Edible News + Notes: August 16, 2021
Congratulations
Congratulations to Blue Moon Winery and Ciderworx in Courtenay on their recent win as International Cidermaker of the Year 2021 in the 15th Annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition. The event, which was held in July, saw 1,231 entries in the commercial division, and Blue Moon took home 15 medals for their Raven’s Moon ciders, including one gold, 13 silver and one bronze.
We love watching local businesses grow and change over time, which is just what Salt Spring Brewing Co. is doing. They recently announced the change of their name (formerly Salt Spring Island Ales) to reflect their growth, and they are just as committed as ever to continue producing their popular ales and lagers—including five new beers for 2021 created by their head brewer, Louis Hage. (Think flavours like Windswept West Coast IPA, Raspberry Mango Sour and Ginger Session Saison!
Things to Do
A fun experience at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is up and running August 26 and September 9 and 23 from 4:30pm to 7:30 pm. Stop by to check out the Local Folk Fair Market Series, where you can enjoy live local music, a creative play station, silent disco yoga and more.
It’s time to vote on your favourite craft brewery experience. The BC Ale Trail is hosting their annual Best Brewery Experience Award—and when you vote, you get entered to win prizes. Two grand prize winners will receive Grand Prize Weekend awards, and five others will will win a $100 gift certificate to the BC brewery of your choice and a BC Ale Trail deluxe swag pack valued at $200. Voting is open until September 15, 2021.
The Merville Garlic Fest is returning this coming weekend on Sunday, August 20th for their 10th annual event. The event runs from 12:00pm to 4:00pm—but everyone loves garlic and it sells out quickly, so it’s better to get there earlier than later!
New Places
We can’t wait to check out the newest addition to Oak Bay’s coffee scene—the Allenby Coffee Bar. They brew and serve organic and locally roasted Mile Zero beans, alongside their offerings of baked goods and other housemade eats.
A warm welcome to Everyday Brewing Company, a new craft brewery who recently announced they will soon be pulling pints of delicious beer in Nanaimo. With a decade of industry experience behind them, Barb and Kalan are excited about building their space and creating their first brews.
Products to Try
Save da Sea, a vegan food company located in Victoria, has developed a smoked salmon alternative using carrots. The product can be found in 75 Western Canada retails, and they’re currently working on creating a canned tuna alternative, so watch for that product this fall.
As we’ve been enjoying more social activities while at home, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut of drinking the same drinks. If you want to mix it up a bit, think about trying Fern & Fizz, a Comox Valley business who puts together creative cocktail kits so you can easily enjoy unique craft cocktails in your own backyard.
Left: carrot "smoked salmon" from Save da Sea; Right: cocktail kit from Fern & Fizz
Yes: the churros at Churros Chica (located at the Courtenay Car Centre) are, of course, mouthwateringly delicious. But they’ve got more than churros—like their Mexican street corn, a delicious concoction of corn lathered in mayo, chili and feta cheese.
Fiesty Ferdy Organics handcrafts their nut-free, cruelty-free skin care products that are created from all-natural Australian and Canadian ingredients. They say their products are great for “problem” skin and creates products specially made to help those suffering with eczema, dry skin, allergies and more.
