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GOURMET YACHT CRUISE IN THE GULF ISLANDS…

May 28th, 2008 1 comment  Print This Post

All I can say is WOW!  It is not very often that I am overwhelmed with excitement! 

Yesterday I joined up with Nick and Cory from Exposure Travel on their Gulf Islands Gourmet Yachting adventure with Captain Colin and his crew.  After having read the literature on this trip and having seen many pictures of the 114 foot Yellowfin, I have to say my expectations were pretty high!  It turns out they were no where near high enough, as within 12 hours, every single one of them had been exceeded! 

The day began with a stunning float plane ride out of Vancouver’s inner harbour over to Gabriolia Island’s Montague Harbour where we set down to meet our home for the next few days. 

Upon arrival on the re-fitted Yellowfin - which has served as a warship, spy ship and almost everything in between in its storied history - we were greeted with Blue Mountain bubble, tuna tartar two different ways, tons of fresh oysters on the half shell from Desolation Sound (which the crew picked up last week on a trip with the guys from Pearl Jam), as well as many other delectable dishes.  The one thing there was not a shortage of was great food! 

Chef Catherine, who is a well-pedigreed chef who spends here time floating on the boat in the summers and enjoys skiing in Whistler during the off-season while spending a couple of days a week at Araxi greeting guests to get her out of the kitchen.  Having spent stints at many of Vancouver’s top rooms, Catherine’s skill is quickly evident as the menu is adjusted on the fly as guests preferences are determined! 

Dinner on our first night was a perfect example of what guests can expect; a multi-course dinner paired with stunning BC wines including Cedar Creek’s Platinum Reserve Chardonnay, Tantalus Riesling, and almost anything else you could imagine! Dinner was served as we watched the sun set over the mirror like waters, and consisted of a chilled honeydew soup with fresh Dungeness crab (which we had just pulled out of the water not a few hours earlier) with a fragrant chili oil, butter poached wild Sockeye salmon and lobster with roasted cauliflower and lobster knuckle sauté, grilled asparagus and a creamed corn puree.  For dessert, two types of cream brulee (lemon and ginger) graced our plates, before the cheese course arrived with cheeses from nearby David Wood’s on SaltSpring

As I sit here watching chef Catherine whipping up breakfast, which will be served before we start motoring down to Saturna for another day of adventures.  This may include some golf (off the top deck), a motorcycle ride through the island to visit the winery, some more crabbing and waterskiing, and of course, some more amazing food, wine and cocktails to pass the hours of the day, of which we have even more to enjoy today! 

Check back tomorrow for more! P.S.  With any luck, Edible BC will be offering a number of these weekends in conjunction with Exposure Travel later this summer and fall, so be sure to keep your eyes open for updates!

EXCITING DEMOS AT EDIBLE BC’S RETAIL STORE ON SUNDAY, MAY 25th

May 24th, 2008 Write a Comment  Print This Post

Dana Zaruba, the Hot Chick herself,  from Hot Chick Spice Company will make her first appearance at Edible BC this Sunday May 25!  She will be sampling some of her new, exciting products, including her Hemp Seed Zataar ( a dry dip mix made with hemp seeds, spices and herbs) and some of her brand new Chocolate Wine Sauces.  Some other current products that may be sampled are her award winning pomegranate mustard and her duqqa spices.  She will be down at Edible BC, inside the Granville Island Public Market from 12 to 2:30pm, so come down and try some fabulous spices! 

Please note: The Esoteric Gourmet had an unfortunate accident playing hockey on Friday night and broke his clavicle, so he will not be able to do the demo on Sunday.  We will keep you posted as to when he will be back in action!

EDIBLE BC WELCOMES A NEW FAMILY MEMBER…..

May 10th, 2008 1 comment  Print This Post

Eric Pateman, President of Edible BC, and his wife Gail are very pleased to announce the timely arrival of their first child this morning at 9:03am (right on the due date)! 

Mieko (to be known as Mie) Stella Pateman weighed in at 7lbs 6oz after a nice quick labour.  Mom and baby are doing fine and will be in the hospital until tomorrow, before returning home to rest and figure out this parenting thing.

Thanks to everyone for their support and kind wishes! 

Look for another addition to the EBC team in late June, when Cecilia (Eric’s partner in Edible BC) is due to have her baby boy!  Pictures and details will obviously follow then as well.

In the meantime, please excuse the break in postings for a week or so, while Eric figures out his parenting responsibilities.

A WEEKEND OF FOOD & WINE IN TOFINO – JUNE 6-8

May 8th, 2008 Write a Comment  Print This Post

The 6^th annual Tofino Food & Wine Festival is fast approaching with only a few weeks left to get your tickets for the weekend of fun on June 6-8, 2008.  Personally, any reason I can find to head to the West Coast of Vancouver Island is good enough for me, but to get to attend a festival that highlight the amazing cuisine of the region means this is a “not to miss” weekend.   

Some of the highlights include “Grazing in the Garden” which is the main event of the weekend and takes place from 1-4pm on the Saturday.  This is the event where everyone comes together in the Botanical Gardens and enjoys specialties from many of the Island’s best artisans and BC best wineries.  A steal for only $75! 

There are a few wine makers dinners including ones at Shelter (with Laughing Stock and Morning Bay wineries with food by Andrew Spingett), Long Beach Lodge (with Cedar Creek Winery), and a mystery dinner featuring the wines of Alderlea vineyards and the food of Karen Barnaby.   

And don’t forget to get that pedicure before you come so your toes are in tip top shape to participate in the traditional “Grape Stomp” which is part of the main event on Saturday afternoon.  Be sure to get your tickets soon as many of the dinners and the main event sell out early.  There are lots of great package deals for the weekend, but my choice is always the Long Beach Lodge with its well appointed guest rooms and the stunning, and newly renovated great room, where I tend to spend most of my time. 

I look forward to seeing you there!

ANITA STEWART COMES TO VANCOUVER THIS WEEKEND!

May 8th, 2008 Write a Comment  Print This Post

One of Canada’s culinary legends, Anita Stewart is coming to Vancouver this weekend to share her knowledge and passion for all things Canadian.   On Saturday, head down to Barabara Jo’s Net Loft location from 11:00am to 12:30pm to meet Anita and pick up a copy of her new book “Canada”.   

I had the pleasure of taking a look through this wonderful book last week and it was incredibly inspiring, with lots of great stories, pictures and recipes.  It is rare that I find someone who is as passionate about our country and it’s food than I am, and I for one can’t wait for the opportunity to meet this incredible lady.

If you are free on Sunday, according to Barbara Jo’s website, it looks like there is still room for a class being put on at her main store from starting at 11:00 for $75. 

I hope to see you all there!