Edible News + Notes: March 15, 2021
Education
If you want to take your bartending skills to the next level, consider attending the Nimble Bartending School by the Nimble Bar Co. You’ll leave the hands-on learning environment with a toolkit of world-class techniques under your belt, knowing how to create unforgettable drinks and how to entertain your customers with behind-the-bar “theatre.” Previously only offered in Victoria, they now offer classes in Courtenay: the next option is April 11 to May 16, on Sundays from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Community Collaboration
We featured the Dock+ Food Hub in Port Alberni in an article called "Build It and They Will Come," and while the food hub opened in July 2020 for its anchor tenants, the commercial kitchen opened in February 2021 and is now available for businesses, charities, individuals or others who need a facility to produce their food and beverage products.
Speaking of food hubs, the province recently allocated $2 million to three new Vancouver Island food hubs; read more here.
Last year, the province temporarily implemented allowances for liquor to be enjoyed as a take-out product with food orders. As of March 12, the province has made the authorization permanent. So you can continue to enjoy your delicious take-out food alongside a local craft beer or cider without having to make any more stops than necessary.
Local Food
Is pizza the perfect food? It just might be, and when a perfect type of food meets with experienced chefs and local ingredients, you know it’s going to be a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Shipwreck Pizza is now open in Ucluelet for pick-up and delivery and is quickly cementing itself as a local favourite and tourist must-visit.
Did you see our latest Edible Guide in our Spring issue? We featured great places to eat vegan, including Realm Food Co., who recently announced that their delicious sauces will soon be available for purchase at their restaurant so you can take home a tried-and-true favourite to use with your own recipes.
Have you checked out the bakery at De L'île Restaurant & Bakery in Qualicum? In addition their delicious, locally focused restaurant menu, their bakery offers fresh pastries and desserts that are perfect for taking to a picnic on the beach to enjoy some spring sunshine.
Congratulations
The 2021 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition was a success for our beautiful British Columbia, as the province took home Best in Class in 10 out of 19 spirit categories. In fact, the Italian-style, green-walnut liqueur called Nocino! from Ampersand Distilling Co. in Duncan was even awarded the title of Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year.
We also want to applaud the LUSH Valley Food Action Society for their hard work last year, as their Good Food Box program helped vulnerable students and their families eat healthy and nutritious food throughout the pandemic from April to December, delivering food to ~200 families throughout the year.
LUSH Valley, part of the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, was also recognized as Partner of the Year at the eighth annual BC Farmers’ Market Awards administrated by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. Additionally, the Esquimalt Farmers’ Market took home the Large Farmers’ Market of the Year award.
