Edible News + Notes: February 16, 2022
Congratulations
Congratulations to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel on being recognized by Spas of America as the #1 Spa on Vancouver Island, #1 Spa in British Columbia, #4 Wellness Experience in Canada and #25 of Top 100 Spas for 2021. If you’re in need of a luxurious vacation close to home, this should definitely be on your list of considerations.
We know our Island is full of talented chefs and cooks, and home cook Kenna Deo further proved that by recently winning an episode of the Food Network’s culinary competition show Wall of Chefs. Congrats Kenna!
Open Table has revealed their list of 100 most romantic restaurants in Canada. B.C. took 22 of those spots, including a few Vancouver Island favourites: Agrius, Ferris’ Upstairs Seafood and Wine Bar and The Butchart Gardens.
New Spaces
The Comox Valley just saw a new bakery open their doors: The Flying Apron Café and Bakery makes getting out of bed in the morning a little more bearable when you know a fresh croissant or muffin is waiting for you alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Sayward Food Market just opened in Sayward, which means residents of the area don’t need to have such a long trip to pick up their fresh products. The 2,000 square foot market offers all the grocery essentials (produce, baking, dairy, deli and more) and is located beside the Gas Bar.
The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa has created a new, unique way to spend an intimate evening dining with your loved one. Their Sky Domes are located on their restaurant patio deck with beautiful views overlooking their gardens. They are available to book from October to April and are outfitted with heaters, blankets, ambient lights and candles.
Things to Do
If gin is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Ginuary Gin Festival in Victoria on March 6th, touted as the city’s first ever gin-focused food & beverage tasting festival. A ticket for the four-hour tasting event includes all food and beverage (alcoholic & non) samples, tasty treats for your dog, and a chance to shop directly from their vendors and pop-up shop. 
Cheese lovers, listen up: Laliberté Cheese Company in the Comox Valley is on a mission to bring you delicious cheese from around Canada and the world. Sign up for their monthly subscription boxes full of unique cheese delivered right to your door within the Valley and up to Campbell River.
Teens in Victoria who are interested in learning about composting can attend a free program on Saturdays from February to June at the Compost Education Centre with “Let it Rot.” They’ll gain an overview of all things compost, from hot compost to learning about growing native plants and pollinators from seed.
