina Lafleur attributes their success to their belief in “fresh, healthy, tasty ingredients and a commitment to our customers”
The friends’ love for food and cooking is evident in their products. They want to make healthy, fresh and delicious food for friends and family. This is something I completely relate to. “Food is family, friends, and community. It is something that unites us all. With our products, you are able to sample foods which are inspired from different areas of the world, take them home and try new things.”
Having tried all of the rubs and hot sauces, I have to say that they are as unique and diverse as my own family. Their “Hot’R Sauce – Even Hotter” is, by far, my husband’s favourite he’s ever tried. Having spent 6 years in the Caribbean, the flavour takes him back. He LOVES hot sauces – but this one isn’t just hot, it’s packed with flavour. He said “it’s the habenero…I can taste it in the sauce”. When I asked him more about what he thought, he said “it’s all gone. We NEED to get more!” For this discerning hot sauce fan, this is the greatest compliment.
Now for the rubs… I have a mixed crew of test subjects and palets … I like spice and flavour, my husband likes HOT and flavour and my daughters like flavour packed spices without the HOT. The girls favourite was the Chimichurri Rub. I marinated chicken in the recommended mix of (olive oil) and rub before cooking. They actually fought over the last piece and asked to have it for lunch! Success!
I love the fact that these rubs are packed with flavour, not just sauce or salt. I also love that they give suggestions to how to use them – I didn’t even think of using it as a marinade! Baru hit the nail on the head with their focus on putting ethnicity and global tastes into a product. It goes outside my own personal usual “go-to’s” – which I love! I can’t wait to try these rubs on fish! And steak is a “no-brainer”.
Currently their products are only sold in retail stores in BC but they are wanting to expand outside of the province. Luckily for me, five of their products (including the coveted Hot’R Sauce!) are available online and can be shipped anywhere in the world. Currently their offering free shipping in Canada for orders over $30. Yippee!
I’m happy that I was able to try Baru’s products – not only to have a future Father’s Day gift idea, but also to help me break out of my usual fare of seasoning-free kid cooking to a kid and adult-approved cooking environment!
If you are interested learning more about or trying the Baru Rubs & Sauces yourself this BBQ season (or anytime really!), please visit their website: https://www.barurubsandsauces.com.