Culinary Experiences Worth Sharing
As the publisher of Edible Vancouver Island, I recently had the pleasure of embarking on some extraordinary culinary journeys to Parksville Qualicum Beach, to Cornucopia in Whistler and to the Fairmont Empress—and they were experiences I just have to share!
A culinary weekend in Parksville Qualicum Beach
Hosted by the Beach Club Resort, I attended a culinary weekend in Parksville Qualicum Beach that was a celebration of local flavours, artisanal craftsmanship and the vibrant food scene that defines Vancouver Island.
The weekend kicked off with an array of incredible dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients by the talented Executive Chef Nate Catto at the Beach Club Resort. The resort then teamed up with Vancouver Island Expeditions to take us on a fun and immersive culinary tour that began at the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market. Here, we enjoyed interacting with the myriad local vendors selling fresh produce and artisanal goods. We then continued on to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, where we were treated to an exquisite cheese tasting paired with brews from Love Shack Libations, before we concluded the day with a charming visit to Silver Meadows Farm—the perfect way to end a weekend celebrating the passion and talent of the region’s local food and drink producers.
Cornucopia 2023 in Whistler
For someone deeply rooted in supporting hyper-local initiatives, ventures beyond our Island's shores are not something I often write about. However, with the imminent launch of our new publication, Edible Sea to Sky, it was a timely opportunity to attend Cornucopia, Whistler's celebration of food and drink.
The Four Seasons Resort and Residence welcomed us to the event, where a fusion of tastes and cultures showcased the richness and diversity of Canada's culinary landscape. We were offered a tantalizing preview of The Library by the Macallan—a new cocktail bar boasting an open fireplace, bespoke bar and exceptional collection of bottlings. A delectable family-style dinner at SIDECUT Steakhouse within the Four Seasons was also a highlight of the weekend, where each dish showcased the culinary finesse of the chefs and the region's bounty.
A Royal Vinous Affair at the Fairmont Empress
I recently had the privilege of being invited to an exclusive dining experience at the Fairmont Empress. Led by Certified Sommelier Maeve Fogarty and Chef de Cuisine Tyler Paquette, A Royal Vinous Affair was a masterclass in wine pairing that celebrated flavours and vintages from across the globe.
Each pour felt like a journey through the terroir of iconic vineyards, from the exquisite Dom Pérignon 2004 to the opulent Château d'Yquem 1997 and the distinguished Château Latour le Grand Vin 1996. These prestigious vintages were complemented by a meticulously crafted seven-course meal, elevating the flavours of both the food and wine. The entire experience was a testament to the artistry and knowledge of Vancouver Island’s talented culinary and libation professionals.
Final notes
It’s easy to have exceptional, local culinary experiences on and around Vancouver Island, and I love sharing my foodie adventures and telling the stories of the passionate people who prepare our food and pour our drinks. I hope the culinary stories we share through Edible Vancouver Island inspire you to try a new restaurant or pop by a local market to meet some awesome people and of course, eat some incredible food.
