A Summer Worth Celebrating

This spring was like no other, and we have all had to manage our expectations, not really knowing when we will be able to finally hug, gather and celebrate. Yet despite not knowing what the following weeks or months will bring, I can’t help but feel celebratory—not only because of the hope summer brings, but because I am the new owner of my favourite food magazine! I have dreamed of owning a magazine since I was a little girl. In fact, during summer vacations when I was young, I would create my own magazine, with each issue including interviews with a friend or neighbour, a fashion tip, a joke—and yes, a recipe. Fast forward to 2021 and I am not only living my dream, but I am also doing it alongside Dawn and Danika, two other dreamers who birthed this beautiful publication two years ago.

Summer brings with it so much possibility. It’s a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of Island life, and that’s something worth celebrating too. While we may not be able to travel far this summer, we can still celebrate all the special, magical places we can experience on the Island and the Gulf Islands. We also have our own version of bubbly to celebrate with—that’s right, France may have Champagne, and Italy has Prosecco, but we have our very own sparkling wine; Joanne Sasvari tells us the story behind Vancouver Island’s Charme de L’Île (Charm of the Island. And the Island’s unique terroir not only allows our winemakers to create unique sparkling wines, but as Terri Potratz discovers, it also inspires our cheesemakers. 

Cheers, friends! It’s time to celebrate. We live in a place of such abundance, and we hope you will discover a new recipe, experience or place within these pages.

Love,

Karen

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ―Henry James