John van der Leick, owner Oyama Sausage Company

Granville Island Public Market

"Ham and sausage have been the family business for five generations," proclaims John van der Leick, proud owner of the wildly successful Oyama Sausage Company, located in the Granville Island Public Market.

John and his wife moved to B.C. from Germany 20 years ago. The name "Oyama" comes from the town of Oyama - the location of their original farm in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley. Oyama Sausage Company is now one of the highest grossing stores in the Granville Island Public Market, and John's hand-made sausages, patés, ham and terrines have become preferred ingredients of the city's top chefs. On weekends, the small corner shop buzzes with activity. Samples are passed over the counter and elbow-to-elbow shoppers order truffle bratwurst, mousse of duck foie gras and wild boar chorizo.

"If you like to make top quality products, Vancouver is the place to be," says John. "I love trying new things, and the vibrant immigrant community in Vancouver means there is so much variety available." All Oyama products are hand-made from family farm raised meat. John uses no preservatives and has over 120 traditional and fusion recipes, in addition to his seasonal delicacies and products made on demand. Some of his favourites ingredients include B.C. lingonberry, Okanagan fruit brandy and East Indian and Chinese spices.

At only five and seven years old, John's children already have a keen interest in the family trade. "When you ask my seven year old son what he wants for a snack, he requests crackers and foie gras," laughs John.

With Oyama's vast selection of products, John could feed his family sausages 365 days of the year - but don't worry, he doesn't. For a quick dinner, John loves shopping in the Public Market. Duso's pasta (just across from Oyama) is a family favourite for fresh pasta and sauce. John also loves the fantastic variety of seafood available in the market. His specialty is white spring salmon with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette. And when the kids have gone to bed, John might indulge in a quiet cigar from the Granville Island Smoke Shop. A small luxury well deserved, wouldn't you say?

www.granvilleisland.com

April 2007