FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017
| A21
north shore news nsnews.com
Celebrate BC MAKE YOUR NEXT WINE TASTING A VIP EXPERIENCE At the height of summer, wine touring in the Okanagan can get pretty busy. But as the region evolves, so does the range of tasting options. A nominal tasting fee is now the norm, almost always refunded with a purchase. However, at a few wineries you can escape the crowds by spending a few dollars more for a truly VIP experience. As a rule, it’s well worth the extra cost. Here’s why: First of all you’ll learn a whole lot more about the journey from vineyard to glass. You’ll get to taste some premium or lesser known wines that likely aren’t available at the regular tasting counter, and you’ll often enjoy a private setting away from the bustle of the tasting room. Occasionally, you may get to taste with the winemaker or an owner. If you’re a B.C. aficionado, these VIP tastings make sense. Consider booking a tour in the morning, when both you and your palate are at your best. The Black Hills tasting experience is one of the best in the valley, with well-paired wines, good glass and small plates brought by savvy servers. A late afternoon shuttle serves
Osoyoos hotels for Sunset Happy Hour, daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through July and August. blackhillswinery.com Newly opened in a dazzling setting at former Greata Ranch, Fitzpatrick Family Estate offers a One of a Kind Sparkling Wine Tour, with visits to the vineyard, crush-pad, barrel room, caves and more. Offered only at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a maximum of 12 people, so book ahead. fitzwine.com The best way to experience state-of-the art Culmina is to book in to their Vineyard & Winery Tour, which includes a vineyard visit and walk through the winery before a sitdown tasting in the VIP room overlooking the Fermentation Hall. By appointment only, call 250-498-0789 to book. Maximum six people, 90 minutes. culmina.ca Quails Gate offers several choices. However, the Taste the Estate Tour is an allencompassing look at the vineyard and behind the scenes, concluding with a visit to the Stewart Family’s Private Library, overlooking the barrel room, and a tasting of three Reserve and Collector wines paired with small bites. Noon and 3:30 p.m. daily. quailsgate.com
THE VIEW OF LAKE OKANAGAN FROM FITZPATRICK FAMILY ESTATE.
In related news, Vanessa Vineyards will open a tasting room in the heart of its spectacular, rocky vineyard, on Aug. 12. As these excellent wines are hard to find, you’ll want to make a note to stop by. vanessavineyard.com Mission Hill’s exclusive Check Mate artisan winery project (in Oliver) is making some of the best Chardonnay in the country, which you can now taste at their pop-up tasting room, The Installation, designed by Tom Kundig (the celebrated architect behind the parent winery). Nominal tasting fee varies. Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations. checkmatewinery.com
PICK OF THE WEEK TINHORN CREEK 2BENCH WHITE 2016 (South Okanagan): Truly a flagship Okanagan blend with up-front floral, tropical and stone fruit notes preceded by a creamy palate with textured mouthfeel and a touch of wild herbs before a fresh, lingering finish. Great value at $20. Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications, including the North Shore News, and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com.
PHOTO TIM PAWSEY
TIM PAWSEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A22 |
nsnews.com north shore news
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017
Celebrate BC
DISCOVER B.C.’S BOUNTY
Seasonal small-batch beer, sockeye salmon, and Salt Spring Island lamb. With an abundance of local ingredients, including seafood, fruits, and veggies, B.C. is home to plenty of unique and natural products. Below is a list of just some producers using local ingredients or creating them.
STAND-UP PADDLING IS A POPULAR SPORT ACROSS THE NORTH SHORE. THIS PHOTO SHOWS THE SUMMER SCENE OFF DUNDARAVE BEACH IN WEST VANCOUVER.
VISIT WEHEARTLOCALBC.CA FOR MORE.
Rondriso Farms cattle are born and raised on the farm, free of hormones, implants and steroids. Beef directly available on farm. SPCA Certified. Location: 8402-8418 172 Street, Surrey.
Tubify is Vancouver-based and makes artisan freezies from local seasonal fruits and vegetables. tubify.ca
Just Another Weed Patch Farm on Gabriola Island specializes in sustainably grown, beefriendly cut flowers. justanotherweedpatch.com
Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt, based in Courtenay, is an artisan dairy processor making yogurt from 100 per cent grass-fed B.C. milk, free of antibitotics and growth hormones. treeislandyogurt.com
Kitskitchen in Vancouver makes organic soups from B.C.-sourced ingredients. Order online or pick-up at various retail locations. kitskitchen.ca
Bright Greens Canada in Victoria grows
(year-round) pesticide-free greens, herbs and microgreens. brightgreens.ca Dakini Tidal Wilds in Sooke sells seaweeds, herbs and products made from them, handharvested sustainably on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. dakinitidalwilds.com Oak Tree Farm in Port Alberni is a small mixed family farm whose main crop is lavender, which they distil with a traditional hand-forged copper still for essential oil and hydrosol. oaktreefamilyfarm. weebly.com
GET OUTSIDE PHOTOS CINDY GOODMAN
Wayward Distillation House in Courtenay ferments B.C. honey into mead, which is then distilled into vodka and gin.
waywarddistillationhouse.com
Okanagan AppleEssence is a line of non-alcoholic sparkling fruit beverages local to Kelowna, made using 100 per cent B.C. fruit. applessence.com Okanagan Harvest is a third-generation fruit farm in the South Okanagan specializing in cherries and pesticide-free peaches. okanaganharvest.com
HAPPY BC DAY!
NORTH VANCOUVER IS ALIVE WITH ACTIVITY INCLUDING THESE JOGGERS ALONG GRAND BOULEVARD.
PADDLERS WORK THEIR WAY DOWN CAPILANO RIVER IN NORTH VANCOUVER, MANEUVERING THROUGH NARROW GAPS IN THE ROCKY WALLS EDGING THE WATER.
Don’t
miss out! Entrance fee increases on September 1st, 2017!
From Your Experienced North Shore MLAs Ralph Sultan, West Vancouver - Capilano ralph.sultan.mla@leg.bc.ca • 604-981-0050 Jane Thornthwaite, North Vancouver - Seymour jane.thornthwaite.mla@leg.bc.ca • 604-983-9852 Jordan Sturdy, West Vancouver - Sea-to-Sky jordan.sturdy.mla@leg.bc.ca • 604-922-1153
There’s no better time to become part of the North Shore Winter Club community. Whether you’re interested in hockey, tennis, fitness, swimming, dance, childminding, or socializing, we’ve got something for you. The NSWC is a home away from home providing sport, dining, social, and business opportunities for the entire family.Visit www.northshorefamilyclub.ca to learn more today! For more information, to book a tour, or to apply for Membership, please contact:
Mairi MacDonald, Sales & Marketing Coordinator mmacdonald@nswc.ca | 778.588.9492
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2017
| A23
north shore news nsnews.com
Celebrate BC ADD A POP OF B.C. COLOUR TO YOUR SUMMER DISHES APPETIZER APPETIZER
MAIN APPETIZER
Crostini with Roasted Strawberry Tomatoes and Ricotta
Sesame and Ginger Beef Skewers over Grilled Hearts of Romaine FOR THE BEEF:
1 1/2 lbs cubed steak, like a strip loin or top sirloin 1/4 cup dark soy sauce or teriyaki sauce 1 tbsp minced ginger 2 cloves minced garlic 1 oz sesame oil 1/2 tsp black pepper Bell peppers Cherry tomatoes
12 strawberry tomatoes on the vine
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons ricotta
2-3 fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Preheat the oven to 400° F. Toss the strawberry tomatoes with two teaspoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in an oven-proof dish and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the tomatoes just begin to burst. Remove from the oven, stir with the balsamic vinegar and set aside while preparing remaining ingredients. Brush both sides of baguette pieces with olive oil and place on a tray. Bake the crostini until golden, about 10-12 minutes.
Chiffonade the basil: Stack and roll up the leaves then slice thinly.
Assemble the crostini: Spread half a tablespoon of ricotta on each toast, top with a tomato, sprinkle with basil and finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper.
Zucchini Onions
GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE DIRECTIONS:
Place the hearts of romaine cut side down on pre-heated grill or barbecue, and cook without moving or turning for two minutes. Place in the centre of a plate and drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce. Top with grilled and rested beef skewer and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
FOR THE GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE:
2 whole romaine hearts, cut in half lengthwise 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp soy sauce 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds BEEF DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and let stand for at least one hour. If using bamboo skewers, soak them ahead of time for at least one hour in water. Begin the skewer with a piece of marinated Source: BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association represents greenhouse vegetable farmers in British Columbia (bcgreenhouse.ca).
PHOTO HOUWELING’S
Celebrating BC!
Shylo Home Healthcare is proud to be 100% BC Owned and Operated. Owner Margot Ware feels privileged to have been raised in BC and has been serving the citizens of The Lower Mainland since volunteering in local retirement homes in the 1970s. Margot is so grateful to live and work in this beautiful province and feels honoured to give back and support this wonderful community.
Wishing Everyone A Very Happy BC Day Long Weekend! INSURANCE BROKERS - EST. 1906
Providing Home, Auto & Business Insurance to the North Shore for over 100 years
“Happy BC Day” 604-988-1148
1900 Lonsdale Ave., North Van • www.ibib.ca
Margot C. Ware
RN, BScN, GNC(C) President
West Vancouver’s Chamber of Commerce ‘Business Person of the Year - 2017’
604-985-6881 ACCREDITED BUSINESS
www.ShyloHomeHealthcare.ca www.VancouverSeniorHealth.BlogSpot.com
PHOTO SUNSELECT PRODUCE
12 slices of baguette
beef, and add peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini and onions in alternating sequence until skewers are full, then place the completed skewers on a pre-heated grill or barbecue, and baste with any remaining marinade once. Turn to cook all sides for a total of about six to eight minutes or until desired doneness of beef is achieved. Let rest two minutes.