Culinary intelligence for the 2 months ahead
the concierge desk
by Rebecca Baugniet
For more events visit www.eatmagazine.ca
MAY
SPRING OKANAGAN WINE FESTIVAL After watching their vines sleep for months, local BC winemakers and vineyards celebrate the arrival of spring and the waking of the vines with a glass – or two – of wine. Spread over the first two weeks of May, the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival busts loose with over 100 events throughout the valley. May 4-13. (www.thewinefestivals.com) DEERHOLME FARM FORAGES AND DINNERS Spring events at Deerholme Farm include a Morel Mushroom and Pasture-Raised Chicken feast on May 5 (Mother’s Day Weekend) and a Wild Food Forage on May 19(Victoria Day Weekend). (www.deerholme.com) EPIC: VANCOUVER SUN SUSTAINABLE LIVING EXPO Western Canada's largest sustainable lifestyle show and eco-marketplace. This annual celebration of planet-friendly living with over 300 green companies, inspiring ideas, exciting entertainment, and smart shopping in one jam-packed weekend. Cooking demonstrations with Vancouver's top Green Table chefs and more. May 11-13. (www.vancouver.epicexpo.com/) FIRST ANNUAL VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL TEQUILA EXPO This event will take place on Saturday, May 12 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East. It will feature seminars and tastings, and is sponsored by Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and the Consulate General of Mexico. Proceeds will benefit the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), the hospitality industry's own charity. (www.vancouvertequilaexpo.com) 4th ANNUAL SPOT PRAWN FESTIVAL This year’s festival is a cooperative effort between the town of Cowichan Bay and the Pacific Prawn Fishers Association. Special Guest at this year’s event will be Robert Clark, Executive Chef of C Restaurant in Vancouver. A family-friendly, fun weekend of chef demos, spot prawn sampling, music and spot prawn sales fresh off the boats. Local eateries will be featuring a spot prawn dish or menu for the week following the event. May 12- 13. (www.cowichanbayseafood.com) FEAST! TOFINO-UCLUELET A collaboration between the area’s renowned chefs, fishermen and women, accommodation providers, activity providers and tour operators, Feast! Tofino - Ucluelet celebrates the abundance of local produce, seafood and sustainable " boat to table " practices commonly adopted by the area's restaurants. This week’s festival is divided into two parts; Salmon Festival Week (May 18-25) and Spot Prawn Festival Week (May 25-June 2). (www.feastbc.com) A TASTE OF FRANCE AT PAPRIKA BISTRO Paprika Bistro will host an evening of fine French food on Tuesday May 29th. Join the Paprika team and Stuart Brown for a four-course wine and food tasting. 7pm. Call 250.592.7424 for reservations. (www.paprika-bistro.com) ANNUAL LUND SHELLFISH FESTIVAL From May 27 - 29, the shores of Lund Harbour are transformed into an outdoor festival boasting food vendors selling a variety of freshly cooked oysters, clams, mussels, prawns, and other delights. Festivities include a Chowder Challenge, live music, craft booths, shellfish sales, art shows, free cooking demonstrations, BC’s Best Oysters Competition, contests, and kids’ play area. Lund’s Shellfish Festival is handicap accessible and all waste is recycled (no garbage is produced). (www.lundbc.ca)
JUNE
TOFINO FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL Now in their 9th year, this festival celebrates the marriage of food and wine, with the main event, Grazing in the Gardens, showcasing local culinary talents and British Columbia wines, in the beautiful Tofino Botanical Gardens. Events of the festival support several non-profit organizations and initiatives, including Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation, Community Children’s Centre and Tofino’s Community Garden, Light-
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