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Vagabond Kitchen @ Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars July 22nd
In the last few years our home in the Southern Okanagan has seen an explosion in fantastic little gourmet food vendors. This summer we thought it would be fun to jump on the food wagon and have our friends from Vagabond Kitchen stop by on a few days throughout July and August.
They will be serving items from their simple but delicious menu, all easily eaten with hands, fingers, elbows or whichever body part you are most comfortable using. Enjoy some lunch, wine, outdoor games and of course our famous view. No reservations required, bring along your friends, while the first date is July 22nd. See our Events Page for further dates and details.
Cheers!
Jul 18, 2017 at 3:22 PM
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Codfathers Seafood, Kelowna
Good fishmongers are hard to find so when Codfathers opened in Kelowna about 25 years ago, Chef's in the valley breathed a sigh of relief. Originally founded by the Bishop family, the market has been owned and operated since 2002 by Jon and Anne-Marie Crofts, who emigrated from the south of England.
The trade of "fishmongery" was fast becoming a dying art across Europe and North America, due to the rise of big box stores and bulk trade in seafood as a commodity. Both Jon and Anne- Marie believe passionately that Seafood should not be treated as just another mass produced protein, and that it should have special status as one of the few remaining foods that have to be hunted and gathered, sometimes at considerable risk to the fisherman. The place for modern fishmongers in the world is to show these wild gems the respect that they deserve, and use their mongering skills to ensure that fish is presented and prepared to the highest standard, so that they make it to the plate in prime condition.
The Codfathers site has a great collection of recipes for every imaginable seafood and fish. Be sure to check it out: http://www.codfathers.ca/recipes.php
As a family business Codfathers has always been aware of the importance of conserving our amazing ocean resources and using them thoughtfully so that future generations can enjoy them too. This concern culminated in our decision back in 2006 to become partners with Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean-wise program. After being accepted for the program, they are proud to be the first full-service fish market in Canada to embrace Ocean-Wise. For information on this program please visit the Ocean-Wise website at http://www.oceanwisecanada.org/about. All seafood items in their store are clearly labeled with the Ocean-Wise logo if they are considered sustainable by Vancouver Aquarium's team of biologists (the vast majority of their products are).
Also, for products where there are no Ocean-Wise alternatives they always source the most sustainable option available. In addition they have committed to promoting and encouraging small artisanal fisheries, and wherever possible providing the names of the boats/fishers, the area where they are caught and the method of catch used, to their customers.
Codfather's also has a great fish and chip shop onsite. Stop by for lunch and sample the catch of the day!
Codfathers Seafood
2355 Gordon Dr
Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250.763.3474
Monday - Saturday: 9am to 6pm
Sunday: 11am to 5pm
Mar 26, 2015 at 10:00 AM
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Cheese in British Columbia - Moonstruck
Fine Farmstead Organic Cheeses from Salt Spring Island
These makers of fine organic cheese on Salt Spring Island use the fragrant milk from their own small herd of purebred Jersey cows. They have about 25 cows in total. Depending on the season, they milk between 12 and 20 cows. The cows are treated well as they are the foundation of the company. The healthier and happier they are, the more sweet and fragrant their milk is. Organic management is used throughout the farm meaning good food, no drugs, no chemicals, free access to the outside world and lots of opportunity to interact socially with other members of the herd.
Julia Grace (cheese-maker) and Susan Grace (farm manager) have been producing cheese at Moonstruck since 1998. All of Moonstruck cheeses are made from raw milk in small batches. The job of the cheese-maker is not only to transform milk into cheese but to preserve as much of that fragrant flavour as possible during the process. That is why they use simple, old-fashioned recipes. All of their cheeses develop natural rinds because they believe that good cheese, like good wine, needs to breathe.
Some favourite pairings:
Pinot Blanc & White Moon: White Moon is a surface-ripened bloomy rind cheese, milder than a Camembert. The easiness of the Camembert works well with the pear and apricot flavours that come through in the Pinot Blanc. The rich mouth feel of the Pinot Blanc compliments the richness of the Camembert.
Sauvignon Blanc & Savoury Moon: Savoury Moon is dusted with organic summer savoury following a great tradition from the south of France. The herb infuses the cheese inside the breathable wrapper giving a woodsy, herbal note to the cheese. This herby earthiness marries well with the crisp and clean Sauvignon Blanc.
Gamay Noir & Ash Ripened Camembert: This earthy creamy cheese works well with the juicy vibrant acidity that is Gamay Noir. Try it with some savory crackers and a little berry compote.
Pinot Gris & Tomme d'Or: Tomme d'Or is a cooked curd cheese similar to the Alpine cheeses of Europe. Made to age long, it becomes a grating cheese when it is over a year old. Made from raw milk, the curd is very slowly heated so that the curds shrink and mat to form a smooth, buttery texture that becomes increasingly firm with age. The nutty flavour of this cheese will lend itself to the Pinot Gris's acidity and notes of stone fruit. Enjoy with a spicy peach marmalade.
During the summer months, you can find their cheeses at the Salt Spring Saturday Market and at the Tuesday Farmer’s market from 2-6 pm.
The farm store is open Mon-Sat from 11-4pm (but only softly open on Sundays for those who are truly desperate).
Moonstruck Cheese
Email: julia@moonstruckcheese.com
By Phone: 250-537-4987
Nov 25, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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Winter Farmer's Markets in the Okanagan
Although many farmers have completed their harvest for the season, there are still winter markets to enjoy when the weather gets cold. Here are a couple of local Okanagan area markets that run through the holiday season. The items will differ slightly from the summer farmer's markets but there is still lots of delicious baking and local crafts to enjoy!
Penticton
The Shatford Centre is once again hosting the Penticton Farmers' Market Winter Market at the Shatford Centre from 9am to 1pm on the Saturdays of November 22nd and December 6th and 20th.
Join them for goods from all around the Okanagan. From fresh baking to vegetables and snacks to crafts, each vendor will have something interesting.
Penticton Farmers' Market
pentictonfarmersmarket@gmail.com
250-770-FARM
Shatford Centre
info@shatfordcentre.com
250-770-7668
Oliver
Oliver Arts and Crafts Fair at the Oliver Community Centre
Friday, November 21, 2014 10am - 7pm
Saturday, November 22, 2014 10am - 4pm
Free Admission with a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank.
Kelowna
Held Saturdays from 9am-1pm from November to March at the Parkinson Rec Centre.
Winter Market Dates 2014/2015:
November: 1st, 22nd, 29th
December: 6th, 13th, 20th
January: 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
February: 14th, 21st, 28th
March: 7th, 14th, 28th
Please note dogs or other animals are not allowed at the market.
An ATM is onsite at the indoor market in the hall near the bathrooms.
Customer parking is located in the Parkinson Rec parking lot, access off of Harvey Ave or Parkinson Way.
Nov 18, 2014 at 10:30 AM
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Holiday Cheer Open House Weekend, Okanagan Falls
Join the wineries of Okanagan Falls this holiday season for our open house weekend in the “Heart of Wine Country”!
Come visit our 12 wineries for your holiday gifting ideas, food pairings and sample our delicious wines! Join us amidst our decorated wine shops and vineyards while enjoying delicious holiday treats and exclusive features from each winery. We invite you to come celebrate the season at Blue Mountain Winery with some bubbly and our delicious truffle popcorn.
Take part in our photo scavenger hunt for your chance to win a private wine tour for two with Top Cat Tours!
Full contest details online at ofwa.ca/contest
Each winery will open their doors from 11AM to 5PM on Saturday November 29th and Sunday November 30th. Admission is free.
Participating wineries include:
Blasted Church Vineyards
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars
Krāzē Legz Vineyard and Winery
Liquidity Wines
Meyer Family Vineyards
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery
Painted Rock Estate Winery
See Ya Later Ranch
Stag’s Hollow Winery and Vineyard
Synchromesh Wines
Topshelf Winery Ltd.
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery
Check back for more details on winery features and promotions!
Want to book a shuttle for the event? Have a look at our list of tour operators in the area!
The Holiday Cheer Open House is one of 5 winery association events that invites guests to spend a weekend in BC wine country! Visit winterwineevents.com for further details on all the winery events from November 29th through December 7th!
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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R.D. - Recently Disgorged
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Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines goes through a primary fermentation in the tank and a second fermentation in the bottle. Once the wine goes through its second fermentation in bottle it is left to age on its lees, the dead yeast cells. At this time, the sparkling wine continues to age for several more years resulting in a toasty, yeasty characteristic.
Next we need to disgorge, remove the yeast cells from the wine and then it will be ready to drink. This is when we will date the disgorgement date on the label and it is titled R.D.
This special aging on the lees allows the wine to maintain a unique combination of freshness and liveliness, while developing delicate and complex aromas. Sparkling wines benefit from a prolonged maturation on its lees reinforcing the aromatic subtlety and complexity of the final wine.
Below is our disgorging line. The first image shows all of the sparkling bottles with their necks down in a glycol bath. Whereas the next image is the bottling line where the dosage is added.
Next time you pick up a bottle of sparkling wine please go ahead and take a look at the label and look for the disgorgment date!
Cheers!
Oct 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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Where to enjoy a glass of Blue Mountain Sparkling wine in the Okanagan
Looking for a spot in the Okanagan to enjoy a glass of Blue Mountain Sparkling?
PENTICTON
3625 1st Street, Naramata l T. (250) 496-6808
Vanilla Pod at Poplar Grove Winery
425 Middle Bench Road, North Penticton l T. (250) 493-9463
KELOWNA
231 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna BC l T. (778) 484-6994
#105 -1180 Sunset Drive, Kelowna l T. (250) 763-6595
1451 Ellis Street, Kelowna l T. (250) 763-3110
3303 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna l T. (250) 769-4451
1560 Water Street, Kelowna l T. (250) 868-8805
#104 – 1180 Sunset Drive, Kelowna l T. (250) 979 1222
VERNON
888 Sparkling Place, Vernon l T. (877) 275-1556
Check back on Tuesday for Julie's blog on Sparkling wine pairings, "Sparkling goes with everything!"
Cheers!
Oct 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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Cheese in British Columbia - Kootenay Alpine Cheese
Made in the century's old cheese making tradition of Europe, Kootenay Alpine Cheese wanted to create specialty cheese that reflected the landscape, culture and life of the place it comes from.
Towering over Mountain Valley Farm pastures is the magnificent Thomson Mountain range. The farm is situated in the heart of the Kootenays, on benchland above the Creston Valley, 10 minutes from the Idaho border and 4 hours from the Alberta border. Mountain Valley uses no pesticides, GMO’s or chemical fertilizer on the land. They nurture and replenish the soil through many sustainable management practices, including the application of composted manure from the farm and whey from their new cheesemaking facility. The health of the herd is maintained following organic practices, with no hormones being used. They are certified organic with Pacific Agricultural Certification Society and also belong to Kootenay Local Agricultural Society whose mandate is to foster local, sustainable agriculture.
These farmstead cheeses are handcrafted following the tradition of artisan cheese-makers, and made using only the raw milk from their own certified organic herd. Each cheese is carefully aged in order to develop a rich, complex flavor that is unique to the milk, their farm, and their region.
Wine and Cheese Pairings:
Pinot Gris & NOSTRALA: “Of this place.” A firm cheese with mild earthy notes, a subtle creamy texture, and a pale golden interior. Resembles a firm Italian Fontina, often referred to as the Italian cousin of French Gruyere.
NV Brut Sparkling & MOUNTAIN GRANA: A hard cheese modeled after an Italian Piave with a dense grainy texture and a sweet flavour, with hints of nuts and fruit. With extra aging, a full-bodied flavour develops, resembling a young Parmigiano Reggiano.
Chardonnay & ALPINDON: “Gift of the Alpine,” Their premium cheese, is a firm cheese carefully modeled after French Beaufort d’Alpage. Following centuries old tradition this cheese is hand-rubbed and made only with milk from summer pastures. It exhibits a smooth nut flavour, a complex finish, a rich golden interior and a dark textured rind. Additional aging concentrates its flavours, deepens its complexity, and increases the sweet crystals that develop throughout the body of the cheese.
Alpine Cheese Company
3071 16th Street
Creston BC (on the corner of Sinclair Rd and 16th St, and right beside the Lister Park)
250-428-9655
info@kootenayalpinecheese.com
SUMMER HOURS:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
10:00am to 5:00pm
(May to Thanksgiving)
WINTER HOURS:
Saturdays only
10:00am - 5:00pm
(Thanksgiving to May)
Aug 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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Blossoms Fruit Stand - Summerland
Between Penticton and Summerland there is a small fruit stand on the side of Hwy 97 that sells everything delicious in season. Blossoms is open daily from 8am till 7pm and has the freshest of what's in season much of it grown onsite. Known for their home grown peaches, they also have an excellent selection of jams, jellies, dressings and sauces. All locally produced. Their friendly staff are there to help you with your canning needs, orders for fall root vegetables or just a scoop of yummy ice cream on a hot day. Stop by and say hello to Melinda and the staff, we are sure you will find something you like.
Blossoms Fruit Stand
5408 Hwy 97 (5 km south of Summerland)
PH: 250-494-1111
blossomhy97@shaw.ca
Aug 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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BC Pinot Noir Celebration 2014 - Tantalus Vineyard
The second annual Pinot Noir Celebration will take place at Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna on August 31, 2014. For anyone who attended last year's event at Meyer Family you will know to get your tickets early. This was an awesome inaugural event and everyone had a fabulous time tasting great Pinot's from around the world and around the Okanagan Valley. Wine makers were on hand to answer questions and generally celebrate this grape that grows so well in the Okanagan and is revered throughout the world. Tickets will sell out for this event so book yours early and get ready to enjoy some great food and Pinot Noir!
The celebration aims to bring together passionate Pinot Noir producers in the province in an interactive and fun atmosphere - giving guests an intimate experience with our winemakers and winery principals whilst building education and excitement about BC Pinot Noir.
16 participating wineries:
Tantalus (host location), Meyer Family, CedarCreek, Quail's Gate, Howling Bluff, Blue Mountain, Liquidity, Black Cloud, Seven Directions, Mission Hill, 50th Parallel, Eau Vivre, Averill Creek, Orofino, Lake Breeze and Carson.
Event program:
The day will consist of a Sparkling Blanc de Noir reception and welcome address from Tantalus winemaker and president of this year's celebration, David Paterson. A keynote address from internationally-acclaimed wine educator and author Karen MacNeil ("The Wine Bible") will kick off the day.
Two breakout sessions will follow offering guests one-on-one interactions with winemakers from across British Columbia:
The first session takes guests "Behind the Bottle" into Tantalus' winery tank hall for a sit-down look at three key regions for BC Pinot Noir by way of a winemaker-led blending activity with insights into BC Terroir and regional development from Vancouver-based sommeliers Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard of House Wine Girls (ISG &WSET diploma-certified).
A second session will focus on "Cellaring BC Pinot at Home" - with a dip into the cellars of three of BC's oldest, most well-established wineries for a taste of the rewards of cellaring BC Pinot Noir.
Each guest will have the opportunity to experience both breakout sessions.
Following this, guests will move to our garden tasting salon where you will have time to revisit with the winemakers and taste a wider spectrum of each winery's Pinot Noir offerings. Tantalus will also be hosting short, casual vineyard walks at this time for guests to get up close with their Pinot Noir blocks - both young and old.
An al fresco dinner, featuring a salmon bake and porchetta roast from celebrated Kelowna Chef Mark Filatow will ensue with live music from Vancouver's "Tainted Lovers" and dancing under the stars to top off the celebration.
(Please note each ticket includes the full program as listed above, including two seminars, the tasting salon, buffet dinner and dessert - with wines to accompany dinner - as well as the evening's entertainment and all taxes and gratuities. A cash bar will accompany the entertainment portion of the evening.)
To avoid disappointment purchase your tickets today: www.bcpn2014.eventbee.com
Jul 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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