Edible News + Notes: September 15, 2020

New Products
 

You might recognize the name Sabrina Currie from some of the articles she has written for our magazine; the writer/photographer has embarked on another venture called West Coast Kitchen Garden, a sustainability focused shop selling beautiful home wares like recycled glassware, pottery and beeswax candles.

Beverage expert Shawn Soole already has two successful books on the market, but he’s sharing more of his knowledge with us in a new self-published book coming in May 2021: BC Spirits Cocktail Book. Part guidebook and part cocktail book, its aim is to have you visiting local distilleries and then getting creative with their products. 

There’s a new chocolate store in Victoria that is a must-visit: Chocolat & Co. is a collective chocolate experience run by three established chocolate businesses (Terrible Truffles Fine Handmade Chocolates, Uncouth Chocolate and The Chocolate Project). Their chocolate is made on decades of experience and passion for the product, and the variety ensures there’s something for everyone.

Dining In
 

COVID-19 restrictions are still a factor for the Chemainus Theatre, as stage productions are still on hold. They are happy to announce, however, that their Playbill Dining Room has reopened for reservations from Wednesday to  Saturday. Patrons can enjoy the dining room atmosphere and the delicious menu that includes seasonal salads, delicious starters and a choice of select plated dinners prepared by Executive Chef Nick Caulford.

Have you been to Eve Olive Restaurant in Nanaimo yet? The classy establishment is a vegan restaurant that prides itself on being the first Nanaimo vegan restaurant to offer wines, beers and cocktails. Their flavourful, 100% plant-based meals are beautifully plated; plus, check out their nightly specials.  

Sustainability
 

Food sustainability has been a bigger topic than ever this year, and if you’re interested about learning more about it, you can register to listen to The Eaglecrest Residents’ Association virtually presenting their “Eagle Talks.” The event will take place on September 29 and feature the Coombs Farmers Institute president, Janet Thony, and will discuss opportunities for positive food sustainability change in the region.

Congratulations to My FED Farm, who ran an initiative earlier this year with a goal of providing 500 homes in the Victoria area with food garden kits. Not only did they reach that goal—they surpassed it: 514 garden kits made up of 1,886 planters were delivered to homes and communities in need across the region from North Saanich to Sooke.