Edible News + Notes: July 16, 2020
Land of Wine
As Islanders, we know the Cowichan Valley is home to some phenomenal winemakers; now the government of B.C. has acknowledged this too by designating the area as an official new sub-appellation. Wines produced in the Cowichan Valley that contain more than 95% of locally grown grapes can put the region on the front label of their wine bottles to amplify their recognition as an area that produces wines with a uniquely West Coast terroir.
Time to Dine
Summer took its sweet time getting here, but it has finally arrived, which means it’s the perfect time to go hunting for food trucks! Sip and Sliders in Nanaimo has dozens of incredible milkshake flavours to accompany their tasty sliders—it doesn’t get much better than that on a hot summer’s day. Find them at Departure Bay Friday/Saturday/Sunday 12:30–7 and at Wolf Brewing on Thursdays 12–7.
Left photo: Sip and Sliders / Right photo: Top Notch Burgers
Have you checked out Top Notch Burgers in Nanaimo yet? If all your summer adventuring has made you really hungry, this is the place to go, because their gourmet burgers mean business. And for the super hungry, conquer their “chopping block” burger (pictured above right) and they’ll give you a free dessert—but good luck fitting it in after eating that burger!
There’s a new café coming to downtown Courtenay: The Twisted Mint Café will be the perfect place to pop in for lunch if you’re looking for a tasty wrap, sandwich or panini. They’re putting the finishing touches on their new location on Duncan Avenue, so stay tuned on their official opening.
Hide & Seek Coffee is opening a pop-up at the Branch Coffee Company location in Fairfield, which will be in addition to their Oak Bay location. For now, the plan is to stay the summer, but if there’s enough support they may turn it into a permanent situation—so make sure to pop by and grab some coffee as soon as soon as they open later this month.
Salt Spring Coffee re-opened their doors to customers this week, but it’s not the same place it used to be: with new renovations completed and a convenient pre-order app for your phone, the café is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee before you hop on the ferry back to Vancouver Island.
Food Sustainability
We love hearing about positive programs and initiatives that have blossomed in spite of (or even because of) COVID-19. The U-Map, created by the Young Agrarians, connects Greater Victoria residents who have space for a garden, who need assistance with their garden, and who need an area to garden in. The map shows locations of gardens and farms as well as specifics about the size/type/nature of the land.
Students at VIU are being given the chance to learn about aquaponics in a hands-on environment at the school’s state-of-the-art greenhouse. The program aims to educate students on crop diversification and how to operate an integrated food production system, teaching them about economic, environmental and social sustainability.
July’s classes may all be booked up, but Clever Crow Farm in Black Creek will be announcing their August dates for their Clever Crow Farm Cooking Demo classes—so make sure you keep apprised of those dates so you can book in before it’s too late. Guest chefs will use vegetables, herbs, and spices from their farm and Kehler vegetable farm. Classes will be held outdoors on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday afternoons. There’s tasting at the end of the two hour classes, and distancing and hygiene protocols are in effect.
Local Products
Bilston Creek Farm in Victoria recently updated their website with a bunch of new products, including a wildflower honey. The unique, small-batch product can be used as a sugar replacement in cocktails and cordials; as a naturally cleansing facemask; or as luxurious addition to a moisturizing bath.
Closed
We are sorry to have said goodbye to a Comox Valley favourite: on what would have been their sixth birthday, the White Whale announced that they have permanently closed their doors. We’ll miss the fun atmosphere and delicious food they offered but wish the staff all the best on their next endeavours.
